When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Voodoo Doughnut
Why Voodoo Doughnut is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Voodoo Doughnut, founded in 2003 by Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Richard "Tres" Shannon in Portland, Oregon, has become a must-visit spot for those seeking a unique and eclectic doughnut experience. Known for its quirky atmosphere and creative doughnut flavors like the famous Voodoo Doll and Portland Crème, this doughnut company combines counterculture spirit with culinary fun. The original Portland location, nestled in Old Town, embodies an offbeat vibe, attracting night owls and doughnut lovers alike with its 24-hour service. Its distinctive pink boxes and irreverent branding add to its charm. Over the years, Voodoo Doughnut has expanded across the United States, with nineteen locations in seven states as of 2023, maintaining its reputation for innovative treats and lively ambiance. Besides doughnuts, the stores offer options to celebrate special occasions like legal weddings, making it a great quirky spot to meet with friends any time of the day or night.
Here's what people think of Voodoo Doughnut
As of recent, Voodoo Doughnut holds a 4.4-star rating based on 19110 reviews.
Reviews of Voodoo Doughnut highlight its strong brand identity, quirky and fun atmosphere, and an extensive variety of imaginative doughnut flavors which many customers find delightful and entertaining. Positive reviews frequently praise the creativity behind the doughnuts, noting the excellent value-for-money, especially considering the affordable pricing for specialty doughnuts and pre-selected dozen boxes, making it ideal for groups and families. Patrons enjoy not just the taste but also the theatrical experience of ordering from a menu filled with eccentric names and bold flavors. However, some negative reviews mention that while the doughnuts are unique and visually appealing, the actual taste and quality might not meet the expectations of doughnut aficionados seeking gourmet or artisanal flavors. A few customers find the hype slightly overrated, suggesting the experience is driven more by novelty and style than culinary excellence. Despite this, the general consensus remains positive, with many recommending Voodoo Doughnut as a fun, must-try destination, particularly for its vibrant atmosphere, creative spirit, and cultural significance in Portland and beyond.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jordan Schmidt
This donut shop is fantastic! Must stop here if you are in Portland. Many different tasty options, so everyone can get what they want. Staff is super friendly. And prices are fair for the quality of donut. *Get there early, as there may be a long wait to get inside and order.
XY Jensen
Before you step into that long line, ask yourself: Is it really worth it? I wish I had. The experience didn’t live up to the hype for me. The doughnuts were more about novelty than flavor, fun to look at, but not especially tasty. It’s one of those “try once for the photo” spots, but I wouldn’t go back. Just saying.
Shawn Belles
Visiting the flagship Voodoo Doughnut in Portland is definitely something to check off the list if you’re in town. The outside is quirky and colorful, setting the tone for what’s inside—tons of eccentric art, funky details, and a fun, offbeat vibe that captures the spirit of Portland. The rotating carousel cases that display the doughnuts are a cool touch and add to the experience. The selection is wild and playful—definitely not your average donut shop. You’ll find everything from cereal-topped creations to bacon-maple bars. That said, while the presentation and variety are top-notch, the doughnuts themselves were just okay. Fun to look at, sure, but the actual dough and flavor didn’t stand out much beyond the novelty. It’s more about the experience than the pastry. The donut is a donut. Worth noting: the surrounding area in downtown Portland can feel a bit rough, especially depending on the time of day. There are quite a few homeless individuals and panhandlers around, so it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and not stray too far. In short, Voodoo is a fun stop—iconic, weird, and a little over-the-top in the best way. Just don’t expect life-changing donuts.
Lynn Eglan
Quick stop to Portland, Oregon and couldn't leave without going to original location of Voodoo Doughnuts. I've been wanting to go here since I saw it on TV a long long time ago on the Food Network or Travel Channel when they said they've even done weddings there before Nowadays post covid I doubt they do weddings still. Esp. since they had security there limiting amount of people that go in. He was not friendly and didn't seem to speak English when we were asking him questions. I highly recommend visiting the original location that's been around 2003. It is small inside but so much to look at. I wish I didn't feel like I had to rush to take it all in. I really enjoyed the homer and special they had, it was a strawberry cheesecake or something. I loved the strawberry filling on the inside. The donuts were definitely a little sweeter than I'm used to. Overall, a good experience. Doughnuts and merch were reasonably priced. Cricket who helped me was awesome. She was super helpful in helping me narrow down my selection. I think it's one of those places you have to visit at least once. I had been to the location by Universal Studios in California. That location didn't have the same fun vibe as here.
Melissa Tucker
Went down and picked up a variety of doughnuts for our group and we sampled them all. The bacon maple is to die for....the Bavarian cream was delicious and the chocolate icing was rich and thick. Some of the flavors are a bit too much, but overall a good doughnut...and the service was most excellent!
