Alabama
JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies, Birmingham
Jawanda began cooking for her family at the age of nine. She learned to make sweet potato pie shortly after she got married, and soon friends and neighbors were requesting them, too. Now JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies in Birmingham serves up 15 flavors, including pecan and s’mores, along with other sweet Southern treats.
Alaska
A Pie Stop, Anchorage
The grandmother-grandaughter team behind A Pie Stop in Anchorage makes all of their pies from scratch, using locally grown fruit whenever possible. They’ve got three pie recipes with rhubarb, fruit pies and cream pies, plus sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free options. They even have a drive-through window!
Arizona
Rock Springs Cafe, Black Canyon City
Opened as a hotel and general store in 1918, the Rock Springs Cafe is now an institution in Black Canyon City. People come from far and wide on their way to the Grand Canyon to stop in and try famous treats like their towering banana cream pie (here’s how to make it at home) and delicious mixed berry crumb pie.
Arkansas
PattiCakes Bakery, Conway
Step through the screen door into PattiCakes Bakery in Conway and you’ll be rewarded with an avalanche of sweet treats to choose from. But the Arkansas possum pie is not to be missed! It’s layered with pecans, cream cheese and chocolate. This is one unique pie recipe you’ll want to recreate at home!
California
Pietisserie, Oakland
Jaynelle St. Jean began her pie journey by giving slices away through the window of her mother’s house on Valentine’s Day. She’s still a proponent of “random acts of sweetness,” and now owns Pietisserie in Oakland. Her signature pie has raspberry filling encased in two chocolate crusts. It’s stunning! What are you making on Valentine’s Day?
Colorado
The Huckleberry, Louisville
Tucked into the historic old Post Office in Louisville, The Huckleberry serves sweet treats made with ingredients from their own farm. You’ll want to sample the peach huckleberry, because peaches + just about any other flavor = great pie. Bring a friend so you can try everything!
Connecticut
Michele’s Pies, Norwalk
Michele of Michele’s Pies in Norwalk wanted to make her grandma’s pie recipes famous, and she has definitely succeeded. Stop by to try her award-winning creations made with local ingredients. They’re all fabulous, but her apple caramel crumb pie made with homemade caramel is a standout. Who can resist anything made with apples in the fall?
Delaware
Bing’s Bakery, Newark
It’s a sure bet that Delaware’s longest-running bakery is going to have the best pie. Bing’s Bakery has been operating since 1871, and generations of families come for their baked goods that are made from scratch daily. The banana cream pie is a local favorite. Need to use up some ripe bananas?
Florida
Key West Key Lime Pie Co., Key West
Did you expect a mention of any other pie? Key West Key Lime Pie Co. sells pies whole or by the slice, or they will dip a frozen slice in chocolate for you. Yes, please! They also offer baking classes for ages five and up. Can’t get there for a class? Make one of these Key lime pies at home.
Georgia
The Pie Hole, Roswell
Known for their sky-high apple pies, The Pie Hole makes a variety of Southern favorites. Try other fruit pies like triple berry and cherry, and seasonal favorites like chocolate peppermint, salted caramel and pear cranberry. Which pies will you be baking for Christmas this year? Try these.
Hawaii
Leodas Kitchen and Pie Shop, Lahaina
Local ingredients and tropical flavors shine at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Try the Chocolate Haupia Pie, which has a macadamia nut crust and a layer of haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding). You’ll also find pies made with guava, dragon fruit, pineapple and the local Olowalu limes. Here are more ways to incorporate tropical fruit into your next meal.
Idaho
Pie Hut, Sandpoint
A local’s favorite in Sandpoint, Pie Hut serves hand-crafted pies in unique flavors like cinnamon apple cream and Nanaimo bar. But the Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Pie is a showstopper! We know we can’t replicate the magic of this pie, but we do have some ideas for peanut butter brownies that you can make at home.
Illinois
Rule of Pie Bakeshop, Murphysboro
If you’re visiting Murphysboro for its barbecue, be sure to save room for dessert at Rule of Pie. Their locally sourced ingredients mean that the menu changes with the seasons. During the summer, look for fruit pies like peach and strawberry-rhubarb. These are our favorite pies to make on a summer day.
