If you love doughnuts (or donuts — same thing, just spelled differently 😉), then Vortex Doughnuts in Asheville’s South Slope should be on your list of must‑try spots! We recently stopped by this funky and beloved doughnut shop and left with big smiles — and even bigger cravings for more.
Founded in 2014, Vortex Doughnuts set out to create doughnuts that are “tasty, local, and twisted,” and that goal still shows in every bite. Located on 32 Banks Avenue, this community favorite is right in the heart of the vibrant South Slope neighborhood — surrounded by breweries, coffee shops, and some of Asheville’s best food destinations.
At Vortex, you’ll find both yeast and cake doughnuts, usually with around a dozen creative flavors each day. Many of their offerings are vegan, and the shop is known for its rotating menu that keeps locals and visitors coming back to try something new. Pair your doughnuts with gourmet coffee or espresso drinks — often brewed with 1000 Faces Coffee — and you’ve got the ultimate sweet break during a day of exploring downtown Asheville.
We indulged in three standout picks:
🍩 A cream‑cheese‑topped doughnut
🍩 The classic Vortex signature doughnut
🍩 A rich dark chocolate glazed doughnut
Each was immeasurably satisfying — from fluffy texture to bold flavor — and the variety keeps Vortex fresh and exciting every time you visit.
Reviewers widely praise the shop for its fresh, hand‑made doughnuts, excellent vegan options, and inviting space — with one local calling it one of the best places for donuts and coffee in town.
While they don’t currently have an active website, Vortex stays connected via social media with daily updates on flavors and creations. The demand can be high (popular doughnuts sell out), so arrive early if you have your eye on a particular flavor!
With its downtown location and creative menu, Vortex Doughnuts isn’t just a dessert stop — it’s a destination for Asheville’s sweet‑toothed foodies. Whether you’re grabbing a morning treat before brewery hopping or winding down a culinary day downtown, this spot delivers flavor and fun every time. 🍩✨