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It’s almost March 14 (also known as Pi Day, or 3.14, an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π). What better way to celebrate than with something sweet? Not only is pie a homophone for the elusive and infinite number, but it’s also circular, so you can use your dessert to figure out a crust’s ratio to its diameter.
To celebrate math nerds and pastry junkies everywhere, Billy Penn has gathered a list of delicious pies both savory and sweet.
Downtime Bakery in Germantown
Afternoon pie slices are hot and ready to go at 1 p.m. at Downtime Bakery. The rotating pie menu is seasonal, so that ingredients are nice and fresh. As a bonus, sometimes the pies and tarts come gluten-free for those looking for that inclusive option.
Dodo Bakery in South Philly
Dodo Bakery is a Hong Kong-style bakery founded by a couple who met in the Chinese city. In addition to boba tea, bao buns, sweet dumplings and coconut tarts, this bakery also sells incredibly flaky mini-chicken pies, perfect for a savory pie day fix.
Little Susie’s in Old City, Point Breeze and Kensington
Don’t let the name fool you. Little Susie’s is big time with three locations around Philly. This bakery is certainly experienced when it comes to sugar, butter, flour and eggs. Little Susie’s boasts classic American options, as well as some fun local takes. Don’t sleep on the pork roll and cheese pie. On Friday, they will have potato pie, veggie samosa pie, “Italian Stallion” pie and lemon drop pie.
Stargazy in Passyunk
Stargazy is named after a Cornish pie with fish heads popping out of the crust, but don’t let that scare you. This Passyunk favorite has tons of cozy, savory options, from the more familiar shepherd’s pie to various meat pies. And for those feeling adventurous, their version of the eponymous British staple is pretty darn wild, filled with bacon, potatoes, boiled eggs and six sardines peeking through the flaky top to greet you.
Beiler’s in Reading Terminal Market
Beiler’s is a Pennsylvania Dutch staple, owned and operated by the same family since the 1980s. They also have other locations in West Philly and Lancaster. No need to order in advance, there are tons of options to choose from, including strawberry rhubarb, a sweet and gooey pecan, banana cream, shoofly and more.
Flying Monkey Bakery in Reading Terminal Market
Flying Monkey Bakery has been operating for almost 15 years. For those looking for wickedly good options at this Wizard of Oz-named shop, flavors range from pumpkin to s’mores. What’s more, funfetti whoopie pies are always at the ready. For Pi Day, they will be featuring an Apple Crumb pie and miniature key lime pies. For those who want to bake their own yet skip the trickiest step, fluted pie crusts will also be for sale.
Sweet T’s Bakery in Reading Terminal
Sweet T’s Bakery is believed to be the first-ever Black-owned bakery in Reading Terminal Market, opening their stall in 2020 and specializing in sweet potato flavors. Head baker Tia El uses recipes inspired by her own grandmother’s cooking. Their sweet potato pies are hearty, not too sweet and come with both flour and graham cracker crust options.
The Bakeshop on Twentieth in Rittenhouse
The Bakeshop on Twentieth is cozy, cute and its workers are friendly. They offer fresh seasonal pies made to order, so call ahead to take a pie home. Flavors are traditional and feature apple caramel crumb, maple walnut pecan, maple pumpkin, blueberry, cherry and peach.
The Bakery House in Bryn Mawr
The Bakery House has been serving classics since 1989. Known for its signature apple caramel pecan pie, it also has a classic blueberry and pocket pies with blueberry and cherry on the menu. Recipes from the tried and true restaurant have been passed down from different generations of family and friends. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.
Bredenbeck’s Bakery in Chestnut Hill
Bredenbeck’s is a classic choice for pie lovers, operating for over 35 years. For a low-key and warm vibe, this bakery will provide a pie that can comfort with flavors like lemon meringue, apple and cherry. As a bonus, head next door to their ice cream parlor to provide your pie with the perfect topping.
The Royal Tavern in Bella Vista
Why not grab a pint with your pie? The Royal Tavern is holding a whole Pi Day event over the weekend called Pie-Way to Hell. It’s a three-day celebration with options like Japanese vegetable curry pie and vegan pecan pie. For pie lovers looking for a variety of choices, this event is certainly not one to miss.
Frosted Fox Cake Shop in Mount Airy
Liked many pies on our list, Frosted Fox Cake Shop bakes its goods from scratch. This bakery is another run by a married couple. Everyday pie options feature apple crumble, pumpkin, sweet potato and pumpkin. For a delicious and balanced slice, Frosted Cakes has you covered.
Crust Vegan Bakery in East Falls
It turns out you don’t need butter for your pie crust to feel rich and flaky. Crust Vegan Bakery is women-owned and has inclusive options for all of your dairy-free and vegan needs. Throughout the weekend flavors include a gluten-free chocolate blood orange pie, a gluten-free grasshopper pie, a lemon meringue pie, a coconut cream pie and a gluten-free chocolate peanut butter mousse pie. Yum indeed.
The Night Kitchen Bakery and Cafe in Chestnut Hill
The Night Kitchen Bakery is a classic spot that should not be missed. In addition to its award-winning brownies and beloved cakes, the bakery will be serving up slices of apple, pecan and more for only $3.14 in honor of Pi Day this Friday.
