1 week Ago By Charlie Vargas, Holly Alvarado
It’s not Thanksgiving unless there is a sweet, warm, delicious pie waiting at the end of one of the biggest dinners of the year. Sure, turkey and other centerpiece dishes are great, but pie is the real MVP. The dessert has been a holiday staple in the United States since the 19th century when British immigrants brought it over.
In 1827, reformer, editor, and author behind the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Sarah Josepha Hale, wrote an entire chapter about Thanksgiving in her abolitionist novel “Northwood: Life North and South.” It included her recipe for pumpkin pie, which inspired many American cooks to make it a staple in their Thanksgiving festivities. Over the decades, pies for the festivities have expanded to include several flavors, including apple, pecan, sweet potato and just about any imaginable berry combination.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 pie shops in Southern California that will make your Thanksgiving dessert pop, including some that take classics like apple and blend them with other flavors and fruits. Be sure to check the website of each bakery for pricing information, order deadlines and serving quantities. It used to be that you’d have to travel down south to San Diego to get a slice of pie from the trendy Pop Pie Co.
, but it’s since opened a location in Costa Mesa. Pies baked at this shop have a shortcrust on the bottom and a sweet, flaky, puffy top made with butter. While the menu focuses on sweet and savory, the sweeter pie flavors are not zany but enhance some of the classics.
The menu includes a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie, Bourbon Pecan Pie and the Apple Cranberry Ginger Crumble (Vegan). Where: 270 E 17th St. #17, Costa Mesa.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.
m. Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m.
– 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
More information: (949) 791-8133; poppieco.com . This Claremont bakery offers a plethora of delicious baked goods year-round: Pastries, tarts, cakes and pies.
Still, there is something especially cozy about pies this time of year. Among the classic flavors, pumpkin, mixed berry, and apple, one in particular stood out: chocolate pecan. While pumpkin or apple are often associated with Thanksgiving celebrations, they can get a little tired sometimes, and if you’re worried your guests are feeling the same way, the safest bet is to go with the chocolatey option with a bonus topping of pecans.
Where: 116 Harvard Ave. N., Claremont.
Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.
m. Tuesday through Saturday. More information: (909) 741-5115; bakerycreme.
com . Julian is worth the road trip and not just for the pie. The census-created town became an apple capital thanks in part to its climate, which provided fruitful results.
Julian is relatively small and walkable from end to end in about 10 minutes, making it the perfect family outing trip for the day. It’s full of knickknack shops and, of course, ones trying to sell you the best pie. One of the largest is the Julian Pie Company, and you’ll know it when you see it.
Yes, there will likely be a long line, but the company is typically quick and efficient. The menu items included classic pie flavors, but it also has a variety of delicious apple mixes, including Boysenberry Apple Crumb, Cherry Apple Crumb and Peach Apple Crumb. If you’re there, be sure to try the hot apple cider with your pie.
Where: 2225 Main St., Julian. Hours: 9 a.
m. – 5 p.m.
Monday through Sunday. More information: (760) 765-2449, julianpie.com .
When it comes to cooking, family recipes often reign supreme in flavors and authenticity, but if pies aren’t your family’s specialty, don’t fret; the Original Mommie Helen Bakery serves some of the best family-made recipes. This family-owned shop specializes in sweet potato pie, which has been a staple for generations. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Sweet Potato/Pecan pie, which brings two classic sweets together for a wonderful slice of dessert.
Where: 1440 S E St., San Bernardino. Hours: 9 a.
m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday through Sunday. More information: mommiehelens.com .
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Apple Alley Bakery in Julian. Quite a few shops sell pies in the little town, but what makes this one special is its Mango Apple Pie. The mango makes this dessert unique and is complimented by the cinnamon flavor, a staple of every apple pie.
If adding another fruit to the mix isn’t something you’re into, check out the Carmel Apple Pecan, which pairs well with a side of vanilla ice cream or topped with whipped cream. Where: 2122 Main St., Julian.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.
m. Tuesday through Sunday. More information: julianapplealley.
com . At I Like Pie Bakeshop in Claremont, the tradition of pie gets a modern twist. This charming spot specializes in individually sized pies, perfect for savoring a personal treat or trying multiple flavors.
Known for both sweet and savory options, customer favorites include the Chocolate Chip Chess and the buttery Dutch Apple Pie. Seasonal flavors like Key Lime Tart and Mixed Berry Pie add a nice variety, while their Onion Potato Quiche highlights savory delights. For those with dietary preferences, they also offer vegan and gluten-free pies.
Where : 175 N Indian Hill Blvd #102b, Claremont. Hours : 11 a.m.
– 8 p.m. Monday–Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.
m. – 10 p.m.
Friday–Saturday. More information: ilikepiebakeshop.com Nestled in Pasadena’s historic Indiana Colony, The Pie Hole has built a loyal following with its mission to deliver “happiness one slice at a time.
” Their menu offers a range of handmade sweet and savory pies, from the nostalgic Mexican Chocolate to the Cereal Killer. For tea lovers, the Earl Grey pie is a must-try. Beyond pies, they serve a selection of organic, Rainforest Alliance Certified house blend coffees, making it an ideal spot for pie and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Where : 59 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.
Hours : 10 a.m. – 10 p.
m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m.
– 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
More information: thepieholela.com Born out of a love for Southern baking, Winston Pies was created by Brianna Abrams, a former lawyer turned pie enthusiast. This Los Angeles favorite offers a mix of classic and inventive flavors, from the traditional Pumpkin and Blue Ridge Blueberry pies to their signature Cowgirl Pie, a salted caramel chocolate creation with an oat crust.
One unique feature is their variety of sizes: full-sized pies, 5-inch mini pies, and bite-sized PieBites, making it easy to sample multiple flavors. Where : Locations include Brentwood, Studio City, and Marina Del Rey. Hours : Hours vary by location, so check online before visiting.
More information : winstonpies.com Craving nostalgia with a gourmet twist? Cake Monkey Bakery takes childhood treats like Swiss rolls and reinvents them with a refined touch. Their mini pies are a favorite, including holiday-ready flavors like Butterscotch Pudding and Cider Roasted Apple with Cheddar Crust.
The bakery is also known for its Triple Berry Cake, which combines layers of vanilla or chocolate with fresh whipped cream and mixed berries. Where : 7807 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles.
Hours : 9 a.m. – 6 p.
m. daily. More information : cakemonkey.
com Nestled in the heart of Downtown LA’s Grand Central Market, Fat + Flour is a beloved spot for pie lovers across the city. Founded by pastry chef Nicole Rucker, who previously worked with LA culinary icons like Gjelina, this cozy shop is known for its nostalgic Americana-style pies and cookies. Fan favorites include the decadent Chess Pie and the seasonal Key Lime Pie, but Fat + Flour’s rotating menu means there’s always something new to try.
Where : 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles. Hours : Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.
–5 p.m. More information : fatandflourla.
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