Reviews of Vortex Doughnuts. (Bakery) in Asheville (North Carolina).
Vortex Doughnuts
32 Banks Ave #106, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Description
Information of Vortex Doughnuts, Bakery in Asheville (North Carolina)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
We still haven't received any review on this business.
Map
Open hours of Vortex Doughnuts
Sunday
7 am–2 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
7 am–2 pm
Wednesday
7 am–2 pm
Thursday
7 am–2 pm
Friday
7 am–2 pm
Saturday
7 am–2 pm
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Reviews of Vortex Doughnuts
Giselle Kylynn
Variety and quality of the treats was outstanding. The have several non-vegan as well as gluten-sensitive options. The vegan and non-vegan ones are equally delicious! Will have to return to try gluten-sensitive and a few other flavors I missed. The coffee was perfectly balanced and delicious. The staff were extremely friendly, polite, and helpful. Every bite and sip is worth every penny!
BKLYN NYC
Some of the best yeast and cake donuts that I have ever had. You can tell they really care about what they put out. Also had an apricot fruit or which was out of this world with fresh apricot inside and the contrast between the sweet frosting and the sour apricot was amazing. The cream cheese donut is out of this world. Pretty much everything is really good try them all you wont be disappointed.
Lamair Clark
I'm usually not a big fan of donuts..but Man oh man! Just look at them....🤤
These are actually the Vegan ones my husband & I tried, They're really good it's scary.🙃
Texture is so soft, fluffy, & fresh.
○The vanilla(Cake) donut was my fav!🎂🍩
Husband & I ended up buying another 1/2 dozen before we came back to our home town!🤦🏽♀️😎
Alicia Soto
I'm a donut fanatic. This place offers cake and yeast donuts for all kinds of donut lovers. The mango pistachio was my favorite and the seasonal Orange Yerba mate paired well. They even have local art you can buy and take home! I've been looking for a donut place in NC that could compete with west coast style donuts and this place is one of my top 2 in the state!
Jessica
Impressive vegan and gluten free options!
Went on a Sunday and ate delicious donuts. I tried the old fashioned cake and espresso flavors. They were great. Service was relatively quick, even with a line when I arrived.
Derik Roberts
It was all great! We tried as many flavors as we possibly could and the blackberry lemonade was INCREDIBLE! I want more. We especially loved the lemon blackberry donut, strawberry fritter, and raspberry cinnamon sugar donut.
Benedict Vincent
Vortex has a plethora of creative donut options. Most are vegan and come with the choice of yeast or cake style. Gluten free has a bit of representation as well. They provide a complete coffee bar to supplement the sweet treats. If there was a donut style that was unique to this town the vortex donut is it!
Summer K
I think these just might be the best doughnuts I’ve had! So good! The yeast doughnuts are super light and airy yet still substantial. Lots of unique flavors and options for different dietary needs. Loved the blueberry sprinkle and the raspberry pistachio!
Ross Purple
We’re always on the hunt for the best donuts wherever we travel. Vortex definitely hit the spot while we were in Asheville recently. First things first…The staff was amazing from the time we came in until they were thanking us as we walked out! I live in the Greater Charlotte area and it’s not everyday that you get a smile with your coffee! It always warms my heart to see hard working people with a successful small business! The donuts were off the chain! They have a killer selection of both yeast and cake donuts. Their signature Vortex donut set the tone for the rest of these thoughtfully prepared bites of deliciousness. When you’re in Asheville definitely check out Vortex! You won’t regret it…
ET Bass
Great homemade donut shop on the south slope of downtown Asheville. They have a great selection of flavors. Interesting enough, each flavor comes in cake or yeast based donut.
Parking along street, or in a lot that's not being used nearby. Staff was very helpful.
Definitely will need to stop in again.
Taylor Moody
Awesome vegan donuts with a big selection of both vegan and non vegan toppings! The cake donuts are absolutely perfect, nice and crisp on the outside with soft middles. I highly recommend the Apple fritter and the plain cake donut! Every time I go to Asheville I have to get my Vortex fix!
Vega Sproul
Got the vortex donut and a specialty latte. Both were delicious and had to go back for seconds for a chocolate donut. If you are in the Asheville area this is a must try stop! Friendly and quick service.
Craig Osborne
Wow, is all I can say. This place was incredible, great coffee and fantastic doughnuts! They offer dense and light versions to appease anyone and their namesake Vortex Doughnut was a hit in either dense or light option!
Super friendly staff, some nice local art, and a lot of unique flavors available. This is a new staple for us when visiting Ashville and one of our most talked about spots from our recent trip!
Stephanie El-Hajj
I grew up in Portland, OR and this is the first place in Asheville I walked into and felt like I was home. Expect a line if you go in at 10am on a Sunday.
They've got cake donuts, gluten free donuts (but not celiac friendly, I assume as it's all made in the same kitchen), and yeast donuts.
The flavors seem to be mirrored, so if you prefer yeast, you can get the same toppings as the cake or gluten free. We got the caramel potato chip, cherry vanilla cookie, espresso, blueberry sprinkle, glazed, and question marks (I forget).
I ordered the gingerbread latte with oat milk and it was delightful. If you love molasses, this one is for you.
The staff is sweet, even though they're slammed, and I appreciate that. The lady slinging coffees grabbed us a to-go knife so we could treat the box of donuts like a box of bonbons and try bites of everything. You can sit and eat your treasures in the little yard to the side with all the tables.
The latte was a solid 5. The staff was a solid 5. The donuts were a 4. The cake donuts reminded me of donut holes, a scooch too crumbly and dry for me. Of the two, I prefer the yeast, as they were lighter and had a softer chew.
The thing that didn't work for me was the frosting - it's wildly sweet. Maybe I'm old, but 3/4 of a donut knocked me out. The caramel on the potato chip donut was more like caramel topping on a sundae, and reminded me of the drippy style sugary frosting you get at Duck's.
Definitely go here if you love, and can handle, sugar. I prefer a good bagel and cream cheese, so I'm not the target audience.
If I go back it'll be to try the packaged hot cocoa mixes. They're dairy free and have adorable names and I love a cup of cocoa.
Courtney Smith
I was looking for vegan donuts but I don’t like chocolate so I ended up trying 4 different regular ones. The apple fritter was my favorite, actually had apples chunks in them- yum! The old fashion and a pecan (?) one was really good too. I also got an oat milk gingerbread latte, yummy! Staff was really nice and the space is cool too. Happy I got to check them out 😊
Keith Bradsher
Wow!! We try to visit a doughnut place on our road trips throughout the USA. My wife loves a good doughnut and swears she will be buried with one. We ate at Vortex today and both declared it to be one of the best doughnuts we have ever eaten. Heavy, yet puffy and absolutely delicious. Fresh, tasty and delicious. A must for doughnut lovers visiting Asheville
Jason K
Coffee 5* and Donuts 3*..loved the coffee, but not my style donuts & wish the flavors were stronger and had different dough. Everything is fresh and everyone there was super nice!
Sally Noble
Yeasted and Cake donut options, friendly staff, chill atmosphere. Try one of their Signature Drinks. The chicory iced coffee was delicious with my yeasted cream cheese glazed donut. Glazes are messy but awesome. Loved everything!
Tami Stewart
We bought 4 doughs (2 cake and 2 yeast, apple fritters and filled doughnuts were sold out) at 1:45pm (closes at 2pm) for $10. The cake doughnuts were brown with a crispy edge which we like (chocolate glazed and a vortex, sugar cinnamon with a chocolate drizzle) and the yeast ones were soft and pillowy (chocolate glazed and a glazed). We will go earlier next time to try the fritters & filled doughnuts.
Pete Hatzakos
In constant search for the best doughnuts and will always stop on my travels to find them. Have tried donuts all around the country and these were just ok. I don't like when you can actually taste the oil that a doughnut is fried in when eating my doughnuts.
Some different flavor options like sweet potato pie, pumpkin spice, espresso, etc. I also like and appreciate that they have cake and yeasted versions as well, but the yeasted doughnuts were definitely not pillowy and heavenly as I expected. The cake doughnuts we tried were a bit dry. The search continues...
Carlos Fernández
Best gourmet donuts on Asheville so far staff was great coffee delicious and the place itself looked really good going back again soon
Dan Flaherty
We were visiting a friend, coming in from Philadelphia - and we had the best experience at Vortex Donuts in Asheville. Latte's, and donuts, with the espresso donut being our favorite, it was the best spot to start at before walking around the city!
Nageen Sayeed (Glamour N'Glitz Events)
I've been on a serious donut kick lately and Vortex did not disappoint. We waited for about 45 minutes to order and it was totally worth it. If you are looking for something quick this may not be a good option for you.
We ordered every flavor they had. They have two options of donuts (yeast & cake). Yeast is lighter and fluffy while cake is more dense. Another recommendation is if you can get them when they are warm it steps them up a whole other level.
Our favorite were the apple fritter (large chunks of apples), and Strawberry sprinkle (Strawberry tasted like real strawberries not that fake pink stuff you get at Dunkin).
Stop in and enjoy!
Bryan Hoybook
Great space for doughnuts with a twist. These aren’t over the top with the crazy toppings, just great flavor combinations that are unique.
Alison Rebecca Martin
Love love love the gluten sensitive donuts. I had chocolate and cream cheese this morning with no reactions. I’d say my sensitivity level is 6 or 7/10. The texture was deeelicious. Moist and cakey with a light crisp around the edges. They do run out and it takes some time to make. The employees were so sweet and helpful. They said it’s a great idea to call ahead. I came back when the fresh batch came out of the kitchen and it was worth the wait. My family enjoyed the regular yeast donuts.
patricia kenny
Giving 3 stars , might because we came around noon..but the doughnuts were subpar not fresh. The overly sugary glazes take away from the doughnuts.
Crazy Craver
One of the most stop places, when I come to Asheville for any reason! They have the best vegan donuts with wide variety of toppings and flavoring concoctions!
Justin N.
The donuts are fine, but the prices are not. Prices are simply too high for what you are getting; there are more impressive options in town. Their espresso prices are especially ridiculous, where you are paying near the top end for something that isn't made with attention or care on standard quality machinery using only okay beans.
Sumer Hughes
Delicious doughnuts! Vortex has a great vibe and the yeast donuts were perfect: sweet, fluffy, and fresh. As a self-proclaimed foodie (with a speciality in sweets) I highly recommend this place!
PJ Kimmel
Great stop. We had the french toast yeast and maple cake. Both delicious with balanced flavor!
Heather
These donuts were a unique treat! We also appreciated the dog friendly area right next door.
Sean Captain
Donuts are great. But I’ve given urine samples that taste better than the coffee they serve.
Tiffany Gilly-Forrer
Best doughnuts in the South that I’ve had so far! Absolutely worth the wait. This place felt like home - we are from Portland, OR, so finding a high quality doughnut shop was right up our alley. The vibe was upbeat and inclusive, really awesome staff and delicious coffee to pair with incredible, unique doughnuts. Will always eat here when visiting Asheville.
Olivia Hansen
I went to vortex doughnuts while visiting Asheville, NC. I went on a Sunday morning around 8 AM, and it was quite busy, line out the door. The staff seems to handle the busyness very well, despite being low on inventory and needing to bake rapidly to keep up! Staff were patient and calm during the busy time. The donuts were amazing and well worth the wait! I got a cinnamon sugar, vortex chocolate cinnamon and sugar, old fashion, and chocolate icing. All cake donuts! They were delicious! Definitely make a stop here if you are visiting Asheville!
