Best Bakeries In The Bay Area For Pi(e) 'π' Day
Mission Pie (Photo courtesy of Kristi Gutierrez)
Nothing compares to a nice slice of pie. If you're feeling guilty or need an excuse to indulge in this sweet treat, March 14 is pie day, celebrating the mathematical constant, pi (3.14). Celebrate by picking up a pie to share or by getting a slice just for yourself. The Bay Area has options ranging from classic recipes to complex and modern flavors. With so many dessert trends, pie is often overlooked, but in these bakeries, pie is the star.
2901 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 282-1500
missionpie.com
Mission Pie focuses on sustainable, seasonal, sweet and savory options. If you like your pie sweet, try a slice of pear raspberry, banana cream, vegan apple cranberry or walnut. If you're a savory person, go for a pot pie stuffed with chicken or beef stroganoff. Although pie is in the spotlight, they also carry galettes, quiche, tarts and salads.
Chile Pies Baking Co.
601 Baker St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 614-9411
www.greenchilekitchen.com
Known for their New Mexican twist on pie, try Chile Pies Baking Co.'s specialty: green chile apple pie made with a sweet apple and green chile filling, cheddar cheese crust and walnut streusel. Other flavors rotate depending on the season, but another crowd favorite is Mexican chocolate pecan pie. If you want all the pie flavor without the traditional pie form, the bakery also offers pie milkshakes. All pies are made from scratch daily. You can order a day in advance or pick based on availability from the counter.
1 Ferry Building, Suite 50
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 617-9774
www.threebabesbakeshop.com
Three Babes Bakeshop is a farmer's market staple that crafts their pies with organic ingredients. Flavors rotate depending on the season, and there is always a gluten free option. Try the sour cream apple crumble pie or the bourbon pecan pie if available. Pies are available at the Ferry Building farmer's market on Saturdays or for pick up or delivery during the week. If one day of pie is not enough, a pie subscription is available for multiple pies and flavors throughout the year.
2080 Cabrillo Highway
Pescadero, CA 94060
(650) 879-0995
www.pieranch.org
Pie Ranch is a working farm that educates and trains students, communities and farmers on healthy food systems that go from seed to table. On top of that, they have a farm stand in a barn where they offer seasonal goods they produce, including pie. The selection is of the old-fashioned variety, with offerings such as strawberry rhubarb, pumpkin and lemon. Pies are boxed and ready to go, or there is a picnic table outside for immediate tastings. Go early because Pie Ranch regularly sells out of pie, especially on the weekends.
2748 Adeline St.
South Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 548-0421
www.crixacakes.com
As the name suggests, this bakery offers a lot of cake, but the limited pie selection is delicious. The double apple, pear and rose and pumpkin pies are always available by pre-order. Whole pies must be ordered in advance. Check the daily specials to check flavors; slices are available until sold out.
1605 2nd Ave.
Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 859-7437
www.pietisserie.com
Monthly menu selections at PieTisserie are posted reflecting organic, seasonal and often locally sourced ingredients. The recipes are unique takes on classic flavors. Banana cream, spiced apple and chocolate pretzel pie are not to be missed if they are on the menu. Pie is available by the slice, or whole pies can be selected based on inventory. You can order in advance to ensure you get the flavor of your choosing.
