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A Slice of SF: The Standard Guide to the Best Thanksgiving Pies

Written by Maryann Jones Thompson and Shelley D. FargoPublished Nov. 11, 2022 • 2:22pm
The incredible crust of Black Jet Bakery's Banana Cream Pie | Courtesy Black Jet Bakery

There’s always room for pie—but does it always have to be pumpkin?

Whether you're dining out or taking out this Thanksgiving, it's easy to serve up a new slice of dessert. While San Francisco bakers are certainly rolling out pumpkin, apple and other fall classics, consider ordering one of these seven unique pies for your feast's finale.

Don’t miss ordering something from this Mr. Jiu’s pop-up. The mix of black sesame and miso caramel under this showstopper of a pie top is just one of Grand Opening’s intriguing options.

This Thanksgiving, experience the distinctive texture of mochi in pie form. Butter Love Bakeshop combines the spongy Japanese sweet rice flour with creamy custard to make an extraordinary dessert.

While not a typical Thanksgiving dessert in America, Parisians turn to the tarte Bourdaloue for all special occasions. Noe Valley Bakery has perfected the picture-perfect tart for San Franciscans.

Organic blackberries weighed down by Three Babes’ oatmeal cookie crumble top? It's a cinnamony classic elevated for a big holiday buffet. (And no one will guess that it’s vegan!)

My grandma used to make this one for Christmas because bananas are in season all year, right? Black Jet’s version showcases its super flaky crust and extra chunky bananas.

Feel weird without something orange to adorn your Thanksgiving buffet? Try a sweet potato pie. But be sure to source it from an expert, like Yvonne’s.

Why go pecan when you can go pecan-chocolate-rye? Leave it to Tartine to push this southern classic to new holiday heights.

Where to Find the Best Pies in San Francisco

Need more options? Check out our map and guide to the best pie makers in San Francisco (above) and the East and North Bay (below).

But whatever pie piques your palette, order today, or you’ll be back to pumpkin.

Read More from Our Guide to the Best of Thanksgiving in San Francisco

Check out The Standard's 2022 Thanksgiving Guide to find new ideas on everything from where to buy takeout turkey and unique pies, to where to volunteer and stroll off your feast.

Much of Thanksgiving weekend in the SF Bay Area takes place in the outdoors. | Getty Images

Questions, comments or concerns about this article may be sent to info@sfstandard.com


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