In one Virginia pie shop, the high score and the flaky crust are equally hard to beat. Retro arcade games sit right beside the pie case, so dessert comes with a joystick.
Then there’s a bakery that skips gluten and nuts completely but sticks to firm holiday order deadlines. Once that cutoff hits, the window closes, and latecomers face a very sad dessert table.
City corners and quiet country roads both get a slice of the action on this list. New Zealand-style pies show up too, along with fruit pies made from a bakery’s own farm harvest.
Thanksgiving is closer than it looks, and the good pies go fast. Snooze on that order deadline, and you’ll be the one bringing store-bought rolls.
1. Proper Pie Co.
New Zealand-style pies in Richmond? Yes, and the crusts turn out buttery, flaky, and crisp.
Proper Pie Co. is a small, quaint bakery on East Broad Street. It runs a rotating menu, so the lineup changes and keeps you guessing.
Savory and sweet pies share the spotlight here. Past options include apple, strawberry rhubarb, and pork and peach BBQ by the slice.
Craving something creamy? Coconut cream pie and key lime pie are on the menu.
Ordering online is the smart move. You can place your order and then grab it at the pickup window.
That system really pays off around the holidays. Getting a pie the Sunday before Thanksgiving is possible, but only if you act fast.
Keep in mind that this is a takeout spot. There’s no dine-in seating, so plan to eat your pie somewhere else.
The shop also has no restroom. Think of it as a quick stop, not a place to linger.
Timing matters too. The bakery is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 PM.
Weekend afternoons tend to be the busiest times. Weekday evenings are usually calmer if you’d rather skip a crowd.
Coffee is available if you want a sip with your slice. That pairing makes a pretty fine afternoon treat in Virginia’s capital.
Street parking is close by, with both free and paid options. Bring a sturdy box mindset, because these pies are worth protecting on the ride home.
Address: 2505 E Broad St #100, Richmond, VA 23223
2. Mom’s Apple Pie Bakery
Plenty of bakeries talk about fresh fruit. This Leesburg favorite uses many ingredients from the owner’s own farm.
Mom’s Apple Pie Bakery has built a strong local following with handmade pies and baked goods. The selection is big, so choosing just one feels like a tough test.
Apple pie is the obvious star, given the name. One version comes with a crumb crust and pecans, which sounds like a smart upgrade.
Fruit lovers have other choices too. Cherry, blackberry, and blueberry pies all appear on the menu.
Chocolate pecan pie brings the rich side of things. Lemon meringue and pumpkin show up for holiday tables as well.
Not into pie? Cakes, cookies, quiche, and lemon squares fill out the case.
Want to try before you commit? Pie by the slice lets you sample without buying a whole one.
The bakery is takeout only, with no dine-in seating or restroom. It works best as a quick, tasty errand.
Hours run 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday closes an hour earlier, at 5 PM.
Saturday afternoon is usually the busiest stretch. Tuesday morning tends to be quiet.
Leesburg’s historic downtown makes a nice backdrop for a pie run. Grab coffee here, then take a stroll with your box in hand.
Holiday seasons bring heavy demand. Order early so your Thanksgiving table isn’t missing its star.
Address: 220 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
3. Acme Pie Company
Pie and arcade games under one roof sounds like a kid’s wish list. Acme Pie Company makes it real on Columbia Pike.
Retro arcade games share space with a wide selection of handmade pies. You can play a round while you decide which slice to take home.
The crust gets serious credit here. It’s made with butter and vegetable shortening, and it holds up well against pumpkin and other fillings.
Fresh fruit fillings shine, too. Strawberry rhubarb is a crowd favorite, and the apple pie earns holiday praise.
Allergies in the family? The shop has helped customers find dairy-free pie options.
It has also handled bigger orders, like deliveries to wedding venues. That’s handy if your event needs dessert with personality.
Early birds get breakfast and coffee on weekday mornings starting at 7 AM. Later hours return Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 9 PM.
Weekends run longer. Saturday goes from 9 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday closes at 7 PM.
Unlike some pie shops, you can dine in here. There’s also a restroom, which matters after a few rounds of games.
Friday evening and weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings stay calmer.
Parking includes both free and paid lots nearby. That makes a quick Arlington pie stop much easier.
Holiday orders can go fast, so plan early. Nobody wants to lose a pie battle the week of Thanksgiving.
