Pie, with its flaky crust and warm filling, has a way of pulling people together. Across the country, bakeries and cafés have built loyal followings on nothing more than a great recipe and a well-loved oven. For those who believe in a slice as the best dessert, these stops stand out.
Alabama: JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies, Birmingham
This Birmingham bakery keeps things soulful and straightforward. JaWanda’s specializes in sweet potato pies with classic and coconut-infused flavors. Every pie is baked from scratch using a family recipe passed down with care. Locals swear by it and visitors quickly understand why one slice usually isn’t enough.
Alaska: A Pie Stop, Anchorage
Scratch-made pies are still at the heart of this Anchorage bakery, though the focus has shifted. Fresh savory pies are available thrice a week, while frozen take-and-bake options fill the gap. The flavors change often, but the quality stays consistent thanks to small-batch prep and careful attention to detail.
Arizona: Pie Snob, Chandler
With flaky crusts, fresh fruit, and a name that makes people smile, Pie Snob has built a loyal following with creative spins like key lime with gingersnap crust and decadent chocolate mousse. Although it’s pickup-only, the pies are worth planning, and the first bite usually seals the deal.
Arkansas: Charlotte’s Eats And Sweets, Keo
Decorated like a pastel time capsule, Charlotte’s draws folks in with its vintage charm, but the pies keep them coming back. The coconut meringue towers sky-high, and the crust somehow distinguishes between tender and crisp. It’s a sweet stop on the way to anywhere.
California: Julian Pie Company, Julian
No trip to this tiny mountain town feels complete without a slice from Julian Pie Company. Apple is the star here, from classic cinnamon-spiced to Dutch-style with a crumb topping. Locals know to grab a frozen one for later because it disappears fast once word gets out.
Colorado: Gold Star Pies, Fort Collins
Acclaimed for its retro-style food truck, Gold Star Pies delivers handmade slices straight to local events and neighborhoods. Each pie uses Colorado-grown fruit whenever possible. The all-butter crust is a regional favorite, especially when paired with seasonal options such as Palisade peach or sour cherry during the summer harvest.
Connecticut: Michele’s Pies, Norwalk
The team at Michele’s Pies takes filling and flavor seriously, backed by over 30 national pie awards. Its owner, Michele Stuart, once competed on Food Network, but her real claim to fame is the chocolate pecan bourbon pie. The shop rotates over 40 varieties yearly, using no fillers or shortcuts.
Delaware: Bing’s Bakery, Newark
Established in 1871, Bing’s Bakery in Newark is Delaware’s longest-running bakery. Their banana cream pie, featuring layers of French cream and fresh bananas topped with whipped cream, has been recognized as the best pie in the state. This historic bakery continues to delight customers with its classic recipes and charming atmosphere.
Florida: Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village, Sarasota
This Amish-run bakery draws long lines for its mile-high peanut butter cream pie. In business since 1975, they still use traditional scratch methods. Daily pie production often reaches hundreds, with numbers peaking during holidays. Banana cream and Dutch apple rank among the top sellers, and are baked fresh every morning.
Georgia: Southern Baked Pie Company, Athens
Southern Baked Pie Company makes small-batch pies with a Southern flair. Its signature buttermilk pie delivers a silky, custard-like filling that’s tangy and smooth. Freshness comes from rotating selections that feature Georgia-grown peaches and pecans. Founded by UGA alumna Amanda Wilbanks, the shop fills fast during game days and graduations.
Hawaii: The Right Slice, Lihue
This Kauai bakery crafts pies with hand-rolled butter crusts and local ingredients like lilikoi and macadamia nuts. Offerings include sweet and savory options like mango lilikoi and chocolate haupia pies. Pies are available in recyclable aluminum pans, and a vending machine at Lihue’s Harbor Mall extends access beyond regular hours.
Idaho: Boise Pie Co., Boise
Locals rave about the huckleberry pie, prepared with Idaho’s state fruit and a buttery, golden crust. Boise Pie Co. features over 40 flavors, including rotating specials such as bourbon apple or lemon sour cream. The shop serves pot pies and quiche, giving visitors both sweet and savory options daily.
