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You know what they say, a donut a day keeps the doctor away. That’s how it goes, right? Hard to say, but I did eat a donut almost every day in Portland. I’m not sure if that was the healthiest decision, but I have no doubt that the donuts in Portland, Oregon are delectable!

When I visited Portland I had one mission: to try as much of the delicious food as possible. I focused on the street food scene by visiting all the best food cart pods. As I already mentioned, I also tried as many donut shops in Portland as I could! It had been awhile since I scouted out all the best donut shops in Atlanta, so it was time for another donut adventure! 

Donut Shops in Portland, Oregon to Try

All the donut shops in Portland for the following places are mapped. Some of these donut places have locations outside of Portland that are not marked on the map. 

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is one of the only places I had heard of in Portland before I began my research. Everyone seems to have an opinion on this super popular donut shop in Portland. Half the people say they are overrated and too sugary. The other half claim they are not only the best donuts in Portland, but in the world! You know what they say, even bad publicity is good publicity. It makes everyone want to check them out and see for themselves. Are they the best Portland donuts or not? 

My verdict…..I loved them! I really don’t get the complaint that they are too sugary. I mean they are donuts!! They aren’t supposed to taste like a kale superfood salad!

I had the Butterfinger one. It wasn’t quite as big as some of the donuts so it was the perfect amount for me. It was amazing and I want to go back and try all the other varieties. 

There are multiple locations now, even some outside of Oregon. The original location is in the Old Town. The area isn’t great and full of homeless people and homeless camps. Saturdays, when the Saturday market is taking place nearby, is the best time to visit. There is a restroom for customers, but no indoor seating. Lines can wrap around the block at busy times though. 

Blue Star Donuts

If you want a gourmet donut in Portland, then head to Blue Star Donuts. Voodoo Doughnuts are elaborate in size and candy toppings. Blue Star Donuts are elaborate as well, but in a more upmarket way. With fresh herbs, spices, liquors, and fruits they are geared towards adults. You won’t find a simple chocolate glazed donut here.

I always have a hard time choosing, but it was even harder here with the unique flavor combinations. I eventually picked the passion fruit cake which is a vanilla donut covered in passion fruit glaze with cocoa nibs sprinkled on top. The OG with an orxata glaze and the Blueberry Bourbon Basil are two of the most popular donuts. 

Blue Star Donuts has five locations in Portland, including one at the airport. The Blue Star HQ location has a restroom and plenty of seating. 

Doe Donuts

If I wouldn’t have heard of Doe Donuts from “Somebody Feed Phil” I probably would have avoided this vegan donut shop in Portland. Honestly I had the same initial reaction as Phil, skeptical if vegan donuts could be good. I ended up having the same final reaction as Phil too, pure pleasure!

I thought Doe Donuts was trying to persuade me to spend more money as they told me it would be silly not to buy two donuts. Yes, the donuts looked amazing, but thanks to all the delicious donut shops in Portland I had already eaten a lot! 

Then I found out that donuts are buy one, get one free for the last half hour of every day. So much for only having one donut! My first donut was an October seasonal donut, Cracker Jack.The second was a year round flavor, the sundae. They were both delicious, but I preferred the Cracker Jack. The peanut butter maple glaze really hooked me! The donuts at this women-owned donut shop in Portland are not only works of art, but so tasty too. 

There are picnic tables outside the shop, but no indoor seating or restrooms. Restrooms at the nearby Trader Joe’s can be accessed after receiving the code from the information desk. 

NOLA Doughnuts

Every article I read and every person I asked said NOLA doughnuts was one of the best donut shops in Portland. You can imagine my disappointment when not once, but two times I tried to go there and I wasn’t able to try one of their New Orleans inspired donuts.

The first time I will take the blame myself. I looked at the hours for one of their other Oregon locations and arrived when they weren’t open. The second time I double checked the hours and they were open…..but their equipment wasn’t working. I was so disappointed as they weren’t selling donuts. 

I thought I had bad luck, but Portland based blogger Kay from The Awkward Traveller, also said she hasn’t been able to catch the shop when they are open and selling donuts. The person at the shop said it is best to call first.

The donut place itself has a cute New Orleans theme with seating upstairs and restrooms downstairs. Hopefully you will have better luck and can let me know if despite the issues, they really do make some of the best Portland donuts or not! 

Sesame Donuts

There can be 50 flavors of ice cream and I will order vanilla. I’m a little more adventurous with donuts, but sometimes I just crave a chocolate glazed donut with sprinkles. With so many fancy donut shops in Portland you may be looking for somewhere where you can find a classic donut. 

Sesame Donuts is your place for classic donuts. There are quite a few varieties, but not too many crazy concoctions! 

My chocolate covered donut was good, but it didn’t have that super fresh melt in your mouth taste. It may have been because of all the other super rich donuts I had already eaten! On the positive side the donuts here are about half the price compared to all the other Portland donut shops! 

Sesame donuts has a few locations in Oregon, with three in Portland. The location near the University of Portland has a few tables and restrooms. 

Underground Donut Tour

Portland donuts are such a big deal that there is even a Portland donut tour! The two hour tour includes samples at four donut shops in Portland. 

Not only will you be able to sample the best donuts in Portland, but you will also learn more about the city and discover the top sights.

I always try to take a free walking tour in every city I visit. Currently there are not any free walking tours in Portland. This tour is a great substitution for a free walking tour as you will be able to get to know the city with a knowledgeable guide. As an added bonus you will be enjoying the most delicious donuts along the way. 

Which of these Portland donut places are you most excited to try?

More in the Pacific Northwest

• Olympia: Fun Things to Do
• Olympic National Park: Best Hikes
• Oregon: The Best Crater Lake Hikes & Viewpoints
• Portland: 3 Day Itinerary, Food Cart Pods
• Seattle: 4 Day Itinerary

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