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The Local’s Guide to the Best Pie - Oak Park & the Near West Suburbs

Written by Admin | Mar 14, 2024 3:47:02 PM

Grab a Whole Pie 

 

If it’s a whole pie you’re looking for, you’re in luck! 

 

Let’s take a look:

 

Brown Cow

 

At the Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor in Forest Park, you’ll find a variety of old-fashioned sweet treats. This charming, vintage ice cream parlor handcrafts super-premium ice cream in-house using local ingredients. But if you’re not in the mood for ice cream, they have incredible pies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you want to try a sampling of mini pies or prefer a whole delicious pie to share, Brown Cow has you covered with choices like chocolate cream pie, Dutch apple, chocolate peanut butter, and mixed berry pie. And don’t forget to pick up a pint of ice cream with your pie!

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Forest Park Bakery

 

Located in the center of town, Forest Park Bakery is a mainstay in Forest Park. The long-time family-owned bakery offers all your favorite baked goods, including cookies, cupcakes, donuts, cakes, and fresh-baked pies. Try the coconut custard or pumpkin pie with whipped cream if you want a bit of decadence. If a more traditional pie is what you are after, you can’t go wrong with cherry, apple, or pumpkin. Whichever flavor you choose, you are in for a treat! Locals love Forest Park Bakery’s amazing treats and rave about the kind staff and fantastic customer service. 

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Happy Apple Pie Shop | Oak Park

 

For years, the Happy Apple Pie Shop has been a beloved institution in Oak Park, serving delicious apple pies and spreading joy to the community. Their unique blended work environment brings together individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to create the most delectable pies. Every week, the shop features at least three pies, including their signature apple pie, plus two other seasonal flavors available whole, by the slice, or in mini pies. Don't miss out on the Happy Apple Pie Shop's amazing treats – they sell out daily!

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Mary’s Morning Mixup | Brookfield

 

Mary's Morning Mixup is more than just a diner—it's a cherished community hub where locals gather to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal. From classic omelets bursting with fillings to delicious steak and eggs, Mary's menu offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options. However, everyone in Brookfield knows that the pies at Mary's steal the spotlight. Made fresh daily with love and care, these pies have become the stuff of legends among Brookfield residents. Whether craving a slice of warm apple pie with a flaky crust or the creamy richness of a decadent chocolate silk pie, Mary's has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in Brookfield, stop by Mary's Morning Mixup for a slice of homemade goodness or even order a whole pie to take home for a special occasion. 

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Oak Park Bakery | Oak Park

 

Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, Oak Park Bakery is famous for its delightful donuts,  custom cakes, and scrumptious coffee cakes. Whether looking for the perfect cake for a birthday celebration or a party platter of pastries for a special event, Oak Park Bakery will gladly make a custom dessert if it isn’t on the menu. And when it comes to pies, their selection is beyond comparison. Choose from flavors including apple, banana cream, blueberry, cherry, Dutch apple, lemon meringue, lemon whipped cream, pecan, pumpkin, and strawberry. Whatever you crave, Oak Park Bakery is bound to have the perfect pie to satisfy your sweet tooth!

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Spilt Milk | Oak Park

 

Spilt Milk is a testament to the vision and dedication of sisters Molly & Meg Svec in the heart of Oak Park. What began as a humble bakery in 2014 has blossomed into a beloved local gem, drawing patrons from far and wide with its commitment to quality and community. Molly & Meg's passion for supporting local Midwest farms shines through in every bite, as they meticulously source the freshest ingredients to craft their delectable pastries, cookies, breakfast treats, and pies. 

 

At Spilt Milk, pie enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with various flavors. Whether you're craving the zesty tang of a key lime pie, the indulgent richness of a chocolate cream pie, or the comforting familiarity of a classic fruit pie, Spilt Milk has something for everyone. But it's not just the pies that keep patrons returning—it's the heartfelt mission behind the bakery. With a commitment to supporting local farmers and fostering a sense of community, Spilt Milk has carved out a special place in the hearts of Oak Park residents. Whether you're stopping in for a slice of pie or simply soaking in the cozy ambiance, a visit to Spilt Milk will leave you with a smile on your face.

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

 

A Slice of Heaven 

 

Take a look at some of the local’s favorite spots that showcase their favorite slice of pie, either to-go or for dessert at a restaurant. 

