Heading to downtown Portland I knew that VooDoo Doughnuts were going to be one of our first stops. Not only have I seen lots of people rave about it but the doughnuts are super trendy and different. However, when I did some research about their doughnuts I found lots of people stating that Blue Star Donuts were where its at and that they dominated VooDoo. Needless to say, clearly a competition with my taste buds was on and so began the great debate on Blue Star Donuts vs VooDoo Doughnuts.
Blue Star Donuts vs VooDoo Doughnuts
Since we were walking from our hotel, we decided to stop at the closest shop first so Blue Star Donuts it was. The bakery was small with very little seating but new and had a very clean look to it. We waited in a short line to see our choices which were few but smelled amazing! We chose 4 different donuts for a whopping total of $16 and then made our way outside to eat on the street.
I personally chose a lemon poppyseed buttermilk donut as I’m an addict when it comes to lemon and poppyseed anything. The donut was very fresh and tasty but very heavy and filling since its a buttermilk donut. Next up was a maple bacon donut which was pretty tasty then the list continued with an original buttermilk and finally an “OG” donut that had an interesting taste. I wasn’t a big fan but my husband and boys liked it.
Next up was VooDoo Doughnuts to see if they could rival Blue Star at all. We headed a couple of blocks further until we spotted the pink gated line to doughnut heaven number two. The line wasn’t terribly long but longer than we expected for 10am on a weekday. We waited a total of 20 minutes next to their glitter painted walls while the line behind us grew immensely longer.
Since we knew that VooDoo offered a lot of choices, we looked up their menu online to get an idea as to what we wanted to try. Oh and huge tip! They take cash only so make sure you come prepared or that you run over to one of the two ATM’s across the street. Once we rounded the corner into the bakery itself we were entertained with all the colorful decor and metal music playing in the background. They also had their doughnuts on a rotating display which made it easier to visually see how huge their doughnuts really are.
Once it was our go we knew exactly what we wanted. We ordered a variety again and headed outside to a colorful seating area to indulge on our second doughnut adventure. I honestly thought that I was going to be too full to eat more doughnuts but once I got a taste of what they had to offer, I was able to scoff it all down no problem.
Overall, Blue Star’s donuts were what I would call a gourmet donut. They are made with quality ingredients and tasted great however, they came at a price. The line was short and they accepted all forms of payment. VooDoo’s Doughnuts, are your typical doughnut but amped up with amazingly awesome creations. The doughnuts were fresh and full of sugary goodness however, the line and wait was long and they only accept cash.
Now down to business. So who’s doughnuts were the best? In all honesty, I’m going to have to give it to VooDoo Doughnuts. Yes, they are a tourist attraction, yes, they are wildly popular because of this but for the creatively tasty combinations at a cheap price, you can’t beat it. So I leave the challenge in your hands now. Next time you are in Portland I challenge you to try both bakeries and let me know which one you prefer. Both are awesome and tasty but VooDoo Doughnuts has my fat kid heart.
After giving this some serious thought, I’m thinking I’ll just go to both if I’m ever in the area. Which one is the best? Who can say for sure. All I know is that if I go to both I’M the winner.
I have been to a few VooDoo’s Doughnuts (Portland and Denver) but never tried Blue Star donuts. I am not sure if I can have either now – do either serve a gluten free option?!
I know Blue Star does but I’m not sure about VooDoo!
This place looks like a ton of fun. I hope we get the chance to try it someday that line tells me it must be super awesome.
I have actually never had either kind. But I am liking the way all of them look! Yum!
So I’ve never had either. I feel like I need to go try both now!
Wow they both look amazing. I’ve never heard of either place but let me tell you if i ever get out in that area, I know where I’m headed! To both, because wow! Those are some donuts!
Wow they both look great! I wish I had more specialty donut shops where I live. Then again, maybe not because I’ll be visiting one daily. ;-D
These doughnuts look amazing. I try to avoid them since I am trying to lose weight. If I was given the chance, I would have to splurge, doughnuts are one of my favorite treats.
All the donuts from both stores look amazing. I want to go to Portland just to try these donuts. 🙂
I like your comparison of both places. It sounds like each has its own unique qualities and both are worth the visit.
Donuts are my favorite treats. I would love to try the donuts from both of these places.
omg.. captain crunch with berries doughnuts!?!? i think i just feel absolutley in love…. I need to c=visit that doughnut shop!
We are huge donut fans over here. Thanks for sharing these popular donut spots. I would love to check them out if we visitPortland.
Since I’m on the east coast, I haven’t even heard of either of these places! I do love donuts though so if I’m ever in the area, I know what I will be doing 😉
All I can say is that my son and I would have good time deciding which place is best, lol.
Wow those look so yummy. I know of a shop in California that has crazy good donuts also. Crazy how they are getting so wild with food. Thank you for sharing.
I was told that Blue Star Donuts was where it s at.My brother and cousin and I ventured out to this tiny donut shop and it was probably the best donuts I ve ever had.