5 Delicious Donut Shops in Portland

A donut renaissance is taking place in Portland, Oregon at the moment. It seems like everywhere you look in the Rose City, you’ll find another bakery or food cart offering up the sweet treat. With so many options and even more opinions from locals on where to go and what to avoid, it can be hard to navigate which places are worth checking out. Below you’ll find a list of 5 must-try donut spots while you’re in town.

1. Blue Star

“Donuts for grownups” is how this Portland staple describes itself. Don’t let the lines out the door on weekends deter you; these donuts are well worth the wait. Imaginative flavors such as Chocolate Almond Ganache, Creme Brulée, Passion Fruit Cocoa Nib, Matcha Cake and Blueberry Bourbon Basil make it hard to chose just one; so bring some friends so you can taste them all. Also, flavors come and go with the seasons, so every return trip will be different. With 6 locations throughout the city you’re bound to be close to one while visiting Portland. They even have a shop in the airport so you can get one last fix before you head home!

2. Donut Byte Labs

Located just a few blocks from the famous Portland neon sign, and open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, you can get your donut fix well after most other places are closed at this food cart. Some say you can judge a donut shop by how good they can make a simple plain, and this place nails it.They pride themselves on traditional flavors such as, Glazed, Powdered Sugar, and Cinnamon, but also have more unique option including French Toast, Lemon Drop, Salted Caramel and Bacon Maple. Donuts are made fresh every hour or two, even at 10 p.m.!

3. Mama’s Minis

On the outskirts of town, you’ll find this small cart baking small donuts with big flavor. Located in Happy Valley, Mama’s Minis will have you asking yourself, “Did I really just eat a dozen donuts by myself?” This is the spot to go to if you have a major sweet tooth. Peanut Butter Cup, Almond Joy, S’mores and Turtle Treat donuts are all made fresh to order while you wait. At under $7 for a dozen, it’s hard to say no. If you want to try something completely different, opt for one of their donut ice cream sandwiches. 

4. Donut Queen

No frills, no fanfare, no lines, no social media presence. Donut Queen is an old-school donut shop in Southeast Portland offering up no gimmicks, only great donuts. With classic flavors at great prices, you can pop in here and grab a dozen donuts for only $8.

5. Delicious Donuts

Rounding out the list is an unassuming shop that packs a big punch. Tucked away in the corner of a small plaza, Delicious Donuts is easy to miss, but make the stop, your taste buds will thank you. With a massive selection and also standard breakfast dishes such as burritos, egg sandwiches and omelets, there’s something for everyone at this restaurant. Stop in on a Friday for their 10-cent donut hole deal. For those with a bigger appetite, you can also get bear claws and crullers the size of your head at this shop.