Heading away from LAX, in the direction of Hollywood – bypassing the 405 freeway in favour of the local road, La Cienega Boulevard – you’ll encounter one of the best examples of LA’s programmatic architecture*.
From a distance, you’ll notice what looks to be a helium inflated swim ring, floating against a blue sky. Upon closer inspection, this ring is actually a sign for the drive-in, Randy’s Donuts. In the shape of its pastry namesake, the vintage artwork is made of rolled steel bars covered with gunnite – the material used in swimming pools. It sits atop a store; the building was designed by Henry J. Goodwin.
Having passed by Randy’s on trips past, yesterday we finally made the left turn into its parking lot, and ordered an apple fritter, an apple turnover, and a coconut topped donut from the walk up window.
Verdict: a double edged sword.
The donuts are excellent – better than those of any major chain. These fried yeasty pastries have substance, a crisp exterior, and the apple fritter glaze is finger lickin’ good. BUT, I am thankful we hadn’t succumbed to their damage earlier on because now I know that a trip to the airport will always include a calorific coffee break.
Notice the pigeons nesting on top of the donut
Those 3 donuts…
* This style had its heyday from the mid 1920s to the mid 1930s. By the 1950s however, the trend of designing structures in the shape of the product sold there had changed to focus on signs rather than architecture itself. All information sourced from Wikipedia.
Yummmmm!!!!
I wish I could send you a box Steph. They were that good. Apple fritter is my fave.. and this was the best ever. Crunchy and gooey!
I love that building. It used to appear regularly in fashion editorial shots with slender models leaning against the wall beneath the inflated,calorific icon. Nice shot.
Models under a donut sign – the irony! happy you recognised this building though – it’s still standing and doing some good business! Thanks!
Those donuts look amazing and just what I could do with right now!
And under that brilliant blue sky.. Looking forward to your posts and articles from the west coast! 
They were so good Adrian. And I don’t love eating donuts… and the apple fritter was addictive! Looking forward to sharing the West with you
Thanks!
They do look good! I’m surprised I missed this completely when I was living out there! Darn!
It’s right near LAX Karen – so next trip, for sure! Thanks!
From yoga to donuts! How appropriate it’s in a town called Lax! =)
Gosh, I wish I could have one….
Ahhh Karen – all in the name of moderation. I can’t imagine not eating such deliciousness. Pleasures of life – and when you’re in LA, you must buy a donut!
Marina – would it surprise you to learn I have never tried a donut? Given my ‘carb’ queen’ status, I am terrified that I would become addicted and never, e v e r stop….
That is unbelievable Syders and I think you’re due for your first donut taste when you get to LA! at randy’s donuts!
Oh I know that place from driving by zillions times. I am sure you like the weather here, Marina and those so California sunsets in so many rays of colors. Welcome in Los Angeles.
hi Cornelia! have you tried the donuts/ If not, I recommend the apple fritter! The weather is wonderful, the sunsets sublime, and thank you so much for the welcome!!
That donut is huuuuge. It looks like it could collapse the roof easily.
… collapsing under the calorific weight
It is huge and glad I actually stopped this time. Thanks!
Well, that sign should capture one’s attention!
Those donuts look like they would have been delicious!
How cool were the days when signs like these were made? Now, not so much! The donuts were great, when you’re in LA, definitely stop by
Thanks so much fergiemoto!
Reblogged this on alibertinemusing and commented:
An essential LA Stop
Essential indeed. thank you for the reblog!
what a temptation!
temptation that was cured with buying the yeasty buns!
I am not a fan of donuts, but if I was there I would have one or two
I’m not a fan either but they were really good. Actually tasted like they were homemade