When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver 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 is a standout doughnut company renowned for its creative, offbeat, and artisan doughnuts that make it a perfect meetup spot for friends and doughnut lovers alike. Founded in 2003 in Portland, Oregon by Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Richard "Tres" Shannon, the shop quickly gained fame for its unique doughnut creations such as the Voodoo Doll, Bacon Maple Bar, and Portland Crème — the latter being officially recognized as Portland's "Official City Doughnut." Its reputation is built on distinctive flavors and playful, unconventional toppings like bacon, cereal, peanut butter, and Tang. The original location in Old Town Portland originally catered to night owls and bar-goers and has since expanded to multiple locations across seven states, including prominent spots in Eugene and Denver. Open 24 hours in Portland, Voodoo Doughnut offers a lively, quirky atmosphere that blends countercultural spirit with a welcoming vibe, making it an exciting place for friends to gather at any hour of the day or night. Alongside their doughnuts, customers can enjoy exclusive Magic Roast coffee, and the company also offers customization and event catering services that make celebrations memorable. Known for the pink signature boxes and a strong community presence, Voodoo Doughnut is more than just a bakery — it's a cultural icon and a must-visit for anyone seeking fun, flavorful, and imaginative treats in a lively social setting.
Here's what people think of Voodoo Doughnut
As of recent, Voodoo Doughnut holds a 4.6-star rating based on 8397 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Voodoo Doughnut for its fun, imaginative doughnuts and the vibrant, eclectic environment that draws a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike. Positive feedback highlights the wide variety of artisanal flavors, with special mention of fan favorites like the Bacon Maple Bar and the iconic Voodoo Doll doughnut. Many users appreciate the vegan options available, the fresh daily preparation, and the opportunity to enjoy doughnuts well into the late night, thanks to their extended hours. The shop’s unique aesthetic and whimsical branding, including the memorable pink boxes, also receive compliments for enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to long wait times, especially during peak hours, and occasional inconsistencies in service speed. A few mentions include critiques about the price point, which some find a bit high considering the portion sizes or doughnut styles. However, such criticisms tend to be outweighed by the strong enthusiasm customers have for the product quality and quirky atmosphere. In conclusion, reviews reflect that Voodoo Doughnut is widely loved for its creativity, quality, and cultural cachet, making it a top destination for doughnut lovers despite minor service or pricing drawbacks.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mark T
The doughnuts were fresh and fluffy. This is a great place to stop for a quick snack when you're traveling through Denver. Their signature voodoo doughnut is filled with jelly and has a pretzel on top. You can't miss it! From the unique to the standard classic, Voodoo Doughnuts has a doughnut for you.
Sarah Rooney
My son sent me Voodoo doughnuts for Mother’s Day and I couldn’t stop eating them! One was better than the next. I had the banana cream, chocolate coconut and apple fritter. They were insanely delicious!! One of these days I’m going to have to go to the store. Highly recommend!!
Rainy Corr
I love Voodoo. Yummy food. Excellent staff that care about the neighborhood and caring for those less fortunate. I'll always support and give my business to them. Grab a dozen! You won't be disappointed!
Mike Roudebush
First-time customer. Construction in front of the building made for difficult parking. Staff was great, the selection was amazing (very unusual combinations), and you can taste the quality of ingredients used. Would recommend this shop.
Ash Denver
If you find yourself in downtown Denver, a visit to Voodoo Doughnut on Colfax is a must! This place isn't just a doughnut shop; it's an experience, and one that consistently leaves you smiling. From the moment you step inside, you're met with a friendly vibe and an incredible, almost overwhelming, selection of doughnuts. While every doughnut is a work of art, some personal favorites that stand out include the Dirt Doughnut and the classic, comforting Maple Bar, and of course the perfectly crisp and sweet Apple Fritter. But honestly, you can't go wrong with anything you choose. Another fantastic aspect is their hours - being open for 22 hours a day means you can satisfy your doughnut craving almost anytime! Late night treat or an early morning pick-me-up, Voodoo is there. Make sure you add this place to your downtown itinerary.
