Pao's Donut & Coffee Shop

Entering the parking lot for Pao's Donuts & Coffee Shop (plural "Donuts" on the signage) on the morning of Wednesday 2 August 2023, I spotted an open space at the end, so I went ahead and pulled in nose of the vehicle first. The spot across from it and next to is were both occupied, so I realized I would be doing some different maneuvering to get out of the parking lot due to the filled spaces and proximity of the curb.After parking, I went up to the front of the shop and found signs posted for cash only, fortunately I had cash on hand. Looking over the options, I went with an apple fritter that was priced at $2.00. As I had three one dollar bills, I tipped the remaining one dollar bill. Payment was straightforward, the worker(s) kind, and the interior of the shop was cool on a warm morning.The apple fritter was on the crispier and denser side. There were chunks of apple throughout the donut and the donut itself had a relatively strong apple flavor. The glaze of the donut reminded me a bit of blown glass in appearance and flaked as I ate the donut. It was a good serving size. I found it to be tasty and filling.Upon departure, I decided to just back my car out of the parking lot in the path I had pulled in. One of the people in their cars smiled at me as I was backing up past their vehicle. I appreciated the customers not objecting to my departure method.

A total home run to start the morning. A great donut (or two). I purchased a toasted coconut and a chocolate bar.When I ordered, the server handed me the bag in the perpendicular and remarked- hold it like this, the chocolate is still warm. I carried it to the car like an explosive device and gently set it on the seat until I was on the road. It was wonderful!I am a coconut fan most days but the chocolate bar was amazing. Yum MY!I highly recommend this place to jump start your day!

Fast, friendly, delicious and inexpensive, who can ask for more! Only had part was deciding what to get as having two or more is too much sugar.

I wish we had more spots like this in Washington. Pao's is a throwback donut and coffee shop that is cash only, they have a drive up window as well as parking and a large seating area if you want to stop in. Their donuts and coffee are excellent and really reasonably priced. You can get coffee and a donut for under $5! Not a lot of places in Washington can match that. The customer service has always been fast and polite and the interior is always clean. I always get the vibe like this place could be the setting for a movie about two detectives in the 1970's.

Been coming here for 13 years because I used to live nearby. Muffins run out very fast and of course they're my favorite thing. Discovered my love for French crullers here as well. I've tried so many pastries here and all of them are consistently good. They're kind. Service is quick, even if the line builds up out of the door. Drive-thru is an option as well! Inside has a classic donut shop feel/look. Can't go wrong with any choice you make tbh!

Seriously so good! Just go. We tried donuts and scones, so yummy!! We will absolutely be back!!!

Oh yes please. Go early. Take cash.Try the Old Fashioned. Try the Toasted Coconut. Try the Crueller.You're welcome.

If you're looking for the BEST DONUTS in Tacoma, then you have to head over to Pao's on 6th Ave! Whether it's a raised glazed, old fashioned, cruller, or a cake donut, Pao's has got you covered. My favorite is the double chocolate cake donut, slightly crispy on the outside with chocolate frosting on top. So good!

I was born n raised in Los Angeles, the land of donut shops, and Pao's has my ALL TIME FAVORITE powdered donut! It's a simple classic and nobody does it better than this place. The subtly crispy crust with soft and airy crumb shows they put a lot of love in these gems. The simple timing of powdering donuts without letting the moisture in the air make these clumpy and wet takes real care and craftsmanship!I dream of this donut every time I visit Tacoma!

Tacoma has two different "hipster" donut places, finally what I think of as just a regular pink box no nonsense donut place. They have a funky little drive through and only take cash. The donuts are all the kinds you expect, nothing particularly elaborate or frilly. Definitely prefer Pao's versus Top Pot or Legendary