Red's Donuts
1646 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, (831) 394‑3444 | 433 Alvarado St, Monterey, (831) 372‑9761, redsdonutsinc.com
In 1950, John Steinbeck published Burning Bright, and he was likely already deep into his next works, Log from the Sea of Cortez and East of Eden – reasonable accomplishments, mind you. But in 1950 Red’s Donuts opened with an award‑winning origin story. Herman “Red” O’Donnell hated Arizona heat and relocated to Monterey, charmed by moderate temperatures and ocean breeze. One day while walking along Alvarado Street, he saw a small donut shop for sale and bought it on impulse. That’s how the story begins. Now, Red’s Donuts offers over 50 different donut varieties, including raised, filled, French, frosted or old‑fashioned. Conveniently for the Weekly staff, one location is just around the corner.