Indiana
Mrs. Wick’s Pies, Winchester
The sugar cream pie, or Hoosier pie, is the state pie of Indiana, and Wick’s Pies has been making them for more than 70 years. You can get a slice at Mrs. Wick’s Restaurant in Winchester, along with 35 other flavors of pie made fresh daily. You’ll want to bake a sugar cream pie yourself when you get home!
Iowa
Country Junction Restaurant, Dyersville
At the Country Junction Restaurant in Dyersville, they serve old-fashioned food in a beautiful dining room featuring reclaimed wood from all over the state. They’ll give you a free slice of pie on your birthday! Will you choose their chocolate mousse pie or sour cream raisin? Do you think they can compete with grandma’s recipe for this classic sour cream pie?
Kansas
Spear’s Restaurant & Pie Shop, Wichita
The home cooking at Spear’s Restaurant & Pie Shop in Wichita literally began at home—the family converted a large house into a restaurant in 1956. They have every pie you’d hope for and more. Apple pie and cherry pie are big hits, but they’re known for whipped cream pies like coconut cream and peanut butter fudge. Got a fudge craving now?
Kentucky
The Whistle Stop, Glendale
If meringue is your jam, then you need to get to The Whistle Stop in Glendale! Their beautiful meringue pies are famous all over the state. Have a hearty Southern meal, then try a slice of the peanut butter meringue or butterscotch meringue. You might be inspired to cook up these comforting Southern recipes when fall rolls around.
Louisiana
Strawn’s Eat Shop, Shreveport
It’s hot in Louisiana. Maybe that’s why Strawn’s Eat Shop is famous for their icebox pies. They’ve been making them by hand since the late 1950s. During the holidays, they sell up to 500 icebox pies per day at each of their three locations. May we suggest one of these icebox desserts to cool you down when summer comes?
Maine
Hello Good Pie Bakery and Gourmet Kitchen, Belgrade Lakes
Blueberries and Maine go hand in hand, so expect to find some blueberry pie at Hello, Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes. Their pies are made from scratch, including the fruit fillings, curds and caramel. All this berry talk is giving us an urge to bake up some tasty blueberry treats!
Maryland
The Ugly Pie, Salisbury
The three owners of The Ugly Pie in Salisbury began their business by “borrowing” a local commercial kitchen and making their special order pies overnight. Now at their brick and mortar location, you can find unique flavors like coffee cream pie and Bonobo Banana Pie, featuring a dark chocolate custard with fresh bananas and whipped cream.
Massachusetts
Mike’s Pastry, Boston
People flock to Mike’s Pastry in Boston for their famed cannoli, but the pies are not to be missed. Their specialty, ricotta pie, has a sweet ricotta filling between two flaky crusts and has folks standing in line at their North End location to get a slice. Ricotta can be used in so many tasty ways!
Michigan
Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe, DeWitt
With a slogan like “Eat pie, love life!”, it’s a sure bet that DeWitt’s Sweetie-licious Bakery is going to satisfy your pie cravings. No less than 50 flavors rotate with the seasons, but you can find the coconut cream pie on the menu every day of the year. Here are 50 more ideas for coconut desserts!
Minnesota
Betty’s Pies, Two Harbors
Betty’s Pies began as a simple stand selling coffee and donuts to local fisherman in 1956. Now it’s a roadside institution for people on their way to the North Shore. You can order up favorites like French silk, toffee cream and blueberry. Or try their most popular pie, created by Betty herself, the Lemon Angel.
Mississippi
Sugaree’s Bakery, New Albany
The colossal chocolate meringue pie at Sugaree’s Bakery in New Albany weighs five pounds and is a dazzling sight to behold. The recipe was passed down from owner Mary Russell’s great grandmother. It’s doubtful she’ll be giving away her treasured family recipe, so plan a visit soon. In the meantime, make one of these chocolate treats.
Missouri
Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery, Kimmswick
Located in Kimmswick, a small town on the Mississippi River, the Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery is home to a stunning feat of baking. Their Levee High Apple Pie is nine inches tall! Choose the classic version, or go even bigger and get it with caramel and pecans. Try these tips the next time you make apple pie.
Montana
Rock ‘n’ Roll Bakery, East Glacier Park
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Bakery is known for its huckleberry pie, and for outfitting guests with all the gear they’ll need for a visit to Glacier National Park. Stop in for locally roasted coffee and warm pie to fuel up before a hike. Whip up some Montana-style home cooking in your own kitchen with these recipes!
