The best places for pie in Boston

For excellent versions of streusel-topped pies like apple-cranberry and sweet potato, look no further than Boston-area specialist, Petsi Pies. You can shop seasonal favorites including apple crumb, mixed berry and chocolate-bourbon-pecan pies at the Somerville storefront (no pre-orders needed for the holidays), or look for Petsi Pies sold cold at local shops like City Feed in Jamaica Plain and Volante Farms in Needham. 

Time Out tip: Around the holidays, Petsi Pies is taking pre-orders only on Thursday, Nov. 21, for pickup on Friday, Nov. 22 (the week before Thanksgiving). Online pre-orders will begin again on December 3.

Serving some of the city’s best—and most beautiful—croissants, baguettes and seasonal pastries, PRB Boulangerie also offers a lineup of classic American pies for the holidays. Choose pecan, pumpkin with cream topping or apple pie with perfect lattice, and set your pick-up time at your preferred location in Kendall Square, Somerville and the South End.

Time Out tip: PRB Boulangerie's location at Time Out Market is not a holiday pickup site.

Capo does nostalgic, indulgent desserts with an Italian spin apropos of its Southie supper club vibe—think: homemade gelato in rotating flavors, with a cart on the street come summertime. For the holidays, the South Boston hotspot offers pre-orders for gelato pints and pretty pies such as French silk, pumpkin cheesecake, Key lime, apple-blueberry crumble, and chocolate chip cookie pie. 

Time Out tip: Capo is open on Thanksgiving, so you can pick up pre-orders day-of or different.

This North End institution is best known for its cannoli—more than 19 flavors!—but the ricotta pie is just as worthy of icon status. Somewhat like a cheesecake, this heavenly treat consists of sweet ricotta cream baked in pastry dough. Wrapped up in a white and blue box tied with string—the Mile’s Pastry signature—this classic Italian dessert makes for a lovely gift, too.

Time Out tip: Mike’s ships nationwide via GoldBelly. (If the ricotta pie is mark “sold out,” join the waitlist!)

Flour founder Joanne Chang is a James Beard award-winning pastry chef, and while she earned the title for outstanding sticky buns, cupcakes, cookies and more, she is also Boston’s pie queen. Chang’s mile-high meringue pie is the stuff of legend, and it’s available daily at Flour bakeries across Boston, along with other staples like coconut cream and seasonal fruit pies, whole or by the slice. For Thanksgiving, Flour ups its pre-order takeout and delivery game in a big way, with everything but the turkey on the menu.

Time Out tip: This beloved local bakery chain offers expert classes as well as cookbooks by Joanne Chang for sale, for any bakers on your gift lists.

Want pie for breakfast? This Watertown diner serves pie all day. Seasonal warm-weather pies are packed with fruits and berries, while cooler months and holidays bring more indulgent options like the chocolate-walnut Derby pie. Standards include cherry crumb, pecan and apple double-crust. Enjoy your slice with a cup of joe for a classic diner experience.

Time Out tip: Deluxe Town Diner is typically open daily. Stay tuned for Thanksgiving details.

Though a pie in name only, Boston cream pie is still worth celebrating. A cake filled with cream and covered with chocolate ganache, Parker’s is the best place to try the official dessert of Massachusetts: It was invented at this downtown hotel. 

Time Out tip: The original Boston cream pie is so beloved, Parker’s ships it around the country via Goldbelly.

North End stalwart Bova’s opened in 1932 and remains a family-owned business. Baked goods include a wide range of breads (including seasonal treats such as Easter bread), pastries, cookies, tarts, cakes and pies. Here you'll find classics like apple, pumpkin and blueberry, as well as ricotta pie.

Time Out tip: Bova's is open 24/7, even on Thanksgiving!