If there's one thing my kids love more than preventing me from sleeping in each Saturday, it's attending a matinee at one of Portland's famous theaters. And if there's one thing they love more than loading up on popcorn and candy and allowing Pixar to take the reins for 90 minutes, it's grabbing ice cream from one of Rip City's countless parlors. But if there's one thing they love more than all of those things, it's donuts.
Blame it on a youthful addiction to confectionary delight or our misguided decision to let them watch "The Simpsons," but no matter how you cut it, our family now doubles as something of an expert panel on the best donuts in Portland.
If you love exploring the best donuts in Portland, this article's for you!
Don't let the name fool you. While Petunia's is known best for its cookie monster baby cake or double chocolate brownie cream pie, we're staunchly here for its donuts — they are some of the best donuts in Portland. Available only on the weekends, Petunia's assortment of rotating flavors go quick, so if you're hoping to walk away with a few (dozen), it's worth getting an early start.
A truly singular donut "shop" experience, Pip's has been serving Portlanders on the go since 2013. Only slightly bigger than bite-sized, Pip's can leave you feeling as though you didn't just inhale 14 Nutella and sea salt donuts. Rent their van for events or simply enjoy some Reggie Lee (cinnamon/sugar, raw honey, warm Nutella, sea salt) and the helpfully named cinnamon and sugar. Seriously. If you don't eat some, we'll eat all of them.
A Portland family favorite for years, Coco offers a wide array of classic and signature donuts. What's better: with locations in Uptown, Brooklyn, PSU and Northeast Portland, you're never far from availing yourself of their buttery, sugary goodness.
Doe answers the question, "What would Portland look and taste like if it were a donut?" Small business? Check. Woman-owned? Better believe it. Vegan? Is that a serious question? We guess next you're going to tell me they avoid processed mixes and build their donuts from scratch? C'mon, give us a break…Favorites include the French Toast, Portland Fog and Salted Vanilla Bean. These are definitely some of the best donuts in Portland!
Like Petunia's above, Fleur de Lis certainly dabbles far beyond the realm of a traditional donut shop. In fact, just about everything on the menu is exceptional. Still, the reason many families head there nearly every weekend is found in the donut section of the bakery case. The potato donut, a hefty offering drenched in cinnamon, is a favorite, as is their take on the classic sugar donut.
Be warned, though: like Petunia's: these donuts move fast.
Between the coffee, dog parks and vegan restaurants, Portland has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. Just remember: whether you're a native or simply passing through, don't sleep (sorry) on Rip City's donut scene.
Travis Roberts has written on behalf of corporate law firms, legal translation providers and property management companies throughout the United States. A graduate of Western Washington University's Creative Writing program, you can find his fiction and poetry in journals like Black Heart Magazine, Literary Orphans and WhiskeyPaper, among others. He currently lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, cat and motorbike.