Students of Texas chef schools are probably already aware of the fact that they live in one of the greatest culinary paradises in America. The focus on Texan food, however, seems to usually fall on smoked meats, BBQ and other regional treasures. Nonetheless, the Lone Star State is no slouch when it comes to dessert, either, and that fact can’t be overlooked. Of course, no dessert is quite as synonymous with Texas as pie. With so many restaurants offering up their variations of classic pies such as apple, pecan, peach, cherry and more, it can be hard to know where to start, though. If you’re looking to take in some of the best pie in Texas, here are some wonderful starting points for you.
Blue Bonnet Cafe
There may be no better restaurant for pie, as far as variety is concerned, than the Blue Bonnet Cafe. The restaurant has been in business for over 80 years, having first opened its doors in 1929 in Marble Falls, Texas. While the operation used to be far smaller, it has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, allowing it to grow along with the town. According to its website, the restaurant offers at least 15 different varieties of pie on any given day, and even has a ‘pie happy hour’ with special pricing from 3 PM to 5 PM on weekdays. What’s not to love?
Love Creek Orchards
As the trend of locally sourcing ingredients becomes more and more popular, Love Creek Orchards may see an increased interest in its delicious desserts. This orchard, located in Medina, Texas, grows all of the fruit it uses for its amazing apple pies on site, making it both environmentally sustainable and exceptionally delicious. According to Southern Living, every single pie that it produces uses four pounds of homegrown apples and requires an unbelievable 14 inch dough crust. Plus, the orchard offers apple picking and tours, meaning that it’s a wonderful destination for the entire family on a fun day out. If you can’t make it out to Love Creek Orchards, you can still enjoy its delicious desserts by ordering a pie for home delivery.
Donna’s Pie House Cafe
Another absolute must-try on your tour of the best pies in Texas is Donna’s Pie House Cafe, a small restaurant located on West Lovers Lane in Dallas. While the establishment serves both pie and whole meals, it shuts down the restaurant component for several days each year before major holidays and only produces pies. This, according to D Magazine, is due to the incredible demand for its delicious desserts around Christmas, Thanksgiving and other special events. The restaurant has become famous for such treats as the chocolate icebox pie, which features more than an inch of whipped cream atop a bed of chocolate, salt and melted butter to create an unforgettable experience.