Nebraska
WheatFields Eatery & Bakery, Omaha
A family-owned business in Omaha, Wheatfields Eatery & Bakery serves up whole pie, pie by the slice and even baby pies in fun flavors! Try the Baby Coconut Creme or Baby Chocolate “Moose.” You’ll also find fruit pies, cakes and cookies. Serve them with one of these homestyle recipes from Nebraska.
Nevada
Mix Bakeshop, Reno
If you’re headed to Reno, pop in to Mix Bakeshop for a plethora of pie choices. Their menu includes recipes with a twist. The salted caramel apple pie one-ups the original, and the seasonal eggnog cream pie will have you counting the days until Christmas. If you just can’t wait, here’s how to make the best homemade eggnog right now!
New Hampshire
Just Like Mom’s Pastries, Weare
Just Like Mom’s Pastries in Weare began as a home business. They now offer fruit pies, cream pies and no less than four flavors of pecan pie, including bourbon pecan and pumpkin pecan. Owner Karen Car also offers gluten-free and sugar-free pies for those with dietary restrictions. What goes great with sugar-free pie? How about some sugar-free ice cream?
New Jersey
Red Barn Cafe & Pie Shop, Hammonton
If you’re headed through South Jersey, a historic windmill will point you toward Penza’s Pies at the Red Barn Cafe. In a converted barn that’s more than 100 years old, the Penza family bakes old-fashioned pies like apple crumb, peach and pecan, or go for one of their Sicilian-style ricotta pies with fresh fruit.
New Mexico
Pie-O-Neer Pies, Pie Town
If there’s a pie shop in a place called Pie Town, you’d better stop and get some! Pie-O-Neer Pies has all of your favorite classics, but try their uniquely New Mexico pies with chile, like Chocolate Chess with Red Chile and New Mexico Apple with Green Chile. We like everything spicy!
New York
Noble Pies, Warwick
After literally stopping traffic selling pies by the roadside with a sign that read, “Turn back for pie!”, owner Leslie Noble realized she needed a retail location. Noble Pies in Warwick uses her grandmother’s tried and true recipes, and also offers cocktail-flavored pies, like strawberry daiquiri and margarita. What’s your favorite way to make a margarita?
North Carolina
Fayetteville Pie Company, Fayetteville
Seeking to re-create the memories of her grandmother’s kitchen, Leslie Pearson opened Fayetteville Pie Company in Fayetteville and began serving a rotating menu of sweet and savory pies. With choices like root beer float pie and malted milk French silk, it seems she’s taken Grandma’s recipes up a notch! (But everyone still loves Grandma’s favorites.)
North Dakota
Deaner’s Diner, West Fargo
Rock ‘n’ roll vibes and 1950s decor characterize Deaner’s Diner in West Fargo. They have all of the classic American pies you would hope to find in a diner, from fruit pies to lemon meringue. You can also enjoy a wide selection of omelets and other classic diner fares.
Ohio
Mama Jo Homestyle Pies, Amherst
Ohio is the Buckeye State, so there must be buckeye pie, right? Like the buckeye candy, that is! You’ll find it at Mama Jo Homestyle Pies in Amherst, along with many others like Boston cream pie, cherry pie, even pina colada pie! Their secret? All of their crusts are made with lard, just like Grandma did it.
Oklahoma
Pie Junkie, Oklahoma City
With pies available whole, by the slice or frozen to bake at home, it’s no wonder that Pie Junkie is Oklahoma City’s premier pie shop. Their most popular flavor is the Drunken Turtle Pie, with salted bourbon caramel. Don’t miss their specialty whoopie pies on Fridays. Whoopie pies—fun to say and fun to make.
Oregon
Banning’s Restaurant & Pie, Tigard
Growing up on a farm gave the owners of Banning’s Restaurant all of the experience they needed to run a restaurant. They make everything in the restaurant from scratch every day, including the pies. Try the Mudd Pie, with coffee ice cream, chocolate, caramel and whipped cream. Coffee and dessert? How about coffee in dessert!
Pennsylvania
Bird in Hand Bakery & Cafe, Bird in Hand
What’s a trip to Pennsylvania without some shoofly pie? Bird-in-Hand Bakery is said to have the best in Lancaster County. This wet-bottom pie made with molasses, brown sugar and cinnamon is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipe. If you can’t make it there in person, you can order online, or make shoofly pie at home.
