Bob’s Donuts

What you need to know

Bob’s Donuts opened on Polk Street in 1960 and became one of San Francisco’s last 24-hour donut shops. The Ahn family bought the business in 1977, and three generations have kept the fryers going since. After a lease dispute closed the original Polk Street shop, the family reopened a new Polk Street location 300 feet up the block in February 2025, then added a Baker Street location later in the year.

The Food

Everything is made from scratch daily. The apple fritters are the signature: dense, crispy, loaded with fruit. The glazed donuts are simple and excellent. Specialty options rotate, including Fruit Loops cereal donuts, matcha, and cronuts. Nothing sits more than eight hours.

The giant donut challenge is a Bob’s tradition. Finish a donut equivalent to about twelve regular ones in under three minutes and you get a t-shirt. Most people don’t finish.

The Story

Elinor Ahn, a Korean immigrant and single mother, bought the shop in 1977 with her husband Ronald. When Elinor died unexpectedly in 2001, her daughter-in-law Aya and son Donald took over. Today Aya and her daughter Rebekah run the business. Bob’s was granted San Francisco Legacy Business status. Prince and Nicolas Cage have both stopped in.

Practical Info

Price: Donuts $1 to $3
Hours: Polk Street is open 24 hours. Baker Street has shorter hours.
Polk Address: 1720 Polk Street
Baker Address: 601 Baker Street
Reservations: None. Walk in and point.

📍 Location: This restaurant is in Japantown. Explore the neighborhood →