Portland, Oregon is considered by many to be the mecca of doughnuts, a sweet favorite to be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack or dessert.
While Portland got its big doughnut spark when Voodoo Doughnuts conceptualized, there were already a considerable amount of shops beloved by the community and visitors alike, such as Helen Bernhard Bakery. On the flip side, following the extra attention, many other shops popped up boasting trendy and quirky creations, including Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai.
So hop on that doughnut train and check into these spots to get some of the best that Rose City has to offer.
1. Helen Bernhard Bakery
1717 NE Broadway, Portland
(503) 287-1251
helenbernhardbakery.com
PHOTO COURTESY HELEN BERNHARD BAKERY
Serving the Portland community since 1924, Helen Bernhard Bakery has a storied and very tasty history that started with Helen Bernhard. The foundation of this charming biz is built upon Helen’s original cake recipes. Throughout its 90 years of business, the bakery has found a way to keep with the times, while also giving the community a sweet retreat that feels like home. The most popular doughnuts here, and to no surprise, are the classic faves including the Old Fashioned Glazed Donut, Maple Bar and the custard-filled Bismark. An extensive showcase presents a plethora of other choices for customers to happily indulge in.
2. Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
4759 N. East Fremont St., Portland
(503) 206-8692
pipsmobile.com
PHOTO COURTESY PIP’S ORIGINAL DOUGHNUTS & CHAI
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai’s brick and mortar cafe is a welcome addition to the community, which has been operating since 2013. The husband and wife duo, Nate and Jamie Snell, who founded the shop, came up with a hip and casual vibe for people of all ages to enjoy. Its doughnut selection is very impressive boasting regular and seasonal options. A few choices to dive in to include Honey & Sea Salt (most popular) and a Chai Flight (pictured) featuring five unique flavors made of Chai, which are made in house in small batches. Pip’s donuts are golden-crispy on the outside and soft and cakey on the inside — an irresistible combination that keeps customers coming back for more.
3. Blue Star Donuts
1155 SW Morrison St., Ste. 102, Portland
(Plus more locations statewide and in California)
(503) 265-8410
bluestardonuts.com
PHOTO COURTESY BLUE STAR DONUTS
Churning out some of the most unique gourmet doughnuts around, Blue Star Donuts is another serious hit with pastry lovers. Serving up year-round and seasonal options, Blue Star’s spread includes fun and eccentric creations. Take for example its Cointreau Creme Brulee. This decadent work of art starts with Blue Star’s signature brioche shell that is filled with thick vanilla custard, then torch-fired by hand resulting in a crisp, smoky candy shell. Finishing it all off is a pipette filled with orange liqueur, adding a sweet citrus balance when squeezed into the doughnut. If you don’t find the chance to stop into this shop, be sure to catch it at its Portland International Airport location, found in the main terminal before security.
