Why: Echo Donut Lounge in Washougal serves made-to-order mini-doughnuts, Paper Tiger coffee, and organic teas in a space chock-full of new and used musical accessories for sale, among other items. On Fridays, events and live music add another attraction.
What I tried: My dining companion and I ordered two dozen mini-doughnuts and tea to drink.
The old-fashioned cake doughnuts are available with nine different toppings. At the time of my visit, the toppings were: raspberry jam and powdered sugar; chocolate frosting and sprinkles; jalapeño jelly and Cajun spice; cinnamon and sugar; powdered sugar; caramel; sweet chili sauce and powdered sugar; maple-Kahlúa frosting; and lemon glaze.
Because we ordered two dozen doughnuts, the first dozen Echo made had cooled significantly by the time they came to the table, which impacted their appeal. The second dozen were still warm from the fryer. My favorite toppings were the chocolate frosting with sprinkles and the lemon glaze. The chocolate frosting was milk chocolaty, yummy and thin without being runny. The lemon glaze was sweet and not too tart. I did not care for the sweet chili sauce and powdered sugar topping. It reminded me of the sauce often served with eggrolls and, in my opinion, it did not pair well with the doughnut. My dining companion enjoyed the raspberry jam with powdered sugar and the maple-Kahlúa frosted doughnuts the most. The most surprising of the toppings was the jalapeño jelly and Cajun spice. It was tasty and suited the minis well.
Caffeine-free and caffeinated teas are available. We found our tea choices delightfully relaxing and flavorful.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Paninis, cold beer and cider will be added to the menu in the near future, offering more variety beyond the present beverages and mini-doughnuts.
Atmosphere: The space has a very retro feel. Long shag rugs warm up the commercial-grade carpet flooring. Tables and chairs are a mix of simple style and there are arrangements of soft, upholstered seats for lounging, as well. A couple of early-generation video games are set up for playing, as is a chess set. In addition to the instruments and other music accessories for sale, there is a diverse selection of books and a few random items, such as lunch boxes and cookware — I even spotted a fish-scaler.
Other observations: I was fascinated by the 8-track tapes and the Mousetrap board game that I spotted among the collection, which are right up memory lane for me. However, my dining companion hails from the next generation and found them almost spooky, finding more interest in perusing the books.
Echo hosts private events, parties, gatherings, and clubs at $100 for two hours.
Cost: Doughnuts may be ordered in quantities of four, six, eight or 12 and cost $2.25, $3.50, $4.25 and $6, respectively. Coffee is $1.75 for 12 ounces and $2.25 for 16 ounces. Tea costs $1.50 for 12 ounces and $2 for 16 ounces. Hot cocoa is $1.25 for 10 ounces and $2 for 12 ounces. Milk and chocolate milk is $1.50. Canned drinks are $1 and bottled drinks are $1.50.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Open later for events and live music on Fridays.
Where: 1801 Main St., Washougal.
Online: www.ShopEchoResale.com
Telephone: 360-335-9104.
Health score: Echo Donut Lounge received a perfect score of 0 on Oct. 23. Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
