Santa Monica Morning: Donuts Then Espresso

Randy's Donuts turns out more than 60 varieties on the counter, from old fashioned and plain cake styles to raspberry-filled options, maple bars, cronuts, and giant glazed twists. The treats have an airy, cloud-like texture despite their generous size. Specialty roasted coffee, lattes, cold brew, and breakfast sandwiches expand the choices. Plan for outdoor seating only at this Wilshire Boulevard bakery. The shop also features a photo wall and merchandise.

Espresso Cielo centers the coffee half of the morning with precise espresso pulls, cold foam dirty chai lattes, and a full breakfast menu. Locally made pastries and gelato broaden the choices. Its clean interior offers ample seating and free Wi-Fi, while sidewalk seating extends outdoors. The shop opens at 7:00 AM daily, closing at 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 5:00 PM Friday through Sunday. This setup suits a longer breakfast stop.

Randy's Donuts and Espresso Cielo share coffee, pastries, and breakfast options, but their strengths differ. The first centers on more than 60 varieties of handmade donuts and offers outdoor seating only. The second combines precise espresso pulls with a full breakfast menu, locally made gelato, indoor seating, and free Wi-Fi. Across the pair, the distinction is donut variety versus cafe flexibility, rather than a simple split between food and drinks. Both serve more than their names alone suggest.