Amy Alleman
Great selection of vegan donuts, both yeast and cake varieties. Staff was friendly and donuts were very good. I also enjoyed their vanilla latte with oat milk.
Cabin Life
Had their specialty doughnut……..creamed corn, lime zest, nutritional yeast and cilantro. Best doughnut I have had in 20 years! Thank you for doing something a little different and an additional 5 stars for excellent service.
Paul Dettmann
Now doubt they were good donuts but expensive donuts at that. I guess i am an old fashioned donut lover from the supermarkets and bakeries. Nothing fancy not made with as wholesome ingredients as Vortex Donuts but they still give you that sugar carb rush equipped with strong coffee gets you up and moving at a fraction of the cost
Adriana PJ
A must-visit locale when you’re in Asheville! No better way to start your day than with some coffee and doughnuts. Their yeast doughnuts are the best we’ve ever had. They brew 1000 faces coffee in a variety of ways that just seem to compliment your doughnut selection. There is limited outdoor seating.
Wendy Mitchem
Great find right before closing time. We arrived at 1:45 and they close at 2:00. The cake donuts were gone, but a few choices of the other still remained. I purchased a 4 pack with the vortex, expresso, vanilla maple, and raspberry almond. The vortex was our favorite and we will stop by again on our next trip to Asheville. Hopefully, we can arrive earlier so I can try a cake donut. It is a little pricey, $11 for a 4 pack.
Samantha Anthony
Amazing donut place with awesome vegan donuts!! The base for their yeast dough is vegan so almost all the yeast donuts are vegan except for a few that have non vegan toppings. There were like 10 vegan flavors when we went! So amazing and fluffy.
They've also got great coffee, nice shop, and very friendly people. Highly recommend! They've also got daily deals which is a nice touch. Love this place!
Brian Albrecht
I got sucked into a vortex once I walked through the door! Great atmosphere that you just need to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a doughnut in. Went in for a doughnut and coffee and came out with a bakers dozen and a coffee! They all looked so delicious I couldn’t decide! The coffee was better than Starbucks by far and much better customer service! Make it a must go stop when you are in Asheville!
Amar Mahabir
Staff was snoby, I wanted a specific fritter and received the look of death, it's as if they were paying me; and I still didn't receive the fritter I wanted. As for the doughnuts cake was better than yeast, peanut butter cake was redeeming and fritter was good. Other flavors were a disappointment.
A S
Super solid and super delicious doughnuts. We only had their cake doughnuts. They were so ridiculously good. It was such a great treat after hiking.
Ryan Fogarty
Best donuts in the area easily. Lots of selection without feeling overwhelmed. I suggest the blueberry cream cheese donut. The vegan classic glazed is really good too. They have good espresso and you can tell they put a lot of craft into their drinks.
Zack Williams
I’ve been here a number of times and I’ve really only been disappointed once. The doughnuts are always good but the selection rotates somewhat so your preferred flavor may not be present each time you go. The staff are very nice and knowledgeable. Seating can be scarce sometimes but you can always get your stuff to go.
It's only Marci Bratz
If I could only go to one place to get.
🍩donuts🍩 for the rest of my life, I'd be ecstatic if it were V🍩RTEX D🍩NUTS !! The donuts here are SO GOOD that they're addictive!! They make them fresher than fresh every single day& I can personally vouch for how light & fluffy the yeast donuts are(these are what we usually get @other donut joints).. If it were possible to eat a cloud, I SWEAR they'd taste like V🍩RTEX YEAST D🍩NUTS !! Their cake donuts are just as good, only in a different, somewhat denser, heavier, belly filling way.. I promise, you CANNOT GO WRONG, NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OR FLAVOR D🍩NUT YOU CHOOSE!! V🍩RTEX D🍩NUTS ARE BY FAR SOME OF THE BEST D🍩NUTS I'VE 🌟EVER🌟 EATEN!! I would recommend these beauties to everyone who loves donuts!😋
David Barnard Music
I came in on a slow day to see my ex who works here. I mainly showed up to spite her and gloom up the place with my bitterness and bad vibes. Unfortunately the ambiance had different plans, from the moment I entered I was filled with an overwhelming sense of security and warmth. I wasn’t gonna order anything, just mope around the store but the friendly bevy queen Hannah offered to make me a peppermint mocha that was so well balanced I almost wept tears of joy. I was powerless to avoid the next logical step, a raspberry cookie donut. It was so good that I didn’t finish it, I froze it to keep as a momento of my time here. Thank you vortex. So much
Bry Sidwell
If you’re a tourist, you should definitely eat continental breakfast at the hotel…… that’s not at all coming from a local who wishes there was no line every time we visit 😜
But, as someone who struggles to find safe food options for GF and Lactose Free - I absolutely never have to worry here. They are extraordinarily careful about cross contamination (using separate tongs, etc.) and the product is DELICIOUS. The GF donuts are MUCH smaller (pictured below) so I end up consuming more of them but they are reasonably priced and I don’t mind the variety. I just have to talk myself over the guilt 😅
Thank you VORTEX!! We love you guys…. Now, can we get a S Asheville location???
Julie Double
Vortex Donuts is a great stop! They have a good assortment of donut flavors to choose from, a friendly staff and a clean dinning room.
You can choose either cake or yeast donuts. Both were delicious, but we preferred the cake as it was crisper and found that the yeast taste took away from the chosen donut flavor.
Sarah Goode
First time in today, absolutely DELICIOUS. The blueberry granola doughnut was amazing! We will definitely be back ♡
Gina B
They were good, but I've had better. Still, worthwhile to check them out - - especially on 2 for Tuesday when you can get 2 for the price of 1. The 'signature' Vortex donut seemed like a plain donut with a slight dusting of cinnamon sugar and chocolate drizzle. It was fine, put if I visited again, I'd pick another one of the more creative flavors instead.
Abby Brumleve
The first time I visited Asheville, my host took me here. I always look for a good local doughnut place, but Vortex was far from your typical experience. The doughnuts are perfectly crafted and the flavors are delicious but unique, the coffee is amazing as well. I always make sure to go to Vortex when i'm visiting all the way from southern IL.
Kristen Havlik
I live in Durham and there is no where anywhere in the Triangle that even comes close to the amazing quality of these donuts. This was an amazing stop while in Asheville for the weekend. Quick and friendly service with a cool atmosphere! Had the salted caramel cake donut and the vortex yeast donut. Salted Caramel with my cup of 1000% coffee was the perfect combo. I’ll be dreaming about these donuts forever.
Bonnie Smith
Good donuts and coffee! A majority of the donuts are vegan, but you can't tell the difference. The coffee is smooth and not acidic at all. They have both traditional dairy and oatmilk.
Bethany
really yummy vegan donuts & kind, accommodating staff. Loved every donut I got from here!
Bryan Jackson
Helpful staff, and a nice open space.
The donuts have a nice resistance to them, which makes them feel heartier without being heavy.
Thomas Poots
Overpriced and not good. Save your money and try another local shop. Doughnuts were tough and just generally didn’t taste yummy. We love trying new local donut shops on our travels and by far this was the worst. Very dissatisfied. Gave it three stars as the coffee was good. Overpriced but good.
Britney Lowe
Good golly - the doughnuts are amazing! I honestly don't know any other way to describe it other than that. Go there. Immediately. And enjoy a doughnut with some coffee for an amazing way to start your morning. I only wish we lived closer so that I would have an excuse to eat there all of the time! We also enjoyed seeing the artwork on the walls and appreciated the relaxed atmosphere.
Rebeccah Flowers
Really great donuts, delicious coffee, low key atmosphere. Donuts are vegan unless noted otherwise. Love their variety of flavors and their seasonal specials
Jack Werner
Vortex is the ideal Asheville breakfast. Delicious donuts with perfectly moist insides accompanied by creative and savory signature latte specials. I got the Vortex donut and the Chocolate Sprinkles along with the Gold Star latte which includes ginger and turmeric!
Christie W
I wish I could have shared a picture of the blueberry cream cheese donut I had. 😋 But I forgot to take a picture and about half way through I thought well nobody wants to see my teeth marks in a half eaten donut. Needless to say it was AMAZING. If you're in the area be sure to stop by this vegan donut shop. (P.S. I'm not vegan). …
LivingLife
Have to get the CAKE- peanut banana nut doughnut, the best I’ve ever had!
Ryan Brown
Awesome donuts! Tons of vegan and gluten free options. Mouthwatering flavors. Loved the raspberry lemon pistachio and vanilla apple fritter. Friendly service.
Renee Schapiro
Love that the standard donut is vegan! Highly recommend their yeast donuts. Love love LOVED their banana strawberry peanut chocolate donut!! Perfect start to the day…
Avery Novak
Their vegan donuts are so good, I especially love when they have anything peanut butter related, they’re incredible! Also I had the best cappuccino (with oat milk) I’ve ever had, high quality espresso and perfect ratio of delicious foamy oat milk, perfection.
Nathan Ramirez
Great place to relax and get a doughnut, the atmosphere is large and inviting. Located on the south slope of AVL, parking and WiFi are free. Vegan/Gluten free options are available as well as soy alternatives for some drinks, prices are low and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Layne Doyle
Cool place with a good donut selection. Very trendy with some murals around as well. The Cubano was delicious and the avocado smash was huge and tasty.
Sonia Rodgers
First visit to Asheville, NC and food scene is amazing here. Of course my sweet tooth led me to try this local donut shop. Modern, cool industrial building with hipster interior decor. I was lucky that I stopped by during their BOGO free hour, so I couldn't hesitate to pick up as many flavors as I could eat (no not at one sitting) or save for later in the day. Moderately priced for gourmet quality and service was good. I also picked up a cup of their local brew (Nicaraguan coffee) which was delicious paired with my fave flavor - the Raspberry. I'd recommend visiting this shop for those donut connoisseurs or those looking for a local sweet treat. No visible parking lot but there are several parking meters around.
Daniel Jones
Fantastic donut shop, creative and unique donuts. I had the raspberry cheesecake and it was to die for!! The coffee is great too and makes for an excellent sweet tooth breakfast! Get Vortex in the AM and Greenman in the PM!
Erin Lewis
Delicious doughnuts! The vanilla apple fritter is a favorite. We got there right when it opened (7am) so obviously there’s no wait.
Brandon Karow
Got the chocolate sugar and salted caramel doughnut. Very disappointed in both unfortunately. The salted caramel doughnut was really soggy (unfortunately) and extremely sticky (nothing wrong with that!). The chocolate sugar doughnut was extremely tough (over done perhaps) and the chocolate fell off in pieces. Could have been the timing as it was close to closing time and the doughnuts were out the whole day?!?
Tyler Wolfe
I try to hit doughnut shops whenever I'm in a city where there is a place that is worthy of hitting. And Vortex is up there with the best of them! I got a couple different kinds of doughnuts (their glazed and a cinnamon flavor) and they were exceptional. In terms of flavor, texture, and freshness they were perfectly done. The staff was very quick and helpful. I'm a huge coffee fan and they did a job well done with my pour over. Vortex's atmosphere should be the standard on how coffeehouses or doughnut shops should be. Love this place! 5 stars all day!
mari edrevalliv
I drove all the way from south Florida because my best friend told me this was the best donut place ever. She was totally right folks. I would sell my nephew for their cinnamon sugar donut. Amazing. Fluffy. 10/10.