How to reach Voodoo Doughnut
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Why Voodoo Doughnut may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Voodoo Doughnut with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Voodoo Doughnut promises an experience that goes far beyond grabbing a quick snack. This iconic Portland doughnut shop, rated an impressive 4.4 with over 19,000 reviews, blends eccentric charm with a vibrant community atmosphere that invites connection and fun. Located in the heart of Old Town Chinatown, Voodoo Doughnut is not just about doughnuts—it's about shared moments in a quirky, lively setting steeped in local culture. Its roots in Portland’s counterculture scene and its evolution into a beloved city icon make it a perfect rallying point for groups seeking a distinctive, memorable outing. Friends can bond over the shop’s famous, inventive doughnut creations—from the whimsical Voodoo Doll to the legendary Portland Crème—each bite sparking conversation and delight. Plus, this spot’s late-night hours mean that whether your group is an early riser or a night owl, Voodoo serves up sweet treats at all hours. With vibrant pink boxes, a welcoming and irreverent spirit, and a neighborhood buzzing with music and nightlife, Voodoo Doughnut is tailor-made for social gatherings packed with laughter, indulgence, and local flavor.
What activities can you do at Voodoo Doughnut for a group meetup?
When meeting up at Voodoo Doughnut, the activity center stage is obviously enjoying the unique doughnuts, but the experience offers much more for groups. First, the sheer variety of doughnuts acts as a culinary adventure, letting groups share and sample the boldest, most unconventional flavors. This shared tasting fosters lively discussions and playful debates, perfect for groups seeking fun interaction. Beyond the doughnuts, the original location in Old Town Chinatown boasts an inviting outdoor space known as Ankeny Alley. Here, groups can spread out at picnic tables in an open-air pedestrian zone shielded from traffic, ideal for lingering conversations while savoring the sugary treats. The alley’s vibrant urban backdrop, surrounded by bars, clubs, and restaurants, makes it easy for groups to extend their meetups to other nearby hangouts, creating a full evening’s itinerary. For those interested in something more unique, Voodoo Doughnut allows customers to host fully legal weddings and commitment ceremonies in its premises under a giant "holy" doughnut—this underscores the venue’s celebratory, offbeat vibe, making group occasions especially memorable. Moreover, the shop’s late-night hours mean no rush—friends can meet after work or nightlife activities, reinforcing its role as a convenient and fun gathering spot for all schedules.
Why is Voodoo Doughnut the perfect spot for a group outing?
Voodoo Doughnut’s blend of quirky identity, central location, and community-friendly spaces makes it a superb choice for groups seeking both atmosphere and accessibility. At its core is the shop’s pioneering spirit of countercultural fun, which encourages a relaxed and inclusive environment where friends and family can be themselves. The doughnut shop’s setting in Portland’s historic and culturally rich Old Town lends an authentic backdrop teeming with energy—from musicians and artists to nightlife and eclectic eateries nearby—creating an immersive urban outing. Its 24-hour operation suits groups with diverse routines, enabling meetups that accommodate early birds and night owls alike without the pressure of strict closing times. With a menu packed with over-the-top doughnut creations and a whimsical aesthetic featuring bright pink boxes and memorable imagery, sharing Voodoo Doughnut treats easily becomes a highlight of any gathering. Additionally, the friendliness of the staff and the venue’s openness to unique events, such as weddings and live performances, further elevate the group experience. Whether it’s a casual meet for coffee and sweets or a full-fledged celebration, Voodoo Doughnut’s distinctive blend of fun, flavor, and community makes every group meetup something special.
How does the Voodoo Doughnut atmosphere enhance group enjoyment?
The atmosphere at Voodoo Doughnut is fundamental to why groups return time and again. The shop’s offbeat decor, inspired by elements of voodoo culture and Portland’s irreverent spirit, creates an engaging environment that sparks curiosity and conversation. Upon entering, groups are greeted by a lively, colorful setting that feels more like a festive gathering spot than a typical doughnut store. This vibrant, playful ambiance reflects the founders’ vision who hailed from Portland’s music and counterculture scenes and translated that energy into the doughnut experience. Customers often describe the service as quick and friendly, helping groups gather their treats efficiently to maximize time spent socializing. Beyond the shop, Ankeny Alley adds another dimension, transforming the experience from a simple purchase to a communal event where groups can sit, share, and soak up the buzz of nearby nightlife and street art. This ability to linger comfortably in a culturally rich environment fosters relaxed, spontaneous interactions among friends and family. Hence, the atmosphere transcends just eating doughnuts—it becomes a social catalyst that encourages fun, laughter, and memorable moments.
