Doughnut shops in Portland? Yes Please!
Nestled away among the dense evergreens and jagged mountains of the Pacific Northwest, Portland is known by many names: the City of Roses, Bridgetown, Rip City, Stumptown, PDX. But none of these names fully capture that which makes the city special. Portland is home to a multitude of doughnut shops that cater to all types of doughnut lovers, from casual indulgers to more hardcore connoisseurs… I won’t tell you where I fit on that scale though!
Below is a list of some of the best spots to find those delicious, doughy delicacies. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Portland, take some time and be sure to check out at least one of these spots (which are listed in no particular order). Here are the six doughnut shops in Portland you really need to try. Enjoy!
(Heading elsewhere in the States? Read this post on San Francisco’s foodie scene).
1. Voodoo Doughnut
Yeah, this super famous one has a rep for a reason, so it’s number one on my Doughnut Shops in Portland list. Walk through Old Town Portland along West Burnside almost any time of day, and you’ll see a winding line of people pouring out the door and onto the street from Voodoo Doughnut, the city’s most infamous doughnut shop. Since 2003, Voodoo has been serving up quirky creations and tasty classics alike, with prices starting at just 95 cents, it makes for a memorable experience that won’t break the bank. And if you go around 3 am, you can get a bucket of deformed doughnuts from the night for only $5.
More more thing to keep in mind is if you don’t feel like waiting in line, there is another location called Voodoo Too, not far away. Same doughnuts and no crowds. Although it may be the best known, this popular doughnut stop is but one among many gems scattered throughout Portland.
2. Blue Star Donuts
The next stop we’ll be making is to Blue Star Donuts. With six locations throughout Portland, Blue Star is another very popular spot to get your fried dough fix. Blue Star boasts a rotating selection of “gourmet” brioche doughnuts, for the pastry aficionado. They have a much smaller menu to choose from and the price is more in the $3-$4 dollar range, but the doughnuts themselves are excellent. It might have something to do with the fact that all of their ingredients are organic and locally sourced. So, if you’re looking for a rich treat to really savor and enjoy, and don’t mind the price tag, Blue Star might be the place for you.
The Blue Star website has a map of all their locations.
3. Coco Donuts
Coco Donuts, a third local chain, offers a wide selection of fluffy, decadent desserts, with many costing only a dollar or two. The brand has four locations around the city and can be easily spotted by its bright pink storefronts. The atmosphere inside is modern and to the point, but comfortable nonetheless. You’re there for one thing and one thing only: doughnuts. Well, and coffee, which they roast themselves, by the way.
Take a look at their site and tell me it doesn;t look delicious!
4. Delicious Donuts
Next up is Delicious Donuts, a family owned donut shop that truly lives up to its name. They have only one location on Grand Ave, just a few blocks from Voodoo Too. Perfect for the touring doughnut enthusiast. Their menu features not just doughnuts though, but a range of other breakfast options as well, from scrambled eggs and hash browns to breakfast burritos to a number of vegetarian options. The doughnut menu is divided into three sections: big, regular, and round. Prices range from only $1 to $1.60 and the selection is decent. You can find all of the classic doughnuts you know and love, or try something new, like the Oreo Chocolate Cake Donut. Whatever suits your taste buds, you won’t leave disappointed.
Check out their website here!
5. Helen Bernhard Bakery
Perhaps the original Portland doughnut spot, Helen Bernhard Bakery has been frying up tasty pastries since 1934, and with no end in sight, it’s an essential stop for any doughnut lover. As the name implies, this old-fashioned joint serves up baked goods of all kinds, so the doughnut selection isn’t huge, but what this charming little bakery lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality by miles. Below is a picture of eclairs, not doughnuts but… who doesn’t love eclairs?!
How cute is this place?
6. Annie’s Donut Shop
The last stop on our journey has us arriving in Northeast Portland at Annie’s Donut Shop, a small, no-frills restaurant that serves just doughnuts and coffee. Annie’s simple charm, skillfully crafted pastries, and reasonable prices will leave you satisfied and ready to come back soon for more. Be sure to get there early! It’s no secret that Annie’s serves up some mouth-watering confections.
I couldn’t find a website for them so you’ll just have to be surprised!
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I’ve heard of voodoo doughnut! I really wanna try it
They’re super famous… for a reason!
I truly need a donut right now ?
Yeah you do ? and so do I. Although if I can hold out 12 hours I can raid the Easter egg stash (we have to do it early this year which feels weird and sacrilegious but… chocolate)
We had a place called The Donut Conspiracy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They made fun, and delicious doughnuts too. I love a doughnut!!
And I love the name!
I just love a plain jam and sugar doughnut…The voodoo one sounds like one for the kids 🙂
A jam donut is perfection. But I’m 30 this year and still a sucker for pink icing ??♀️
Oh, you are so cruel to share these when I live so far away!
I live on the other side of the world to these donuts too. What can I say, I’m dedicated to research ?
Aaaand now I’m hungry ? All those sound delicious, I’ll pin this post in case I ever visit Portland ! ?
Hahaha sorry Oriana! Hope ou get there soon!
If I didn’t have a reason to visit the US before, I have one now. I’ve seen so many people talk about Voodoo Donuts, so keen on trying them x
Sooooo good!
Lovely post…loved it !!
Thanks so much Lise!
Wow these ALL look so scrummy!! ? x
Thanks Louise, I know right?
Oh my! These all sound amazing! I need to visit Portland to try some of these doughnuts! Thanks for sharing ? xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thanks Bexa! Yes absolutely, you should go immediately!
I am stunned at the sheer amount of them ? not that I wouldn’t have a sugar sprinkled ring occasionally being in the UK we have the odd patisserrie that does. Recently a few crispy creme shelves have poped up in Marks and Spencers, a caramel one I sampled in Savannah this April while visiting my sister. But this amount of shops dedicated just to doughnuts. Who’d have known. ?
I know! It’s starting to take off here in Australia but I definitely noticed a lack of them in the UK.
The doughnuts look so yummy! Although, I must admit the voodoo donut sounds really interesting. I will definitely grab one of these if I visit Portland someday.
Thanks lovely!
I’m a huge doughnut lover! Portland will now be added to my bucket list just for these doughnut places hahaha. Great post! x
I know right?! I love donuts way too much
I’ve been to Portland a couple of times and Voodoo Doughnuts is wildin’. Only thing I hate is that it’s hard to find parking there. Worth it though~
I haven’t been to the other donut places before but I know I’d appreciate all of them! Especially Helen Bernhard’s with it having the history. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks so much Nancy!
*moves to Portland*
Haha I know, it’s so tempting!
Great post and you have such a beautiful looking blog!
I live in Portland, and we sure do love our donuts! You missed an important donut shop, though: Pip’s! They serve mini donuts, and their housemade chai is delicious, too.
Ahhh Catherine thank you for the recommendation! I will absolutely have to try this one, it sounds amazing!