 

Chew Chew | Riverside

 

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Riverside, Chew Chew exudes a timeless charm that transports diners to a different time. The restaurant's vintage ambiance and inviting aura evoke a sense of nostalgia, drawing patrons in from the bustling streets outside. While Chew Chew's menu features an array of dishes, ranging from steakhouse cuts to pasta creations, their key lime has earned a special place in the hearts of locals. This beloved dessert is an authentic taste of paradise, with its zesty lime filling within a buttery graham cracker crust. Every forkful of Chew Chew's Key Lime Pie delivers a refreshing burst of citrus flavor, leaving a lasting impression on anyone seeking a sweet escape.

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Priscilla’s Ultimate Soul Food | Hillside

 

Priscilla’s Ultimate Soul Food is a family-owned restaurant in Hillside that serves hearty soul food in a cafeteria-style kitchen. The meals are fried, smothered, and sauteed to perfection. From crispy fried chicken and catfish to tangy BBQ ribs and meatloaf, delicious comfort food is always on the menu. And what is more comforting than a scrumptious piece of pie? At Priscilla’s, no meal is complete without a slice of homemade sweet potato pie, pecan, or lemon pie. Priscilla’s pies are always the perfect ending to a great meal.  

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Steak and Vine | La Grange

 

This neighborhood steakhouse in downtown La Grange serves prime steaks and seafood paired with fine wines and smoky bourbons. But leave room for dessert when you dine at this local establishment. Beyond delicious char-broiled steaks and jumbo gulf shrimp, Steak and Vine has decadent slices of pie to compliment any meal. Indulge in a tart and refreshing slice of key lime pie, or try a piece of their rich and creamy peanut butter pie. A heavenly slice of pie is the perfect way to end a delicious and upscale meal at Steak + Vine.

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Honorable Mentions

 

Although they don’t exactly fit the category, there are a couple of places that need a shout-out when it comes to pie, or kind-of pie, delicious treats. 

 

Take a look:

 

Broken Tart | Oak Park

 

Broken Tart in Oak Park is more than just a bakery—it's a labor of love crafted by two dedicated sisters who believe in making every day extraordinary. From delightful breakfast pastries like flaky scones to expertly crafted lattes, Broken Tart elevates the simple joys of life with their offerings. While their menu typically showcases handcrafted cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious, their pies are just as lovely. 

 

So why the honorable mention? They aren't actually a pie shop, but rather a delightful bakery that may sometimes have pie make an appearance on the menu - so we don't want to be misleading here. However, although not always available, Broken Tart's pies are out of this world, drawing crowds whenever they do make an appearance for special occasions like Easter or Thanksgiving. If you're lucky enough to snag one of their coveted pies, you're in for a treat worth every moment of anticipation. Keep an eye on their website for updates—you won't want to miss out on experiencing the magic of anything that Broken Tart has to offer.

 

Click here to learn more. 

 

 

Twisted Cookie | Forest Park 

 

When it comes to making cookies, Twisted Cookie in Forest Park takes their job very seriously. In addition to delicious, gourmet cookies — like cinnamon roll butter cookies, chocolate chip Nutella stuffed cookies, and half-dipped sea salt chocolate chip cookies — they also make cupcake cookies, cheesecake cookies, cookie bark, and cookie pies. What is a cookie pie? A dreamy combination of flaky cookie crust with fresh pie fillings and baked to perfection! Whether it’s a pecan pie cookie, an apple pie cookie, or a triple berry pie cookie, you will experience the incredible flavor of your favorite pie wrapped in a cookie package! 

 

Click here to learn more.  

 

 

Vesuvio Bakery | North Riverside

 

Vesuvio Bakery and Deli is known for what many consider the best cannoli on this side of the city. At this Italian bakery in North Riverside, you might find cannoli flavors like white chocolate raspberry or pumpkin spice cannoli. But that’s not all! Vesuvio Bakery offers a wide selection of custards, danishes, cookies, and donuts on the menu. They don’t serve pies, but they serve the next best thing - pie bars! All the flavor of a pie packed into a buttery-crusted bar you can hold in your hand. Flavors rotate daily, so get there early to get your favorite flavor!

 

Click here to learn more.  

 

 

Meet Us for A Slice (Of Pie, That Is!)

 

As our flavorful journey through Oak Park and the surrounding suburbs comes to a close, one thing is abundantly clear: this region is a paradise for pie enthusiasts. Whether you've indulged in the classic comfort of a homemade fruit pie, savored the decadence of a rich and creamy slice, or marveled at the innovative twists on traditional favorites, each bite has been a celebration of culinary craftsmanship and creativity. Until we meet again for another slice of perfection, happy pie hunting!