Gigi Godinez
The donuts here were delicious!! So happy to see vegan options available while not compromising any taste. Service was great and prompt. Will be returning!!
Leila Rahil
I came in about an hr before closing so I was super excited to take advantage of their end of day “BOGO” deal. There was not a lot to choose from as one might expect at the end of the day (there were still quite a few vegan option doughnuts tho). I got the Espresso & Vegan Sugar w/chocolate drizzle doughnuts. Both were yeast (there were quite a few cake doughnut options, but I am not a fan of the texture of cake doughnuts overall).
I also go their Espresso Savio batch brew drip coffee.
The price was right for the two BOGO doughnuts and a 12oz coffee at just under $6.
I will say I wasn’t blown away by either doughnut (tho oddly enough I liked the vegan one more and I am very much not a vegan). The texture was good, but the flavor was lacking, especially for the Espresso doughnut. It was like the flavor was on low battery mode...it was kinda there, but not at its max potential.
The coffee was just OK too. It was a little too bitter/acidic for my liking and I’m not sure if that was do to the style or if it was just end of day.
In any case, I’d probably come back if I’m in the are, but earlier in the day to see if the issues were just due to end of day or that’s just the product here.
I did absolutely enjoy the vibe and the atmo in the space!
Diana Germain
wpw...coffee and lattes simply divine..rich flavor no aftertastw...delicious and decadwnt donuts..so fresh and moisy with a perfect texturw. We had the filled apple fritter and the espresso donut...yum!
Johnny Stephenson
Awesome Doughnuts 🍩.Do yourself a favor and visit this establishment!They have many varieties to choose from and an equal amount of beverages too choose from.I will definitely make it back here more often! …
Lauren Kallen
Cool breakfast spot on my way out of town. Bright, airy interiors and an array of different flavour doughnuts. I had the pumpkin lemon one and also the Vortex, both were delicious. Super light and fluffy! Would recommend checking out when I’m Asheville.
cat cambra
best donuts in avl! we had them for our wedding and it was a hit.
Lindsey Wright
Love their wide range of delicious doughnuts! Staff is always super upbeat and seems to actually enjoy working there.
Kimberly Morehouse
Great coffee and fantastic donuts with a variety of flavors. Interior is really nice and relaxing with lots of great natural light.
MrBeaker1158
Excellent doughnuts and great coffee. Recommend if you're in Asheville during the morning. Popular place so I recommend to get there early.
Don Reilly
A good mix of cake and yeast donuts. The coffee is good and the space itself is nice and inviting. The donuts are good, but not knock your socks off amazing.
ryan p2
Cream Cheese Raspberry donut was a subtle flavor on a classic cake donut. Good variety of donut flavors and 1000 Faces Coffee.
Z L
I loved my vanilla and apple fritter donut, my wife ordered the cream cheese and the pretzel chocolate donut. Never have I eaten two vegan donuts in a day…I had to go hiking later. I wouldn’t change my donuts at all. The latte that I ordered was also great. This tourist joint is very busy, but we did get a table this time. This was our second visit.
The Summit Conference
This place is awesome! They have yeast & cake donuts. We tried the yeast donuts on our visit… DELICIOUS & not too dense. Full of flavor. They have a great selection of diverse flavors. Also enjoyed the apple fritter. Coffee was good as well. If you like coffee… HIGHLY recommend the Espresso donut. Amazing!
Elliott Russell
Seriously the best donuts I've had in my life ever. The blood orange was fantastic, but they were all good. I'm not a coffee person, but my partner said it was quite good as well.
Talina Goldsbury
Y'all! I had never experienced such a wide selection of vegan donuts. The four flavors I tried were all delicious. I can confirm that at least as of recently they did carry a variety of gluten sensitive options. As with many places in downtown Asheville, the parking situation was tough, so I'd recommend planning ahead of possible.
Dana Lentz
Donuts are ok. Tried the Yeast Key Lime Graham Cracker donut, and the Mango Chili and they were sub par. Yeast donuts had an odd taste to em. Pretty expensive donuts for nothing to write home about donuts.
Staff we're super friendly, and coffee was good!
Dave Schmidt
Amazing vegan donuts and well worth the hour and a half drive to get there!
Mai Siba
Doughnuts are so good! The only down side it's that they don't have a lot of decaf selection. Also, it was hard to understand some of the menu, their letters font is not my fav
Hallie Mulchan
LOVE vortex! The banana chocolate donut was on point. Their signature coffees were amazing.
Lydia Thomas
Super delicious gluten free doughnuts and fair price! (Pictured: GF berry sprinkle, GF Pumpkin). Also no wait at 8am!
James Cute
Tried cake, yeast, and fritter style donuts. The cake is on dryer side, yeast is tougher and not as fluffy as others I have had, fritter was more of a fritter halved with fruit in the middle. It was mediocre at best. Not the worst donut shop but not the best- Just average. Best donuts in Asheville has been Stay Glazed- a speakeasy like shop in downtown. You have to take a staircase down to it. Hole donuts is best old fashioned type in Asheville. Vortex is behind those two.
Wes Rogers
Holy cow! The donuts here are amazing, and they have vegan & gluten free options for donuts. The coffee is also great and they have some really interesting flavors as well. Highly recommend.
Narda Black
Yummy!! Stop by here when you are in Asheville, you'll be glad you did! Friendly service and excellent food!
Chris DM
Very good craft doughnuts- interesting and unique selections, great presentation and mouthwatering eye appeal. I didn't try the Vegan ones, but big props for having them on the menu! Price is pretentious: I bought 8 for $20. $2.75 for cake doughnut is ridiculous and not sure why they are more expensive than yeast. Speaking of which, cake ones were just OK, a little too dense and slightly heavy. Not my favorites. Glazes were just right - not too icky sweet to make you feel like you're about to fall into a sugar coma. While in Ashville, worth the visit.
Carlos Flor
The yeast doughnuts are light and soft. The cake doughnuts aren't quite as dense as other cake doughnuts I've had which is a plus. The flavors are interesting as well and very tasty.
K H
Great yeast and cake doughnut selection! . . .and coffee too! Doughnuts are huge and the pour-over coffee is excellent!
Wanda Cavazos
Yes yes yes!!! Some of the very best vegan doughnuts we've ever had! Love that they offer yeast and cake doughnuts. Amazing selection!!!
Scott Doherty
Awesome Donuts! Visited Asheville and this place was highly recommended. It surely did not disappoint. Donuts were amazing.
Calvin Coleman
Seriously the best donuts I have ever had. The over the top flavors are great, but the basic cake donut is the perfect sugary crunch on the outside with the soft, moist inside.
Charron Sullivan
The lavender London fog is amazing! Friendly staff and great doughnuts. If you are in Asheville you gotta give Vortex a try. 10/10
Jaela CM
Line moved quickly. Nice atmosphere. They have a yeast donut side and a cake donut side with ample flavors. Anyone who really loves their donuts knows this is an important distinction. Wide selection of vegan donut options. I tried the peach molasses yeast donut and lemon raspberry cookie yeast donut. The peach molasses had strong molasses flavor with hints of peach-tasty! The lemon raspberry cookie was tart, but a little too sweet for me. If you like lemon shortbread and tangy flavors, you'll like this one. Great prices, fun flavors. A nice place to stop at if you're in the area. Street parking with meters and paid lot available. All gender restrooms was a huge plus!
Aaron Baynes
This place is very cool. The donuts are some of the best I have ever ate. This is one of those must eats if you visit Asheville
MA eatNtour
Friendly Staff and Yummy Donuts. Offering Both Yeast & Cake Donut types with tasty frostings. Within a few breweries. Plenty of outdoor seating. Nice atmosphere
M A
I love to visit Vortex Donuts anytime I’m in town. It has the best peppermint mocha I’ve ever had!
Vylett Cross
Donuts were good but not over the top special. Nitro coffee was pretty bitter.
Alexandra White
Fantastic coffee and solid donuts. Plus, the pesto toast was a great breakfast.
Gregory Brickman
Doughnuts are doughnuts in my opinion. They have some interesting flavors. But the coffee is killer, and I could sit in here all day.
Enoch C
Great donuts and specialty coffee options. Also a nice space to enjoy breakfast/reading/working.
Georgeanna Holmes
So good! If you go before close the donuts are half off! Every single one I tried was so fresh and delicious!
Paul Wilczynski
Vortex has a wonderful choice of donuts. The only problem with this last visit was that we were looking for a vanilla Apple fritter, and the person in front of us bought the last two :-(
Jennifer Doctor
So yummy! The Vortex doughnut tasted just like my Grandma's recipe... had to bring some back to Illinois for the fam! Great coffee drinks, too.
Joel Parker
Stopped in for some coffee and donuts here. Really good flavor and fresh. Got six but forgot to take a picture of all six due to hunger. lol Although they were not busy at the moment I could see this place getting pretty crowded quickly.
Miranda Hindahl
Honestly; 5 stars for the presentation and flavor assortment alone (yes, that’s blueberry lavender on the left)
I really panicked when I was in here - I wish I had gotten the yeast instead of cake donuts. Next time!
Travis Stevenson
Doughnut shop offerinf cake/yeast style doughnuts with unique flavors to satisfy all tastes. And as to be expected in Asheville great coffee available.
Donnie Waid
As always with anything Downtown parking is a hassle. So I hardly ever go anywhere downtown but I do go there because early in the morning there's usually a spot you can park and walk a few blocks to get there. Now as for their donuts oh my oh my they are so good. And their coffee is great also, but if you don't like almond creamer because of how it clumps in your coffee you will need to bring your own soy creamer or milk. The people are so nice that work there. I am going to recommend there yeast Donuts. I don't think I've ever had a better tasting donut then the strawberry sprinkled yeast donut that I had that day.
Jenny Schafer
Amazing donuts! Tons of vegan options which was exciting for our family. Great coffee. Super friendly staff. Will be looking forward to coming back next time we visit Asheville.
John F Hamilton
My first experience at Vortex today. I'm so pleasantly surprised. Barista's were cordial. Doughnuts and fritters are so fresh and favorable. Thank you!!!!! Dunkin Doughnuts is no longer in my vocabulary. BTW I make fritters and yours are equal to or surpass mine....
Kate Mayer
If I were only rating the donuts and drinks, I'd give them three stars. Factoring in extra-friendly service and great environment, bumped my overall review to four stars. Three apple fritter was unique, with insanely large chunks of apple. The cake donuts were too large - flavors weren't proportional and the donut itself was bland. My latte was ok, but again, flavors were out of proportion for me.
Leo and Lynn Jewelry
Amazing doughnuts! The best apple fritter I've ever had.
Jonathan Herron
Very delicious donuts. This would be a regular stop for me if I lived here. Cold brew and americano coffee was up to par. The apple fritter was done well with a nice glaze and firm exterior while remaining soft and chewy on the inside with nice chunks of apple. The regular donuts were excellent as well. Chocolate and the blueberry cheesecake donuts were very well done. Knowledgeable staff as well.
Angie Hyche
Delicious doughnuts, coffee, and tea. Nice casual atmosphere, clean and well-decorated. We will definitely be back!
