portland doughnuts

The Best Donut Shops in the PNW

Ahhhh America. The Land of the Brave, Home of the Free. 

Some may argue, try to tear us down, but let us stand tall and proud, for we are responsible for one of the greatest inventions of all time. That's right, it is our obligation to correct those nay-sayers because America is responsible for the creation of the donut. 

So the next time you hear someone stating how America is not great, drive to one of the below locations, buy a donut, bring it back, and stuff it in their mouths. Don't worry, they might initially be surprised and possibly even angry, but as that sugary, flaky dough melts in their mouths they will smile and say thank you. 

Seattle/Tacoma Favorites

1. Mighty-O Donuts

MIghty-O started up in Seattle in 2000 with the foundation to create an all-organic donut, which wasn't being done by anyone else at the time. Now they are sold all over the city and have a unique niche, being completely vegan. Nice! 

2. General Porpoise

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General Porpoise joins the ranks of Renee Erickson foodie spots in Seattle, and it is definitely up to par. All the donuts are filled with delicious, no, decadant stuffings and you will find yourself wanting to lick the powdered sugar topping off the plate to keep it from ending.

3. Daily Dozen Donuts

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This Pike Place Market establishment bakes fresh, mini donuts throughout the day for tourists who don't know what they have stumbled upon and locals who come back every day to fuel their addiction. Put yourself in one of these categories and get down there now. Cinnamon sugar is the best.

4. Rodeo Donuts

Rodeo Donuts was born in the bakery of Cupcake Royale, a place we trust deeply for all our sugary cravings. Their idea? Take donuts to the next level. With unique, fresh ingredients used every day and donuts served fresh out of the fryer (man we love that phrase) they succeed every. single. time.

5. Legendary Donuts

This shop in Tacoma is filled to the brim with over-sized sugary cakes. You can find something for everyone with their huge variety of flavors (with fun names too such as the Fred Flintstone and the Chubby Checker), no matter what you pick be sure to plan a couple hours after eating for your sugar coma. 

Vancouver Favorites

1. Harmony Donut Shop

You would miss it if it weren't for the sign!

You would miss it if it weren't for the sign!

So warm, so fresh.

So warm, so fresh.

This shop in North Vancouver is easy to miss in an unassuming strip mall, but seriously, don't miss it. The donuts are amazing, but the shop itself makes it an unforgettable experience. It is covered floor to ceiling and corner to corner in antique collectables from action figures to scooters. You could dig around for hours!

2. Honey Doughnuts and Goodies

Crispy outside, squishy honey inside! MMmmmm.

Crispy outside, squishy honey inside! MMmmmm.

Honey Doughnuts in Deep Cove serves up these unique, honey soaked doughnuts as their specialty. Each bite oozes sweet honey. Winney the Poo would destroy their display case to get to all these puppies. Yum.

3. Cartem Donuterie

First, we love that this place uses the term donuterie, and we instantly have faith they will provide top notch treats. Then you see their flavors and you can't wait to come back enough times to try them all. Or you could just get one of everything. We love donuts more than Christmas, we won't judge.

Portland Favorites

1. Blue Star Donuts

Photo: Erin Jackson

Photo: Erin Jackson

Let us just leave you a list of some of Blue Stars made from scratch starting at 3AM everyday donuts: Blueberry Bourbon Basil, Chocolate Almond Ganache, Cointrea Infused Creme Brulee, Passionfruit Cocoa Nib...do we need to go on? Okay, fine. Lemon Poppy Buttermilk, Marionberry Pepper Jam....

2. Voodoo Doughnut

Photo: Mike McGraw

This place is famous for a reason. Key things you need to know. Cash only. Open 24/7. You can get married here. Go make some bad decisions. 

3. Sesame Donuts

Photo: Nick Zukin

This is your place to get the traditional but delicious donuts you know and love. And just saying the Internet says scientific research shows that people who eat Sesame Donuts have a much higher I.Q. than those who eat other brands. Truth.

Hungry yet?