Pies are undeniably one of the best desserts of the holiday season. If you're too busy to roll your sleeves up and bake one from scratch, consider ordering a pie from one of these bakeries and pie shops scattered outside the Perimeter. From traditional flavors like apple and berry to seasonal offerings of pumpkin and pecan, there's a pie to suit every palate.
Crave Pie Studio
Crave Pie Studio in Duluth specializes in baking mini 5-inch pies with fresh seasonal ingredients—and their flaky all-butter pie crust is reason enough to give them a go. Try one of their signature flavors, like Chocolate Chess, which is made from bittersweet chocolate and has a decadent, fudge-y consistency (hence its nickname of "Brownie Batter Pie"). Or opt for a Maple Pecan pie, which is less sweet than the traditional southern version, and chock full of Georgia pecans plus pure organic maple syrup in an homage to owner and pie baker Briana Carson's New England roots. Full-size pies are available by custom order with 24-hour advance notice, as well as 3-inch, single-serving pies by the dozen. 3107 B Main St., Duluth, 678-485-7198, cravepie.com.
Gabriel’s Restaurant & Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the made-from-scratch desserts and pies at Gabriel's Restaurant & Bakery in Marietta (there's also an Acworth location). They bake up a variety of classic flavors (apple, pecan, key lime) and southern favorites (try the Tollhouse Pie with chocolate chips and walnuts—and don't forget to heat it up and add some ice cream), in addition to seasonal treats like pumpkin pie. For a rich indulgence, sample the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie that has a layer of chocolate ganache on top for extra oomph. 800 Whitlock Ave., Marietta, 770-427-9007 and 4271 Southside Drive, Acworth, 470-891-5969, gabrielsdesserts.com.
Pie Bar
Pick up some homemade pie from Pie Bar in downtown Woodstock, whose premise is that pie isn't just for special occasions, but should be enjoyed on a regular basis. They offer about half-a-dozen flavors daily, which are available whole or by the slice. You can call ahead to order a whole pie and have them set it aside for pick up that day (their Facebook page has info on what's available "in shop" each day). Mini 4-inch pies and Itty-Bitties (1-inch diameter) are available on request, with a minimum order required. From Bourbon Chocolate Pecan to S'mores to Traditional Buttermilk, there are plenty of flavors to entice you for a regular visit. (Note: Closing hours are tentative based on pie availability/sell out, so you call ahead before stopping in.) 8720 Main St., Woodstock, 678-402-6245, orderpiebar.com.
Credit: Ligaya Figueras
Credit: Ligaya Figueras
The Pie Hole
Whether you're looking to grab a whole pie to bring home or just craving a sweet slice, The Pie Hole will fit the bill. Located in a quaint wooden cottage off the main drag of historic Roswell, The Pie Hole serves up slices, half pies and whole pies made from ingredients that rotate with the seasons. If you like your pie with a little tartness, you can't go wrong with its classic apple pie. 1025 Canton St., Roswell, 678-461-3776, openyourpiehole.com.
Southern Baked Pie Company
Walk into the Alpharetta location of Southern Baked Pie Company and pick up one of their delicious pies made from fresh, locally grown fruit or pre-order by phone if you have a specific flavor in mind. Choose from signature offerings like cherry, caramel pecan and French coconut custard, or hit up the seasonal flavors like blackberry, Georgia peach or cranberry apple crumble, among others. Whole pies are available, as well as 5-inch Petite Pies and bite-size "tassies." Bonus: they also offer gluten-free pies and will even ship pies to your house. The Atwater at Old Milton Parkway, 2685 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, 678-254-0598, southernbakedpie.com.
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