National Pie Day is Jan. 23, so go ahead and indulge (all week if you want to – we won’t tell). We’ve got a list of where to find the scrumptious slices around San Diego. If the bites below aren’t enough and you require more delicious choices, check out our feature over Thanksgiving that lists some additional slices of heaven!
Cane Patch Pies, Vista & Local Farmer’s Markets
Tony and Jon Smalls run this local bakery and they pay homage to family recipes with signature sweet potato pies that are out of this world. You can only find them online and selling at local farmer’s markets. But trust us, they’re worth it. They also offer a classic apple pie and a pecan option, not to mention a slew of other sweet potato snacks.
Debbie’s Restaurant & Pie Shoppe, San Marcos
This local gem will wow you with its fresh and delicious homemade pies. Debbie, the owner, whips them up daily and offers everything from fruit pies like cherry, peach and boysenberry apple crunch to creamy concoctions like banana cream and coconut custard. Buy a simple slice or take the whole pie home without regrets.
Village Mill Bread Co., Carmel Valley
This spot is famous for the loaves, but the pie speaks for itself. Give the Village Mill 24 to 48 hours’ notice and you can get your hands on some. While this shop does bake pies daily, it tends to sell out, so pre-ordering is suggested if you’re making pie promises. The top three flavors are a classic cherry, a perfect peach and a mixed variety full of raspberries, blueberries and peaches.
Mook & Pop’s Culinary Delights, San Diego & Local Farmer’s Markets
Bourbon pecan, sweet potato, seasonal fruit pies and more. Mook bakes it, and per the website, Pop eats it if you don’t watch out. This adorable local couple (they married on Valentines Day 1948) cooks up their concoctions and sells them to excited patrons at the farmer’s market in both Temecula and Hillcrest. You can place a specific order on their website, too.
Bear Buns Bakery, Sierra Mesa
The cheeky joint specializes in cinnamon rolls, but Yelpers rave that they cater to pie lovers, as well. You’ll need to order your whole pie in advance and you’ve got scrumptious options to choose from including apple, sweet cherry, pecan and pumpkin. It’s a family owned and operated coffeehouse, too – a sweet small business at its finest.
Bud’s Louisiana Café, Kearny Mesa
At this highly rated New Orleans style café you’ll discover comfort food at its finest and desserts to boot. Throw the calorie counting out the window and try the Creole Pecan, a thin layer of cheesecake topped with a nutty pecan pie. Or go for the Cajun Velvet Pie made with a mousse of fluffy peanut butter on an Oreo crust topped with chocolate sauce. Bud himself is famously committed to quality, so you won’t be disappointed.
Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.