Mary Macera
Wide variety of delicious vegan donuts! Most places only other maybe one or two options but Vortex Donuts offer a whole selection of different donuts to try! I also love how thick the donuts are and how affordable it is. I highly recommend!
Kendall Hewins
Great atmosphere and selection but our yeast donuts were tough. I couldn't tell if it was because of how they're prepared or if they had just been sitting out for a long time but we went in the morning so I can't imagine they were too old. The Dirty Chai donut had a great strong flavor and the Chocolate was dark, similar to a ganache. Overall they had good flavor and were very pretty but were difficult to bite and chew. We also ordered a Cortado and it was prepared incorrectly.
Lisa Nash
A unique and delicious variety of donuts. I like to support local and this place was great. I also had the chai cider which was good too.
Preston Daniel Grant
Let's be clear. They have Vegan, Non-Vegan (labeled NV), and gluten free* donuts. *Made along side wheat products, no guarantee for 100% gluten free* We got a bakers dozen. Confused at first that there are two different kinds of donuts (left case and right case), cake and traditional? I'm no baker, but the staff was helpful and friendly. Espresso was good, a little pricey (in my opinion espresso should never be over $3). It appeared as though not all employees were trained as baristas, which seemed odd. But overall, donuts have been tasty! Would definitely come back, but might not order as many next time.
T Bailey
The donuts were ok. I had two cake donuts, one would have been just fine as they are very heavy and filling. The taste was good and obviously fresh. I realize covid is a huge thing down there, but they could keep some of their inside dining options available for people to sit and eat. They only option is outside picnic tables
Yaritza Galvez
DELICIOUS, TOP TIER doughnuts!! I would make the drive back to Asheville solely for Vortex. The flavors, the way you can taste how fresh the doughnuts are, it's all incredible. The staff was extremely nice and I enjoyed every moment. Thank you!
Thomas DeLorenzo
Adorable coffee and donut shop. One of the coolest things is that nearly every donut is available in both cake (dense and full bodied) and yeasted (light and airy) varieties. A very neat way to get exactly the sort of breakfast experience that you desire.
Kenny Freeman
Really good donuts but service and coffee were lacking. $16 for two donuts and two small coffees.
Kate’O
Went here for the first time last week to get my husband's employees a couple dozen of these famous donuts. Number one, the smell of this place is absolutely intoxicating and number two, the donuts are just absolutely gorgeous and huge!! Not to mention the folks behind the counter are super stellar! Two baker's dozen donuts of a mixed variety was a huge hit!! The office was kind enough leave a couple for me to try, and oh my.... they were heaven! Will highly recommend coming here to fix any sweet tooth for yourself or others!
Jeremy Lockett
Unique store in Asheville, cool atmosphere, great coffee and good flavored donuts. The dounutsare good and you can tell they are homemade but they are a little dry but overall great place to stop by and get a coffee!!
Erica Sanes
The best spot for vegan doughnuts!!!
Nick Lincoln
Love the options of cake and yeast. Get there early as they go fast.
Durga Prasad Kolli (Dp)
Liked the Coconutg&Mango donut. Will have to try others too. They have good varieties of donuts to choose from.!
Oleksiy Lysenko
Doughnuts not best. Coffee medium good. Long Wooden seats very unfortunate.
Joel Brickner
I have no idea what ANY of the negative reviews have to do with the REAL experience of this donut shop.
I was just there this morning. The coffee is rich and delicious. The vegan donuts are soft, fresh, delicious; bursting with flavor! The blueberry vanilla donut actually exploded with tart blueberry flavor in my mouth!
The young counter workers were smiling, polite and attentive.
I suppose it may be like any other donut shop or bakery in this regard:
If you want the freshest donuts and coffee, get there within the first few hours they open. That’s my suggestion.
I’d given it 6 stars if possible!
Jennifer lynn
The space is really cool and the staff were very helpful and friendly. My 6 year old son wanted to know what all the flavors were and there wasn't a line at the time so the lady was very nice to read them all to him. They have some fun inventive flavors as well as old fashioned standbys. Lots of sugar involved. ; ) I'm a BIG donut person. I would prefer a donut over a cookie, cake, or candy any day. However this may be a matter of preference but I like mine to be moist and soft. These were too dry to me. I was disappointed. I took two boxes with different flavors home to my parents and they very much enjoyed them. I still would recommend giving them a try and supporting a local business, maybe they will be more to your liking. But for me, I'm still in search of that perfect donut. ***edit*** i went back and found that I did like the yeast donuts a more! Nice that they offer different kinds and I'm changing my review to a well deserved 5 stars!
Bill Goon
Amazing vegan donuts! And I can say best cup of hot cocoa I had in years
Leandra de Labastida
Came on Saturday morning around 11:15 am. The place was super packed and the ordering line moves quickly. However, our coffee took 15 minutes to come out. Definitely an inconvenience since you have your donuts but no coffee.
The staff is friendly and welcoming.
I ordered Peanut butter chocolate chip for my husband and salted caramel for myself. Both yeast. Super strong flavor and delicious.
They have benches in the back where your dog is welcome. That is definitely a plus for us. They might belong to the brewery and not the donut shop.
Overall experience A- for the coffee wait.
Nicole Krause
Seriously one of the best doughnuts I've ever had! Coffee was pretty good too.
Thadd Scott
Our first visit to Vortex and it was a great shop. The inside was clean, the staff was friendly and the donuts were even tastier than they looked.
If you are a local or on vacation, Vortex is a Must-Do
Clayton Berry
Very nice and helpful staff. Easy to order and plenty of variety. Liked having vegan and non-vegan options. While fun flavors and pleasant overall, the type of dough and consistency was just not our personal favorite (had both styles).
Miss. Jordy C
Always the best donuts and friendly service. My favorite are the cake donuts. If I want to impress someone I get them the donut with bacon on it, cake or yeast you can't go wrong. They have yummy, locally sourced ingredients and delicious coffee. My #1 favorite donut spot.
Kathryn Acevedo
I’m visiting from Florida, and this place def did not disappoint. The donuts are delicious and unique. Among the 1/2 dozen we got to try, the vanilla, espresso, and coconut donuts were my favorites. I recommend any of those 3. Coffee was good too, but I like oat milk. So if your not used to it you might find that it’s an acquired taste. Overall A+, glad I came
Susan Steckey
Okay imagine the most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth donut ever... that’s Vortex Donuts. So good you could shovel a dozen down your gullet in 3 minutes. Did I mention vegan options? Bonus; the vegan ones taste EXACTLY the same as the traditional ones. Best donuts I’ve ever eaten in my life.
Craig Smith
I love doughnuts and coffee. I don't mind paying a little more for really good doughnuts. The doughnut I had was good... not the greatest... but you won't be disappointed. The coffee was not good. I'm willing to blame my taste buds and would definitely give this place a second try.
Carrie Smith
Lovely staff! Great selection of Vegan and Gluten Free doughnuts with wonderful flavors. I'm not a great doughnut lover but they're cake doughnuts were INCREDIBLE. Between 3 people we had one of almost everything they had. It was a great treat while driving through Smokey Mountain NP! Great coffee too 😍 …
Jayme Keefer
Such a cool place! I love doughnuts and this place did not disappoint. They have both cake and yeast, so there's options for everyone and I appreciated the mix of traditional options as well as some interesting flavors. The doughnuts also weren't too sweet, so you can definitely have more than one! Awesome lattes too!
David C. Miller
We came here from the recommendations from visitor center folks.
We came here on a Sunday at 11:00.
We found the interior clean , well lit, and very nice customer service.
It was very nice to sit and people watch while sipping hot tea and eating our donuts.
However, we were not impressed by all the 5-star reviews.
To spend from $2.50 to $3.75 for donut or apple fritter, they had better be extraordinary.
We found them good, but nothing special, or to make us want to return. Just not that special.
Not a bad place to sit and gather your thoughts , or mingle with other patrons.
michelle Eversole
There are no gluten-free/vegan together doughnuts only gluten free or vegan. But they do have some great drinks available that are a must to try. Will definitely come back for more of that
Andrew Magana
Honestly I loved these donuts. Vegan options! I would categories these donuts as soft and chewy. Rather than cakey. Lots of awesome and unique flavors. I recommend them. Great coffee too, but make sure you read the ingredients or you'll be surprised by the spicy surprise.
Joshua Allen
Really tasty Doughnuts!! Vanilla and pumpkin cream filled are my favorites.
Rachel Berkun
Super fun and quirky place, and we love all the vegan options! They had around 7 vegan flavors, and we tried 3. All were delicious! The donuts are so soft and sweet. A really cool place to check out in downtown.
Artou Rousselle
These aren't just your ordinary artisan donuts. They are exceptional in taste and quality. You will enjoy to go there and not only get a great donut... but a great cup of coffee also. They will accommodate your preference even if not on the menu. So spoil yourself and go to Vortex. Oh and meet the awesome guys making them, they are fun and give another great element to your visit.
Kayla F
First time here, got the vortex an the espresso cake doughnut, my word, so good. Will be back asap!!
James Kiffmeyer
Definitely a great place. I did think the donuts were a bit thick, I think they would be better with a bit less dough. But still, excellent donuts and good coffee, looking forward to going back.
Leslie Humphrey
Excellent donuts- some very original recipes, yet also delicious standard flavors. Fresh tasty coffee by 1,000 Faces and a few wonderful teas. Oat milk option, a couple of savory menu items. Handsome interior, competent lovely staff. So come try it! Can't lose.
John Edwards
I had a blackberry granola doughnut and a Laluchador latte. The doughnut was the perfect combo of sweet and sour and filled me up more than I expected. The latte, which I ordered iced and spicy (it comes with Cayenne), is honestly one of the best coffee drinks I've ever had.
In the past I've always passed vortex by because as a local I don't want to get caught up in the tourist trap....but this was worth every second I spent in line. I can't wait to go back and keep supporting this business.
Cadence Giddings
Amazing flavors and well-baked donuts. Lots of coffee options.
Parker Maupin
Best doughnuts in Asheville. I really appreciate the large selection of yeast and cake style. Creative flavors and friendly staff makes it a local favorite for a reason. But be careful with the parking situation, don't park in the wrong lot!
Jaclyn Ramos
BEST DONUTS I HAVE EVER HAD AND I AM SUPER PICKY WITH DONUTS!
The taste is just amazing. The Vortex donut was amazing, strawberry filled was great, Apple fritter was pretty dope, and plain donut was fabulous. Oh and my kids loved the chocolate glazed and the raspberry glazed.
Can't wait to come back to Asheville and get more yummy donuts!
David Abram
Honestly one of the best espressos in the area, and the Donuts are very good. They have the option of yeast and cake, with flavors for each and a few repeats. I reocmmend the old fashion cake donut with your favorite coffee, and the apple donut with your evening tea.. So yummy
OnoAkiras
Best vegan donuts I have EVER had, hands down. So flavorful and airy. This place is my first stop every time I travel into Asheville. Staff is nice and coffee is decent. The donuts are what really shine here, as one would expect. Favorite spot in Asheville!!!
Tobias Kahn
So so good. They have both yeast cake-y donuts and dense donuts. I love denser crunchy donuts and these are as good as they get. Asheville has a weirdly hopping donut scene but Vortex is my jam!
Makenzie Wilbourn
Absolutely love this place! Delicious vegan donuts and always love their variety of flavors. A bit pricey, but always worth the treat! Been there several times and never experienced anything the 1 star reviews are complaining of.
