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Hidden Gems
The Donut Bar
The Riversider | February/March 2022
WORDS: AARON SCHMIDT PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER
Insubordinate Brown Ale by Wicks Brewing The Homer
Leche Flan
Smores On Fire
Red Velvet
Boston Crème
Situated nicely on the corner of Main Street and University Avenue, The Donut Bar is a family owned & operated donut shop that literally has the most sought after donuts in town—I should know, I’ve missed out on quite a few occasions just getting there right after they’ve sold out for the day. A unique one-of-a-kind concept that pairs donuts with beers, The Donut Bar owners Gil and Alessandra Rubalcaba originally opened the shop back in January 2020, and they just celebrated their two-year anniversary in the heart of the downtown area. “We were looking at several areas throughout the city and we needed somewhere downtown where we were able to serve everyone. We just happened to have lucked out that we got into a nice corner spot,” explained Gil. With its pink LED lights under the tables in the eating area, The Donut Bar is a fun and unique atmosphere where you can enjoy a beer and eat some of the best donuts in town—it’s kind of like a sports bar, but with donuts. “The Donut Bar is donuts, coffee, beer, vibes. We are a donut shop first and foremost and we serve a lot of different and interesting flavors like Lemon Pistachio, Mexican Hot Chocolate, or Leche Flan—just different types of flavors that everyone can enjoy. We’re pretty known for the Big Poppa Tart donut—it The Riversider Magazine
has a full size pop tart baked inside of our donut filled with more jelly and sprinkles. It’s a lot, but it’s great and really exciting,” said Gil with a smile. “We also include all the traditional classics like chocolate, maple, and glazed, etc.” With over a 100 flavors on hand on any given day, the most popular donuts include the Strawberry Split (one of their vegan options, but you’d never know it), Red Velvet, Smores On Fire, French Toast donut, and the Grilled Cheese donut—all made-toorder, completely delicious, and are local favorites for a good reason. Everything is made in-house from scratch inside the store, as they have a pretty good-sized kitchen, two proofers, two fryers, and bakers and decorators making the donuts. One master batch of donuts is produced daily where each one is carefully rolled, cut, and decorated by hand using only the finest ingredients. Their donuts pair perfectly with their extensive selection of fine local craft beers, brewed by their partners in the Inland Empire like Wicks Brewing and Stone Church Brewing. It should be noted they also offer four-to-five vegan options daily, as well, and they’re in the process of expanding their vegan menu. “With our donuts, you’re going to find flavors you’re not going to find anywhere else. The fact that we serve beer, wine, mimosas, and champagne— you’re not going to see that in any other donut shop in my opinion. We cater to everybody—from twoyear olds to 102 year olds,” said Gil. “There’s a little something for everybody—we’ve also got milk, juice, coffees, sodas, water, and a full expresso bar.” They also sell super fun merch like t-shirts, socks, and hats with cool The Donut Bar logos, so make sure to pick something up while you’re there to support this fine establishment, and help spread the word about this hidden gem to the rest of Riverside and the world.
Owner Gil Rubalcaba
One thing to know, though: Get there early because they sell out quick! Or if you’re unlucky like me and miss out by getting there late, it’s probably a good idea to preorder your donuts online at their website. It’s as easy as that. We’ll see you very soon, Gil! The Donut Bar 3750 University Ave #175 (951) 742-5949 donutbarriverside.com @donutbarriverside
