Voodoo Doughnut

Introduction / Overview: The Heart of Portland's Quirky Doughnut Culture

No exploration of Oregon’s unique food landscape is complete without a pilgrimage to Voodoo Doughnut, and this location on SW 3rd Avenue is where the legendary story began. Opened in 2003 by lifelong friends Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Richard “Tres” Shannon, this shop quickly became the flagship for a global phenomenon. The founders—two well-known personalities in the downtown Portland music and bar scene—aimed to create a unique culinary experience that was anything but ordinary, infusing the humble doughnut with a playful, countercultural spirit. This is the authentic spot, located in the heart of the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, a place that embodies Portland's distinctive "Keep Portland Weird" mantra.

Voodoo Doughnut is recognized internationally for its imaginative and often outrageous creations. Their vibrant, eclectic atmosphere—often featuring black velvet paintings, unique stained glass, and a famously colorful interior—transforms a simple snack run into a full-blown experience. This specific location, originally open late at night to cater to the neighborhood's unique clientele, established the foundation for the brand's identity: high-quality treats served in a fun, unapologetically bizarre setting. The iconic pink boxes have traveled the world, symbolizing a uniquely Portland indulgence.

This shop is not just famous for its novelty. It's the home of the Portland Cream doughnut, which was officially designated Portland's "Official City Doughnut" in 2008 by the City Council. It’s a definite must-visit spot that many believe you should check out at least once to fully appreciate the origin of Portland's deep-fried revolution. Even patrons who initially came around 8 PM to avoid a line noted that the experience "felt more authentic" at the original location.

Location and Accessibility in Downtown Portland

The original Voodoo Doughnut shop is strategically located in the busy Old Town neighborhood of Downtown Portland, making it easily accessible for Oregon locals, commuters, and visitors alike.

The address is: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA.

This location is known for its proximity to other downtown attractions. However, parking is typically on-street and managed via Paid street parking—something local users should plan for in this central urban area. For those using public transit or walking, the central location is highly convenient.

The business is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all patrons, offering crucial accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Note: public street parking may vary, but the business is listed as facilitating accessible parking options)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

The small, cozy space, though often busy, provides a quintessential urban experience. The shop’s friendly and helpful staff, such as the helpful 'Cricket' one customer mentioned, contribute positively to the quick visit planning experience.

Services Offered

Voodoo Doughnut offers streamlined services to ensure every customer can get their fix, whether they are a dedicated night owl or an early bird looking for breakfast:

• Onsite Services: Direct counter service for an engaging in-store experience, allowing you to view the rotating stacks of creative doughnuts.
• Takeout: Quick service to grab your famous pink box of treats to enjoy on the go.
• Delivery: Convenient option to have your chosen selection of unique doughnuts delivered right to your door.
• In-store Pickup: An easy solution for pre-ordering your doughnuts, minimizing wait times.

Features / Highlights: Unconventional Delights and Iconic Treats

Voodoo Doughnut is a place of endless creativity, and its menu is a constant source of intrigue.

• The Hall of Fame Menu: This location is the birthplace of many famous creations, including the savory-sweet Bacon Maple Bar (a raised bar with maple frosting and strips of bacon) and the instantly recognizable Voodoo Doll © (filled with raspberry jelly, topped with chocolate frosting, and pierced with a pretzel stake). Other icons include the Portland Cream and the Old Dirty Bastard (with chocolate frosting, Oreo crumbles, and peanut butter).
• Innovative Specialty Items: The shop consistently introduces creative specialty items that push the boundaries of confectionary. Beyond their classic doughnut menu, they feature delights like the Sweet Cream Cannolo and Lemon Cannolo, showcasing their commitment to unique baked goods.
• Diverse Doughnut Categories: The shop offers a wide selection across Raised (light and fluffy yeast), Cake (dense and moist), and Specialty categories, along with an impressive lineup of Vegan options. They cater to a variety of sweet cravings, with flavors ranging from the nostalgic The Homer to the tropical Mango Tango.
• Commitment to Vegan Options: Voodoo Doughnut ensures that no one misses out, with a robust menu of over ten vegan options, including the Vegan Apple Fritter and Vegan Voodoo Doll ©. This dedication to inclusivity is a notable highlight for local patrons with dietary preferences.
• Atmosphere and Amenities: The ambiance is Casual and vibrant. They offer Great coffee to pair with the desserts and are a popular choice for Solo dining and a Quick visit. Amenities include a Restroom for customer use.

Contact Information

For Oregon residents planning a visit to the original location, or to inquire about delivery and takeout options, please use the contact information below:

Address: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
Phone: (503) 241-4704

For mobile or direct dialing, the number is: +1 503-241-4704.

What is Worth Choosing: The Authentic Voodoo Doughnut Experience

Choosing Voodoo Doughnut, especially the Old Town location, means embracing a genuine piece of Portland history and flavor. It is a celebrated establishment that has achieved global fame while remaining true to its weird, creative roots.

For the Connoisseur: While the creative toppings are a major draw, the quality of the base product is what keeps customers returning. As one customer noted, after choosing the classic chocolate to judge the standard, the experience was "not disappointing," describing the dough as having a "little crispy outside and soft inside." This highlights that even the simplest offerings are made with care. The doughnuts are known for being a bit on the sweeter side, but the quality of the dough and the intriguing sweet & savory mixes—like the chocolate—make for an excellent, rich treat.

Unmatched Variety and Creativity: With dozens of options, including both traditional fare and over-the-top, cereal-covered, or filled concoctions, the selection is vast. This shop is perfect for groups or individuals looking to mix-and-match a variety of fun, colorful, and unique flavors to take home in that famous pink box. The addition of specialty cannoli and the extensive vegan menu ensures that every craving, no matter how unusual, can be satisfied.

The Original Charm: This SW 3rd Ave shop, often called the "OG spot," holds a certain authenticity that many visitors seek. It’s a chance to witness the business in its cozy, compact space where the "magic is in the hole" slogan truly began. For a local looking for an unmissable Oregon food icon—or just a truly amazing donut—the original Voodoo Doughnut offers a rewarding, colorful, and absolutely memorable stop.

Voodoo Doughnut

22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA