I love donuts, and Eugene, Oregon has some amazing options for sweet treat lovers. From classic glazed to fancy flavors, there’s a donut shop to satisfy every craving in this charming city.
The top 5 donut shops in Eugene offer mouthwatering treats that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, trying these bakeries is a must for any donut fan.
Let’s take a quick tour of the best spots to grab a delicious donut in Eugene.
1. Daynight Donuts
I love starting my day at Daynight Donuts! This local gem has become my go-to spot for a morning treat. As soon as I walk in, the sweet aroma of freshly baked donuts fills the air.
Their selection is amazing. I always have a hard time choosing between classic glazed, creative flavors, and seasonal specials. The donuts are light, fluffy, and not too sweet – just perfect.
What really stands out to me is how friendly the staff is. They greet me with a smile and are always happy to give recommendations. It’s clear they take pride in their work and enjoy serving customers.
I’ve found Daynight Donuts to be a great place to grab a quick breakfast or meet friends for coffee. The cozy atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy a delicious donut or two.
Rating: 4.4 (983 reviews)
Location: 1520 State Hwy 99 N, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 688-1365
2. O’My Mini Donuts & Beignets
I couldn’t resist the adorable mini donuts at O’My Mini Donuts & Beignets. The moment I walked in, the smell of fresh, hot donuts filled the air. It’s a cozy little spot in downtown Eugene that’s perfect for a sweet treat.
What makes this place special is how they serve the donuts. I watched as they sizzled and popped out of the machine right before my eyes. Then I got to pick my own toppings. It was so fun to create my own unique flavors!
The menu changes often, so there’s always something new to try. I loved the seasonal flavors they had when I visited. They also offer milk to go with your donuts – regular, strawberry, or chocolate.
If you’re planning an event, O’My Mini Donuts can cater it. They’ll bring their donut machine right to you for fresh, hot donuts on the spot. It would be such a hit at a wedding or birthday party!
Rating: 4.8 (113 reviews)
Location: 460 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (541) 954-9690
Website: Visit Website
3. Cal’s Donuts & Pastry
I stumbled upon Cal’s Donuts & Pastry on River Road and I’m so glad I did! This local gem has become my go-to spot for a morning treat. The moment I walked in, the sweet aroma of freshly baked donuts greeted me.
The selection at Cal’s is impressive. From classic glazed to fancy filled varieties, they’ve got something for everyone. I tried their apple fritter and it was out of this world – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with chunks of real apple.
What really sets Cal’s apart is their friendly service. The staff always has a smile and makes you feel right at home. It’s clear they take pride in their work and love what they do. I’ve noticed many regulars chatting with the employees, which speaks volumes about the welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re in Eugene and craving a delicious donut, Cal’s is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared – you might find yourself coming back again and again!
Rating: 4.5 (303 reviews)
Location: 2091 River Rd, Eugene, OR 97404
Contact: (541) 461-3838
Website: Visit Website
4. Voodoo Doughnut
I recently visited Voodoo Doughnut in Eugene, and I was blown away by their unique treats. The shop’s fun, quirky vibe drew me in right away. As soon as I stepped inside, I was hit with the sweet smell of fresh doughnuts.
The menu had so many wild flavors, I didn’t know where to start. I ended up trying their famous Voodoo Doll doughnut – a chocolate-frosted delight filled with raspberry jelly. It was just as tasty as it was cute.
What really stood out to me was how fresh everything tasted. The doughnuts were soft and fluffy, and the toppings were perfectly sweet. I also loved that they had vegan options available.
While the line was a bit long when I went, it moved quickly. The staff was friendly and helped me pick out some great flavors to try. If you’re in Eugene and looking for a special treat, I’d say Voodoo Doughnut is a must-visit spot.
Rating: 4.5 (2600 reviews)
Location: 20 E Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (541) 868-8666
Website: Visit Website
5. Hideaway Bakery
I love starting my day at Hideaway Bakery. It’s a cozy spot tucked away on E Amazon Drive that feels like a secret gem. The aroma of fresh-baked goods hits you as soon as you walk in, making your mouth water instantly.
Their donuts are a real treat. I always go for their classic glazed – it’s perfectly sweet and fluffy. But they also have some unique flavors that change regularly. Last time I tried a lavender lemon donut that was out of this world.
The bakery has a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a great place to grab breakfast or lunch with friends. I enjoy sitting outside on their patio when the weather’s nice. The staff is always friendly and quick to offer recommendations.
While Hideaway is known for their pastries, don’t overlook their savory options. Their breakfast sandwiches are delicious and made with quality ingredients. It’s hard to resist grabbing an extra pastry for later on my way out.
Rating: 4.5 (874 reviews)
Location: 3377 E Amazon Dr, Eugene, OR 97405
Contact: (541) 868-1982
Website: Visit Website
The History of Donuts in Eugene
As a donut lover in Eugene, I’ve always been curious about how these sweet treats became so popular in our city. It turns out donuts have been a local favorite for decades!
The first donut shops in Eugene opened in the 1950s and 1960s. These small family-run bakeries made fresh donuts daily. Locals would stop by for coffee and a glazed donut before work.
In the 1970s and 1980s, more donut shops popped up around town. I remember Dizzy Dean’s Donuts opening in the 1980s. It quickly became a Eugene staple.
The 1990s and 2000s saw even more growth in Eugene’s donut scene. New shops brought creative flavors and toppings. Vegan and gluten-free options also became available.
Today, Eugene has a thriving donut culture. We have everything from old-school classics to trendy gourmet donuts. I love trying new donut shops that keep opening around town.
Some of my favorite long-running donut spots in Eugene include:
- Cal’s Donuts (since 1960s)
- Master Donuts (since 1980s)
- Voodoo Doughnut (opened Eugene location in 2000s)
I’m excited to see how Eugene’s donut scene continues to evolve in the coming years!
Why Donuts are a Favorite Treat
Donuts hold a special place in my heart. These sweet, doughy treats bring joy with every bite. Their versatility and comforting nature make them a go-to snack for many.
Perfect Pairings With Donuts
I love how donuts complement other foods and drinks. A classic pairing is donuts with coffee. The sweetness balances the coffee’s bitterness perfectly.
For a twist, I enjoy dunking donuts in hot chocolate. It’s like a warm hug for my taste buds!
Milk is another great match. Its creamy coolness offsets the donut’s richness.
For a fancy touch, I sometimes pair donuts with dessert wines. The contrast is surprising and delightful.
Fruit can add a fresh element. I like to serve sliced strawberries or a fruit compote alongside my donuts. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a pop of color.
The Art of Donut Making
Making donuts is a labor of love. It starts with creating the perfect dough. I mix flour, yeast, sugar, and other ingredients to form a soft, pliable base.
Next comes shaping. Whether it’s rings, holes, or filled varieties, each shape requires skill. I use special cutters for consistent sizes.
Frying is crucial. The oil temperature must be just right. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool, and the donuts absorb too much oil.
Glazing and decorating are where creativity shines. From simple sugar coatings to elaborate designs, this step transforms plain donuts into works of art.
I love experimenting with flavors like maple bacon or mango-filled options.
Tips for Visiting Eugene’s Donut Shops
I’ve learned a few tricks for getting the best donut experience in Eugene. Timing is key, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Here are my top tips for donut lovers visiting the city.
Best Times to Visit
I always try to visit donut shops early in the morning. Most Eugene donut shops open around 6 AM. This is when you’ll find the freshest treats and the widest selection.
Weekends can get busy, so I aim for weekday mornings if possible. If you’re a late riser, some shops make fresh batches throughout the day.
I’ve noticed that right after lunch is another good time. Many places prepare a fresh afternoon batch around 1 or 2 PM.
Avoid visiting just before closing time. You might find a limited selection or day-old donuts.
How to Spot a Fresh Donut
Fresh donuts are a real treat. Here’s how I check for freshness:
- Look for a slight sheen on glazed donuts.
- The donut should feel light and airy, not dense or heavy.
- Smell is key – fresh donuts have a warm, sweet aroma.
I always ask the staff which donuts are freshest. They’re usually happy to point out the latest batch.
For filled donuts, I check that the filling is evenly distributed. A good donut shop will take care to fill each one properly.
Lastly, I look at the display case. A clean, well-organized case often indicates attention to detail and freshness.
