One of L.A.’s best doughnut shops is heading west—and it’s offering a whole lot of sweet additions in the process. Downtown-by-way-of-D.C. outfit Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken is landing another location, launching in Santa Monica just two blocks from the beach. (Hello, picnics.)
Known for its gourmet—and oft-rotating—flavors like crème brûlée, grapefruit, PB&J and pear-ginger crumble, Astro is the best of all possible fried worlds: artful, delicious doughnuts, plus a full menu of fried chicken sandwiches, wings and pieces. On March 28, Astro will open up shop in the former Books and Cookies space on Main Street and start slinging its doughnuts and fried chicken, not to mention a new menu of locally-sourced beer and wine—complete with cheeky doughnut and chicken pairing suggestions.
Photograph: Courtesy Astro
Much like its space in the heart of DTLA, the new outpost will offer a glassed-in kitchen, allowing you to see just how the fried, stuffed, torched and daintily decorated doughnuts get made. Unlike the DTLA space, Santa Monica’s got a whole host of additions such as dine-in seating and a bulb-lit patio.
You’ll also be able to find sides—we’re talking biscuits and kimchi slaw—and vegetarian options on the all-day menu, plus coffee and an all-new doughnut: one made with cannabinoids, or CBD. The CBD doughnut will be of the chocolate variety, topped with CBD-infused chocolate-and-mint buttercream. Other SaMo-specific treats include a portobello mushroom wrap, Brussels sprout salad, and a sweet potato casserole.
On opening day, there’s also a giveaway for a year’s supply of doughnuts—because if you’re anything like us, you can’t get enough of them. All day long, expect complimentary doughnuts and the special “golden doughnut,” offered once every hour of the day, with winners chosen randomly. Like a bougie Charlie and the golden ticket, if you happen to pull one of these, you'll win free doughnuts for an entire year. The golden doughnut will be filled with edible gold and hidden among the rest of the free doughnuts, so choose wisely.
And if you win, maybe slide us a few from your haul in 2019?
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken is slated to open at 2309 Main St in Santa Monica on March 28.
This post has been updated with details about the golden-doughnut giveaway and the CBD doughnut flavor, as well as the opening date.