Where are the Best Doughnuts in Portland?

It’s not unusual to walk down a street in Portland and find a line out the door to an eating establishment. There are so many incredible restaurants in the city; Portland has become one of the premier places for brunch, fine dining, food carts….

…and doughnuts.

So where are the best doughnuts in Portland?

You no doubt have heard of Portland’s iconic VooDoo Doughnuts or even Blue Star Doughnuts. Just about every single travel blog about ‘where to eat in Portland’ will have one or the other on the list. So imagine my surprise when I drove down NE Fremont street near my neighborhood, and found yet another line out the door, to a place called Pip’s Original Doughnuts.

But wait! I’ve never heard of this place! And in reading the hundreds of travel blogs that I do, many of them about Portland, no one has mentioned Pip’s. Astounding. Well, I’m here to change that. I want to shout this phenomenal doughnut shop from the rooftops!

Thankfully, on the day that I came by to finally taste for myself what all the hub-bub was about, there were only about a half-dozen people in line. Pip’s Original Doughnuts stands apart from the rest in that they serve the uber-tasty mini-doughnut. You can indulge without ‘overdoing it.’

What this also means is that you can sample many different varieties without breaking the bank, or your appetite! It’s like a tapas restaurant for doughnuts. Brilliant. All of their doughnuts are fresh and made-to-order. If it happens to be during your birthday week, they will give you a dozen free doughnuts!

Not only do they serve delectable tiny pillows of heaven, they are also known for their chai. Choose from about a half-dozen varieties, or don’t choose and get the chai flight! And of course, they offer the regular menu of coffeehouse drinks such as espresso, latte, mocha and cold brew.

Pip’s is owned by husband-and-wife team Jamie and Nate Snell. They are passionate about giving the masses simple but excellent treats, as well as supporting the local community. And get this! They have a mobile unit (much like a food truck) that you can rent out for private or corporate events.

In addition to one or two rotating specialty flavors, their regular menu consists of Nutella & Sea Salt, classic Cinnamon & Sugar, The Dirty Wu (a bit of everything), and Raw Honey & Sea Salt. We got two of each. I’m telling you…HEAVEN. Washing it down with a lovely cup of chai, I was literally swooning.

Every tasty morsel gives you a burst of flavor, each more satisfying than the next. Sweet or savory, the different flavors sampled together provided a level of sophistication not found at VooDoo or Blue Star Doughnuts.

This was not more evident than in their candied bacon maple doughnut. What’s tough about the fact that they’re mini doughnuts is that you have a strong desire just to pop them in your mouth whole. But don’t! They are meant to be savored. Take tiny bites.

So when you are in Portland, I beg of you, give Pip’s a try. Since they are mini doughnuts, you do not have the luxury of saying “too many carbs” or “I’m on a strict protein diet.” You have no excuse but to try just one, one tiny doughnut from Pip’s. I assure you will thank me profusely.