FALL SALE: Save up to $1,058 on our small-group trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The Best Donut Shops In Portland, Oregon

Pips Original Donuts and Chai
Pip's Original Donuts and Chai | © Dan Hawk/Courtesy of Pip's

While nothing is more representative of Portlandia’s kooky culture than cult donut shop and iconic institution Voodoo Donuts, sifting through the tourist-filled, disgruntled crowds for a taste of fried dough is hardly worth it (unless it’s your first time). In a city characterized by an eccentric donut-loving culture, there are plenty of spots to take advantage of the craft; for the best donut shops in Portland, read on.

Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai

Pip’s Original brings their A-game with piping hot, made-to-order mini donuts alongside killer chai teas, handcrafted from raw spices. The perfect accompaniment to Portland’s iconic sweet treat, do yourself a favor and be sure to grab one when making the stop for a dozen (or two). Offered in both seasonal flavors, like blueberry-lavender and strawberry-rhubarb, and menu staples, including the raw honey doughnut sprinkled with Himalayan sea salt and Nutella, Pip’s prides itself on keeping things simple with fresh and seasonal flavors. Let’s just say: this fried dough is something special. Pro tip: they’ve got a doughnut truck because who wouldn’t want to have their own doughnut party? http://instagram.com/p/BJZLf_GAbqf/?taken-by=pipsoriginal

Blue Star Donuts

With locations in Portland, Los Angeles, and even Tokyo, Blue Star Donuts has made a name for itself as donut-making gurus. Using French-inspired brioche dough, these donuts are unlike any other; an 18-hour process, the donuts here are made from scratch daily using only the finest local ingredients (think sustainable flour and cage-free eggs) and are offered in daily-changing, seasonal flavors. Go for the chocolate-salted almond, blueberry-bourbon-basil, or lemon poppyseed. Vegans, don’t fret; there are options to suit your needs, as well. Don’t forget to keep it classic, and grab a coffee with your donut, served by Coava Coffee and Stumptown Roasters. http://instagram.com/p/BJeDWkOgs7k/?taken-at=1014198551

Coco Donuts & Coffee

Dessert Shop, American, Pastries, Coffee

Coco Donuts & Coffee are doing just that: drool-worthy donuts and handcrafted coffee perfectly paired with each bite of fried dough. The donuts here are made fresh daily from a secret family recipe handed down over 30 years; and the coffee, that’s roasted here too, using some of the best coffee beans in the world. Coco Donuts is the first donut shop of its kind, roasting its own coffee alongside house-made donuts, and they’re doing it well. With four locations across the city, you’ll never be without. Favorites include the chocolate-glazed cake with coconut, the signature coco, the lavender glazed, and the apple fritter.

Donut Byte Labs

Donut Byte Labs is bringing donuts to Portland in the way of a truck on wheels, though, don’t be fooled by this small-time operation; this spot is banging out gourmet mini cake donuts with a list of star flavors like bacon-maple, salted caramel, milk and honey, peanut butter cup, and French toast. If you like to steer clear of eccentrically flavored donuts, Donut Byte Labs still offers more traditional, simple flavors like glazed, cinnamon sugar, and even plain. Not sure what to order? Even better, the mission behind Donut Byte Labs’ mini donuts is to allow diners to experience more than one flavor. Go for an assortment box, or choose a few flavors of your own. Note: these donuts are cooled before they are served but are just as delicious. http://instagram.com/p/BJf_WKOjcnJ/?taken-at=731953378

Annie's Donut Shop

Dessert Shop, Coffee, Dessert, American

Kick it old school, and head to the unassuming Annie’s Donut Shop for some real good, old-fashioned-style donuts. Set in a diner-style space with booths, Annie’s is always filled with little kids and police officers (which you know is a tell-tale sign of this spot’s donut craft). They keep it simple with classic flavors like chocolate with sprinkles, simple glazed, and maple bar; except here, they’re done right, crispy outer crust with a light, sugary glaze. Even the cake-style donuts are light and airy, a nice change to the heavier dough found at most other donut shops. Plus, these babies cost less than a dollar each, making a dozen well worth it.

About the author

Born to a Venezuelan surfer and a Napa Valley artist, Alexia has always been an avid traveler and fascinated with culture. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, she sold every possession and spent nine months traveling around South America, writing about her adventures on a blog. She currently resides in downtown LA, pursuing her quest for all things delicious. She hopes to one day write for Food & Wine magazine.

Culture Trip Fall Sale

Save up to $1,058 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article