You’re stuffed to the brim, swearing that you can’t eat another bite—then someone mentions pie and suddenly, you find just a little more room to finalize your perfect Thanksgiving meal. This fall, try out one of the many bakeries, cafes, and pie shops across the state serving up slice after slice of Thanksgiving pie flavor favorites.
Check out our holiday helpers roundup for Thanksgiving meal to-go kits and day-of dining.
Photo by Christine Armbruster Photography
Ben The Baker
White Bear Lake
Owner and professional baker Ben Neumann opened his bakery—Ben The Baker—after realizing he couldn’t find pies as good as the ones his Grandma Neumann used to make. Today, his business boasts nearly 30 pie flavors and is never short of Thanksgiving options including Apple Pie (crust or crumble topping), Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie, Classic Pecan Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Tigerstripe Chocolate Cream Pie, and Raspberry Pretzel Pie. The bakery is open for walk-ins Tuesdays through Fridays and most Saturdays. You’ll find several flavors frozen in stock that you can Take & Bake or Thaw & Serve. If there on a Friday afternoon or Saturday and you can’t wait until you get home, the bakery offers ready-to-eat pie slices and mini fruit pies. Preordering for Thanksgiving is recommended.
The Park Café
Braham
Located in Minnesota’s “Homemade Pie Capital” is The Park Café, a quaint, nearly 80-year-old establishment serving breakfast, lunch, and of course, pies. Served all day, pies are available whole, by the slice, or a la mode. If looking for something sweet to pick up and bring home, call ahead. The cafe offers their Park Blend coffee to take home as well.
Courtesy of The Park Cafe
Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar
Eagan
Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar serves up American and Minnesota classics with an elevated twist and is one of the top locations to enjoy pie in the greater Twin Cities region. Now through Nov. 25, preorder house-made options including Pumpkin, French Silk. and Pecan. Pick-up is available Nov. 25-27. Mason Jar also offers Thanksgiving to-go feasts; order by Nov. 25 and enjoy holiday classics like herb-roasted turkey, sage and rosemary stuffing, and more.
Courtesy of Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar
Vikings & Goddesses Pie Co.
St. Paul
Vikings & Goddesses’ founder Rachel Anderson began her career in NYC before moving to Minneapolis to open this St. Paul bakery with her husband, Yoji. Boasting breakfast pastries sold at several Twin Cities staples, Vikings & Goddesses is a Twin Cities staple for not just pies but many other baked goods. Find a variety of Thanksgiving pies including Pumpkin, Pecan Date, Caramel Apple Crisp, Sweet Corn Custard, and Key Lime (available GF). Orders for the holidays pile up fast, so preorder at least a day ahead. While preordering customers will have access to 10-12 different flavors, Vikings & Goddesses typically offers 3-4 flavors for walk-up purchases at the storefront window. Home deliveries are on Tuesdays, except for Nov. 25. Hours are limited during the week of Thanksgiving.
Photo by Christine Armbruster Photography
Betty’s Pies
Two Harbors
No trip to Minnesota’s North Shore would be complete without a stop at Betty’s Pies. The historic location began as fish shack for local fisherman but soon grew into a full-service cafe where today droves of locals and vacationers stop to try Betty’s nationally renowned pies. Thanksgiving options include Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Apple Crunch Pie, Maple Walnut Pie, and many others. Many options are only available via shipping, but there are options at the brick-and-mortar location, too.
Hark Bakery
Plymouth
Hark Bakery is one of the Twin Cities’ only dedicated gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly bakeries. With made-to-order decadent treats and baked goods, Hark is a perfect stop for allergy-minded folks who still want delicious baked goods. All seasonal pies are available for preorder and should be placed before Nov. 20. Options include Apple Cranberry, Pumpkin, and Pecan—available as 9” full-size, sold individually or in a three-pack, or as 6” mini pies sold in a three-pack. The pies are made with local fruit and Louisiana pecans, too!
Ruther’s Sweetie Pies
Sebeka
A home-based bake shop located on a small family farm, Ruther’s Sweetie Pies offers central Minnesotans a variety of sweet and savory pies to enjoy. Thanksgiving preordering is available on the bakery’s website now and includes flavors like Caramel Apple, Pumpkin, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Pecan—among many others. Looking for an assortment? Try out Ruther’s pie bites, available for an order of one dozen for $12.
The Buttered Tin
Twin Cities
With locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, The Buttered Tin is a Twin Cities classic with a Thanksgiving pie lineup locals look forward to every year. Owned by James Beard-recognized chef and “Cupcake Wars” winner Alicia Hinze, The Buttered Tin features made-to-order baked goods using real butter and ethically sourced ingredients. This year, enjoy Pumpkin Pie topped with whipped cream and French Silk Pie, as well as Caramel Apple Coffee Cake. All orders must be made by Nov. 19. Pick-up is available at both locations Nov. 24-26.
