Other people may prefer other donuts, but it seems they’re mistaken.

Everyone has their favorite donut shop. Donut Bar in Pacific Beach gets high marks, as does The Goods in Carlsbad, whose website promises “artisan doughnuts crafted with the finest locally sourced ingredients.” VG Donuts in Cardiff, which describes itself as “an old-fashioned bakery,” is something of a local institution, and was even mentioned in the mayor’s annual state of the city address a few years back. And then there are those who swear by chain standbys Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme, the latter a favorite of my wife, who says the signature glazed donuts, especially when freshly made, remind her of her growing-up days in Alabama.

But if we’re being serious, we’re going to have to throw all of this out the door and crown the real best donut shop – not just in North County, not just in San Diego County, but, for my money (and tastebuds), the whole damn state, country, planet, universe, galaxy – you get the picture. I’m talking about Parlor Doughnuts in Oceanside, just past the underpass that leads to the coastal city’s famous (and recently burned) wooden pier. The donuts here are of a unique kind, made with layers of buttery dough and fried, leaving them crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. That means they’re about twice as big as standard donuts — and easily twenty times as tasty, particularly the French Toast donut, which ranks right up there among my Favorite Foods of All Time (along with the cheese enchiladas at the now-defunct Nati’s in Ocean Beach, the squid sandwich on sourdough at Point Loma Seafoods, the tamales at Las Quatro Milpas in Barrio Logan, the quesabirria tacos at Señor Grubby’s and Los Tacos in the Carlsbad/Oceanside area, and the prime rib at Boa in Hollywood. You might want to write those down.)

Other Parlor favorites include maple bacon, churro, peanut butter cup, turtle cheesecake, coconut cream-filled, maple pecan, lemonade, strawberry shortcake, and raspberry pistachio. I’ve tried several, and they are all outstanding, but I keep coming back to the French Toast because that judicious blend of maple cream and sugar is just so delightful, particularly after a long walk along the Oceanside Strand and what’s left of the pier.

A little background, courtesy of the Parlor Donuts – er, Doughnuts – website: yes, it’s part of a chain, founded by a gentleman named Darrick Hayden, in partnership with Josh Tudela, in February 2019. Hayden’s son, Noah, used to be in a touring band, and while carrying out his roadie duties, Dad would visit local coffee shops and donut shops. That’s how he got the idea of using layered dough, as opposed to the traditional cake or yeast style.

The big, puffy donuts at Parlor will set you back just under $4 apiece. In addition to layered donuts, Parlor offers keto-friendly doughnuts and an assortment of specialty coffees.