Josh Green
These people really care about crafting great pastries. I got the espresso yeast donut and it blew my mind.
They also care about making great coffee. They have partnered with 1000 Faces out of Athens, GA who roast amazing coffee.
The store is in a great location and has a large open space for sitting.
Brian ジュン
First of all, home girl barista made THE BEST LATTE with honey I’ve ever had. Doughnuts I had chocolate & peanut butter + an old fashioned. Both amazing. Doughnut girl was kind and explained the difference between cake and yeast and wasn’t wrong.
This is my second time to Asheville and everyone always talks about this other doughnut shop, and they aren’t bad but this one in my opinion is hands down the best one. I’m from Florida on vacation and honestly this was such a pleasant surprise. I wish COVID wasn’t going on so I would have ate in store and I could have said this in person. Y’all are awesome.
Jennifer Bilton
I have to come here every time I visit Asheville. I love their classic donut with the cinnamon sugar and chocolate drizzle. And they always have other fun flavors. The coffee is great as well as the atmosphere. I love that they always have art on display from local artists. A winner all around!
Raquel Atrinka
These are the most delicious doughnuts I’ve ever had! Soft, tasty, fantastic flavors. The fruit glazes are super flavorful and the combination of textures are perfect. For example the raspberry cookie dough variety is tart and crunchy at the same time. The coffee is the perfect pairing. Always busy but there’s always a place to sit because the people in Asheville is super friendly.
Azucar Marron
Get the apple fritter and thank me later... honestly, any donut there is good and they coffees are very pleasing to the palate. Staff is super nice but lines get long so get there early (but it's SO worth the wait). I drove 2 hours to get another donut and more coffee (if THAT means anything)
fruitcakesarah
Excellent donuts! Love their flavor combinations and the Jasmine tea. Not a coffee drinker, but my friends who are agree that it's spot on, high quality stuff. Service is friendly in general. Love it when they run deals and specials, but worth a stop in any day!
James Williamson
No one should pay 36 dollars for a dozen donuts! That being said they have a wide variety of flavors all really good. The decor is a nice clean industrial modern. Friendly staff are helpful, but it's still just donuts, way too expensive.
Korey Ogden
Their donuts are incredible. Their simple vanilla glazed donut is out of this world. Beautiful, bright interior with large outside area. Premium artisan coffees, really delicious. Great prices, and a perfect location in downtown close to breweries.
Joe Thomann
Unfortunately we weren't impressed. Whenever we travel, we like to hit up fun donut spots. Vortex was one recommend by the owner of our VRBO home we rented. They have a nice location and friendly staff. However we didn't love the donuts themselves. I don't mind paying a premium for donuts if they are tasty and fun. I found the selection to be a bit boring, and honestly the taste was not good. I think it ran about $22 for our 8 donuts. We will typically share and sample pieces of each. I hate to say it, but they were just very average.
Will Chatham
I have enjoyed the doughnuts many times when coworkers brought them in, but I had never set foot in this establishment before this day upon which this review is based. I was blown away by the coffee! It's a nice atmosphere, too. I just wish I had more reason to get over here more frequently. It's not in a part of town that I regularly traverse, unfortunately.
Nicholas Kimpel
Vegan donuts were different from non-vegan, but still blanking awesome. Liked the drip coffee too. My donut-averse partner (ikr?) was even impressed.
Oriana Cromeens
Best vegan doughnuts I've ever had HANDS DOWN. It's always a huge treat to visit. So far, no one has been able to match their matcha latte with oat milk, a favorite of mine.
Ray Moyer
Some seriously delicious doughnuts! Will definitely be back!
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Instagram @Discovering_Neverland78
Tracy Bauer
The most delicious cake and yeast doughnuts I’ve ever had.
Brad Watt
This place is excellent. Fantastic yeast and cake donuts. Usually my wife and I compromise and go where she can get the donuts she likes, but Vortex has us both covered.
Buy a dozen, get that #13 free, and a free cup of coffee (at least when I went). Try the espresso cake donut. And all the others, too.
Stephen Chewning
Doughnuts are super. Had the raspberry and cinnamon and sugar with cream cheese
Truman L King IV (Truman)
Worth it. I don't think I've had a more delicious doughnut. They have unique flavors (and some familiar ones too), amazing taste, and kind service.
I haven't tried the coffee but my fiancé enjoyed it.
There is easy parking nearby too.
Chase B
Doughnuts were perfect. They were very light and airy but still with a good amount of chew. Had a mocha, vortex, and one with chocolate chips and marshmallows. All were delicious and the same consistency.
Chris V.
Great drink options (including pour over coffee with exotic coffees) and of course a great selection of donuts
Ken Galbreath
Delicious donuts, amazing coffee! I'm there every day for coffee. They generally have an Ethiopian and a S. American varietal for a hot cup.They also have good cold brew (warning, you'll be AWAKE after a whole cold brew). The staff are incredible with the regulars and patient with first timers.
Nicole Offenheiser
Amazing one of a kind homemade donuts. They have two types, yeast and cake. Both are good in different ways. Cake is more filling while yeast is more airy. I can never decide which is better. Honestly I recommend one of each. The donuts are large and 2 more than fill me up. Great chai lattes as well. And of course they have coffee as well. Good location in the south slope downtown Asheville. Best donuts downtown!!
Hanna Nall
My husband and I had Vortex Doughnuts a few times before deciding to serve them at our wedding. Definitely a huge hit! This is a great alternative to wedding cake - and they make mini doughnuts too : ) Regarding the shop itself, we've had nothing but great experiences. The staff is always amazingly friendly!
Ian Grout
Excellent selection of vegan and traditional doughnuts. Great mix of “normal” and unconventional flavors. I don’t love the texture of their fritters, but everything else I’ve had there has been very good. They do occasionally run out of vegan doughnuts. They also serve some of the best espresso in Asheville.
Heather
The donuts were pretty good, but the staff was unwelcoming and rude. My friend, who was in line after me, was told by the cashier to move out of the way so she could take another person's order and didn't take my friends order. When I asked about a certain flavor she responded with, "I don't know if it's good. Never tried it." And then I asked of they had a microwave available to warm the donuts, they looked at me like I had completely inconvenienced their whole day. A smile, friendly service, and knowing your product goes a long way.
Polly Godwin
Delicious yeast doughnuts! The mocha filled was my favorite.
Ellie
A must-visit for anyone in Ashville. Not only do they have a wide selection of vegan donuts, their donuts do not taste like a compromise! You're not settling for an alternative with these plant based goodies. Their vegan donuts are so warm, light, and simply sweet that even my non-vegan friends prefer them over their traditional donuts! You can have your kindness and eat it too.
Sean Dunn
Amazing doughnuts. Mostly vegan, they actually label the non-vegan ones. Cool vibe, good location and good coffee.
Britta Mueller Ho
Me and my kids enjoyed the cafe very much. Creative and unique offering. I loved the banana pecan donut. Barista could have been a little friendlier, seating could have been a little more comfortable. Unique spot without competition on the south side of town.
Joe Darden
Amazing doughnuts, great service and excellent coffee.
First, the doughnuts. Extreme and unique flavor combinations. We did a mixed dozen, which is the best way to go. Almost like a tasting flight.
They pull proper espresso shots, pour overs and great batch brews. They have fresh cold brew and serve on nitro. They get their beans from a local toaster and are always fresh.
Mike Vecc
Great atmosphere. Good selections. We had a selection of donuts. They were good. There was only one coffee barista and she was incredibly slow. Good thing there was only one person ahead of me . Overall my best donut shop in the Asheville area.
Ryan Brower
I've been a chef for over 20 years and I just have to say that the chocolate topped raised doughnut from Vortex is the single best doughnut I've ever had in my life.
I can't believe this place hasn't been franchised.
Alex Baker
Some of the more experimental flavors can be hit or miss, but overall the quality is solid and consistent. I feel like the execution of the donuts has increased in quality a great deal since vortex first opened. They offer both cake and yeast varieties and even vegan ones (which are actually pretty decent). Even better than the donuts is the coffee and espresso, which makes sense since the owners are also the roasters of 1000 faces (out of Athens ga) and they really know their stuff. Pro tip: go after 4pm (but as early after as possible) for 2-for-1 donut pricing. It's a steal!
Parker Beck PD
Best part of this place is the variety of doughnuts. They have regular cake like doughnuts as well as vegan options. We tried both and found we surprised by how much we liked the vegan ones but in the end, the apple frosted standard won. Definitely stop by for some 1000 faces coffee and a sweet treat!
Meg Cohen
Mmmm, donuts. How can they get any better?
Well, put them in funky Asheville, add some interesting flavors, and a nod to the local beer scene, and yummy donuts get elevated to a new level!
My daughter and I hit Vortex on the way out of town after a college tour. We were expecting a long wait, but wound up having our donuts and being out the door and back on the road within about 10 minutes (this was a Saturday, too).
They have so many flavors, it's a little hard to pick, but I had a Ginger Lavender donut and The Vortex. My daughter had a chocolate covered one, and a raspberry. They were all fantastic. I was afraid the ginger would overwhelm the lavender in mine, but the balance was perfect.
Great donuts, funky flavors, super staff. I'm looking forward to my next visit!
DinoBoogers
The best yeast donuts I've ever had. Apple streusel and cranberry orange donuts were the flavors I tried. Absolutely delicious
Amber Pitts
Great assortment and selection of drinks and doughnuts. We got 6: vortex, caramel bacon, blueberry banana, chocolate, rotating tap and a apple one. We also got a cup of coffee to go. Husband said it was great! Only bad thing I have to say; I always want receipts when I pay cash and they did not have paper receipt but instead I could text or email. I did and it did not go through but the guy walked off so I never got a receipt.
Cassidy Ryon
Good coffee, friendly staff and good covid protocols in place. Take out only at the moment but good outdoor space to see and enjoy. Our rainy morning walk ended with great doughnuts, I had the Raspberry Matcha(yum!) and my son had the raspberry sprinkles. We even grabbed some tasty maple doughnut holes (10/$3) at the counter to snack on and share later.
Hannah Walker
Really good, fun flavors donuts. Personally I do not like their cake donuts, but those yeast donuts are on point. They also offer a tasty vegan variety. Delicious coffee and milk to pair with the treats.
Sally Kwok
The donuts are amazing and it was my first time there. They have both yeast and cake style and vegan donuts in the same flavors! I went in the fall in the month of november and some of the flavors they had were cranberry, salted caramel, espresso, lemon pear, raspberry streusel topped, and maple bacon!! We loved them all and the yeast doughnuts were not too sweet either! So tasty would go there again if we visited again!
Justine Vild
Oh my goodness...these doughnuts were phenomenal and melted in my mouth. I am super glad I do not live nearby or I might have to upsize my wardrobe because I would not be able to stay away! I tried 4 different kinds (don't worry, I shared) including the blueberry cream in both cake and regular (or whatever it's called) and I couldn't decide which was more sumptuous. Will absolutely be back next time I'm in town!
Crepto Knight
Unique, trendy vibe type of place that is very Ashevillian, staff was friendly. The Donuts were quite tasty for the most part, some unique which does rival that of the Donut chain shop's. That said however their not cheap, a little on the pricey side though they are organic and are made with better sourced ingredients. I can't speak yet as to the coffee and the vegan Donuts but I get the impression that they are good too. I can't justify coming here regularly because of cost but that's to be expected being they are better quality than Dunkin Donuts or Ingles Donuts especially.
