Where to Celebrate National Cherry Pie Day with the Perfect Slice

National Cherry Pie Day, celebrated annually on February 20, is a delightful occasion dedicated to one of America's favorite desserts. This day likely stems from the association between cherry pie and George Washington, as his birthday is just two days later on February 22. The tradition of honoring cherry pie dates back to the 1930s, with various observances occurring around this time, although it has since settled on February 20. Cherry pie has a rich history in American cuisine, often regarded as a "great American dish." It typically features a flaky crust filled with tart cherries, which allows bakers to balance sweetness with sugar and other ingredients. The pie is commonly served warm, often accompanied by whipped cream or ice cream. Beyond National Cherry Pie Day, this dessert is also enjoyed during celebrations like Canada Day and Independence Day, coinciding with the cherry harvest season. Celebrating National Cherry Pie Day can involve various activities, such as baking your own pie, visiting local bakeries for a slice, or sharing the experience with friends and family.
Here are some of the best places to grab a cherry pie this holiday season.

Little Pie Company is a small bakery located in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. It specializes in handmade pies and baked goods made from scratch using fresh ingredients. The bakery has options for takeout and delivery.

Highlights

    Cherry Pie:
        Made with Montmorency cherries.
        Features a lattice crust with sugar crystals.
        Sweet and tart flavor profile.
    Other Pies:
        Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie (signature item).
        Mississippi Mud Pie.
        Key Lime Pie.

    General Information:
        Located between 9th and 10th Ave in Midtown West.
        Offers takeout and delivery services.
        Accepts credit cards.
        No vegan options available.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/littlepiecompany/

Achatz Handmade Pie Co. is a family-owned bakery located in the suburbs of Detroit, operating since 1993. It has become a true Michigan legend due to its homemade pies, which are baked daily using traditional family recipes. In their cozy café in Beverly Hills, customers can purchase freshly baked pies ranging from classic cherry to seasonal specialties and enjoy a slice with coffee or tea on-site. During pumpkin season, their pumpkin pie is consistently recognized as one of the best in the state by local publications. Each year, the bakery produces over 100,000 pies, using only fresh local ingredients and butter instead of margarine.

It is recommended to serve homemade whipped cream with the cherry pie to enhance its flavor. It also pairs well with ice cream, especially vanilla. For a beverage, black coffee or tea would be a suitable choice.

Pie Shop is located at 1339 H St NE, Washington, DC. It’s a great spot for anyone looking for a delicious treat or a light meal. The shop is also known for hosting live music events. With a focus on local ingredients, Pie Shop aims to provide fresh and flavorful dishes.

Cherry Pie
The cherry pie at Pie Shop is a classic dessert featuring a rich cherry filling. The pie has a flaky crust and is filled with an ample amount of cherries, creating a balance of sweetness and tartness. The cherries used in the pie have just the right amount of acidity to complement the sweet crust. The portion size is generous enough to share, but if you’re a pie lover, you might find it hard to resist finishing it all by yourself. You can order the cherry pie either as a dine-in treat or to take away.

What Else to Try
In addition to cherry pie, Pie Shop offers:

    Savory Pies: Options include chicken pot pie or vegetable pie.
    Other Sweet Pies: You can also try apple pie or chocolate cream pie.
    Beverages: The menu features coffee, tea, and several types of lemonade.

Sweetie Pies Bakery occupies a historic brick building in the heart of Napa, which once housed a bookstore. Inside, the original wooden beams and large arched windows have been preserved, adding to its charm. Owner Mary Johnson founded the bakery after spending 15 years as a chef in France. The space features two levels: the first floor has an open kitchen and a display counter filled with freshly baked goods, while the second floor offers a dining area with city views. In the summer, they open a terrace shaded by grapevines.

Their cherry pie is the result of three years of recipe refinement. The cherries are marinated for 24 hours in a blend of port wine and maple syrup, giving them a rich, deep flavor. The dough is handmade each morning using French butter, and the pie features a double crust caramelized with sugar. The filling contains whole cherries that hold their shape when sliced.

To complement the pie, they serve house-made bourbon vanilla ice cream or whipped cream infused with orange zest. Their signature coffee, with hints of cocoa and caramel, pairs exceptionally well. The menu also features unique offerings like lavender latte, caramel pumpkin bread, and fig-and-Gorgonzola croissants.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/sweetiepiesbakerynapa/

Grand Traverse Pie Company is located in a quiet neighborhood of Plymouth, Michigan. It is part of a well-known bakery chain from northern Michigan, which started in Traverse City. The shop is designed in the style of a classic American bakery, with wooden furnishings and a large display case showcasing freshly baked pies. All pies are made on-site, and visitors can watch the baking process through a glass partition separating the kitchen.

Their cherry pie is a standout, as Michigan is one of the largest cherry-growing regions in the U.S. They use locally sourced Montmorency tart cherries, harvested at peak ripeness. A signature feature of their cherry pie is the perfectly balanced tartness of the fruit. The pie’s lattice crust has become a hallmark of the bakery. When sliced, it holds its shape well, with a thick yet juicy filling.

