We took Sugar Fix to the East Coast during a recent work trip to New York City. With a few meetings on the schedule, Jeff and I decided it was the perfect chance to sample some hometown desserts. A friend recommended Four & Twenty Blackbirds in Gowanus, saying their pie was “on another level.” Since Jeff’s favorite dessert is pie, we headed straight there to see what the fuss was about—and the recommendation was spot on. We tried three pies and treated ourselves to a proper Brooklyn sugar fix.
The three pies we sampled were the Blue Goose (blueberry and gooseberry), the Black Bottom Oat (a rich blend of brown sugar, oats and chocolate), and the shop’s most popular, Salted Caramel Apple. The berry pie appealed to me most—I’m a berry-pie person—but the Black Bottom Oat was dangerously close to stealing the show. Jeff gravitated toward the salted caramel apple, and we happily polished off all three first thing in the morning. There’s nothing like starting a day with fresh pie.
Photos by Jeff Mindell for Studio DIY
The bakery’s interior is welcoming, with a large communal table that’s great for meeting, working or sharing a pie. The open kitchen lets you watch pies being made, which adds to the experience—there’s something special about seeing the process firsthand. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere matched the quality of the desserts.
If you’re in Brooklyn and craving pie, Four & Twenty Blackbirds is a must-visit. The shop’s seasonal menu changes frequently, so there’s almost always something new to try alongside classic favorites. It’s a sweet stop whether you’re starting your day, meeting friends or grabbing dessert after lunch.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds | 439 3rd Ave (at 8th St.), Brooklyn, NY 11215
For more Sugar Fix posts, browse the series. (p.s. My necklace is from Kate Spade Saturday and my pants are from Zara.)