San Francisco's newest gourmet donut shop, George's Donuts & Merriment, is quickly becoming the sweet spot for locals in West Portal. The long-awaited opening had patrons eagerly lining up along West Portal Avenue, hinting at the community's appetite for designer pastries and a cozy gathering place. According to ABC7, the cafe is more than just a spot to grab a glazed or jelly-filled treat; it's an experience crafted with culinary skill and a dash of nostalgia.
The inception of George's took nearly two years of planning and development before co-owners Lea Dudum and Janina O'Leary finally opened their doors. "Donuts bring joy, they bring nostalgia," Dudum told ABC7. The shop offers a feast of sweet donuts and has seamlessly included salads, sandwiches, and other hearty options in its menu. Chef O'Leary, who brings expertise from her time at Spruce and Bacchus Group, is the creative force behind the unique and savory dishes available to customers who want to start their morning earlier now, as noted in a recent Instagram post from Georges Donuts & Merriment announcing new opening hours at 8 am.
Dudum's personal favorite, the donut hole flight, comes highly recommended with sugar-dusted brioche donut holes paired delightfully with Valrhona chocolate fudge sauce. The menu also boasts innovative flavors like key lime pie, bacon and eggs, and strawberry champagne. For those with a hankering for more substantial fare, the cafe serves up options including a harvest chicken salad, a mozzarella and heirloom tomato sandwich, and quite generously portioned fries. George's aims to provide "a little bit of everything for everybody," as Chef O'Leary emphasized to ABC7.
The cafe's royal theme pays homage to Dudum’s grandfather-in-law, George, whose legacy lives on in the whimsical decor and the cafe's name. "He owned a laundromat in Oakland, and he dubbed himself the King of Oakland. He's really this larger than life character," Dudum proudly reflected in her interview with ABC7.
