Dallas-Fort Worth’s pie trail: Where to indulge on National Pi Day
March 14 may appear to be just another day, but it’s a huge one in the math community. Yes, 3/14 is Pi Day, a nod to pi — the most studied number in mathematics. Pi, or π in Greek, is an infinitely repeating number, though we’re primarily focused on the first digit and two decimal places: 3.14.
Pi Day has plenty of unique history and festivities. The construction of the Pyramids of Giza likely used the principles of pi. San Francisco’s Exploratorium, which features a “Prince of Pi” physicist, holds an annual circular parade. Some honor the work of Albert Einstein, who was born on March 14, 1879. However, our favorite (and the most delicious) celebration involves eating a lot of pie.
Sure, rattling off the 5 trillion digits of Pi might impress your friends — we’ll even give you 3.14159 as a start. But if you really want to impress them, head to one of these top spots along the Dallas pie trail and buy a slice or two.
Emporium Pies, Dallas/Fort Worth
Emporium Pies has a fun connection to Pi Day: The shop began slingin’ pies outside a remodeled 1930s Victorian bungalow at 314 N. Bishop Avenue.
With the goal of making “fine pie for fine folk,” you’ll get a variety of unique twists on classic flavors. As a bonus, the shop is currently doing a giveaway for a free Chickin Lickin’ pot pie, complete with the Greek pi symbol proudly displayed on top.
Our pick: Yippee Pie Yay Confetti Pie.
Bread Winners Cafe, Dallas/Plano
With multiple locations around Dallas and Plano, Bread Winners Cafe stresses that there’s always room for dessert. It’s hard to disagree after seeing their impressive array of treats, which includes dozens of pie varieties.
If you’d prefer to sample several flavors, Bread Winners has perfectly snackable mini pies — and no, you’re not required to share with your friends and coworkers.
Our pick: Mocha Mud Pie.
Haute Sweets Patisserie, Dallas
You may recognize chef Tida Pichakron and her Haute Sweets Patisserie from multiple Food Network shows and TLC’s Fabulous Cakes competition, but these sweets look even better in person. Plus, eating dessert is always preferable to simply looking at dessert.
The shop is most well-known for its macarons and cookies, though it regularly bakes seasonal limited-edition pies and tarts.
Our pick: Pistachio Raspberry Tart.
Celebration Restaurant, Dallas
The classic KC and the Sunshine Band song encourages us to “celebrate good times,” but at Celebration Restaurant, you may be singing, “Celebrate good pies” instead.
Founder Ed Lowe established the restaurant in 1971 as an homage to his mother’s home cooking, and that family comfort environment has continued for more than half a century. The pies are only a small part of the menu, yet they’re still among the city’s best.
Our pick: Chocolate Cream.
JudyPie, Grapevine
If enjoying a slice of pie reminds you of being a kid, you’ll fit right in at JudyPie. Judy Balunda spent over 25 years teaching special education in middle school before retiring to make pies.
There are dozens of decadent flavors, and JudyPie offers gluten-free, keto, and vegan options. The company also seeks improved mental health awareness and regularly donates fresh pies and supplies to the MHMR community center in Fort Worth.
Our pick: Memphis Mafia Pie.
Piefalootin, Garland
Have you ever been to a bakery and were disappointed that you couldn’t find anything you liked? That’s not an issue at Piefalootin, which boasts more than 50 daily selections.
Pop culture and TV fans will appreciate some of the clever pie names, such as Threat Level Midnight and There’s Always Money in the Banana Stand.
Having trouble deciding? Try a pie flight of three generous slices.
Our pick: Orange You Happy It’s Not Key Lime.
The Pie Dish, Frisco
Hosting its grand opening in December 2023, The Pie Dish is the new dessert on the block. Still, founder Julia Henricks has developed a collection of pies that will make any mouth water.
Henricks left a biomedical engineering career to start The Pie Dish. She still applies scientific knowledge to her baking craft, delivering cream pies on graham cracker crusts made from scratch.
The sweet pies are the most popular, though the shop has a few savory options. And with snack pie variety packs, you’ll have no trouble sampling them all.
Our pick: Maple Pecan Cream.
Sweet J’s Bakes, Dallas
Friends and family of Jena Glover have been enjoying her baked goods for years. Thankfully, they convinced her to share her talents with the world.
Jena and her mom, Judeann, had humble beginnings at the Dallas Farmers Market. Now, they sling made-to-order pies out of Sweet J’s (formerly Peckish Pies) Mix Kitchen co-working space.
If you’re serving a large group, add a few other treats like Sweet J’s English Toffee or a smattering of cookies.
Our pick: Ms. Betsy Ross Apple Caramel Crumble Pie
Buttermilk Sky, Arlington/Forney/Other Locations
Buttermilk Sky has several locations scattered around the Lone Star State, all delivering the goods. The company says they’ll make the pie while you make the memories; your memories will likely be clouded by pie since there are a ton of fantastic choices here.
Classics such as Granny’s Apple and Key Lime and seasonal, limited-time selections come in full-size, mini, and 2-inch bite-sized versions. Buttermilk Sky’s pies also make for great gifts, from wrapped pie stacks to a full year of pie.
Our pick: Chewy Chocolate Chip.
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