Papa's Donuts has closed. It will be missed.
Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! during your perusal of the interwebs. Kirk usually writes posts here, but he is too busy vacationing. Ed (from Yuma) is too busy to write a post today. Cathy is writing this one about a newer place with some unique products and some very well made common products.
There are many small businesses located along Lake Murray Boulevard and The Mister and I were so happy to have found this one. Papa's opened in late August 2014, but we were unaware.
Papa's Donuts is in a small storefront located at the far end of the Big Lots anchored strip mall (across the street from the Ross Dress for Less anchored strip mall).
We first stopped here in December. Subsequently, we've noticed sandwich board signs at various sidewalk locations on the block and at the median, pointing where to turn.
Stepping into the store early one rainy morning, we noticed racks of fresh donuts ready to be placed in the display cases. 
«—Click the thumbnail for the story of the Bobby "O", the donut special available only on weekends.
Behold, the Bobby "O". 
Its cross section-that's haupia cream (light flavored young coconut; not a concentrated sweet coconut flavor) the topping is a wonderful dark chocolate and it is topped with chopped macadamia nuts. So delightful, so fresh and so special. (The price is 95¢-a fancy donut without a fancy price).
Everything is made fresh daily, because there are no leftovers: from 5 p.m.-closing, donuts are $5/dozen.
The malasada trays are right in front as you walk in. 3 for $2.50 and, as tradition, you are given a warm, unfilled, sugar/cinnamon coated treat when you leave.
The amount of fillings vary (Lilikoi is passion fruit and has such a strong flavor that not much is needed) and each one I've had is a wonderful treat. {Above are the guava, lilikoi and haupia (young coconut)}.
Another great little family owned and run business!
Papa's Donuts 6179 Lake Murray Blvd La Mesa, 91942 (619) 741-5135 Website Open Mon-Fri 5 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
These are from that first menu board- raspberry fruit jelly, dobosh (dark) chocolate and bavarian custard flavors. That's half a French Cruller; the donuts here are a normal, old fashioned size.
Thanks for the tip! I gotta go at 5pm and get a dozen donuts. 🙂
I was just about to ask if the owners had a Hawaii connection then I read the story of the Bobby “O”. I can’t believe the prices. The place I go to in Seattle is $11 for a dozen. I don’t even bother with Top Pot at $18 a dozen
The filling flavors sound so good, especially lilikoi.
Nothing like a mom and pop shop
I always wonder if people read what I write, or just look at the photos, Soo. Thanks.
Yes, I’ve met the owners and I guess most of the family, Kyle. They want to have a quality as well as interesting product, sharing Hawaiian flavors in some way. I hear you about hipster prices (and flavors; concocted and not ‘real’ like here) although there is an upcoming post to when we succumbed -to one- of those $3 donuts.
You’ll like it, cc. Non-pretentious.
You are so right, Bill. I’m trying to only go to Mom & Pop shops this year.
Thanks for posting about this place! I went their yesterday and their donuts are so good! They still taste fresh the next day.
I have a new go-to neighborhood donut place!
It’s kind of hidden from the main streets and what a gem, Paulina! You’re right- not many donut shops in that part of La Mesa at all. Good to hear from you again.
think they should burn some scented candles, vanilla, cinnamon.. the store needs to smell better…have gone and will go again but today.even my daughter said,this place doesn’t smell good…..
I shall be going here soon with Astroboi. I must have the Bobby O. and the lilikoi filled malasada.