The French have their macarons and crepes, and Italians boast tiramisu and cannoli; however, as the saying goes, there are few things more American than apple pie. Today, pie offerings in the US are as diverse as the country itself, with restaurants serving creative fillings utilizing local ingredients. Here are some of the top spots in the US to try delicious pies featuring innovative flavors, as well as classic American staples.
Birdie G’s – Los Angeles, California
Try: Petal & Pretzel pie
As a restaurant dedicated to promoting “regional American cookery” and “timeless family recipes,” it’s no surprise that pie is a highlight at this Santa Monica supper club. Perhaps best known for its rose-petal variety, Birdie G’s also offers options ranging from classic to creative.
Sweet Tooth Boston – Boston, Massachusetts
Try: Boston Cream Pie
The Boston Cream Pie, originally served in 1856 at the historic Omni Parker House, is a key food icon for the state. In contemporary times, however, Sweet Tooth Boston offers an array of delicious pies. Owner Glenn Quirion is known for his exceptional pies, including apple, blueberry, peach, banana cream, and his mother’s butterscotch cream.
Pie Junkie – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Try: Orange bourbon pecan pie
Friends Darcy Schein and Leslie Coale-Mossman founded Pie Junkie in 2010 as a hobby, never looking back. The menu features over a dozen selections, including innovative orange bourbon pecan and peanut butter chocolate. The cult favorite Drunken Turtle combines a graham cracker crust with fudgy chocolate, bourbon-spiked caramel, and pecans. Many flavors are also available frozen for baking at home.
Blue Sky Bakery Café – Chicago, Illinois
Try: Strawberry mascarpone pie with lemon curd and a gingersnap crust
The concept at Blue Sky Bakery & Café focuses on social change in Chicago, employing homeless and at-risk youth. Mini pies are a highlight, featuring fresh fruit or dark chocolate pecan options.
Gregg’s – Providence, Rhode Island
Try: Chocolate chip cookie pie
In 2014, President Obama famously endorsed the Death By Chocolate cake at this local eatery. However, their beloved apple pie, crafted with five pounds of apples from upstate New York, is equally worthy of praise. Other delicious options include coconut custard and frozen strawberry yogurt.
Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies – Brooklyn, New York
Try: Key Lime Pie
Steve Tarpin dedicates his bakery to the art of crafting key lime pies. His creations, using fresh-squeezed lime juice and a proprietary graham crumb blend, offer authentic flavor. The flagship bakery is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with availability in various retailers across NYC.
Ted’s Bakery – Oahu, Hawaii
Try: Chocolate haupia cream pie
Hawaii’s unique flavors shine through at Ted’s Bakery, famous for its chocolate haupia cream pie. This dessert combines creamy coconut pudding, dark chocolate custard, and whipped cream. Other tropical options, like strawberry guava cream pie, are also available across the island.
Sweet Potato Sensations – Detroit, Michigan
Try: Sweet potato coconut pie
Sweet Potato Sensations is a Detroit bakery that showcases the potential of sweet potatoes. Their sweet potato coconut and sweet potato pecan pies are customer favorites, along with delectable cheesecake, cookies, and cobblers.
Texan Café and Pie Shop – Hutto, Texas
Try: Apple pie a la mode
Residing in the heart of Texas, this small-town eatery attracts locals with its hearty menu of chicken-fried steak, catfish, and burgers. However, the real draw is the shining star—apple pie a la mode, served in a warm cast-iron skillet during the popular Pie Happy Hour.
GainesRidge Dinner Club – Camden, Alabama
Try: Black Bottom Pie
Located in a historic mansion built in 1827, GainesRidge Dinner Club excels in American classics like ribeye and seafood casserole. It takes pride in its Black Bottom Pie, layered with chocolate and bourbon-spiked custard in a gingersnap crust, celebrated widely across Alabama.