What variety of doughnuts does Voodoo Doughnut offer for sharing among friends?
One of Voodoo Doughnut's greatest draws for group meetups is the extraordinary and eclectic variety of doughnuts available, which practically invites sharing. Their menu is filled with unusual and creative flavors that range from the whimsically sweet to boldly savory. For example, crowd favorites like the Voodoo Doll doughnut—a yeast doughnut shaped like a voodoo figure filled with raspberry jelly and topped with chocolate and a pretzel stake—offer unique tastes and playful presentations that are perfect for group selfies and tastings. Other signature items include the Bacon Maple Bar, combining sweet and smoky flavors, and the Portland Crème, so beloved it earned the title of Portland’s “Official City Doughnut.” Voodoo also experiments with ingredients such as crushed cereals, peanut butter, and even unexpected mixes like Tang, engaging adventurous pallets in your group. Sharing a box provides a tasting journey that encourages everyone to sample different flavors and textures, making the meet-up lively and interactive as each doughnut inspires reactions and discussions. This creative variety ensures there is something for every taste, from traditional favorites to daring new concoctions, perfect for making a group outing both tasty and entertaining.
How does Voodoo Doughnut accommodate different group sizes and occasions?
Voodoo Doughnut has grown beyond a simple doughnut shop to a venue that cleverly accommodates groups of all sizes and a variety of occasions, from casual hangouts to special celebrations. The original shop, with its expanded kitchen and adjacent spaces, can handle significant foot traffic, preventing long waits during busy meetups. The presence of ample outdoor seating in Ankeny Alley allows larger groups to gather comfortably without feeling cramped, and the pedestrian-only zone enhances safety and relaxation. For smaller or more intimate gatherings, the cozy indoor atmosphere combined with quick service ensures a pleasant experience without overwhelming noise or crowding. Importantly, Voodoo Doughnut embraces special events with enthusiasm, offering legal wedding and commitment ceremony services right in the shop—a unique feature perfect for groups celebrating milestones. Whether it’s a group birthday, a reunion, or just a spontaneous doughnut pilgrimage, Voodoo’s flexible environment and welcoming culture support a wide range of social formats. This versatility, combined with the shop’s consistently high rating, reflects its ability to serve as an ideal social hub for many different group dynamics and purposes.
What makes Voodoo Doughnut especially memorable compared to other dessert spots?
What sets Voodoo Doughnut apart from typical dessert venues is its fusion of creativity, cultural roots, and community engagement that turns an ordinary doughnut run into a memorable event. Unlike many standard doughnut shops, Voodoo prides itself on pushing the boundaries with bold ingredient pairings and striking doughnut designs that capture imaginations as well as appetites. The founders’ background in Portland’s alternative music and arts scene has instilled a strong personality into the brand, evident in everything from the store’s decor to the names and styles of doughnuts offered. This makes visits feel like stepping into a slice of Portland’s countercultural history blended with modern urban vibes. The practice of hosting atypical activities such as legal weddings inside the shop adds to the uniqueness, creating stories that guests enjoy recalling. Coupled with the longstanding reputation and loyal following, which includes mentions in national media, Voodoo Doughnut stands not only as a purveyor of sweets but as a cultural landmark. This blend of exceptional product and local color ensures groups leave with more than just full stomachs; they take home an experience that is fun, flavorful, and inherently Portland.
How accessible and convenient is Voodoo Doughnut for groups?
Accessibility and convenience are crucial factors that reinforce Voodoo Doughnut as an excellent meetup destination. Its original location is in downtown Portland’s Old Town Chinatown, a neighborhood well connected by public transport, making it easy for groups coming from different parts of the city. The shop operates 24/7, catering to diverse schedules and offering unmatched flexibility—whether your crew prefers a leisurely morning brunch, an afternoon snack, or a late-night treat after bar hopping. This around-the-clock service helps avoid peak hour crowds for groups looking for a quieter experience as well. While the flagship store is the heart of Voodoo Doughnut culture, additional locations in Portland and other cities offer alternatives for those seeking shorter lines or different atmospheres. Moreover, the staff’s efficiency in handling large volumes ensures that even big groups can get their orders quickly without long waits. The company’s reputation for warm, friendly service further enhances the experience, providing comfort and ease for all guests. All these factors combine to make Voodoo Doughnut a go-to location for groups seeking an easy-to-access yet unforgettable gathering spot.
Overall, Voodoo Doughnut offers a unique and dynamic environment filled with eclectic doughnut creations, a lively atmosphere, and flexible social spaces that cater perfectly to friends and families looking to rally together. From its rich cultural roots and innovative spirit to its late-night hours and inclusive vibe, it represents more than just a dessert stop—it’s a social hub that transforms ordinary outings into extraordinary memories.