Address: 2406 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
4. Bergey’s Breadbasket
Fresh bread and pies made daily, plus homemade ice cream? Bergey’s Breadbasket in Chesapeake covers a lot of sweet ground.
It’s a family-owned deli and creamery with a quaint, casual feel. Homemade sandwiches, pastries, and ice cream round out the lineup.
Pies are a big draw, especially around the holidays. The day before Thanksgiving brings a rush of advance order pickups.
The good news? That line tends to move efficiently. Still, ordering ahead is the smartest way to secure your pie.
Lunch is a popular reason to stop by as well. Counter service keeps things simple, and seating is available inside and out.
Families will feel right at home. The space works well for kids and groups, and it even has changing tables.
You can’t make reservations here, so just show up. Plenty of parking usually makes that easy.
Hours run 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday is closed, so plan your pie trip for another day.
Saturday afternoon is typically the busiest time. Weekdays are often much quieter.
Coffee and dessert both get high marks here. A scoop of ice cream next to a slice of pie sounds hard to beat.
Tourists enjoy it too, which makes sense for this corner of Virginia. It serves local specialties that feel tied to the area.
Bring your appetite for comfort food, and maybe a cooler. Your ride home might involve more treats than planned.
Address: 2207 Mt Pleasant Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322
5. Livin’ The Pie Life
A “SOLD OUT” sign before Thanksgiving tells you plenty. At this Arlington bakery, those signs show up for real.
Some fans have lined up for an hour before opening just to secure holiday pies. That’s dedication, and maybe a little bit of pie-fueled madness.
Livin’ The Pie Life is a quaint bakery known for handmade pies and artisanal cookies. The crust gets a lot of love for being flaky, buttery, and crunchy.
The chocolate chess pie is a standout. It has a rich filling, a light salty caramel topping, and a thick, crispy crust.
Fillings here lean bold and full of flavor. You’ll want a fork ready the moment you get to the car.
Morning people, rejoice. The shop opens at 9 AM Wednesday through Sunday, and it serves breakfast and coffee.
Hours shift by day, though. Weekdays run until 6 PM, Saturday ends at 4 PM, and Sunday wraps up at 2 PM.
Friday afternoon and Saturday tend to bring the biggest rush. Sunday is often quieter if you like breathing room.
Free parking makes things easier, with a lot and street spaces nearby. There’s also free Wi-Fi and a restroom.
Takeout and advance pickup orders are available, but the bakery does not offer delivery. Keep it in mind since the holiday season calls for planning far ahead.
Monday and Tuesday are closed days, so don’t show up hungry then. Mark your calendar, set an alarm, and treat that pie pickup like a mission.
Address: 2166 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22207
6. Corbin’s Confections
Gluten-free and nut-free, yet holiday orders still have a hard deadline. That says a lot about Corbin’s Confections in Salem.
This dedicated bakery skips gluten and nuts completely. It turns out artisan breads and specialty pastries that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Thanksgiving orders come with a firm cutoff time. Once it passes, you’re out of luck, so watch for announcements.
The shop shares those updates on its Facebook page. Following along is the easiest way to stay in the loop.
Pie fans should keep an eye out for the mud pie. Its crust earns real praise.
Vegan options are available too. That makes this spot even more welcoming for folks with dietary needs.
Military families get a nice perk. The bakery offers a 10% military discount.
Space is tight, though. The shop is tiny, so plan to take your treats to go.
Hours are short, running 10 AM to 3 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday and Monday are closed.
That small window means timing matters. A late lunch break might be your best shot.
Salem’s Main Street gives you a pleasant little stroll after shopping. Grab a loaf of bread for later while you’re there.
For anyone tired of reading labels, this place feels like a relief. You can point at the case and simply pick what looks best.
Address: 18 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153
7. Woodruff’s Cafe and Pie Shop
Out on a quiet road in Amherst County, pie is the main event. Woodruff’s Cafe and Pie Shop pairs homemade slices with a historic, laid-back setting.
The cafe serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch alongside its pies. Homemade soup, cornbread, and sandwiches keep the menu hearty.
Sandwich picks include smoked turkey provolone and chicken salad. They make a solid warm-up before dessert.
Now for the good part. Cherry, pumpkin, and chocolate chess pies are among the homemade choices.
Whole pies are popular for the holidays. Pecan, pumpkin, and Dutch apple show up on Thanksgiving order lists.
Ordering ahead is wise for a rural shop like this. Pies can’t be baked out of thin air when the rush hits.