In addition to cherry pie, Grand Traverse Pie Company offers a variety of other delicious options worth trying:

 Consider the chicken pot pie or shepherd’s pie.
 You can also enjoy apple crumb pie, blueberry crumb pie, or chocolate ganache pie.
 The menu features breakfast sandwiches and quiches, perfect for starting your day.
 Lighter fare is available with a selection of soups and salads for those looking for something less heavy.
 Pair your meal or dessert with coffee, tea, or refreshing drinks.

Humble: Simply Good Pies occupies a converted house with white siding in East Dallas's historic Garland Road district. The family-run bakery maintains the home's original architectural features, including a wraparound porch where guests can enjoy their slices. The interior preserves a homey feel with vintage baking tools decorating the walls and the aroma of fresh-baked pies constantly filling the air. Owner Sean Jett learned pie-making from his grandmother and still uses many of her original recipes.

Their cherry pie stands out for its preparation method. Each pie features hand-pitted sour cherries that are gently cooked to maintain their shape and texture. The filling achieves a perfect balance between tart and sweet, with subtle hints of almond. The all-butter crust is notably flaky with a golden-brown finish, decorated with a distinctive lattice pattern. They sprinkle the top with coarse sugar that adds a pleasant crunch to each bite.

The bakery also excels at seasonal fruit pies and their signature buttermilk pie, which locals consider a must-try. Each day they offer a rotating selection of cream pies, including chocolate, coconut, and banana. They serve locally roasted coffee and house-made whipped cream that complements any pie selection. Customers can also purchase whole pies with 24-hour advance notice.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/humblepiesdallas

Petsi Pies occupies a corner spot on Beacon Street in Somerville. Owner Renee McLeod opened the bakery in 2003 in a former corner store. It's a small space with brick walls and a window where customers can watch bakers work.

Their cherry pie combines both sweet and tart cherries in the filling with added citrus to enhance the cherry flavor. The crust is made with a mix of butter and lard, which creates a distinctly crispy texture.

The bakery is also known for morning biscuits and savory hand pies with changing fillings. They serve Counter Culture coffee. Local favorites include their bourbon pecan pie and classic apple pie, which regulars enjoy with sharp cheddar cheese. During busy times, it's best to order whole pies ahead as they often sell out.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/petsipies/

Hoosier Mama Pie Company operates from a tiny storefront in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Owner Paula Haney, who previously worked as a fine dining pastry chef, started the bakery in 2009. The space fits just a few tables and a display case, with an open kitchen where customers can watch pie-making in action.

Their cherry pie focuses on Michigan sour cherries. The filling has a straightforward, bright tart flavor that lets the fruit shine through. The crust is all-butter and has a distinct crackly texture. Each pie gets a simple top crust with small slits rather than a lattice, which they say helps keep the filling juicier.

The shop is known for its rotating menu of seasonal pies and a strong coffee program. They serve Metropolis coffee and make their own cold brew. Popular choices include their chocolate cream pie and chicken pot pie. The space gets crowded around holidays - preorders are recommended. Weekends often have lines out the door for their savory quiche selection, particularly during brunch hours.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/hoosiermamapie/

Starry Lane Bakery operates from a storefront in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood. The bakery is completely allergen-free - they don't use nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, or gluten in any of their products. The space has a modern, clean design with white walls and stainless steel fixtures.

Their cherry pie is unique because it's made without traditional butter or wheat flour. The crust uses a special blend of alternative flours and plant-based fats to achieve a flaky texture. The filling features whole cherries in a thick sauce that holds together well when sliced. They balance the natural tartness of cherries with just enough sweetener to let the fruit flavor come through.

The bakery specializes in allergen-free versions of classic desserts. Their menu includes cupcakes, breads, and custom celebration cakes. Regular customers praise their chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls. The kitchen follows strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, making it a reliable option for people with food allergies.

Stockholm Pie and General Store sits in the small village of Stockholm, Wisconsin (population around 75), along the Great River Road. The building has a classic small-town look with a wooden storefront. Inside, it combines a pie shop with an old-fashioned general store selling local goods and candies.

Their cherry pie uses tart cherries from nearby orchards in Wisconsin and Michigan. The filling is chunky with whole cherries and minimal thickeners, so it's juicy but not runny. The crust is made daily with butter and lard, resulting in a sturdy but flaky texture. Each pie gets a full top crust with decorative vents cut into the surface.

The shop offers a mix of sweet and savory pies alongside local Wisconsin cheeses and handmade gifts. They're known for their triple berry pie and chicken pot pie with wild rice. During summer weekends, visitors often drive in from the Twin Cities and line up before opening. In winter, they serve hot cider and homemade soups. You'll often find locals and tourists mixing at the tables, sharing stories over pie and coffee.