Must-Try Metro Detroit Pies

By: Carolyn Hall | October 24, 2024
mini pecan pies from Great Lakes Pot Pies

Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Pot Pies

Metro Detroit is home to some of the finest pie makers, blending tradition, creativity, and fresh produce. Whether you’re craving classic fruit or savory pot pies, these local bakers offer a wide array of mouth-watering options that capture the essence of home-baked goodness. Here’s a look at some of the best pie shops in the area, each with its own unique flair, just in time as we all start prepping for the holidays…

PIE COLLECTIVE BY ACHATZ

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Formerly known as Achatz Handmade Pie Co., Pie Collective by Achatz has been serving up excellent pies since the 90s. Zack Achatz, one of the owners shares, “Pie Collective by Achatz is a family-owned company dedicated to making delicious pie. Recently, we rebranded as Pie Collective, a name that reflects our community, it’s about the people behind the pie, the people who make our dreams a reality. We take pride in our pies, made from the ingredients sourced from trusted local Michigan farmers.” If you’re looking for a savory meal, there’s lobster, beef, spinach, pork, and even corned beef pot pies. On the fruit side, there’s Caramel Nut Apple, Michigan 4-Berry, sweet potato, strawberry rhubarb, and more. The cream pies are also noteworthy, with choices like Cannoli and Banana Split, or Pumpkin Shelly (vanilla cheesecake topped with pumpkin pie filling), and Autumn Harvest (layered with pecan pie and pumpkin silk), which are more seasonal options. “Pies are like little time machines, with one bite, they can take you back to a single moment in time.” The dedication to family and community is reflected in every slice. 

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slices of various pies from pie collective by achatz
Photo courtesy of Pie Collective by Achatz

GRAND TRAVERSE PIE COMPANY

291 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor

9912 East Grand River Avenue, Brighton

41640 Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth

Known for its strong Michigan roots, Grand Traverse Pie Company is celebrated for using locally grown fruits. Co-founders Mike and Denise Busley emphasize the importance of nurturing quality ingredients, comparing it to nurturing a child—both require care early on for a better result. “Our Michigan growers NURTURE each apple, cherry, and blueberry that go into our pies. Caring for fruit early on leads to a better pie…just like NURTURING each child leads to a greater outcome, stronger humans and greater success later in life,” shares GT Pie Company’s Co-founders Mike and Denise Busley. Recently, Grand Traverse Pie Company has collaborated with Pure Michigan to introduce their Maple Glazed Apple Pie, with Michigan’s mitten shape baked right into the crust. But their partnership extends beyond pie-making; they also support initiatives like MI Kids Matter, focusing on early childhood development. When you bite into a slice of their famous pie, whether you choose West Bay Blueberry and Wayne Hill Cherry Ganache or Pecan Praline Cream, you’re not only supporting local agriculture but also a commitment to bettering the community.

grand traverse pie company glazed maple pie
Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Pie Company

VITO’S BAKERY

36578 Moravian Drive, Clinton Township

7839 26 Mile Road, Washington Township

Vito’s Bakery is a traditional Italian bakery that has been serving excellent baked goods for over 50 years. On their extensive menu, you’ll find delightful fruit and cream pies. There’s French Silk, Lemon Créme, and Coconut Cream for light yet delicious options. You’ll also see blueberry with a crumb coating, Caramel Apple Dutch, or Lemon Meringue. In the pastry case, mini pecan and key lime pies are available, along with lemon bars, cream puffs, eclairs, and more. With flaky crusts and homemade fillings, these pies will leave you wanting another slice! Check out the Italian specialties, coffee cakes, fresh bread, and streetside favorites for lunch too. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic fruit pie or something more indulgent like a cream pie, Vito’s delivers both taste and tradition in every offering.

SISTER PIE

8066 Kercheval Avenue, Detroit

Located in Detroit’s West Village, Sister Pie has built a reputation for its creative and seasonal flavor combinations. “Each day, we serve pies, cookies, breakfast, and lunch,” shares the Sister Pie Team. The menu is “nontraditional in flavor combinations, rustic in execution, and constantly changing to honor the local agriculture of Michigan.” Making their own dough, this team “strives to test the limits of our creativity while challenging and pleasing the palates of Sister Pie enthusiasts.” Flavors like Salted Maple, Apple Sage Gouda, Coffee Chess, and Sweet Potato Marshmallow are all current favorites and can be ordered by the slice too. On the savory side, Sister Pie offers seasonal savory hand pies with rotating fillings for a wonderfully cozy handheld treat. For those prepping for the upcoming holiday season, you can pre-order their delicious seasonal pies starting November 1 for pick up the week of Thanksgiving, and you won’t want to miss out. With each bite being a delightful surprise, Sister Pie stands out for good reason. 

sister pie pie slices
Photo courtesy of Sister Pie

GREAT LAKES POT PIES

809 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson

For those seeking a savory twist on traditional pies, Great Lakes Pot Pies is the place to go. Founder & CEO Jannie Teitelbaum shares, “Great Lakes Pot Pies is dedicated to crafting delicious, wholesome meals that bring comfort and joy to every bite. We specialize in making gourmet pot pies and hand pies, using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers. Our focus is on creating convenient, hearty meals that can be enjoyed by individuals and families alike.” Savory pot pies range from chicken, pasty, and beef stew to vegetarian and vegan options, while the hand pies have sweeter options like apple or chocolate chip cookies too. For breakfast, you can find quiche hand pies, and the pie chips are a must-try, with a savory ‘everything’ choice and a cinnamon sugar option made from their famous pie crusts. “Whether it’s for a quick lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, our pies are made with care, offering a satisfying taste of homemade goodness. We take pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction and bringing a little taste of home to every table.”

pasty pot pie from great lakes pot pies
Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Pot Pies

ACKROYD’S SCOTTISH BAKERY

25137 Plymouth Road, Redford

Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery adds a touch of Scottish tradition to Metro Detroit’s pie scene. With its’ pick-up-only location in Redford, you can order their homemade pies in packs of four. One vegetarian-friendly option is the Macaroni and Cheese pie, made from homemade mac and cheese baked in a pie shell and topped with more cheese. More traditional options include Haggis Pie, filled with handmade haggis, needs, and tatties (swede and potatoes), and Scottish Meat Pies. Perfect for breakfast are the Cheese and Onion pies, filled with egg, potatoes, cheese, and onions inside their fluffy crust. Each pie is made with care, using recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re in the mood for a Scottish classic or looking to try something new, Ackroyd’s pies deliver a flavorful and authentic taste of Scotland right here in Michigan.

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