Portland is known as a food-lover’s paradise, but how does its donut selection factor into that? Whether you’re looking for a traditional maple bar, a giant sized donut for two, or some uniquely flavored treats, Portland has just the donut place for you. Whether you take a walk from your Portland vacation rental in the morning to get the freshest possible donuts or visit in the afternoon for a pick-me-up, you’ll be so glad you stopped by. We’ve picked some of the best places to find donuts throughout the city, so read on to find the right one for your taste buds.
1. Sesame Donuts
As its name suggests, this place is known for its Sesame Donut, a cake-style donut topped with sesame seeds. It also makes a delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Donut which is coated with a crumble outside. Try their Apple Sauce or Pumpkin donut for something unique. Grab some donuts during a holiday like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, or even Fourth of July, and they’ll be festively decorated. Sesame Donut features outdoor seating, as well, so you can enjoy all your baked treats outside in the warm sunshine.
2. Voodoo Doughnut
If you’re looking for something a little different than your traditional donut, head to Voodoo Donuts. This place is famous, and people literally travel from far and wide to get a taste of them. Make sure to take some pictures, because you’ll see some cute and creative donuts that you’ll want to remember forever.
3. Donuts Plus
This place not only sells some of the tastiest classic donuts you’ve ever had, it also sells perhaps one of the biggest. Donuts Plus makes a Texas Size donut which takes up almost an entire box to itself, so make sure you bring a friend along who can help you eat it. It’s topped with chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles with a donut hole right in the middle. Don’t miss out on trying this or their new Bacon Maple Donut, a maple bar topped with two thick slices of cooked bacon.
4. Donut Byte Labs
Don’t be off-put by the fact that you’re ordering donuts from a truck, Donut Byte Labs knows what they’re doing when it comes to these tasty treats. This place specializes in mini donuts which resemble donut holes, but are topped with incredible flavors like salted caramel, Crème Brule, and bacon with maple sauce. Get a half dozen of the glazed bites for just $4. The more decorated ones come on a stick, so be prepared to eat them like a cake pop.
5. Coco Donuts
Their signature pink boxes can be found in nearly every corner of Portland, and it’s easy to see why. Coco Donuts makes some of the best classic donuts, like the Chocolate Glazed with Sprinkles or the Crumb, but they also make some unique flavors, too. Try the Lavender Glazed donut or the Signature Coco for something different. This place also does great iced and hot coffees, with flavors ranging from lavender to dark chocolate cinnamon. Grab one and you might even get a free donut hole!
6. Annie’s Donut Shop
Many locals know that when they want a downright delicious traditional donut, Annie’s Donut Shop is the place to go. The only catch is that you have to get there before 10 a.m. for the best selection. This place has killer cream cheese flips and buttermilk bars, not to mention a wide variety of fritters. What’s even better, these treats average around just $0.99 each. Head to Northeast Portland and grab yourself some donuts before they sell out!
7. Blue Star
Arguably the best donut shop in all of Portland, Blue Star is making a name for itself both internationally and nationally, as well. With locations throughout Portland, Los Angeles and Japan, Blue Star churns out some incredible flavors. Try the Lemon Poppy seed, Passion Fruit Cocoa Nib, or Raspberry Rosemary donuts. Or, if you’re in a boozy mood, grab a Cointreau Crème Brulee donut and start your morning off with a kick. Whichever donuts you get, they’re sure to be uniquely delicious.