Forum and Classifieds

My Ballard Forum » Open Forum

Westernco Donuts on 15th Ave & 75th Ave NW

(48 posts)

Started 3 years ago by ballardmama
Latest reply from ballardmama

Tags:

Anonymous

offline
Unregistered

I wanted to put in a plug for Westernco Donuts on 15th Ave (cross street is 75th Ave. - across the street from the Sands strip joint if that helps :)

For years I've thought that place looks like a front for drug dealers or something equally shady. But this school year I've gone a few times because so many kids at Whittier get donuts there after school and my daughter is now gung-ho for the idea of getting a donut as often as she can. I was surprised to find out they are really good donuts! They put Crispy Creme and all the grocery store donuts to shame! She could seriously compete with Larson's up on 80th and 24th for best sweet breads! Her apple fritters and maple bars are especially good.

I've also heard that she uses no trans-fat oil (not sure what kind that is - I heard it from a neighbor not from the owner, Soma) and she uses the high quality flour (you actually can tell by how good the donuts are!)

So, I wanted to spread the word to my fellow Ballard residents that if you want the best tasting donuts baked fresh every morning then that is the place to go. She is not open on Sundays and only open the early part of the day on Saturday so weekdays are the time to go.

I have to admit it has occurred to me to see if I could round up people to collect funds and donate some time to help fix up the outside of the shop to make it cuter so that it draws more people other than just her regulars because it goes so unnoticed and people are missing out! Soma runs that place all by herself and with the economic downturn in the last year has almost gone out of business so she's not in a position to do the updates herself. Just puttin' it out there ...

Regardless - next time you want a donut stop pick one up from there. You will not be disappointed!

Posted 3 years ago #
eric

offline
Member

i've had the same thoughts over the years...mainly that yes, the donuts are good but that clearly the setting wasn't bring folk in. funny, as i drove by the other day i had a minor epiphany about what an odd name that is. that and the font make it look like a trucking company or something.

hope they stay afloat.

Posted 3 years ago #
WinerGirl

offline
Member

Thanks for the reminder! I haven't been there in some time, but I should stop in for a treat one of these days. Maybe after my Weight Watches meeting! LOL

:-)

Posted 3 years ago #
Bamber

offline
Member

I TOTALLY agree! I've been in there twice with the kiddos, and the donuts were fab. And the woman behind the counter gave my son free donut holes.

Posted 3 years ago #
dingogirl

offline
Member

Thanks Ballardmama. I thought this was a seedy front for drugs too. I'll have to try it out now.

Posted 3 years ago #
Ghoul

offline
Member

you thought westernco was a front for drugs?

really...

this is the definition of "New Ballard"

Posted 3 years ago #
chermoni

offline
Member

I knew there had to be a good reason why this place has been in business for so long. I always thought it looked kind of dumpy but it kept on holding its own over the years. Maybe I'll have to pick up some doughnuts for the kids one day. They'll have to tell me all about how great they are, I'll have to experience them vicariously.

Posted 3 years ago #
Silver

offline
Member

Uh-oh. Ballardmama I *so* didn't need to know this...

;-)

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

offline
Member

Ballardmama- I totally agree with you... on all counts! I love their donuts, the apple fritters are so delicious! I don't know if it's their location, or the sort of skanky exterior, but I agree, it does have a feel about it of one of the pay-by-the-hour hotels on Aurora.

Next time I drive by I'll take a look at the place and brain storm on what could be done. I really like the idea of us helping her out if we can. What a Christmas present it would be!

Posted 3 years ago #
Nora Bell

offline
Member

Hmmm. Time to try the place again. I used to pop in there when I worked nearby and the donuts were not all that great. Good place for a cup of coffee, though. That was about 20 years ago, so it's possible they've changed along with everything else.

Posted 3 years ago #
Nora Bell

offline
Member

Oh, and I'm all for helping them out with the crumbling facade. I've got nothing but time and agree it's an unfair disadvantage for a business.

Posted 3 years ago #
blackcat91

offline
Member

Mmmmm... donuts. I've never seen the place but now I plan to stop by & try them out. Thanks for the recommendation!

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous

offline
Unregistered

Nora Bell - I'm pretty sure they've changed in the last 20 years because the owner, Soma could not possibly be old enough to work there 20 years ago. Definitely give it a try :)

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous

offline
Unregistered

Winer-girl ... even if I don't see you on Thursday it is not because I'm snacking on donuts. I just may not get home from the stables in time this week :)

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous

offline
Unregistered

Thanks you guys for humoring me on my crazy idea of helping with the outside facade. I think new windows in front would be great but super costly. And new siding definitely. Once again super costly for a family girl like me. But if I had tons of money I think that's what I'd start with. I'll walk by in the next couple days and brainstorm so more too. Even if it's not feasible it's nice to get others in the neighborhood thinking about it.

Posted 3 years ago #
louie

offline
Member

I haven't been there in a couple years, no idea she was the owner/operator. But there is something dear about her and that place. I love the idea of organizing us Ballardites, new and old, to do something to help spruce the place up. Doesn't have to be a single weekend type of thing either. A prioritized long-term plan could maybe work?