M H
Very substantial cake donuts!! My husband and I got a dozen to try out a variety of flavors - so far we are not disappointed at all! The venue was nice, the staff was really helpful, and the donut selection was good even so close to closing! If you have a small tummy, don't let the prettiness of the donuts bamboozle you! Just get one to start with; making it through two is like a food eating contest! These donuts are massive!! They're really, really good, though. We'll be going back!
Lindsey Crosby
My fiancée and I just finished our donut tasting for our upcoming wedding. Everything was so delicious, it was hard to narrow down the dessert menu! The staff was extremely accommodating, professional and taking extra safety precautions for Covid. Highly recommend!!
Paula McQueen
I can't think of many food items I like more than doughnuts and Vortex Doughnuts is over the top!!! The ingredients used makes them a little more pricey than the normal doughnuts and that much more delicious. We go for a special treat on occasion and are always licking our lips and finger. Peach,apple or pear fritters with such interesting glaze and the chocolate a nice dark yum yum yum!!!
And the person at the counter seemed to be as excited to help me as I was to eat the doughnuts Can't go wrong at this little Asheville gem!!
Emily Duckie
I'm so thankful the staff are so educated and willing to explain the different donut types. Since you will see some flavors repeated but made out of different ingredients, it's hard to know which is best, but they always are so kind and willing to make suggestions. The lattes are divine and one of my fav places in Asheville to stop by. Love the art and the atmosphere!
Matt
Excited that we were able to try these this time around. They were limited on what was available (we came towards closing time, so not their fault). I ended up getting two bags of donut holes and they were great! I ended up eating almost all of them. Highly recommended. Hopefully gdt there sooner next time to try more!
Tonya Cruz
Staff is great here! The ambiance is fantastic, really industrial cool. And the doughnuts are amazing! They have both vegan and traditional varieties. It is so hard to find good vegan doughnuts and this place kills it! You can't even tell they are vegan! If you hit end of day, you can get doughnuts for half price, too! I highly recommend it!
kelly arthur
Vegan in our group gives 5/5. Cake donuts were amazing but yeast donuts were too chewy. Avocado toast was great and so was the coffee. Love the hand washing sink!
Jennifer Kidd
The yeast doughnut is a full experience!!
Had one. Just vanilla. Can’t stop thinking about it. Just feeeeeeeel the chew in that doughnut.
Do yourself a favor and give it a go. Also the Yerba mate was good. But mmmmmm that doughnut.
Wil Bryan
Donuts are very tasty when hot and fresh. Blueberry is disappointing, (spoiler alert: its an old fashioned drenched in blueberry icing). Donuts are $$$ - $18.00 for a half dozen, and they become inedibly stale in about four hours. If you want an impulse treat they are perfect... taking home for the next day... dont bother.
Jennifer Lee
Before my trip to Asheville I had searched Instagram for places to try. This was one I had seen over and over. Honestly it was so amazing I went 2 days in a row. They have great cake and yeast options, even vegan options. Their cinnamon sugar yeast donut was amazing!! Tastes just like a churro. Also they have this blueberry cream cheese iced cake donut, absolutely divine!!! The location is fantastic with excellent parking across the street. It was clean and bright inside and the staff was super friendly and accommodating. They also have an great assortment of coffees and lattes to choose from.
Rich Rick
Lived up to all the recommendations 🙂 Coffee and doughnuts were both delicious and satisfying. Have to mention that prices were great as well, they even have a buy one get one the last hour. Very happy it was not "just another overpriced, overrated dought shop". Highly recommend if you're in the area 🍩👍🏻 …
Jon Fuller
Cool space, sweet donuts, and a great beverage list. Nitro cold brew anyone? They got it. Donuts are the best in the area, compared to others. The flavors, consistency, and selection is top notch. They seem to rarely run out... which is obviously ideal. There are lines at times, but not out the door.
Katie Droskiewicz
Amazing donuts!!! Some of us preferred the yeast donuts and some ordered the cake, so I think it's safe to say they're all delicious! And my dairy free girl got to pick out her first donuts ever!!
Alexandra Wright
Only redeeming quality about this place was the cappuccinos. The barista was more of an artist, so it took a minute to get, but worth the wait. Service was ok, nothing outstanding. The doughnuts themselves were lacking. The cake doughnuts were oil filled and not flavorful. The yeast doughnuts were chewy and not flavorful. Unless you are vegan, just skip this place and go to Ducks Doughnuts instead.
Scott Stevens
Vortex has greatly improved since I went there during their first few weeks. The donuts are much more moist and flavorful now. I really enjoy their selection of creative flavors and their delicious coffee. On a popular weekend, it can get pretty crowded, and I wish there was more seating, but that's part of the game when you're making a good product.
Nick Dawson
Donuts? Five stars. Coffee? 3.5-4.
Man, they kill donuts guys. They offer yeast and cake type (and vegan, but I have no desire for that )which is great because I'm a KK fan and my girlfriend is a DD fan. Can't go wrong here. The flavors and the cook were absolutely splendid and made the donuts joyful and satisfying to eat. They knock it out the park here.
Coffee though..my cubana was covered in course salt making the salinity FAR high, stripping any measure of balance in the shot with little to no sweetness and my follow up espresso (thankfully on the house) appeared to be a single shot? For the price, I can't recommend the coffee which is a shame give how well coffee and donuts pair. My girlfriend rates her coffee as "okay pour over" and glad it came free with our donuts.
Robbyn Engen
Okay donuts. Reviews said light and fluffy yeast donuts...but ours were really dense bready.
Jim Adams
A great donut shop with a varied menu, including vegan options of yeast and cake style donuts. To pair with those donuts, a wide swath of excellent coffee and teas including my new favorite, Kenyan Black tea.
Andrew Ilardi
Vegan DONUTS! Need I say more? They have great seating by the window which makes it a fantastic place to people watch. The coffee is good, the staff knows which are vegan and which are not.
They also understand what a SOY latte is and have not screwed up my order once. THANKS!! Keep up the great work.
McKenzie Jevnikar
This was one of the best vanilla iced lattes I’ve ever had! It was the perfect coffee to milk ratio and the syrup wasn’t not over done. Their cinnamon sugar doughnut was also amazing, basically melt in your mouth good. A must have in Asheville!!
Andrew Goelz
What a great variety of doughnuts, you could spend all day there! With a friendly atmosphere, a cup of coffee or other specialty drink in hand, and in the other hand a vegan or cake doughnut, what else do you need in life. More people need Vortex Doughnuts. Loved it! Keep it up friends.
Ric Rini
They were good donuts and but I think that we came at the wrong time as they hardly had any selection out. We opted for the salty caramel and it was delicious, very delectable.
The interior of the building is very welcoming with a trendy atmosphere but not at all pretentious.
I would definitely try this place again.
Sasha Nikolauk
Neat doughnut shop in a cool part of town.
Super clean and friendly staff.
Doughnuts are a tad pricey ($2.00 - $2.75 each) and we really did not enjoy the flavors we chose.
Perhaps if had had arrived earlier they may have been better?
We prefer more traditional "old style" doughnuts. This place is more a hipster doughnut joint with vegan options.
Jarrod Fraley
Vegan options. The lavender vanilla was our favorite. The vortex was just cinnamon sugar with chocolate syrup and the chocolate came off in one piece. The chocolate glazed was far better. Will be back when we visit again in a few months. Next time I will check out one of the filled versions.
Josh Johnson
Great donuts. Enjoyed a selection of both the yeast and cake style. Excellent long black (espresso & hot water) and my daughter raved about the chocolate milk. An unrushed atmosphere.
Gene Pahlmann
Well designed space and good donuts. I am looking forward to trying some more of their flavors. I liked that they are experimenting with different doughs to make their donuts. I had a blueberry anise donut which was really good and had nicely balanced flavors.
Sharon K
The doughnuts were delicious and although the computer system was down they were courtesy and accommodating but didn't get change back from purchase.
Rachel Preckol
Best vegan donuts around. The staff is always so friendly and kind and I love both their yeast and cake donuts! Highly recommend.
Peyton O'Conner
Great people matched only by the doughnuts and coffee they serve!
Jake Hayden
If they employed just one more person at this time, it wouldn't take an average of 5 minutes to check each person out. The same person is acting as a cashier and a barista and is loading the baked donuts onto the racks and it ain't working.
Also the donuts are just ok. I got one that's supposed to taste like peanut butter and bananas and it just tastes like sugar.
Kay Lix
Insanely delicious donuts. The donuts are light and airy, and the toppings are flavorful without being overly sweet.Pair with the coffee and tea for a delicious treat!
Ambrosia W
The cake donuts are so good! I haven't gotten to try their yeast donuts yet, they are always sold out by the time we get there. One day, I will get there early enough to try one :)
Justin Greiwe
In a word AWESOME! Super yummy donuts with creative toppings and flavors...they're just pretty to look at, let alone eat! Funky building and lots of outdoor seating too!
Edward
We've been about 5 times now and the Donuts are always delicious! The atmosphere is fun and it's next to other great restaurants. They'll even make donut cakes for birthdays.
Emilee Null
I went here on my birthday trip to Asheville and it was fantastic! The donuts were delicious, the coffee was great and the atmosphere was really fun and laid back. The outdoor seating was perfect and so fun on a Saturday morning. I definitely recommend stopping here for donuts!
Noah Schaich
The donuts we got were really tasty and they serve 1000 faces coffee (roasted in Athens, ga)(the only good thing to come out of athens). The staff were very friendly. It was a little pricey ($2 for donuts and $4 for iced coffee) but I guess that's the price you have to pay for specialty coffee and donuts.
Scott Wilezol
I love how you can choose between cake and yeasted doughnuts. Lots of good flavor options. Doughnuts are soft, moist and taste wonderful. If you are lucky enough to get one when it comes out of the back all warm... wow. Enjoy!
Tanner Hock
Kind service and pretty good coffee (though due to Covid I can’t touch anything and “a dash of cream” invariably results in too much). I’m decidedly in the minority when I say my doughnut was actually underwhelming. The chocolate was nothing special and the dough seemed too chewy.
Trisha Ludeke
Vegan seems to be the default, which is pretty cool. Super tasty donuts with plenty of choices. Their classic vortex donut is the best!
Alicia Behr
Some of the best doughnuts I've had🙌🍩 …
Chelsey
Amazing donuts!!! The Maple Bacon Blueberry was the best donut I’ve ever had! Staff was very pleasant as well!
William Miller
They obviously have awesome donuts with super funky flavors but I also highly recommend trying their pour-over coffees. Some of the best coffee I've had in Asheville! They also play really good music. Two thumbs up!
The Virtual Traveler
I really liked the fact that they made all the differently topped donuts in both cake and yeast. The cake has a good crumb, not to dense. And the yeast are light and fluffy, with a slight chewyness. Both are very well done.
Heather Teater
I have taken to treating myself here about once a week! Not only do they have amazing vegan doughnuts, but I also love their vanilla oat milk latte. They always take their time crafting the latte and I am never disappointed. I'm going to miss this place more than anywhere else in Asheville when I move!
