Voodoo Doughnut

The original Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town is a Portland institution that has spawned locations across the US, but none quite like the small, always-open original on SW 3rd Avenue. The doughnuts are large, creative, and frequently ridiculous: the Bacon Maple Bar (a maple-glazed bar topped with a strip of bacon), the Memphis Mafia (banana and peanut butter), and the Triple Chocolate Penetration are among the regulars. The shop is open 24 hours.

The line outside is usually long, particularly on weekends and late at night — the shop is genuinely popular with locals, not just tourists. A second Portland location operates in the NE Alberta Arts District neighbourhood. The pink box is recognisable and has become a Portland symbol.

eating out bakery quirky
A story
Voodoo Doughnut opened in 2003 in Old Town with an explicit brief to be weird. The voodoo doll doughnut — raised yeast dough filled with raspberry jam and topped with a pretzel stake through the heart — became a signature item. The shop began offering legally binding wedding ceremonies in 2004 (an ordained minister, an exchange of vows, and doughnuts as the wedding cake). The ceremonies were later suspended when the state of Oregon tightened licensing requirements, but resumed under new rules.

Other places in Eating Out