From the classic vanilla and chocolate flavors at VG Donut & Bakery to original, creative flavors, such as the green tea black sesame and pumpkin spiced candied pepitos, donuts are no longer an old-fashioned item of the past. Many talented pastry chefs have created concoctions that will satisfy everyone's taste buds, whether they be sweet, savory, vegan or everything in between. After sampling donuts from 15-20 donut shops throughout the county, here are eight places that stand out among the best of the best:

1. Nomad Donuts.

Since 2014, pastry chef Kristianna Zabala has been creating the most innovative flavors known to mankind. This North Park eatery changes its menu daily, which features unique flavors that will satisfy both your sweet and savory taste buds. From mango chili cilantro to horchata Mexican hot chocolate, it is nearly impossible to not find a donut that satisfies your cravings. Bonus: They also offer vegan options.

2. Peterson's Donut Corner.

Aside from the annual two-week Christmas break, Peterson's Donut Corner is open 24/7 and serves amazing cronuts and apple fritters that will satisfy your late night cravings. Peterson's Donut Corner also makes delicious eclairs, Vienna kreme-filled bars, maple bacon bars, cream puffs, apple turnovers, and old fashioned donuts. Tip: Bring cash only.

3. VG Donut & Bakery.

This North County staple bakes fresh batches of donuts twice daily: at 4 AM and 4 PM. For only ninety-five cents, you can enjoy a delicious blueberry buttermilk bar or cinnamon cake donut. VG also offers tasty glazed twists and jelly donuts as well as special occasion cakes.

4. Papa's Donuts.

This family-owned shop in La Mesa is known for its cheap jelly donuts and malasadas, which are Portuguese-style donuts. Malasadas are deep fried balls of dough coated with sugar and cinnamon on the outside and filled with cream on the inside. Filling flavors include bavarian cream, coconut custard, pumpkin, guava, and chocolate. The malasadas are only three for $2.50, which is most definitely a good deal in my opinion.

5. Mary's Donuts.

For over thirty years, Mary's Donuts has remained an East County staple and is known for its gigantic, delicious apple fritters. In addition to the apple fritters, the maple bacon and blueberry cake donuts are also crowd favorites among customers. The cream puffs are also to die for. Bonus: This place is open 24/7, so come here if you ever need to satisfy your late night cravings.

6. Devil's Dozen.

This Little Italy shop keeps it simple by offering delicious vanilla and chocolate-glazed and cinnamon-sugared donuts as well as old-fashioned donuts, donut holes, and churro bites. Despite a classic menu offering, Devil's Dozen never fails to impress with its daily seasonal specials such as the blood orange and pumpkin donuts. Devil's Dozen also offers coffee from local roasters such as Cafe Virtuous. Tip: Devil's Dozen only makes a small batch of donuts each day, so come early. They close once they sell out.

7. Star Dust Donut Shop.

This South Bay staple serves some of the cheapest and most delicious donuts in the entire San Diego county. Make sure arrive here as soon as this place opens since they do not have set hours, and remember to bring cash. Tip: Get the German chocolate donut and cinnamon roll. You'll thank me later.

8. Donut Bar.

Last but not least, this list would not be complete without Donut Bar. This shop is by far my favorite in San Diego. Located conveniently downtown on B Street, Donut Bar has a menu that changes daily and includes original concoctions such as the mud pie, peaches and cream, french toast, Twix and Pop Tart donuts.

The Pop Tart donut weighs approximately one pound and is stuffed with an entire pop tart inside the donut and topped with jam and even more chopped pop tarts. Although the donuts here are $3 each, they're massive and approximately more than twice the size of a regular donut. It's safe to say that they're well worth the money.