Donut Queen

Introduction / Overview

In the fiercely competitive, high-profile donut scene of Portland, Oregon—a city famous worldwide for its imaginative pastry shops—Donut Queen stands out not for neon signs or wacky flavors, but for uncompromising, traditional quality. Located unassumingly on East Burnside Street, this small, family-owned bakery is widely celebrated by local patrons as a true hidden gem, a classic "first wave" donut shop that consistently delivers fresh, delicious, and generously sized treats. For Oregon residents who appreciate the perfection of a simple, well-made pastry over gimmicky creations, Donut Queen is the essential destination.

The bakery has earned a fierce loyalty among Portlanders, primarily on the strength of its legendary Apple Fritter, which has garnered critical praise from food reviewers and enthusiasts alike. Customers rave about its immense size—often described as "HUGE" or even "football-sized"—and its perfectly executed texture: crispy and slightly overcooked around the edges (in the best possible way) while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. Beyond the fritter, the shop specializes in delivering classic donuts, bars, and twists that are consistently fresh and often noted for possessing a subtle, unique spice or flavor profile that elevates them above standard fare. The vibe of Donut Queen is the epitome of a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall spot; it is tiny, genuine, and immediately welcoming, thanks in large part to the super nice and friendly owner. This combination of traditional quality, immense value, and authentic local charm makes the Donut Queen experience one that is well worth seeking out in the 97215 area.

Location and Accessibility

Donut Queen is nestled in the heart of East Portland, situated perfectly to serve the surrounding residential neighborhoods near Mount Tabor. Its address is 5842 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97215, USA. This placement on East Burnside, while on a major road, keeps it slightly off the beaten path of the more tourist-heavy donut corridors, contributing to its authentic "hole-in-the-wall" reputation. The location is an easy stop for those commuting or running errands in the Southeast Portland area.

A significant benefit for local customers is the inclusion of a dedicated, adjacent parking lot. Given that the shop is tiny and located in a dense neighborhood, the ability to "Drive into the little adjacent parking lot, walk in, and order" is an invaluable convenience for those who are making a quick visit or driving in from outside the immediate area. While the atmosphere is cozy and conducive to a quick visit, the primary service is structured for takeout, making the process of getting your dozen donuts or massive apple fritters both swift and efficient. The community-centric nature of the business ensures that the focus remains on getting fresh, quality products into the hands of Portlanders quickly.

Services Offered

Donut Queen operates with a highly focused and efficient service model, centering on quick takeout of their handcrafted baked goods and complementary items. Their services are designed to maximize speed and quality for the customer on the go.

• Takeout Service: The primary and most efficient way to enjoy their products, perfect for morning commutes, work treats, or taking home for the family.
• Fresh Donuts and Specialties: Offering a wide variety of raised and cake donuts, including classic Glazed, Jelly & Custard-filled, Maple Bars, twists, and specialty items like Bear Claws and the Famous Apple Fritters.
• Bulk Donut Options: Provides cost-effective options for families and groups, such as the 1 Dozen Donuts-Mixed Round and the Dozen Donuts Holes.
• Coffee Service: Essential for any Oregon bakery, Donut Queen offers coffee to pair perfectly with their sweet, freshly fried goods.
• Savory Side Items: A unique offering of Sambusa (available in Chicken, Beef, or Tuna styles), providing a quick, affordable, savory option alongside the sweet pastries.
• Affordable Packaged Beverages: A selection of cold drinks, including Can Drink, Gatorade, and Glass Bottle options, all priced to be a convenient, low-cost add-on to any donut purchase.

Features / Highlights

Donut Queen’s success in Portland is built on a few core features that local customers consistently rave about. These highlights are what draw people from all over the city to this unassuming location.

• The Famous, Massive Apple Fritter: Praised as the "best I’ve ever had," these fritters are the bakery's signature—huge, perfectly crispy around the edges, and loaded with flavor, offering exceptional value at only $2.50.
• Unmatched Quality of Classic Donuts: Customers report that even the standard donuts are "just as tasty" and represent the quality of "first wave donuts," providing a refreshing alternative to more expensive, experimental rivals.
• Affordable Pricing Structure: With a Glazed donut at $1.10 and a dozen mixed rounds at $10.95, Donut Queen offers some of the most competitive and accessible pricing for premium quality donuts in the PDX area.
• Exceptional Customer Service: The owner is consistently described as "super nice and friendly," fostering a genuine, warm, and inviting atmosphere that makes customers feel valued and encourages repeat business.
• Unique Savory Offering: The inclusion of Sambusa, a delightful savory pastry, provides a distinct and popular grab-and-go snack not often found at traditional donut shops.

Contact Information

For Oregonians planning a visit or needing to inquire about a large order, the following contact details are available for Donut Queen:

Address: 5842 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97215, USA

Phone: (619) 806-7265

Mobile Phone: +1 619-806-7265

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Donut Queen is a vote for tradition, quality, and authentic local flavor in a city often saturated with corporate or overly complex pastry concepts. For Portland residents, this bakery is truly worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with the local appreciation for genuine craftsmanship and community support.

First and foremost, the culinary quality of the staples is outstanding. When a donut is deemed "that yummy" and consistently receives high marks for being light, airy, deeply satisfying, and perfectly executed, it speaks to a level of dedication beyond the average bakery. The Apple Fritter is not just a food item; it’s a regional standout, a culinary benchmark that draws customers across long distances. This is a crucial element for local food enthusiasts who prioritize taste and texture above all else.

Second, the value proposition is nearly unbeatable. In an era of rising costs, Donut Queen maintains highly reasonable and accessible prices, particularly for the sheer size and quality of their specialty items. The generous portions—including the massive Bear Claws and the aforementioned fritters—mean customers get more for their money, a fact that is always appreciated by budget-conscious locals and families.

Finally, supporting Donut Queen means supporting a true "hole in the wall" family-owned business—the kind of genuine, unpretentious establishment that defines Portland's best neighborhood food spots. The friendly service is a powerful incentive, making every quick visit a pleasant interaction. For Oregonians looking for "first wave" donuts that are fresh, delicious, inexpensive, and served with a smile, Donut Queen on East Burnside is the highly recommended local champion.

Donut Queen

5842 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97215, USA