Finding the Best Pie Shop Experiences in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta may be known for wings, burgers, and international cuisine from every corner of the globe, but it’s also a serious pie town. Whether you’re craving a classic Southern slice, a savory hand pie, or an internationally inspired dessert, you’ll find plenty of options in and around the city.

This guide walks you through where to find great pie in Atlanta, how pie fits into the city’s international food scene, what to expect when you visit, and tips for choosing the right pie shop for your taste and budget.

Why Pie Shops Matter in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is a mix of Southern tradition and global influences, and pie shops sit right at that intersection.

You’ll find:

• Classic Southern pies like pecan, sweet potato, and chess.
• Fruit pies using seasonal Georgia produce, especially peaches and berries.
• International-style pies and tarts, inspired by French patisseries, British pie traditions, Latin American pastries, and more.
• Savory pies that feel right at home alongside Atlanta’s comfort-food culture.

For locals, pie shops often serve as neighborhood gathering spots—places to grab coffee, a slice, and conversation. For visitors, they’re a low-pressure way to get a taste of Atlanta’s personality without committing to a long or expensive meal.

Types of Pie Shops You’ll Find in Atlanta

Not every place that serves pie looks or operates the same way. In Atlanta, pie often appears in several types of establishments:

1. Dedicated Pie & Dessert Shops

These are specialty bakeries where pie is the main attraction. You can usually expect:

• A rotating menu of seasonal pies.
• Whole pies for special occasions.
• By-the-slice service for walk-ins.
• Coffee, tea, or light beverages.

These spots are ideal if pie is the main event, not just dessert after dinner.

2. Bakeries With International Flair

In the “International Cuisine” corner of Atlanta’s restaurant scene, you’ll find bakeries and cafés that serve:

• French-style tarts and quiches.
• Latin American-style empanadas and pastelitos (savory or sweet).
• British-inspired meat pies or hand pies.
• Mediterranean and Middle Eastern pastries with pie-like layers or fillings.

These may not be labeled “pie shops,” but they serve items that fill the same comfort niche—flaky pastry plus rich fillings, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.

3. Restaurants Known for Their Pie

Some restaurants and diners in Atlanta have become known for signature pies on their dessert menu, even if they’re not bakeries. For example, you’ll see:

• Classic peach cobblers and pies in Southern restaurants.
• Key lime, chocolate, or icebox pies in modern comfort-food spots.
• Pies offered “while they last,” especially at brunch-heavy or farm-to-table restaurants.

This approach works well when you’re planning a full sit-down meal and want a standout dessert.

What Makes an Atlanta Pie Shop Stand Out

When you’re choosing a pie shop in Atlanta, these qualities often separate an average experience from a memorable one:

Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients

Many Atlanta bakeries lean into regional ingredients, especially:

• Georgia peaches, blueberries, and strawberries.
• Local pecans.
• Sweet potatoes and other Southern staples.

Look for shops that highlight seasonal flavors on their menus—this can be a good sign of freshness and care.

Crust Quality

Locals often judge a pie by its crust. Signs of a good one:

• Flaky but not dry.
• Holds its shape when sliced.
• Butter-based or traditional shortening-based, depending on style, but not greasy.

If you’re trying a new shop, sampling a simple fruit pie or a classic pecan is one of the easiest ways to gauge their crust.

Balance of Sweetness

In Atlanta, many diners prefer desserts that are sweet but not overwhelming. Shops that balance fruit acidity, chocolate richness, or nutty flavors with just enough sugar tend to earn repeat visitors.

Variety of Styles

A strong pie shop in an international city like Atlanta may offer:

• Classic American pies (apple, cherry, pecan).
• Southern specialties (sweet potato, buttermilk, chess).
• International-style tarts and savory pies.
• Options for dietary needs (gluten-free crusts, dairy-free fillings, or nut-free pies where possible).

Popular Pie Styles You’ll See in Atlanta

If you’re browsing menus around the city, here are some pie styles and terms you’ll come across often:

Southern & Classic American Pies

• Pecan pie – Often made with Georgia pecans; a staple at many dessert-forward spots.
• Sweet potato pie – Creamy, spiced, and deeply tied to Southern history.
• Chess pie – A simple custard pie, often flavored with lemon, vanilla, or chocolate.
• Apple, cherry, and mixed berry pies – Available year-round; often more prominent in cooler months.
• Peach pie and cobbler – Especially common when Georgia peaches are in season.

International & “Global” Pie Types

You’ll frequently see these in bakeries and international-cuisine restaurants:

• French-inspired: fruit tarts, lemon tarts, chocolate tart, quiche.
• Latin American–inspired: hand pies with guava, dulce de leche, or spiced meat fillings.
• British-style: savory meat pies or vegetable pies, sometimes on gastropub menus.
• Mediterranean and Middle Eastern: layered pastry desserts that share similar textures and baking techniques.

These offerings fit naturally into Atlanta’s international cuisine category, even when the menu doesn’t use the word “pie.”

How to Choose the Right Pie Shop in Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to go, consider:

1. Purpose of Your Visit

• Quick treat or coffee break: A neighborhood bakery or dessert café is ideal.
• Bringing dessert to a gathering: Look for shops that sell whole pies by pre-order, especially around holidays.
• Exploring international flavors: Search for bakeries associated with specific cuisines (French, Latin American, British, etc.) and check their pastry cases.
• Late-night dessert: Some restaurants and a few dessert-focused spots stay open later than typical bakeries.

2. Location & Convenience

Atlanta’s traffic and layout make location a key factor:

• If you’re Downtown or Midtown, central pastry shops and hotel-adjacent bakeries might be easiest to reach.
• In Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown, you’ll find trendy bakeries and dessert spots within walking distance of other restaurants.
• On the Westside and in neighborhoods like Buckhead or Decatur, there are a number of well-regarded bakeries worth a short drive.

If you’re using MARTA, choosing pie shops near rail stations or major bus routes can simplify your trip.

3. Dietary Preferences & Allergies

Not every pie shop in Atlanta can accommodate all restrictions, but some offer:

• Gluten-free crusts or crustless options.
• Reduced-dairy or dairy-free pies (often fruit-based).
• Clearly labeled nut-free selections.

If you have significant allergies, it’s smart to call ahead and ask about cross-contact, ingredients, and preparation practices.

When to Order Ahead vs. Walk In

Many Atlantans treat pie as a must-have item for:

• Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
• Office parties and potlucks.
• Game-day gatherings.
• Birthdays and baby showers, as an alternative to cake.

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

During peak seasons, some shops close pre-orders early or switch to a limited holiday menu, so planning ahead matters.

Practical Tips for Visiting Pie Shops in Atlanta

A few local-specific points can make your visit smoother:

Timing Your Visit

• Many bakeries open in the morning but may run low on popular pies by mid-afternoon.
• If you want the best selection, aim for late morning or early afternoon.
• Some dessert cafés open later in the day and stay open into the evening, especially in busy nightlife areas.

Parking & Transportation

• In areas like Midtown, Inman Park, and the BeltLine corridor, you may rely on street parking, paid decks, or rideshare.
• In more suburban-style areas or edge neighborhoods, you’re more likely to find on-site parking lots.
• If you’re visiting from out of town and staying Downtown, consider using MARTA or rideshare to avoid navigating unfamiliar parking rules.

Weather & Heat

Atlanta’s heat and humidity can affect pie transport:

• Cream pies, chocolate pies, and custard-based pies are sensitive to temperature.
• If you’re taking a pie to a picnic or outdoor event, ask the shop which varieties hold up best in warm weather.
• Bring a small cooler or plan a direct trip home if you’re purchasing cream-based or frozen pies.

How Pie Fits Into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Although “pie” sounds distinctly American, Atlanta’s diverse food culture incorporates the concept into many cuisines:

• European cafés around Midtown and Buckhead frequently serve tarts and quiches that function as savory and sweet pies.
• Latin American bakeries introduce Atlantans to filled pastries that mirror the comfort and portability of hand pies.
• Fusion restaurants experiment with pie-inspired desserts using matcha, tropical fruits, or spices more typical of Asian and African cuisines.

If you’re specifically interested in discovering new flavors, explore areas known for international dining—such as Buford Highway just outside Atlanta, West Midtown, or pockets of Midtown and Decatur—and check pastry cases for unexpected “pie-like” options.

Getting Whole Pies for Events and Special Occasions

If you live in Atlanta or are planning an event here, pie can be an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert option.

Consider:

• Portion planning: One standard 9-inch pie usually serves about 6–8 people, depending on slice size.
• Flavor mix: For a group, it’s common in Atlanta to combine at least one chocolate or rich custard pie, one fruit pie, and one nut or specialty pie.
• Serving logistics: If you’re hosting in an office Downtown or in a condo high-rise, check whether your venue has:
  • Space in a fridge (for cream or custard pies).
  • Knives and pie servers.
  • Plates, napkins, and cutlery.

Many pie shops will box whole pies securely and may offer tips on storage and slicing.

Budget Expectations for Pie in Atlanta

Prices vary across the city, but you can generally expect:

• By-the-slice: Dessert shops and restaurants often price slices in the moderate range compared to other desserts.
• Whole pies: Prices typically reflect:
  • Ingredient quality (local nuts, fruit, or premium chocolate).
  • Style (specialty or labor-intensive pies may cost more).
  • Seasonal demand (holiday pricing can be higher or more tightly managed).

If you’re ordering several pies for events, ask whether the shop offers bulk pricing or catering options.

How Visitors Can Work a Pie Shop Stop Into Their Atlanta Plans

If you’re visiting Atlanta, pie shops can be easily added to your schedule:

• Before or after a museum visit (High Museum of Art, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, etc.), check nearby bakeries or cafés.
• Around the BeltLine, you can often find dessert options within walking distance of parks and art installations.
• Near major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or State Farm Arena, hotel-adjacent cafés sometimes feature local pie selections.

Plan for a midday or late-afternoon stop to rest, cool down (especially in summer), and try something sweet or savory.

Key Takeaways for Enjoying Pie in Atlanta

• Atlanta’s pie options span classic Southern desserts and globally inspired pastries, fitting neatly into the city’s international cuisine culture.
• For the best experience, pay attention to crust quality, seasonal flavors, and sweetness balance.
• Plan ahead for whole pies, especially during holidays or large events.
• Consider location, parking, and weather when choosing where and when to visit a pie shop.
• Use pie shops as a way to explore both neighborhood character and international flavors while you’re in the city.

Whether you live in Atlanta or are just spending a weekend here, carving out time for a slice—or a whole pie—can be one of the simplest ways to experience the city’s food culture up close.