By: Kat Bein By: Kat Bein | November 25, 2021 | Food & Drink
Coffee and pie, oh my! It's a match made in heaven, but so is chicken and pot pies, or chocolate pecan and a crunchy crust.
Whether you're in the mood for a savory handheld lunch, a classic southern dessert or a festive holiday innovation, the Bay Area boasts some incredible bakers and pie professionals.
Next time you're in the market for America's favorite treat, try one of these six must-try bake shops.
See also: 7 Warm Cocktails and Winter Drinks to Stay Cozy all Season
2501 Phelps St. / Website
Stick it to the patriarchy one slice at a time at this women- and minority-owned bake shop dealing tons of delicious baked goods. What started as a pie pop-up shop in the Mission has noe become a local favorite that ships top-tier pies all across the nation. Visit the commercial kitchen in Portola Place for incredible edibles like classic apple and pumpkin, bourbon pecan, key lime, vegan blackberry crumble and more. The seasonal menu changes regularly, so check out the website for up-to-date info. You can even order a pie kit for home or take part in one of Three Babes Bakeshop's virtual and year-round classes. Good news: the Babes are baking seven days a week!
28 Waverly Pl. / Website
This pie pop-up takes up space in the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu's in Chinatown. It’s run by the decorated restaurant’s pastry chef Melissa Chou, and Friday through Sunday, she’s serving unbelievably delicious slices of melt-in-your-mouth decadence. From tarts to meringues, flavor profiles savory and sweet, Grand Opening curates a menu of ever-changing delights that’ll keep your interests piqued and your belly full. Menu items are available as pre-orders, and the shop hosts a bake sale at Master Kiu's each Sunday. Just walk up to the window and get your selection of pasties and slices to go.
5128 3rd St. / Website
As great as Bay Area bakers can be, we all know the real stick-to-your-rib pie cookin’ originated in the South. Chef Yvonne started this business at home as a means to cook up some extra cash to support her newborn daughter. The love for her authentic pralines was so abundant, she expanded to a true shop with cookies, cakes and oh-so-yummy pies. Now, she's cooking for the NFL, the Golden State Warriors and you, serving pecan and sweet potato pies just like her grandma used to make. Don’t miss this slice of southern hospitality!
3218 Mission St. / Website
If we’re talking pie (and we are), Blue Plate is here for one thing and one thing only: Key Lime pies. It’s a tropical tradition that can transport any Florida local back to their homeland in just one bite—as long as it’s done right. Good thing is, Blue Plate is absolutely great at it. Get it by the slice or as a whole pie at this perfectly good restaurant to eat at for dinner and things that aren’t pie. Just don’t forget to leave room for this tangy treat.
3717 Balboa St. / Website
This family-owned and operated bakeshop makes everything with a hunkin' chunk of love. After all, it's in the name! The pie menu is extensive, factoring in seasonal fruits and traditional classics from German chocolate pie to pumpkin and pecan. Homemade pudding pies are also available in vanilla, butterscotch and other varieties. Savory pies, handheld pies, and even raw pie dough is up for grabs at this quaint little shop, as are a list of cakes, cookies and more.
Main Post Lawn / Website
Pie isn't just for dessert. Savory pies have been eaten as full meals for centuries, and Pye is keeping that cultural heritage alive with some truly must-try dishes. The owners learned the tricks of the trade from true Cornish miners, and now you can enjoy a tasty beef and cheese pie, chicken vegetable pie, mushroom potato leek pie and more on the go. Buy them frozen and follow the reheating instructions to have a tasty, hand-held morsel at home or on the job. Pye also caters and delivers.
Photography by: Brooke Lark / Unsplash
