I don’t know about you, but I love me a great slice of pie. But bless my heart for trying, I just cannot make a good pie. Most of our go-to pie places are grocery stores or chains. And those pies are fine, but if you want a great pie like grandma (not my grandma, but I’m sure someone’s grandma) would make, head to these nine Illinois establishments.
1. Palms Grill Cafe
In Atlanta, Illinois, people flock to the Palms Grill Cafe. It definitely has that vintage feel, with 1930s and 1940s music playing in the background. The food they serve is that classic Illinois fare, like homemade Italian beef. But a ton of people just come here for their famous pie. The pie is just $2.95 per slice. They offer a wide variety of pies, but you just might fall in love with their version of an apple pie.
2. Rule of Pie Bakeshop
In Murphysboro, a town increasingly known for barbecue, there is a small, boutique bakeshop called "Rule of Pie." Everything is made from scratch. And everything is made for that day. It tastes straight out of the oven because IT IS.
3. The Pie Ladye
Down in Bourbonnais, The Pie Ladye is a family run pie shop, offering cafe fare in addition to their pie. But don't even pretend the reason you came here was for the soup. The Pie Ladye is named for grandma Ladye Mary Daniels, who also created most of the pie recipes. They just opened last February, so get down to Bourbonnais and support this great business!
4. Pie Boss
In Aurora, Pie Boss is a truly one-of-a-kind establishment. The Pie Boss showcases South African cuisine, and they have sweet in addition to savory pies. These are the recipes that English colonists brought when the settled South Africa. They have a variety of savory pies, like ham and cheese and spicy chicken. You will love it.
5. Myrtle's Cafe and Pie
Myrtle's is down in Princeton, Illinois. They serve your standard cafe fare, but people come from all over to sample this pie. There are a variety of homemade pies for you to choose from daily. The pie crust is simple, fresh, and delicious. They even have gluten free pie so that gluten-sensitive folks can enjoy it as well!
6. Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits
In Chicago, Bang Bang Pie is your go-to place for some of the best pies in the country. They do both sweet and savory, from avocado to blueberry peach. Flavors are seasonal, so be sure to check back frequently for new varieties.
7. The Sugar Path
The Sugar Path bakes all of their pies in small batches using locally sourced ingredients. You will fall in love with the salty honey custard pie, topped with shaved sea salt, or the whiskey buttermilk pie. Flavors rotate on a weekly basis and are seasonal. So head down to Geneva for this delicious pie.
8. Bub City
You might not think of Bub City, a Chicago barbecue joint, as having some of our state's best pie. But they do. Here are the three pies you need to know of: peanut butter chocolate delight pie, coconut cream pie, and mint grasshopper pie.
9. First Slice Pie Cafe
First Slice Pie Cafe has four locations (three in Chicago, one coming to Evanston). And what is unique about them is that, by stuffing your face with pie, you help the hungry. First Slice provides high quality meals to the homeless. The pie is phenomenal. You will drool over the key lime pie and french silk. But it tastes even better knowing that you will help the impoverished.
Did you favorite pie place not make our list? Give them a holler in the comments.
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