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?
Voodoo Doughnut is more than just a place to grab a sweet treat; it's a vibrant, offbeat destination where friends can gather to share a unique and memorable experience. Situated in the heart of Portland's Old Town Chinatown, the original shop opens its doors to an atmosphere buzzing with energy from nearby bars, live music venues, and eclectic city life. This makes it an ideal spot for groups looking to extend a night out or create a fun daytime adventure. Sharing boxes of creatively crafted doughnuts — with names as quirky as the shop itself, like the Voodoo Doll or the Old Dirty Bastard — adds an exciting element of discovery and indulgence to the meetup. Whether you're looking to fuel up with some unconventional flavors or simply enjoy each other's company in a lively setting, Voodoo Doughnut’s welcoming environment encourages socializing around a shared love of imaginative sweets. The bright pink boxes and playful branding instantly put everyone in a cheerful mood, making it a perfect rallying point for friends and families wanting to celebrate, relax, or just take a break from the ordinary.
Moreover, the vibe here is uniquely Portland — edgy, inclusive, and fun — reflecting the founders' commitment to countercultural spirit and creativity. This means the venue does not just deliver delicious doughnuts but also invites you into an experience that’s part culinary adventure, part cultural statement. It is a place to gather, laugh, reminisce, and create new memories while indulging in treats that surprise and delight. This combination of great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and an unmistakably fun identity makes Voodoo Doughnut a top pick for a group meetup.
What kinds of activities can you do at Voodoo Doughnut with your group?
Voodoo Doughnut offers a variety of engaging activities that go beyond simply eating doughnuts, making it an ideal social hub for groups. Inside the cozy and colorful shop, you can watch fresh doughnuts being prepared in the back bakery, an experience that's both interactive and appetizing. This behind-the-scenes glimpse invites curiosity and conversation, perfect for keeping a group entertained while waiting in line or ordering. Groups can challenge each other to try the shop's wide range of creative and unusual doughnut flavors, incorporating unexpected ingredients like bacon, cereal, and various vibrant toppings. Sampling these eccentric creations can turn into a fun tasting competition or a shared culinary exploration.
Additionally, the original Voodoo Doughnut location is famous for hosting legal weddings and commitment ceremonies right inside the store — yes, you can even tie the knot surrounded by your closest friends underneath a giant “holy” doughnut! This adds a whimsical and personal level of meaning for those looking to celebrate special moments in an unconventional setting. For groups not tying the knot, the shop sometimes hosts unique events such as loft concerts above their famously decorated bathrooms or cultural activities, including weekly Swahili lessons, adding a quirky layer of entertainment to the usual doughnut visit.
Outside the shop, groups can enjoy the lively Ankeny Alley, a pedestrian zone next to the store featuring picnic tables and open-air seating. This space lets you sit down and relax with your Voodoo treats while soaking up the lively ambiance of Old Town’s bustling nightlife district. The alley is a perfect extension of your meetup, offering a social space where conversations, laughter, and shared sweets can flow freely, with the vibrant energy of downtown Portland as a backdrop.
Why is Voodoo Doughnut perfect for group meetups?
Voodoo Doughnut’s appeal for group meetups lies in its blend of unique food offerings, a distinctive atmosphere, and thoughtful accommodations for social gatherings. First, the doughnuts themselves are conversation starters; their imaginative flavors and bold presentation encourage sharing and friendly debate over which treats to try. This naturally facilitates interaction and connection among friends or family, making everyone part of the fun experience rather than simply customers in line.
The shop’s layout supports socializing, with quick, friendly service allowing groups to move efficiently through the ordering process and then retreat to nearby seating or the adjacent Ankeny Alley to enjoy their sweet haul together. The alley’s picnic tables and open space provide a casual yet vibrant setting that is especially attractive for larger groups who want to linger, chat, and people-watch while savoring their doughnuts.