Without really looking at it for quite awhile, ideas that come to mind include a new sign, some new window signage, fresh paint, maybe fresh blacktop for the parking lot? Of course if she doesn't own but just leases then that's different. If so, perhaps the landlord might be willing to cover 50% or more of any updates. It's a really sweet idea ballardmama.

I'll stop by there tomorrow and pick up a dozen.

Posted 3 years ago #
Catherine

offline
Member

how about a painted mural on part of the windows... that wraps on to the columns?

Posted 3 years ago #
LovrienS

offline
Member

It's really funny, I've seen this place a lot, but yes, it looked a little dumpy so I didn't expect much more of the doughnuts inside. It's glad to finally hear some testimonials of their quality!

It's a shame about the hours, though-- I usually don't have time to make the trek up during the week, but would have ample time on the weekends. Sundays are the PERFECT days for doughnuts! :/

Posted 3 years ago #
Laura

offline
Member

This little place is a great lesson learned for me to not judge a book by it's cover. I just finished a great maple glazed buttermilk donut. The woman behind the counter, Soma, is as charming as can be! And the donut was only 80 cents!

Posted 3 years ago #
ballardmike

offline
Member

Hmm - rarely see cop cars there anymore... thought it was a sign.

Posted 3 years ago #
BallardENTP

offline
Member

I avoided that place because of the dumpy facade. Figured if the outside was that neglected, the inside must be as well: low Health Department grade, low-quality ingredients, and whatnot.

What a surprise to hear that it's actually a decent place! Totally agree that it needs updating. Not just the look, but wow, she should change the name--"Westernco" sounds like a soulless chain--and the hours. No donuts on Sundays??? She's missing out on church business (direct to churches, which often have coffee-and-donuts mixers) as well as walk-in traffic from post-church families.

She needs not only labor & materials for a makeover, but a better business plan. :)

Posted 3 years ago #
ballardmike

offline
Member

agreed - WESTERNCO sounds like a gear or nuts/bolts supplier.

Posted 3 years ago #
CM

offline
Member

Is Westernco a chain? I Googled the name and several locations come up in Seattle and Bellevue.

Posted 3 years ago #
Bird

offline
Member

I think they are privately owned franchises - I know there's one by Northgate.

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous

offline
Unregistered

Westernco is the chain name and because it's a franchise she can't change the name. Sunday is the only day she can actually spend with her husband and children because she can't afford to hire anyone else to work for her. A better business plan is a great idea if you have money or the security to know you can take out a business loan without worrying about defaulting and losing what little you have.

That's why I was thinking it'd be nice to help her out with the outside facade at least. I'm not going to work for her for free because I can't afford to, but hopefully, if business picks up she could afford to hire someone for Sundays! Totally could get the church crowd - you're right. I can think of at least three churches in walking distance. And in summer that could help make up for the lack of school kids coming in.

Posted 3 years ago #
thatgirl

offline
Member

I have been thinking about the doughnuts since this thread started. I finally had a doughnut today. This is going to be the death of me. They are some of the best doughnuts I have ever had.

Lord help me not stop in for a doughnut everyday.

Posted 3 years ago #
BriarRose

offline
Member

Is this place perhaps under new ownership? I tried it maybe 6 months ago and found it filthy the latte undrinkable and did not even buy a donut they looked so unappetizing.

Posted 3 years ago #
Bamber

offline
Member

I'm seriously on my way to get donuts before they close at 5 tonight...

Posted 3 years ago #
BallardENTP

offline
Member

Well, that's another thing. Why close at 5--right before the evening commute? If you're not going to stay open that late, might as well close at 2:00 or 3:00. And if you do stay open 'til 5, might as well extend that to 6:00 or 7:00, and provide a relaxing place for an evening latte-and-doughnut. Cupcake Royale's a successful example of a mix of baked confection+coffee, at all hours of the day.

Okay, okay, enough with the armchair doughnutshop quarterbacking.

Posted 3 years ago #
Bamber

offline
Member

Briar rose - what looked unappetizing about the donuts? They were MUCH more appetizing than donuts I've seen at a lot of other places. And it's not dirty - it's definitely an old building....maybe you really did hit it on an off day!

I'm happy with our do-do purchase! Yay donuts!

Posted 3 years ago #
BriarRose

offline
Member

"what looked unappetizing about the donuts" Well, they looked greasy and old and it was only about 9am. Please do not think I am some sort of healthy eater. I could easily demolish a dozen donuts without batting a lip and have the thighs to prove it. Nor am I the hyper hygenic type.

The place looked as if no one had bused the table for days, sticky and lots of trash. There was no one else in side at the time.

Posted 3 years ago #
Bamber

offline
Member

I could easily demolish a dozen myself, Briar...LOL! (And....just about did....)

Posted 3 years ago #
isabeau

offline
Member

I'm sorry you had a bad experience BriarRose. That's a shame. :(

I just tried Westernco last week and the doughnuts are delicious! I can honestly say the french doughnuts (I call them crullers) are the best I've EVER had. They were light and fluffy with ample icing. My mouth is watering right now. My husband had the perfect apple fritter, crisp on the outside and soft and full of apple chunks on the inside. And my hubby is an apple fritter connoisseur! Sure, there is no ambience, it's a bit run-down, but man, the doughnuts are gooood. We just moved from Philadelphia which is overrun with Dunkin' Donuts, half of which consistently had flies buzzing around inside of them, so Westernco really isn't as bad as it gets. Plus it's nice not to get the attitude I keep getting at Top Pot.

