The best donuts in Portland are fresh, creative, and full of local flavor. The real standouts are often the ones locals return to again and again.
Portland takes donuts seriously. This is not just a quick sugar fix city. It’s a place where people will wait in line on a rainy morning for something warm and just a little different.
But is it worth trying more than one donut spot?
Yes. This is because no single place defines Portland’s donut scene. Each one brings a different style and experience.
Let’s find out the six places that are actually worth your time.
6 Best Donuts in Portland That Are Seriously Good
1. Blue Star Donuts
This is where many people start. Blue Star uses a rich and almost brioche-like dough. It’s actually made with an 18-hour brioche process. This gives each bite that soft, slightly chewy quality that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Flavors lean creative but still grounded. Think blueberry bourbon basil or passion fruit cocoa nib. They rotate regularly. So, repeat visits always offer something new.
Why people keep coming back:
- Dough feels richer than typical donuts
- Flavors rotate and stay interesting
- Not overly sweet
Quick details (Four active Portland locations)
- SE Division St: 3325 SE Division St, Suite 1, Portland, OR 97202 · (971) 347-3126 · Mon–Sun 7am–5pm
- Goose Hollow: 1701 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201 · Mon–Sun 7am–5pm
- South Waterfront: 672 S Gaines St, Portland, OR 97239 · Mon–Fri 6:30am–3pm · Sat–Sun 6:30am–5pm
- PDX Airport: 7000 NE Airport Way (Concourse D/E, post-security), Portland, OR 97218 · (503) 926-4694 · Mon–Sat 4am–7pm · Sun 5am–7pm
Price range
- $4.50–$6 per donut
Note: The Mississippi Ave and Lake Oswego locations permanently closed in January 2025.
Best time to go
Morning or early afternoon. Popular flavors sell out.
Insider tip
On our visits here, we always ask, “What came out last?” Fresh batch beats any fancy flavor.
2. Mikiko Mochi Donuts
Mikiko Mochi Donuts brings something completely different to Portland’s donut scene. What started as a small pop-up in 2020 has grown into a well-loved local spot, with its flagship shop now in the Kerns neighborhood.
They specialize in mochi donuts that are both dairy- and gluten-free. The texture is what makes them stand out. Each bite is soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the outside. It’s very different from a traditional donut, and that’s exactly why people love it.
Flavors are bold and creative. You might find options like ube with li hing mui, black sesame, horchata pudding, or yuzu funfetti. Some are rich, some are bright and citrusy, but all feel thoughtful and unique.
Why people keep coming back:
- Chewy mochi texture that feels totally different
- Dairy- and gluten-free options
- Creative flavors you won’t see elsewhere
Quick details
Address: 300 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 Phone: +1 480-227-5155 Hours: Open 8 am–8 pm (Mon -Sat) and 8 am–4 pm (Sun)
Price range
- $3.75 per donut
Best time to go
Late morning. Popular flavors often sell out early.
Insider tip
This is not an official stop on our Kerns tour. But we do walk by it. Guests often take that moment to quickly grab a donut. It feels like a fun, spontaneous addition to the experience. Plus, it’s unique and cool.
Bonus: Broder’s Aebleskivers
These are not traditional donuts. But they deserve a place on this list. Aebleskivers are Danish pancake balls. In Portland, they feel like a cross between a donut hole and a pancake.
They are soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and served warm. Usually with jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Simple, but very satisfying.
Why people keep coming back:
- Warm, fresh, and comforting
- Unique texture and shape
- A local favorite that feels a little different
Where to find them
Broder Café (multiple Portland locations)
Quick Details
Address: 2508 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202 Phone: (503) 736-3333 Hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 9 AM–3 PM; Tuesday (Closed)
Best time to go
Brunch hours. That’s when they feel just right.
Insider tip
We include these on our Brunch on Mississippi tour. It’s one of the most loved stops. Even people who come just for donuts end up talking about these the most.
3. Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
This place feels small, warm, and personal. The donuts come out hot. They’re bite-sized, soft, and lightly crisp on the outside. Belgian-style mini doughnuts made to order in front of you. Flavors like raw honey and sea salt and Nutella keep things simple and special. Paired with house-made chai (try the flights), it turns into a full experience.
Why locals love it:
- Fresh, made-to-order donuts
- Cozy neighborhood feel
- Great drink pairing
Quick details
Address: 4759 NE Fremont St, Suite C, Portland, OR 97213 Phone: (503) 206-8692 Hours: Mon, Wed–Fri 8am–2pm · Sat–Sun 8am–4pm Closed Tuesdays
Price range
- $3–$5 per order of mini donuts
Best time to go
In the morning on a weekday (note: it closes at 2pm Mon–Fri). Arrive early. Lines form quickly and popular flavors sell out. The Beaverton location closed permanently in December 2024. This NE Fremont location is the only one.
Insider tip
After multiple visits here, we’ve found that eating the donuts right away is the best. Waiting even ten minutes changes the texture.
4. Doe Donuts
Fully vegan, but you wouldn’t guess it. The texture feels right. The flavors feel bold. Year-round flavours include the Portland Fog (earl grey glaze with fresh whipped cream) and salted vanilla bean. Classic chocolate is another one that lures many.
Seasonal options go further. Best picks include mango sticky rice and tiramisu cream. Savoury varieties like green chile mac and cheese are in huge demand. Here, a single visit isn’t enough.
Doe has also expanded into vegan ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. So, you can stop here even when it’s not the donut season.
Why it stands out:
- 100% vegan menu
- Creative seasonal flavors, including savory options
- Consistent quality. It has been featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil
Quick details
Address: 4110 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212 Phone: (503) 333-4404 Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–4pm · Fri–Sun 7am–8pm (extended weekend hours)
Price range
- $4–$5.50 per donut
Best time to go
Morning for the best selection. Extended Friday–Sunday hours make afternoon visits possible too.
Insider tip
Always ask what’s new that week. The best picks are rarely the regular ones.
5. Annie’s Donuts
This is the opposite of trendy. That’s its charm. Simple. Classic. No frills. Annie’s has been doing this since 1988. Even decades later, their formula hasn’t changed.
Walk in and see rows of familiar favorites. Glazed, chocolate, old-fashioned, maple bars, the list is endless. All are made fresh daily. The cruller in particular draws regulars from across the city.
Why locals trust it:
- Consistent quality since 1988
- No gimmicks
- Affordable prices
Quick details
Address: 3449 NE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97213 Phone: (503) 284-2752 Hours: Tue–Fri 5am–2pm & 6pm–10pm · Sat–Sun 7am–1pm Closed Mondays. Closed 2pm–6pm on weekdays.
Price range
- under $3 per donut
Best time to go
Early morning (opens at 5am Tue–Fri) for the freshest selection. Note the midday gap. If you arrive after 2pm on a weekday, the shop is closed. It reopens at 6pm. Weekend hours run 7am–1pm only.
Insider tip
We learned this the hard way. If you want a cruller, go before 8am.
6. Coco Donuts
This one is not too fancy, but neither too simple. You’ll find classic handcrafted donuts made from a secret family recipe. Buttermilk bars, glazed raised, jelly-filled, and lavender are the most loved. Mochi donuts in flavours like matcha and Oreo have also found many fans.
What genuinely sets Coco apart from every other Portland donut shop is that they roast their own coffee in-house. It’s the only donut shop in Portland doing this. Their coffee is definitely worth ordering alongside whatever you pick from the case.
Why it works:
- Reliable, classic quality
- Good mix of traditional and mochi flavors
- House-roasted coffee, a genuine differentiator
Quick details (three main Portland locations)
Uptown Flagship: Address: 709 SW 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97205 · (503) 360-1456 Hours: Mon–Sat 6am–3pm · Closed Sunday
NE Broadway: Address: 2735 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232 · (503) 477-9824 Hours: Mon–Fri 6am–2pm · Sat–Sun 7am–2pm
SW 6th Ave (Downtown): Address: 814 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204 · (503) 505-4164 Hours: Mon–Thu 7am–2pm · Closed Fri–Sun
Price range
- $2.50–$4.50 per donut
Best time to go
Morning or mid-day. Check the specific location’s hours before visiting — each branch has different days of closure.