Moreover, Voodoo Doughnut’s ambiance is built on creativity, inclusivity, and a playful spirit, making visitors feel welcome regardless of their background or interests. This light-hearted vibe is heightened by the store’s colorful décor and famous pink boxes, which add a festive tone to any gathering. Whether your group is celebrating a special occasion or simply meeting up for a spontaneous outing, the shop's quirky charm puts everyone at ease and fosters an atmosphere of shared enjoyment.
Notably, Voodoo Doughnut’s 24-hour operating schedule at its Portland locations means that groups can plan meetups at almost any time, whether as an early morning breakfast excursion, a late-night adventure, or somewhere in between. This flexibility accommodates diverse schedules, making it easier for friends and families with different lifestyles to come together.
What makes Voodoo Doughnut’s doughnuts stand out for groups?
The doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut are anything but ordinary, making them ideal treats to share in a group setting. The founders, known for their creative spirit, have developed a menu featuring combinations that surprise and excite. From sweet to savory, classic to bizarre, each doughnut tells a story and sparks conversation. For instance, the Voodoo Doll doughnut — a raised yeast doughnut shaped like a voodoo figure, complete with a pretzel “pin” — combines playful design with delicious flavors.
Other signature doughnuts include those topped with cereals, peanut butter, bacon, or unusual frostings, guaranteeing that everyone in the group finds something new and exciting to sample. This variety also encourages sharing boxes, where group members try a little bit of many flavors, making the experience interactive and communal.
The doughnuts are fresh and hot, with a constant stream of new creations coming up from the bakery, enhancing the group's excitement as they watch and anticipate trying something fresh. The iconic pink boxes add a fun, Instagram-worthy flair, perfect for groups who want to capture and share their outing memories.
This distinctive menu not only satisfies hunger but sparks curiosity and engagement, making the doughnuts themselves a central activity around which the group can bond.
How accessible and accommodating is Voodoo Doughnut for large or diverse groups?
Voodoo Doughnut is highly accommodating for diverse group sizes and needs thanks to strategic store locations and thoughtful service approaches. The original Portland store operates 24/7, catering to both early risers and night owls, and its second Portland location across the river provides an alternative spot with often shorter lines, reducing wait times considerably for groups. Having multiple locations helps ease the crowd, so gathering large parties is more manageable.
The existence of picnic tables in Ankeny Alley next to the Old Town location offers a comfortable, open-air setting where groups can spread out away from the line and enjoy their treats together without feeling rushed or cramped. Plus, the alley’s pedestrian-only status creates a safer environment for families with kids, making it welcoming across age groups.
Voodoo Doughnut also has a well-established reputation for inclusivity and hospitality, welcoming everyone regardless of background, and its founders’ roots in Portland’s counterculture scene reinforce an open-minded community atmosphere. This inclusivity ensures that groups with varied interests and demographics will feel at home.
Accessibility considerations in shop layout and multiple locations, combined with welcoming vibes and flexible hours, make Voodoo Doughnut an excellent, reliable choice for group meetups of any size or composition.
What is the cultural and community significance of Voodoo Doughnut for group gatherings?
Beyond its delicious products, Voodoo Doughnut serves as a cultural landmark in Portland and beyond, making meetups there resonate with a sense of place and community. The shop’s founding by well-known local personalities tied it to Portland’s historic countercultural and music scenes, giving groups a chance to connect not only to each other but to the city’s unique character.
The store’s eclectic offerings and its distinctive blend of irreverence and hospitality reflect Portland’s celebrated quirky and creative spirit, making it a destination where groups can experience something authentically local and memorable. For visitors and locals alike, gathering at Voodoo Doughnut offers access to a piece of the city’s fabric, enriched by stories of its founders and its evolution as a community staple.
Additionally, the venue’s occasional hosting of weddings, cultural lessons, and live events lends it multifaceted community value, inviting group meetups to expand beyond the culinary into cultural and social realms. This continuous engagement with the community helps groups feel they are participating in a living, dynamic experience rather than a mere transaction.
Meeting at Voodoo Doughnut thus becomes more than a casual hangout — it turns into a shared cultural moment, deepening the enjoyment of friendship and family connections within a setting that embodies Portland’s distinctive identity.