3.14159… that’s about as many digits of Pi as most of us remember outside of math class. However, when it comes to Pi Day, which is observed each year on the 14th of March (3/14), we’re not talking numbers. We’re talking pie – delicious sweet pies filled with fruit or cream perhaps, or maybe a savory hand pie with international flavors. Hey, maybe even a pizza pie! Regardless of which kind of pie you’re craving, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to grab a slice or two this Pi Day (along with a bonus pick for the true yinzers).
The Pie Place
Located in the South Hills, The Pie Place is a full-service bakery that is likely the most popular spot in the ‘Burgh for sweet pies of all kinds. With more than 20 flavors of fruit pies on their menu, you really can’t go wrong. Classics like wild cherry and royal blueberry, local favorites like Dutch apple, and even more adventurous flavors like fruits of the forest and pineapple grace The Pie Place’s menu, as well as ten varieties of cream pie!
Piebird
Husband and wife team Annalee Depaoli and Jason Thomas are the hands and hearts behind Piebird, a small kitchen specializing in scratch-made pies. Since 2015, Piebird has been putting out delicious, seasonal pies through online orders as well as its monthly pie club, which offers a seasonally-appropriate pie once a month “designed to brighten your day.” These are elite pies, so place your order ASAP to make sure you have yours for the big day!
Oakmont Bakery
Oakmont Bakery is beloved by yinzers for countless reasons – cakes, cookies, donuts, you name it. However, today we’re talking pies, and despite boasting countless other specialties year-round, Oakmont Bakery still brings their A game. Both cream pies and fruit pies are on the menu, featuring just about all the classics you’d expect. However, you can also choose from ten varieties of mini pies that are not only adorable but perfect for celebrating Pi Day with friends, family, coworkers – just about anyone, really!
350° Bakery
When it comes to 350° Bakery, the real question is what kind of pies don’t they have? This South Side Slopes bakery has become quite popular for its breakfast pastries and sandwiches, but if you’ve slept on their savory hand pies, you’re missing out! Flavors include chicken pot pie, spinach artichoke pierogi, Mexican street corn, and sausage, egg, cheddar, and everything seasoning. However, every savory needs a sweet, so you could also pick up a housemade oatmeal cream “pie” for a solo dessert or a peach raspberry pie to share!
The Pub Chip Shop
Savory pie lovers, this one’s just for you! The Pub Chip Shop on the South Side features a variety of house-baked, English-style pressed pies, with fillings ranging from classics like steak and ale and chicken vegetable pot pie to British favorites like chicken tikka and brisket with Welsh cheddar. Last year’s Pi Day was a big day for these pies, so keep an eye out for available flavors on The Pub Chip Shop’s social media – there might be something special coming!
Pizzeria Davide
“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s Amore!” Honestly, what’s better than a delicious pizza pie? It may not be a “pie” as you’d expect, but if you don’t have a sweet tooth this Pi Day, try a pizza pie instead! Pizzeria Davide specializes in both Old World-style and New York-style pizzas made with premium ingredients like imported Italian flour, and with so many options from their famous Old World, cheese-on-the-bottom pie to modern flavors like cacio e pepe and broccoli, there’s a slice for everyone.
Iron Born Pizza
Speaking of pizza pies, the Detroit-style pizzas from Iron Born Pizza are so deliciously thick that the dough is absolutely the star of the show. With a thick, crispy crust and high-quality toppings across the board, you can order from Iron Born’s impressive menu of house specials like the Nashville Hot Chicken Pie or their famous Pickle Pie or “forge” your own pie.
Bonus Pick: “Pie”rogies from Apteka
Okay, sure, pierogies for Pi Day is stretching it a little bit… but this is Pittsburgh, and “pie” is right there in the name! Obviously, you can get pierogies just about anywhere in the ‘Burgh. However, some of our favorite potato dumplings can be found at celebrated Central/East European restaurant Apteka, like these “pierogi z ziemniakami,” a.k.a. pierogi with potato, roast cabbage, and onion topped with beet and horseradish, czarna salsa, and double fat.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.