Arianna
Delicious donuts! But get there early or all the good flavors run out, even at 9:30 am on a Saturday morning. I wish they would make more of their specialty flavors on the weekends
Carly Brown
Not to be missed in the South Slope. The most amazing hand crafted donuts of all kinds. Great coffee and hot chocolates. There are places to sit inside and outside. Fun for kids and adults alike.
GroovyAngel Baby
I love this place! I live about an hour from Asheville and I'll drive just to get vegan donuts from here! Great vibe in this place as well, even when they are super busy you don't feel rushed and the donuts always taste fresh. Great place to stop and get a coffee, snack and sit by the window when you have some extra time.
Lisa Santiago Linger
Favorite dessert shop in Asheville! The staff members are always nice and helpful, it's in a fantastic location, they have great deals throughout the week, and their doughnuts are the best I've ever had. No fake stuff here. Real, local ingredients with options for every preference!
Lindsey S
The cinnamon crunch toast- amazing. Who knew cream cheese and cinnamon and sugar would be such a great combo for breakfast. Donuts are delicious- check them out. Super polite staff.
Keith Norris
Always phenomenal service! The kitchen puts so much love and care into their final product. Vortex is a must-have in the Asheville region. 🍩 …
Adam Kissel
Love Vortex for awesome, unique doughnuts. Always made fresh, vegan options available. My favorites are the old fashioned cake doughnuts (I dip them in the locally-roasted drip coffee) and the vegan chocolate (the icing is a rich dark, not overly sugary -divine). A perfect way to start a day of wandering around downtown or brew-hopping around the south slope.
Melissa Houck
Donuts are always fresh and EXTREMELY delicious.
They always have interesting ingredients that keep you wanting to come back every day; things that go together AMAZINGLY but, for some reason, most other places just don't do flavors like this. They also have traditional donuts for the suits out there. 😉 The chocolate used on the donuts is delicious on its own. Not sure if they make their own or get their supply from one of the local chocolatiers... Regardless, it *tastes* like they get it from one of the local chocolatiers. 🍩😁🍫
Whenever I'm in Asheville, I *always* have breakfast there and take a box back home to Charlotte.
And the thing is, I don't even normally get excited about donuts. The chain donut places... They do nothing for me. You would never see me in one or buying donuts at the grocery store. Independent donut places though; sometimes those places get it S O R I G H T and this is DEFINITELY one of those places. 👍🏻
james grant
Donuts and displays looked nice. I noticed a very pungent off-putting smell while ordering, the smell got heavier at checkout as the lady taking order got closer. Not sure where smell was coming from, but it must be permeating the donuts.
Elayna Netter
The best donuts ever! The flavors they offer are amazing and they donuts themselves are so light and airy. Definitely making a trip back here!
Erica Fisher
Love, love ,love this place definitely stop here and get a doughnut!!! Staff was great
Bailey Nickerson
Vortex has great coffee, great people and great tasting, unique doughnuts :) their cake doughnuts are soso good! (Toppings like fresh fruit, dark chocolate swirls or bacon).
My only complaints are that they are kinda pricey for what they are and you will 99% of the time never come in and have a warm doughnut (they are all sitting out and not on a warming tray or in a closed case).
Rafael Gomes
Tasty donuts! Usually have quite a few vegan options. This is the only place I know around that has nitro cold brew. However parking has become more difficult with time and if you're not vegan, it's hard to justify the price of the donuts...
Tom Shlomi
Incredible variety of vegan doughnuts. Includes both familiar doughnuts and unique varieties such as Earl Grey Doughnut and Strawberry Mint Doughnut. They have the best doughnut glaze I've had, and they don't skimp on it.
madison sweezy
best donut ive ever had in my life. the fact that they’re vegan too? fantastic.
Brad Rollinson
Really tasty craft donuts in downtown Asheville. Fun, exciting flavors to choose from. In comparison to the other prime donut shop in Asheville (Hole Donuts) it's a little bit of apples to oranges. Vortex has more variety and good, quality donuts while Hole has less variety but the atmosphere and the fresh made to order donuts is quite the experience, but I wouldn't say one is better than the other
Carole C
Loved it! Hate I live too far away to go everyday. Great coffee, fantastic apple fritter thingy. Tried a donut with an amazing vanilla glaze too. Yes I had 2...stop judging me! I said I live far away, get it while you can, right? There was a bit of construction in the area when I went...was a little hard to find. Best directions I have are south on coxe ave, left at the Funkatorium.
Beth Mitchell
Always a cool and unique experience in asheville. Stopping here is always a must. They do close at 2 pm so make sure you go early! Also, their fruit donuts have actual fruit puree in them!
Todd Griffin
I make it here a few times a year when in Asheville. The absolute best place. Great coffee and incredible donuts in a perfect setting. Don’t miss a chance to stop in and experience the best donuts anywhere.
Anthony Casey
There are several ways to rate an eating establishment; ambiance, taste, customer service, price, etc. My Vortex Doughnuts review is based on taste. I like yeast doughnuts over cake and Vortex did not disappoint. They were light and airy with no hint of grease! I tried four different doughnuts. My favorite was the chocolate covered. It was covered with a ganache that was not overly sweet. I tried one cake doughnut as well. Wonderful flavor, and the cake was moist without being heavy. As with the yeast doughnuts, no hint of grease. While in Chicago, I had the opportunity to go to Glazed and Infused (somewhat famous local donut chain). They certainly had more choices than Vortex, but for my pallet the quality of Vortex was better, and I am referring to both their yeast and cake doughnuts. The only negative, is the cost. It is $27.00 for a baker’s dozen. That being said, this is not your run of the mill doughnut. The taste won’t disappoint. I pass through Asheville regularly, and Vortex will become a destination.
Lila C
Can I just say moist, delicious vegan doughnuts!! My fave place for cappucino-great with oat milk believe it or not! Sometimes one just needs a doughnut for breakfast post nursing night shift and this is it! Super chill early in the am and especially welcoming to returning customers. Don't forget to get a punch card if you are local!
FBSIZM F
I tried this place for the first time today. The doughnuts are amazing, we tried both vegan and non vegan. I'm so glad they have vegan options here! The staff are very nice. I will definitely be back!
Fred Crowley
Forget all the doughnut franchise chains. Vortex's doughnuts are great. We are full-time RV'ers traveling throughout North America. We find it's hard to get doughnuts we like.
My tastes run to just plain old fashioned doughnuts. In my opinion all the "fancy/dancy" (my "techie" term) toppings that bakeries put on/in doughnuts are superfluous. These plain old-fashioneds were some of the best I've had outside of what an old lady neighbor of ours used to make back in the 50s for us kids.
Be warned, they sell out quite quickly. They are expensive compared to other commercially made doughnuts, but don't worry about it! We're talking really good doughnuts here!
Matthew R
Yummy! Love doughnuts, they're doughnuts who doesn't love them. A bit pricey but it's a great treat with a cup of coffee and the varieties are amazing and tasty.
Austin Graff
On a weekend trip to Asheville, my DC friends and I were given a gift card to Vortex so we went. At first glance, it has a lot going for it: 1) The location couldn't be cooler, 2) Friendly staff, 3) Lots is seating, and 4) A back patio with picnic tables and hammocks. Where they go wrong is...well..making donuts. Maybe DC has donut game that's ruined my last in donuts, but none of us were impressed with Vortex donuts. They have a variety of flavors and even gluten free ones, but it wasn't amazing. If you need a donut ASAP, it does the trick but I wouldn't call them the best in the city.
Brianna B.
I love the blackberry cake donut. I have to make a stop at Vortex every time I'm in Asheville!!
Kent Shaw
The doughnuts were good. My wife had the chocolate, and she didn't really care for the taste of the chocolate. I had the caramel-dipped and the plain cake doughnut. I would definitely get the plain cake again. But my caramel-dipped left a lot to be desired as well.
Overall, the shop itself has a nice feel to it. On my trip to Asheville, I went to Vortex and HOLE, and I would recommend HOLE. Not as much of a selection as to flavors, but the made-to-order at HOLE is pretty outstanding. And the flavors they have on the doughnuts are really unique and spectacular.
Lindsey R
The atmosphere of this place is top notch, it's the cool coffee and doughnut place you're looking for - the doughnuts however vast the selection weren't my favorites, which is not to say they aren't good doughnuts I just wouldn't give them the "best in Asheville" award. We tried chocolate bacon, chocolate orange, raspberry and the apple fritter. The fritter was by far the best thing we tasted.
Jack Bairamian
If you’re going to waste calories and splurge on a legit doughnut this place is it. Whether you go for the traditional yeast or cake doughnut it’s delicious. The ingredients are all fresh and from scratch. Truly biting into a piece of heaven. Got the cherry chocolate cookie cake doughnut. Amazing.
Paloma Trujillo
We went in because we saw some folks with doughnuts at the brewery next door ( Catawba). We were assisted by Eric, a very helpful and charismatic employee. He recommended the salted caramel and we also got a Vortex doughnut. They were both sooooo good! We loved our experience. Although we were just visiting Asheville, this will be on our permanent list for future trips!
Amy Kugali McWilliams
Pretty tasty cake and yeast donuts with innovative flavors. Only 3 stars because there weren't that many options and not very good customer service - they sort of sneered at our bringing kids in, even though they were being reasonably well bahaved (and we were only there for about 15 minutes)
Hope Hall
Staff very friendly and welcoming! Donuts were a 10/10! I’m a food blogger from Nashville (hl_eats) on IG, and will definitely come back to visit!
Matt Spewak (SpE)
Locals seem to love this place. It's cute and friendly, the donuts look good and they usually have some vegan options. I was disappointed to find that they had run out of all vegan options when I came so I didn't get to try any.
Trisha Hurlburt Robertson
Nice space and good doughnuts -- though a little pricey -- however, they have a great deal in the last hour of business where it's buy one, get one free! They also have choices between cake, yeast and vegan doughnuts, as well as coffee and other beverages.
Kendra Lilley
I have been several times to Vortex, and have had mixed experiences with the product. The doughnuts are undeniably beautiful. Many of them are delicious. Others... well, taste like hipster diarrhea. Also, the service has been rude and aloof every time. Not worth the $30/dozen.
E Scott Parks
Buy one get one free in the last hour they're open; also, check their daily specials. Fabulous coffee and an amazing staff.
If you're looking for consistent doughnuts, this is the place; the cream and jelly filled doughnuts are the best on the menu, if they haven't sold out.
Jessie Reynolds
Always the BEST vegan doughnuts. Hands down. The service is great. The oat milk latte is my favorite, and I can’t hype this place up enough! Highly recommend!
Charles Anderson
Fantastic doughnuts. The cake versions are some of the best I've ever had.
Stephen Mann
A bit disappointed. We had heard great things about Vortex from a lot of food reviews, bit our experience was vastly different. Rather than the best doughnuts in the state, we had mediocre doughnuts one of which was mostly raw in the middle. The coffee was ok, but nothing to write home about.
cas stjohn
Favorite donuts! Every time I go through Asheville now I make sure I stop in Vortex! Even when they're running out at the end of the day, you can be positive that whatever you get will be good. The blueberry sugar is my favorite...so far.
Ashton Hooker
The yeast doughnuts were amazing, especially the whiskey honey. I wasn't a fan of the texture or flavors of the several cake doughnuts we tried. The doughnuts get 5 stars.
