Bill’s Donuts has been serving Granite Bay since 1981, which pretty much makes it an institution in the foodie world.

A recent visit to the low-key shop on a sunny weekend clarified the reason for its enduring success: Bill’s simply makes a consistently yummy, classic and delicate donut. The epitome of a “Mom and Pop” enterprise, don’t be surprised if you find retired men gossiping over their coffee or a soccer mom van parked out front. I hadn’t personally tried a donut in years—a result of carb fear and an age-weakened metabolism. But all those years did nothing to curb my memory, and so when choosing my treat I went for my childhood favorite: Classic Glazed. Any anticipated guilt for the splurge vanished as I gently tore the pastry in two, watching the glaze crack and flake into sugar shards. It was everything I had hoped and remembered: warm and airy upon first bite, followed by dough that seemed to melt in my mouth. Truly satisfied with my classic confection, I waved goodbye to the friendly staff manning the rows of display cases and stepped back into my day, feeling just a little bit lighter as I smiled and turned my face to the sun. Bill’s Donuts, 8749 Auburn Folsom Road, Granite Bay, 916-791-1086.