Unlike many pie shops, this one offers table service and reservations. That’s a nice option for a relaxed lunch.
Bringing a dog? Pets are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Hours run 10 AM to 4 PM Wednesday through Saturday. The shop closes Sunday through Tuesday.
Curbside pickup makes grabbing your order simple. Free parking is usually easy to find.
The mood is quiet and casual, with a historic feel. It’s the kind of stop that makes a Central Virginia drive feel worth it.
Coffee here gets good marks too. A cup with a slice of chess pie sounds like a fine reason to slow down.
Address: 3297 Elon Rd, Monroe, VA 24574
8. Michaela’s Quality Bake Shop
Some folks hand out Thanksgiving pies to clients every single year from this shop. That’s a strong vote of confidence in Michaela’s Quality Bake Shop.
This Richmond bakery sits on Brookland Park Boulevard in the city’s North Side. It’s known for custom cakes and its signature strawberry shortcake.
Pies hold their own, too. They come out fresh and moist, perfect for holiday tables.
Cheesecake fans, pay attention. The plain cheesecake gets called the best in town.
History buffs might spot a familiar name. Thalheimer’s 6-layer cake, tied to a classic Richmond department store, appears here.
Cookies and pastries round out the case. You could easily walk out with more than you planned.
The bakery tends to sell out. Showing up early, or ordering ahead, protects you from disappointment.
It’s a takeout and delivery spot, with no dine-in seating. There’s no restroom either, so keep the visit quick.
Hours run 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday and Monday are closed.
Friendly service makes the stop pleasant. Staff help keep things moving even when demand runs high.
Prices fall on the lower end for a bakery. That makes stocking up for a crowd feel easier on the wallet.
Gift-givers should plan their Thanksgiving orders early. Pie makes a much better thank-you than another coffee mug.
Address: 9 W Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222
9. Red Truck Rural Bakery/Marshall
Plenty of people keep this bakery on a must-visit list for years. Red Truck’s Marshall location lives up to that buzz.
It’s a country bakery and cafe with a market inside. The space feels roomy, with modern farmhouse decor and a small-town feel.
Breakfast is a big deal here. Biscuit sandwiches, croissants, and blueberry donuts start the day strong.
Lunch brings sandwiches, including a well-loved meat loaf version. Granola and other baked goods are easy to grab too.
Pies and sweets add to the draw. Weekend crowds come for baked goods, so plan around the rush.
Saturday and Sunday mornings into afternoons are the busiest. Monday and Wednesday mornings are usually calmer.
The best news? It’s open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. That gives you lots of chances to stop by.
You can dine in or take your treats to go. The market makes it easy to browse while you wait.
Free Wi-Fi is available for anyone sticking around. There’s also a gender-neutral restroom.
Great coffee pairs well with the baked goods. A cup and a pastry make a fine reward after a drive through the Virginia Piedmont.
Parking includes free lot and street options. Marshall is small, so getting around is simple.
Holiday demand runs high at popular bakeries like this. Order early and you’ll avoid staring sadly at empty shelves.
Address: 8368 W Main St, Marshall, VA 20115
10. Blackbird Bakery
Open until 10 PM most nights, this Bristol bakery is ready for your late pie cravings. Blackbird Bakery stays busy for good reason.
The space is a comfy, multi-level bakery and cafe. Coffee, bread, cupcakes, pastries, and ice cream all share the stage.
Pie lovers will want the key lime. It’s one of the bakery’s standout treats.
Not stopping at pie? Tiramisu and s’mores bars tempt from the cases too.
Some guests call the pie here better than any they’ve tasted. That’s a bold claim, and a fun one to test yourself.
Hours run 7 AM to 10 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday is closed, so plan around that.
Friday evening and Saturday afternoon into evening bring the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings and afternoons are quieter.
Breakfast and coffee make it a strong morning stop. Free Wi-Fi helps if you want to linger with a treat.
Dine-in seating is available, along with a restroom. Takeout works fine if you’re on the move.
Prices land on the friendly side for the quality. That makes trying a few treats much easier to justify.
Bristol sits right on the Virginia and Tennessee line. A pie stop here makes a sweet part of a downtown visit.
Parking options include free lots and street spaces. Just arrive with patience on busy weekend nights, because dessert this good draws a crowd.
Address: 188 Piedmont Ave, Bristol, VA 24201