Illinois: Hoosier Mama Pie Company, Chicago
Despite what the name suggests, Illinois pride runs deep in this Chicago bakery. It specializes in classic pies made the old-fashioned way, with all-butter crusts and seasonal ingredients. All pies are prepared fresh daily in small batches, with options available by the slice or whole.
Indiana: Lisa’s Pie Shop, Atlanta
Dozens of state fair ribbons line the walls at Lisa’s Pie Shop, located beyond a country road. Her signature “pie in a jar” is popular for gifting, but traditional slices like sugar cream—Indiana’s official state pie—remain top sellers. The kitchen avoids preservatives, sticking to homemade techniques passed down through generations.
Iowa: The Upper Crust Bakery, Decorah
Scandinavian traditions shape the pies at this small-town bakery, where regional ingredients and careful preparation create a loyal following. Lingonberry, rhubarb, and custard pies reflect the place’s heritage and regional produce. The bakery supplies area cafes and groceries, but many still line up for a warm slice straight from the oven.
Kansas: Carriage Crossing Restaurant & Bakery, Yoder
Kansas pie lovers often head to this Mennonite-run place, praised for large portions and a welcoming country atmosphere. The sour cream raisin and peanut butter cream are fan favorites, though fruit pies rotate with the seasons. Everything is made in-house, and you’ll want to take a whole one home.
Kentucky: Missy’s Pies, Lexington
Situated beside a steakhouse but known citywide for dessert, Missy’s has specialized in decadent, gooey pies for over 30 years. The Kentucky bourbon chocolate chip pie, combining sweet custard with a hint of booze, stands out. Flavors range from tangy cherry to silky butterscotch, with a crust that never disappoints.
Louisiana: Lea’s Lunchroom, Lecompte
This roadside venue has been serving pies since 1928. Lea’s is celebrated for ham sandwiches, but the pies are legendary—especially the pecan and lemon meringue. Pies come out of the oven throughout the day, and regulars swear the crust alone is worth the trip. It’s old-school Louisiana at its best.
Maine: Mount Desserts Pie Company, Bar Harbor
Mount Desserts Pie Company offers deep-dish pies baked with fruit from Maine and surrounding New England farms. Sought-after choices include Wild Maine Blueberry and Strawberry Rhubarb. Sisters Brit and Hannah Babcock run the seasonal shop using family recipes, drawing steady lines from May through fall.
Maryland: Dangerously Delicious Pies, Baltimore
Started by a former punk rocker, this shop combines edgy branding with serious baking skills. Sweet and savory pies are on the menu, but the standout is a chocolate chess pie packed with Berger cookies. The crust is dense and buttery, perfect for supporting rich, heavy fillings.
Massachusetts: Petsi Pies, Somerville
Flavor takes the lead at Petsi Pies, a local go-to since it opened in 2003. Their pecan pie is gooey and decadent, while the apple crisp pie draws fans every fall. All pies are prepared in small batches, and the crusts are praised for their structure without being overly dense.
Michigan: Grand Traverse Pie Company, Traverse City
With Michigan’s famous cherries at the heart of the menu, this hometown chain features homegrown fruit in nearly all its pies. Cherry crumb pie is the bestseller, but blueberry and apple also shine. The original location is still the most beloved, drawing pie lovers year-round for a fresh slice or a whole box.
Minnesota: Rustic Inn Cafe, Two Harbors
Road trippers find their way to Rustic Inn Cafe thanks to its standout pie selection near the North Shore Scenic Drive. The caramel apple pecan pie stacks layers of flavor, while the five-layer chocolate pie gives dessert lovers all they want in one bite. Pies are prepared daily and served in generous, diner-style slices.
Mississippi: Sugaree’s Bakery, New Albany
Pies with a nostalgic Southern feel share the spotlight with Sugaree’s celebrated layer cakes. The fudge pie has a brownie-like texture and deep cocoa flavor, while the lemon icebox and sweet potato pies offer bright, creamy alternatives. Each pie is baked slowly, guided by heirloom recipes.
Missouri: The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery, Kimmswick
The signature Levee High Apple Pie towers are 10 inches tall and have 18 apples packed inside. That alone draws pie pilgrims from across the Midwest. But Blue Owl also nails the classics, from chocolate pecan to cherry crumb. It’s a true destination bakery in a small river town near St. Louis.
