Sucked Into Asheville's Vortex Doughnuts

Vortex Doughnuts

32 Banks Ave, Suite 106

Asheville, NC 28801

In an old boat motor company building on the South Slope in Asheville, you'll find yourself sucked into Vortex Doughnuts, hypnotically staring at which creative and colorful treat you will choose.

Will it be the Espresso?

Or the unforgettable succulent middle of the Apple Fritter?

Perhaps the beauteous Blueberry Caramel?

Maybe the Peanut Butter Thin Mint Cookie?

Or possibly the Rotating Tap that, on the day I talked to General Manager Eli Masem, was Peanut Pretzel Chocolate.

"It's an everyday place," he said, as I spoke to him about the spacious urban interior under an original wood ceiling. Very tall and spacious. You'll notice a democratic mix of children with chocolate-stained smiling faces, local parents and eager tourists.

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It also has the largest chalk board menu you will ever see in your life, spanning the entire back wall. "And all chalkwork is done by our baristas," he added, including his wife.

While I sipped the 1000 Faces Coffee in a mug he offered, I noticed a sweet flavor and edge to the roast. He went on to mention that it's buy one/get on free in the last hour each day before closing and 12-5 on Tuesdays. Wednesday is half-off dozens.

There's not a lot of end-of-day waste either so they manage these creations very well, making them in-house.

"Our employees are also very Asheville-y," he noted. 

With ceilings that seem to be taller than 20 feet, the space itself is the first of two vortices that pull you in, the second being the gorgeous doughnuts that will first have you salivating, then, like the kids you see around you, with a smeared and beaming face.

Disclaimer:  Author paid for own food on multiple visits.