Welcome to Pie Week! Normally I skip over Thanksgiving — all the savory dishes and brown tones just don’t feel very Studio DIY — but this year I’m embracing it. We’re spending most of November on Thanksgiving ideas and dedicating this entire week to pie. To kick things off, here’s our dessert roundup featuring the best pie in Los Angeles. We sampled 12 of LA’s top pie spots and enjoyed every single one. Below are our favorites and recommendations from each bakery and diner.
Download and print the map above to take along on your pie-finding adventures.
Here are our pie picks:
Simplethings
(Multiple locations)
Simplethings is a charming pie-and-sandwich shop. They’re especially delightful because they sell tiny individual pies if you just want a bite — adorable and delicious. Our favorites: Banoffee and Mississippi Mud.
Republic of Pie
(North Hollywood)
A quaint shop in the NoHo Arts District, Republic of Pie was a personal favorite. The pies are beautiful and well presented — presentation really matters. Our favorites: Key Lime and Strawberry Rhubarb.
House of Pies
(Los Feliz)
I had driven by House of Pies countless times before stopping in. It has a classic diner vibe and stays open late, perfect for 2 a.m. pie cravings. Our favorite: Strawberry Cream.
The Pie Hole
(DTLA Arts District)
The Pie Hole offers inventive, unique flavors that put creative twists on classic pies. Our favorites: Mexican Chocolate and Earl Grey.
Pie ’n Burger
(Pasadena)
We go to Pie ’n Burger for both the pies and the burgers — both are excellent. Their boysenberry pie was a standout and remained a favorite after all the taste testing. Our favorite: Boysenberry.
Dupar’s
(The Grove)
Even though we visit The Grove often, Dupar’s was new to us. They serve every classic pie you could imagine — and they do them well. Our favorite: Lemon Meringue.
Urth Caffe
(Multiple locations)
Urth Caffé’s pumpkin pie lives up to its reputation. Several of us declared it the best pumpkin pie we’d had. Our favorite: Pumpkin Pie.
Cake Monkey
(Beverly Blvd. location)
We visited the new Cake Monkey bakery on Beverly and loved the cute space and everything we tried — including the pie. The Apple Cheddar pie was a standout favorite. Our favorite: Apple Cheddar.
The Apple Pan
(West LA)
Known for its classic burgers and counter seating around the grill, The Apple Pan is lively and fun. Expect a crowd, but it’s worth it. Our favorite: Apple Pie.
Porch Pies at Big Sugar
(Studio City)
Porch Pies specializes in Southern-style pies, and they do them exceptionally well. Their buttermilk pie was a particular favorite. Our favorites: Pecan and Buttermilk.
Sweet Lady Jane
(Melrose)
Jeff swears by Sweet Lady Jane’s raspberry marzipan tart, and trying their cherry pie raised the bar for me — a delicious introduction to cherry pie. Our favorites: Pecan and Cherry.
Brite Spot
(Echo Park)
Another classic diner with comforting pies. If you love diner pies, Brite Spot won’t disappoint. Our favorite: Chocolate Caramel Banana Cream.
We also compared traditional pie flavors to newer, more experimental ones. Which side are you on? Based on our picks, most of the team leans toward the classics.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
Use the included map or your own map app to visit these pie spots and plan a delicious route.
If you try any of these places — or already have — tell us your favorites. We’re always looking for an excuse to go back for more.
p.s. Check out our roundup of the best chocolate chip cookies in LA for more dessert inspiration.