Montana: Loula’s Café, Whitefish
Loula’s handmade pies feature fruit grown in the Flathead Valley and are served inside a former Masonic temple. The huckleberry peach pie is a regional favorite, and the crusts are always flaky and golden. Its cozy dining room and mountain-town vibe make it a popular stop for skiers and tourists.
Nebraska: Village PieMaker, Eustis
Village PieMaker has built a statewide following for its frozen, ready-to-bake pies, even without a dine-in space. Every pie is hand-filled with real fruit and minimal ingredients. The cherry and strawberry rhubarb are standouts. Sold in markets across Nebraska and beyond, these pies deliver bakery-quality straight from your oven.
Nevada: The Coffee Cup Cafe, Boulder City
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this quirky cafe pairs comfort food with unforgettable pies. Banana cream and coconut custard draw repeat customers, but the menu rotates based on what’s fresh. Boulder City residents know to arrive early; pies often sell out before lunch, especially on weekends or holiday mornings.
New Hampshire: Polly’s Pancake Parlor, Sugar Hill
The spotlight may shine on pancakes, yet Polly’s pies featuring regional ingredients like maple and rhubarb deserve equal praise. The maple custard pie is a must-try, lightly sweet and rich with local syrup. The setting, with mountain views and old barn wood interiors, adds to the experience—especially in the fall foliage season.
New Jersey: Emery’s Farm, New Egypt
At this 60-acre organic farm, fruit grown on the land ends up in the pies served daily. The blueberry pie is a bestseller, with a not-too-sweet filling and a golden, flaky crust. Emery’s sticks to simple, old-school recipes that highlight the fruit. During berry season, lines start early, and whole pies fly off the shelves.
New Mexico: Las Golondrinas Pie Company, Albuquerque
Southwestern flavors shine at this Albuquerque bakery, where pies such as salted honey custard draw steady attention. Las Golondrinas operates through pop-ups, pre-orders, and markets, keeping things fresh and seasonal. Their pies balance creativity with tradition, drawing loyal fans across the city for classic and bold new tastes.
New York: Four & Twenty Blackbirds, Brooklyn
Run by two sisters, this Brooklyn pie shop built a national following with its inventive flavors and handcrafted crusts. The salty honey pie is a standout—custardy and lightly salted. Ingredients that change throughout the year shape the menu, which includes pies ranging from gooseberry to black bottom oats. Slices go fast, especially on weekends.
North Carolina: Slice Pie Company, Raleigh
The Southern apple pie from Slice Pie Company took top prize at the National Pie Championships. Each slice features layers of spiced apple folded into a buttery, flaky crust. Family-owned and based in Raleigh, the shop ships pies nationwide, but locals love picking them up fresh for special occasions.
North Dakota: Tower Travel Center, Tower City
This unassuming truck stop off I-94 has built a quiet reputation for incredible homemade pies. Rotating selections include everything from rhubarb custard to chocolate peanut butter. Pies are handcrafted on-site and sold by slice or whole pies. Travelers often plan stops to grab dessert before heading out again.
Ohio: Just Pies, Westerville
Only handcrafted pies fill the shelves at Just Pies, keeping the concept simple and focused. The menu includes over 30 varieties, including buckeye pie, a nod to Ohio’s famous chocolate-peanut butter candy. Each pie uses fresh ingredients. Locals love picking up mini pies for weeknight desserts or full-sized ones for gatherings.
Oklahoma: Field’s Pies, Pauls Valley
What began as a small bakery in the 1920s has become Oklahoma’s most recognized pie brand. Field’s Pies are sold in grocery stores statewide, but the factory store in Pauls Valley remains a top pick for locals. The pecan pie is the original recipe, baked without preservatives and still packed by hand.
Oregon: Bipartisan Cafe, Portland
Pies have been the heart of this Portland café since 2005. The marionberry pie is a standout, crafted from a family recipe with locally picked berries. Other favorites include chocolate silk and espresso cream. With vegan and gluten-free options, Bipartisan Cafe keeps regulars returning for a slice that suits all tastes.