The coffee is where it goes downhill. We placed an order for two iced lattes with almond milk. The barista behind the counter said the espresso machine was broken, and they weren't going to take any more orders. Okay, that's fine. Then another person behind the counter said they could fix it within 10 minutes (also fine), and as a result, they would reimburse us for one of our coffees.
About 15 minutes after getting our doughnuts, our coffees were ready. Unfortunately, we were charged full price for both coffees. I really only agreed to stay and wait because we were going to be compensated for our wait; had I know I'd be paying full price for late coffees, I would have walked elsewhere.
Their products are good, but they've got to work on their service.
MiKayla
Stopped in just before closing they were very nice. They had plenty of vegan donut options and the donuts were good!
Ashlyn Jaekel
Their lavender donut is superb. A "must" stop for my husband and I whenever we are in town. The building itself is a bit small and can easily get overcrowded but well worth the donut and coffee!
DeAnna Archer
Atmosphere reminds me of a local coffee shop back home so I loved it. I got the strawberry and orange cake doughnut and it was one of the best doughnuts I've had. I love that they give the option of yeast and cake doughnuts. Hope to stop by again!
Rachel P
Stopped for breakfast on my way out of the city, had a selection of about 6 vegan donuts, all which tasted great
J
Fantastic gluten free doughnuts!
Sandra
Seriously the best vegan donuts you can get in SC and NC. The apple fritters are sunshine in your mouth. Both cake and yeast donuts are delicious.
Jordan McKenna
Best doughnuts on the planet, this is a must try if you haven’t!
Brett Grane
The donuts were incredible. The yeast donuts were super soft, pillowly cushions for real toppings like salted caramel and cream cheese.
Katie Toumazou
Awesome doughnuts - high quality fresh ingredients - locally and responsibly sourced, no GMOs ever... the kitchen is always coming up with new and interesting flavor combinations, but they have a great set of "staples" too.
The coffee is completely fabulous in its own right, and I would say the best coffee in Asheville. All the baristas ask me how it is every time, because they truly want to know. They are well-versed and passionate about coffee, and have a plethora of knowledge regarding their trade - ask them to tell you more about their coffee, and you will surely find a greater appreciation for what you are drinking.
Beautiful and well-designed space, friendly staff, a great experience every time.
Chris Patterson
Awesome little shop with modern decor, delicious donuts and hot coffee! It was the perfect morning stop for us, as we ventured out to explore Asheville and the surrounding area. 10/10 will visit again when I'm in the area!
Homeless Joe
Donuts are good. They selection don't change too much. I especially like they Peach Mint donut to celebrate the impeechment of Trump. I also like to disrespect and dislike conservatives. Stellar cool
Mike Fassetta
Had the cream cheese doughnut. Best doughnut I’ve ever eaten and it’s not even close. One of the best food items I’ve ever had. Wish I could give it 10 stars.
Brian Danielian
Some of the best donuts in town! The staff is excellent as well. If you are a vegan a lot of the donuts are made from vegan dough. Two thumbs up!!
Alex Deckard
I have eagerly anticipated Vortex for the past two years and am very pleased. The decor is right up my alley- kinda retro, industrial. Each day has a new set of unique and creative donuts. Fortunately for my waist line, I do not work close to Vortex or I would have a daily donut.
Adam Ener
Super friendly staff, some of the best donuts in town! You can't go wrong with anything they have on the menu period the coffee is top-notch and probably the best in the city!
Mike Eason
Best vegan donuts I had!
Joel Cox
Their donuts kick. And their coffees are like if Starbucks actually tried to make coffee and didnt pour pounds of sugar in each drink. In other words, not Starbucks at all. But Asheville likes to make 45 different types of black coffee... so this place is needed. #LocalSaidSo
Andrew Mauroner
Great donuts and good coffee! Atmosphere was nice, but we went during the weekday. I have a feeling weekends would make it less worth it. Overall worth checking out!
The Witch's Collective (TheEsotericWitch)
The line, although long & inconvenient, turned into a pleasant misfortune... the shaded picnic tables are ideal for a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding murals and urban aesthetic. 5☆s!
Robert Peters
Always fantastic. Various options for folks with allergies, always delicious.
Mary Jo Gantt
Loved the donuts and great coffee. We had great yeast donuts and coffee. We visited early-ish on a Sunday morning (0915) and had no wait.
Roberta Binder (Bobbe)
Interesting location, well worth discovering. Doughnuts are the BEST! Staff delightful. Atmosphere perfect for a coffee and donut place. Definitely on my list of places to BE and Be again and again!
Brianna K
Great donuts and coffee. My boyfriend is allergic to dairy and never had a donut until we went here a few years ago. Now if they just had GF donuts!
Maggie N.
Awesome apple fritter. Love how light the yeast donuts are, I could eat 3 in one sitting!
Max Wenneker
Cake donuts are awesome. Loved the vanilla glazed. Yeast donuts weren’t amazing. Cool coffee/donut shop, lots of room to sit.
Abby
I love this place! Really good food and drinks. Most of the cons I listed aren’t their fault and they’ve been consistently good whenever I come, so 5 stars!
Pros:
Amazing doughnuts and coffee
Friendly staff
(Usually) short wait times
Cute interior
Cons:
Can get crowded quickly
Slightly higher in price
Parking can be scarce
Kevin Jones
Best donuts in WNC! Excellent coffee and tea drinks as well. Free WiFi and a comfortable atmosphere with hammocks to lay on outside during nice weather.
Brenda Lopez Hale
Best donut shop I've been to! Yes pricey but worth it especially if you can't consume dairy like most it's great that they have quiet a menu for dairy free.
Jen K
A delicious variety of unique doughnut flavors and solid coffee offerings. The "hipster" quotient would be nearly insufferable if it weren't occasionally entertaining (I overheard an awkward first date conversation about how Matisyahu is the post-racial leader that could save American pop culture).
Ashley Ortiz
THE most fluffy doughnuts you'll ever have. I miss them already. Even next day, they still are very very fluffy and soft. We got 12 doughnuts if the vegan flavours and our favorites are the vortex, vanilla apple fritter, cinnamon sugar (can't go wrong with that!) And mango coconut!!
Aleister Avenmarch
I will never turn down the opportunity to go to Vortex. I've never had doughnuts as good as theirs! Every day they have buy-one-get-one in the last hour of business. Vegan options galore, y'all!!!
Cory Obarr
I heard a lot of hype about vortex donuts. They did not live up the all the hype I have heard unfortunately. They still had good donuts, just not 5 star worthy in my opinion.
Jen m
Doughnuts were fresh. Not to sweet. A milk/semisweet chocolate topping would of been nice because their chocolate tastes like dark chocolate.
Justin Hunnicutt
Best donut shop in asheville! They have high quality donuts that leave you craving more, and great coffee as well. They also have vegan donuts available that are delectable as well!
Carlo Giovanni Yannuzzi
Wish they would forecast better. I tried to get their avocado smash on two different occasions and they were sold out. The Doughnuts I had were delicious!
Dario Calabro
Seriously, some of the best doughnuts I've ever had. No joke. Both versions are delicious, but we prefer the yeasted sweets.
Michelle Kocses
Normally I prefer yeast donuts but at Vortex I actually preferred the cake donut. I had mini cake donuts with caramel and coconut on top. I loved them.
Allegra Payne
Sooo many varieties! Love the vanilla apple fritter! Please, if you have any spare time get a donut and coffee and sit outside. Best experience!
Michael DeMatties
Who likes ganache on their donuts?.. yummy. wow what a great surprise. Try the chocolate donut, I don't even like chocolate (Hershey's chocolate flavor) but enjoyed this ganache.
Henry W
Had heard a lot of hype about this place and finally got to try an assortment of their wares. I was not disappointed - the doughnuts were easily worth 5 stars! Friendly folks behind the counter too!
Ariel Leeka
Pretty cool craft donuts. Delicious flavors, even the "odd" ones were great. But they are definitely on the higher side price wise
Allan Voichuk
Really good vegan donuts. They all looked good to me.
I thought it was nice that the non-vegan donuts were clearly labeled. The nitro cold crew was also really good.
Hilary Schroeder
Excellent donuts (the chocolate glaze tastes like a chocolate bar, and the cream cheese glaze is stellar too), and I often enjoy the creativity of their barista's picks!
Anya Geistert
The doughnuts were amazing! The environment was clean and so cute! And to top it off, super friendly workers. Will definitely go back!
Nick Kienzle
A MUST stop place for anyone in the Asheville area! Their donuts are incredible, with a large selection that changes often. The staff is friendly and their renovated warehouse facility is fun to sit and eat donuts in.
Julia Parry-Hill
Many delicious vegan donut options are available in addition to the ones the non-vegan options. The donuts are huge. The place has a very hipster vibe.
Cyndia Emery
This is a cute place to get coffee and a doughnut. There's a good vibe and the employees are friendly. Everything is always neat and the station with silverware and napkins is always well stocked.
Michael Wright
Delicious coffee and donuts! Check out their rotating tap (made with local beers) and vortex donut. And make sure to go on Thursday or Friday when they have sour cream cake donuts!
Erica
I keep giving this place a try, but it's just not as good as The Hole or when Bob's doughnuts was around. Way too crowed.
j
Best vegan donuts and oat milk latte I've ever had! Amazing!
Ginger Kowal
A new favorite place to get some work done. In an attempt to allow myself to spend significant time there without gaining significant pounds, I hereby pledge to completely ignore the donuts and focus on the following very positive qualities of the shop: Nice clean bright atmosphere, fantastic coffee, fast wifi, easy and plentiful parking (for now), very friendly staff, fun place to sit in the window and see who wanders down to this quickly-evolving part of Asheville!
Alan Cleeland
Donuts are excellent, always new varieties, choice of coffees. Pleasant employees, clean facilities, nice to meet friends and talk. Parking across the street.
Chris Roop
Awesome place. Great employees. Coffee was excellent and the donut was not of this world. Way too tasty for mere mortals. Go there, relax and enjoy. Found this place by accident as we were driving thru Asheville, NC. Would go back just for this place.
Armand Brouillard
Stopped for a quick pickup. Omg so good forget the large retail chains pay the extra for a real homemade doughnut. Maple bacon cake doughnut is a god send
J P
Best donuts in town! Great coffee as well. Their fruit toppings are incredible. Highly recommended
Rahatul Erbe
Really good. Really sweet. I’m still trying to finish my third doughnut from yesterday. They’re expensive but they’re big, fluffy, and delicious.
Maia Simpson
I liked the people selling the donuts, and the donuts themselves were pretty good! The best one was the cream cheese, blueberry yeast raised donut, in my personal opinion.
Victoria Chay
Their vegan donuts are incredible! They also have great coffee. I always take a bag of coffee beans home with me
Maximilian Gauland
Life-changing Doughnuts! 🍩
It’s all about the dough. …
April Pink
Yeah vegan doughnuts! Sooooo good! Fast and friendly service too.
R4ptorBunny
One word: AMAZING!
Their doughnuts are simply amazing! Their vegan ones are awesome, and I can't wait to go back to Asheville--going here was one of the highlights!!
Jim Lewis
The two difference style of doughnuts was an interesting twist. We especially enjoyed the vanilla apple fritter.
Shawn L
Great selection of both vegan and regular donuts, complimented by fabulous coffee (regular ... or use oat/soy milk for a vegan mocha/latte).
Audrey Sturdahl
Best donuts in town! Plenty of vegan options and great coffee, can't recommend enough