Best Pies

Scratch (Durham) - This seasonal bakery focuses on using local fresh ingredients, and with flavors like Brown Butter Pecan and Heirloom Apple with Sesame Strudel you really can't go wrong. 

Upper Crust Pie and Bakery (Raleigh)  - Mariea Gregory and her daughter have created something special at this small restaurant located in north Raleigh's Lafayette Village. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner - all homemade, but don't fill up too much because you have to try one of their desserts. All of their pastries are hand-rolled, nothing frozen here, and their pies are filled with two pounds of fruit! Flavors to try: Bumbleberry (made with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries), Apple, Pecan (made from a recipe handed down for generations), Chocolate Chess, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan and Pumpkin Chocolate. If you want to place an order for the holidays it has to be in by Dec. 19. 

Piebird (Raleigh) - The name says it all! From sweet to savory, the menu is all about pies! You can even get your slice topped with Lumpy's ice cream. 

Once in a Blue Moon (Cary) - In business for the past 13 years, Blue Moon is known for its cakes (which include the decadent Chocolate Encounter), but it is also a haven for pie lovers. The Apple Crumb, French Silk and Wild Blueberry Crumb are popular picks. Orders should be placed at least 72 hours in advance. 

Hayes Barton Cafe (Raleigh) - Their dessert case is legendary. Known for their large and delicious portions, we often opt for the cakes here, but the pies are amazing too. Flavors to try: Key Lime and Peanut Butter Mousse.