Pennsylvania: Baked With Love, Erie
Named for the passion behind the crust, this small bakery creates all its pies in-house with time-tested family recipes. Their fruit pies highlight local produce, but the chocolate cream and Dutch apple are consistent crowd-pleasers. Customers often order weeks in advance to secure one of these handmade, generously filled desserts.
Rhode Island: The Sweet Shoppe, Westerly
This family-run bakery is a hidden gem for pie lovers in southern Rhode Island. They rotate flavors throughout the year but keep staples like lemon meringue and chocolate cream on deck. Crusts are light and flaky; fillings are prepared with real fruit and no artificial ingredients. Everything is baked fresh daily.
South Carolina: Strossner’s Bakery, Greenville
Strossner’s has served Greenville since 1947. While it’s a full bakery, the pies stand out for their quality and consistency. Their apple pie is a bestseller, packed with spiced slices and topped with a golden lattice. Southern staples such as pecan and buttermilk are part of the lineup.
South Dakota: The Purple Pie Place, Custer
Homemade pie and ice cream lure visitors to this vivid purple building near Mount Rushmore. The bumbleberry pie, made with a mix of berries and rhubarb, is a regular crowd-pleaser. Everything is baked fresh daily, and the pies pair well with in-house vanilla ice cream or a hot coffee.
Tennessee: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, Knoxville
Though it’s grown into several states, the roots of this Southern-style pie shop remain firmly in Knoxville. Their I-40 pie, named after the highway, layers pecans, chocolate chips, and gooey filling in a buttery crust. Mini pies are also available, allowing guests to try several flavors in one visit.
Texas: Blue Bonnet Cafe, Marble Falls
Since 1929, this diner-style cafe has served meringue pies that have become legendary across Texas. Flavors include coconut, lemon, and chocolate, all topped with airy meringue that stretches skyward. The cafe features Pie Happy Hour, where guests can enjoy a slice and drink combo at a discount.
Utah: Veyo Pies, Veyo
A favorite stop for travelers near Zion and St. George, Veyo Pies is known for its flaky crusts and generous fillings. The mountain berry pie blends blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in a sweet-tart mix. Savory selections such as chicken pot pie are also available, drawing in lunch crowds.
Vermont: Poorhouse Pies, Underhill
No staff is needed at this little pie spot—just a payment box and plenty of trust. Visitors grab pies from the fridge, leave cash or use Venmo, and head out with handmade desserts. Two longtime friends bake each pie by hand in their home kitchen.
Virginia: Red Truck Bakery, Marshall
Red Truck Bakery has earned national recognition and presidential praise for pies that balance nostalgia with refinement. The Shenandoah apple pie is a favorite, made with Virginia apples and a buttery crust. Other standouts include bourbon pecan and the Southern lemon chess. Everything’s made fresh, using regional ingredients when possible.
Washington: A La Mode Pies, Seattle
This Seattle bakery handcrafts every pie with fruit sourced from the Pacific Northwest. Marionberry and blueberry pies highlight regional produce, while Mexican chocolate and bourbon butterscotch offer rich alternatives. The cozy shop also serves coffee and rotating seasonal specials.
West Virginia: The Black Dog Coffee Company, Shenandoah Junction
Some of West Virginia’s top pies come from Black Dog, thanks to its rotating partnerships with local bakers. Seasonal apple and pecan pies are top picks. The cozy atmosphere and fresh brews make it a popular stop along the Eastern Panhandle, especially during fall and winter weekends.
Wisconsin: Norske Nook, Osseo
Famous for winning over 45 National Pie Championships, Norske Nook blends Midwestern flavors with Norwegian roots. Cream pies are the specialty—think lingonberry, sour cream raisin, and peanut butter fudge. Most travelers veer off I-94 to experience the fresh flavors and welcoming, small-town charm.
Wyoming: Cowboy Cafe, Dubois
Hearty pies with bold flavors fit right in with the setting near Dubois. Raspberry rhubarb and sour cream lemon sell out fast at Cowboy Cafe. Travelers heading through the Wind River region often stop for a full meal, with breakfast and lunch drawing as much attention as the dessert.
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