Posted 3 years ago #
grayhouse

offline
Member

Just have to join in an say W-Co's is great.... I've been going there off and on for over 20 years.... Used to be a Winchell's way back when... I remember being thrown off for a while when the name changed. It's always looked that way though.... like a place Rocky Balboa would go to get a coffee on his way to Adrien's apartment. Perhaps we're a little too fashionable and trendy for our own good. Definitely treat yourself and stop in.

Posted 3 years ago #
sman

offline
Member

My mouth is beginning to water reading this thread with all the rave reviews of the donuts. I've driven by and looked into W-Co often but never saw anyone there. Now when I try it there will probably be a long line out the door, not enough help to serve anyone or out of donuts. Regardless, I will stop in soon.

Posted 3 years ago #
Alonzo Neighbor

offline
Member

My husband has been going there for around 20 years since we live right around the corner. In fact, when I told him about this thread, he went right up and got a couple delicious fritter things. I'm not really a donut person, but had to have a couple bites. Yum.

p.s. there was no line.

Posted 3 years ago #
edibleballard

offline
Member

I think Westernco has ambience in a David Lynch kind of way. The orange plastic and faux wood formica is part of the experience, although I agree they'd draw in more people with an updated front (keeping the retro feel, of course). The sugar donuts are to die for(especially when you reheat them), and they also have bubble tea! Yum!

Posted 3 years ago #
Bamber

offline
Member

Oooh. Dunkin' Donuts...when I was a teen, my parents brought home a dozen - as DD had JUST opened. I went to grab a jelly-filled...and looked in the little hole on the side to see what flavor it was..."something" wriggled...and I just about died...opened it up and there was the biggest squirming larva thing I'd ever seen. *shudder*. I have no idea why I felt the need to share that....

Posted 3 years ago #
phoo

offline
Member

After reading this thread, I too checked out Westernco doughnuts and gave them to my expert doughnut taster. He pronounced them good and I had a few bites as well. The cream filled was especially good. Thought after reading bambers story, I may choose to never eat one in the dark again and inspect first. :)

Posted 3 years ago #
AtheistGoddess

offline
Member

OK, we popped in this morning. And while my cream filled doughnut was pretty darned good, my kids both vowed that Krispy Kreme makes a far better glazed doughnut. But we paid $8 for a dozen, and they were yummy and fresh. We will go again, but will probably skip the glazed and stick with the more decadent treats.

Posted 3 years ago #
blackcat91

offline
Member

I've been thinking about donuts since I first saw this thread. I *finally* had the opportunity to stop in & pick up an assortment yesterday while running last minute holiday errands. YUMMY! I mentioned the great reviews here and she (I assume the owner based on previous posts) said she'd heard about them and was very appreciative. So... after munching down 3 delicious donuts I thought I'd bump this thread back to the top of the forum for anyone who hadn't seen it. Thanks again for the recommendation! :)

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

offline
Member

Thanks blackcat91! I was in there a week or so ago and spoke with her a bit as well. The apple fritters are the best, but usually go quick! Dang, I just might need to make a run up there right now!

I still think it would be a great community project to help fix up that place. I took some reference photos when I was there (complete with funny, mischievous teens who kept running back and forth in the shot waving their arms and yelling). Perhaps this spring when the weather is nicer we can organize a painting party.

Posted 3 years ago #
phoo

offline
Member

Because of this thread, I too brought some of their doughnuts home. They were pronounced DELICIOUS by the household doughnut expert. Today is the day to stock up on doughnuts though - they are closed both the 25th and 26th. I got a box to tide us over.

BTW, when I went in, I didn't mention myballard by name, but did mention in passing that I'd heard about her via a community forum.

Posted 3 years ago #
phoo

offline
Member

I agree, WB. That place looks so scary from the outside. It doesn't even look that special from the inside, but one doughnut bite will hook you.

I better scare up a hearty lunch soon so I can eat dessert!

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

offline
Member

psst! (my secret plan is to get Henry to paint a mural on the South wall. Need approval from the landlord first. I think it would take the scary out of the equation better than a plain old coat of paint could!)

Off to get an apple fritter (hopefully!!!)

Posted 3 years ago #
pattr

offline
Member

Their French Cruellers are the best I have ever eaten!!!Such and addict! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

offline
Member

pattr- I just tried one today, with maple glaze!!! Soooooo good! Almost made up for missing the apple fritter rush!

Same to you and yours!

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous

offline
Unregistered

WB - you are not the only one with the evil Henry plan! I already emailed him and he agreed to do a painting in March when the weather warms up if the owner says OK. Did you contact him too? That'd be funny if a bunch of people had and it's come to light that Westernco has a fan club :)

Anyway, do you want to go together and present the idea to Soma, the owner?

Posted 3 years ago #