Voodoo Doughnut, Portland (must see)

Voodoo Doughnut began in 2003 when friends Kenneth Pogson and Tres Shannon opened a small shop between two nightclubs. Their idea combined hospitality, show-business humour and a do-it-yourself spirit with doughnuts that moved beyond standard glazes and fillings. National media attention arrived soon after opening, helping the original shop become closely associated with the region’s playful food culture.

The storefront is easy to recognise by its pink exterior, colourful window frames and large neon sign. Inside, the space is compact and deliberately theatrical, with bright decorations, unusual names and doughnuts displayed as visual jokes as much as desserts. The company’s pink boxes have also become a familiar sight, often carried through the surrounding historic district by visitors waiting to sample the shop’s creations.

Well-known choices include the Voodoo Doll, a chocolate-frosted, raspberry-filled figure pierced with a pretzel stake, and the Bacon Maple Bar, which combines maple frosting with strips of bacon. Other options use cereal, cookie crumbs, peanut-butter drizzle, fruit fillings and candy toppings, while the menu also includes plain cake doughnuts, old-fashioned varieties and raised glazed rings. Several selections are available in vegan versions, though all products are prepared on shared equipment.

The original branch stays open from early morning until late at night, making it a popular stop after concerts, dinners and evening walks. Lines can form around the entrance, especially at weekends and during busy travel periods, and the small interior may feel crowded. Visitors who prefer a quicker purchase can check current ordering options before arriving, while those joining the queue can watch the lively street scene and the shop’s neon-lit façade.