Rhode Island
LaSalle Bakery, Providence
Doing things the traditional way is what has kept LaSalle Bakery in Providence growing for nearly 100 years. The current owner began working there at the age of 15! Fruit pies, pumpkin pies, caramel apple pecan pie, they’ve got all the flavors you’re looking for. They even bake up treats for your dog at Christmas time.
South Carolina
Strossner’s, Greenville
Run by the same family for three generations, Strossner’s in Greenville has been making pie, cakes and bread from scratch for more than 70 years. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, but save room for chocolate cream pie or traditional Southern pecan pie. What’s your favorite spin on pecan pie?
South Dakota
Wall Drug, Wall
There are so many things to see at this famous roadside attraction, but don’t forget about the pie! Wall Drug has been a place for travelers to get refreshments since 1936. Take a break on your way to Mt. Rushmore. Get yourself a slice of cherry pie to go with that famous free ice water.
Tennessee
Sweet Creations Pie Bakery, Nashville
Barbara Toms, owner of Sweet Creations Pie Bakery in Nashville started her business to benefit her community. She now offers six flavors including chocolate chip pecan (yum!), sweet potato, peach and apple. No time to swing by the shop? You can find her three-inch tarts at the Nashville airport. (And get some hot chicken before you leave, too!)
Texas
Royers Round Top Cafe, Round Top
People make pie pilgrimages to tiny Round Top (population 77), to visit Royer’s Round Top Cafe. You’ll see why when you try their original recipes like Junk Berry, with all kinds of berries and peaches and apples. But don’t leave without tasting their bestseller, the Texas Trash Pie, with chocolate chips, pretzels, coconut, caramel and graham crackers. Speaking of graham crackers…
Utah
Provo Bakery, Provo
In business for more than 75 years, Provo Bakery‘s original owner trained as an Army baker in Paris during the Korean War. Still operated by the same family, they’ll be happy to serve your favorites like chocolate cream pie, coconut cream pie and all sorts of fruit pies including mincemeat.
Vermont
The Southern Pie Company, Chester
A little taste of the South awaits at Southern Pie Company. Savor a variety of flavors of chess pie, or their maple buttermilk pie for a uniquely Vermont twist on a southern classic. Don’t forget about their pumpkin sweet potato pies in the fall. Still craving that Vermont maple flavor?
Virginia
Livin the Pie Life, Arlington
The women who own Livin’ the Pie Life in Arlington met at a PTA bake sale and soon teamed up to sell pies at a local farmers’ market. Now you can visit their bakery for seasonal flavors like peach Melba or Silky Gingerbread Pudding Pie. If you’re a savory pie person, their macaroni and cheese pie could change your life. More mac & cheese, please!
Washington
The Pie Goddess, Enumclaw
Suzie Sidhu, better known as The Pie Goddess, has been baking pies for 25 years. In her shop, she makes about 50 varieties of pie, depending upon the season. She’s known for her lush bakes, in flavors like chocolate peanut butter banana, butterscotch and chocolate pistachio. Mmm, pistachios are good on everything!
West Virginia
Oliver’s Pies, Wheeling
Each pastry at Oliver’s Pies is hand-rolled by Jim Oliver every morning. He offers whole pies, slices and mini-pies at his location in Centre Market. Stop by for apple or cherry, or try his decadent cream pie flavors including butterscotch and chocolate peanut buttercream. Everyone loves peanut butter!
Wisconsin
Sweetie Pie’s, Fish Creek
What could be better than fresh cherry pie in a county famed for growing them? Sweetie Pie’s in Fish Creek uses Door County cherries grown just down the road in all of their pies. Each crust is hand-rolled and made from unbleached, unbromated flour. Pie isn’t the only thing you can make with those cherries.
Wyoming
The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant, Jackson
Located in an old blacksmith’s shop, The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant has been serving up high-quality baked goods for 40 years. Their pies are made fresh daily, using fresh ingredients like strawberries, rhubarb and peaches. Come early: They sell out fast. If you miss out on the pie, maybe you could make some Wyoming Cowboy Cookies instead.
The post The Best Pie Shop in Every State appeared first on Taste of Home.
Debra Cummings