Insider tip
After trying several combinations, we’ve permanently settled on a glazed donut and black coffee. It never disappoints.
How to Choose the Right Donut Spot for You
Every donut experience offers something different. That’s the fun part.
Here’s a simple way to decide
If this is your first time in Portland
Start with places that feel iconic or slightly different.
- Voodoo Doughnut gives you that classic “Portland” moment
- Blue Star Donuts feels more refined and flavor-focused
If you’re a local or want something more low-key
Skip the hype and go where things feel simple and steady.
- Annie’s Donuts is all about classic comfort
- Coco Donuts works well for a quick, no-fuss stop
If you’re going with friends or a group
Think about variety and space.
- Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai is great because you can share small donuts
- Doe Donuts works well if people want different or dietary-friendly options
If you’re going solo for a quick treat
Keep it easy. No long lines. No complicated choices.
- Coco Donuts is a safe, quick stop
- Annie’s works well early in the morning
If you have dietary needs
This matters more than people expect.
- Doe Donuts is fully vegan
- Petunia’s Pies & Pastries (not a donut shop, but close in style) offers vegan and gluten-free options
If you’re short on time
Timing can shape your whole plan.
- Pip’s often closes by mid-afternoon
- Annie’s has limited hours and even a midday break
If you’re planning by neighborhood
Portland is spread out. Distance matters.
- East side (NE/SE Portland): Pip’s, Doe, Annie’s
- Central / Downtown: Blue Star, Voodoo, Coco
Is It Worth Visiting Multiple Donut Spots?
Most donut spots are close to each other. Especially in neighborhoods like the east side. Walking between them becomes part of the experience. If you pace it right, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Try this:
- Start with something light
- Walk for a bit
- Share bites
- Stop again
It turns into a casual food crawl without feeling forced.
Want to Turn This Into a Real Food Experience?
Trying to plan multiple food stops sounds fun. But it can get tricky fast.
Which spots are worth it? Which neighborhoods make sense? How do you avoid wasting time?
That’s where Portland by Mouth changes the experience.
Our small-group walking tours move through Portland’s neighborhoods packed with some of the city’s most loved food spots.
- Blue Star Donuts has already been a part of our tastings
- The Buckman food tour explores Hawthorne and nearby streets. Here, many well-known food spots are within walking distance.
- The Kerns tour moves through East Burnside and nearby streets. This is an area known for casual coffee and donut stops.
So instead of planning every stop, the route is already built for you.
Tours usually run for about 3 to 3.5 hours. You stop at several handpicked places. You walk a bit in between. The pace feels relaxed, not rushed.
It’s not just about eating. It’s about understanding the city through its food. Explore available tours here.
Portland’s donut scene isn’t about finding one “best” place. It’s about small discoveries. Warm bites. Unexpected favorites. Will you stop at one, or keep going until you find the one you remember?
FAQs
What is the most famous donut shop in Portland?
The most famous donut shop is Voodoo Doughnut. It is known for bold designs and unusual flavors. It is also open late, which makes it popular with visitors.
Is Voodoo Doughnut actually good?
Yes, but it depends on what you expect. The donuts are fun and creative. The experience matters as much as the taste. If you want unique flavors, it is worth trying.
What are Portland’s best vegan donuts?
Doe Donuts is one of the best vegan options. The donuts taste rich and balanced. Many people don’t even notice they are vegan.
Are Portland donuts worth it?
Yes, they are worth trying. Portland focuses on quality and creativity. You will find both classic and unique styles in one city.
What is a Portland donut crawl?
A donut crawl means visiting multiple donut shops in one trip. You try small bites at each stop. It works best when you plan by neighborhood.
Which Portland donut shop is best for fresh donuts?
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai is known for fresh, made-to-order donuts. They are served warm, which makes a big difference.