As the leaves turn colors and the air gets cooler, it’s clear that pumpkin pie season is here. From pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks to pumpkin treats at McDonald’s, fall is the time for all things pumpkin. But there’s a traditional American dessert that stands out the most in the fall: pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin pie is more than just a dessert for holidays—it represents fall comfort and memories. With its creamy, spiced filling and buttery crust, this dessert brings a feeling of home and coziness. While some people stick to familiar recipes, there are many delicious pumpkin pies made by talented chefs all over the country.
To help you find the best pumpkin pie, we asked famous chefs to share their favorite places. Whether you want a classic pie or something new, this list will show you the tastiest pumpkin pies in America.
15 Best Pumpkin Pies
1. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop – Greenville, S.C.
Leslie Rohland, chef and owner of several ventures in Bluffton, S.C., swears by the pumpkin pie at Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Greenville.
She fondly recalls how pumpkin pie evokes memories of her grandmother’s kitchen, and this pie perfectly encapsulates that nostalgia.”It’s very tasty, smooth, just right in spices, with a yummy crust,” she says. One special thing about this pie is the cute pumpkin shape on top, which adds a nice finishing touch to the whole experience.
If you’re a fan of traditional, homemade flavors, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop’s pumpkin pie is a must-try.
2. Gracious Bakery – New Orleans, LA
Chef Sophina Uong, chef-owner of Mister Mao in New Orleans, describes the pumpkin pie at Gracious Bakery as a “true classic in a handmade pie crust.” Gracious Bakery is known for its scratch-made goods, and their pumpkin pie is no exception. Uong is also a fan of their pecan pie with pumpkin mousse on top, calling it a “WOWZA” pie that never disappoints.
For those in search of a hybrid pie with both pumpkin and pecan flavors, Gracious Bakery offers a unique and delightful option.
3. Sofra Bakery & Cafe – Cambridge, MA
Pastry chef Valerie Nin, of Boston’s Grill 23 & Bar, loves Sofra Bakery & Cafe’s sesame caramel pumpkin pie. “It’s a fun twist on the classic,” she says, praising its caramelized crumble that adds an unexpected crunch to the dish. This modern take on pumpkin pie brings in flavors and textures that give it an edge over traditional recipes.
If you want to try something different and fun, Sofra Bakery’s pumpkin pie has a modern twist but still respects the original.
4. Urth Caffé – Los Angeles, CA
Ben Sidell, the cook at Sweet Boy in Boston and Los Angeles, really likes Urth Caffé’s pumpkin pie. He especially enjoys the “thick, buttery crust” and the “dark, spiced smooth pumpkin filling.” Urth Caffé is known for bold, tasty flavors, and their pumpkin pie is no exception.
If you prefer pies with a deep spice profile and decadent crust, Urth Caffé’s version should be on your list.
5. Honeycomb – Hamilton, MA
Marissa Rossi, a baker at Northern Spy in Massachusetts, goes to Honeycomb for her holiday treats. She loves the bakery’s flaky crust and pies. The pumpkin pie at Honeycomb is always fresh, not frozen, so each slice tastes the best it can be.
For those who love their pies fresh and flaky, Honeycomb offers a premium choice perfect for the holiday season.
6. Milk Bar – New York City, NY
Milk Bar is a household name for dessert lovers, and Christina Tosi’s Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie is no exception. Jeff Tunks, chef of Corvina Seafood Grill in Boca Raton, FL, calls it his favorite pumpkin pie due to its gooey salted caramel and super rich white chocolate pumpkin ganache. With a flaky crust and spiced oat streusel topping, this pie is a textural and flavorful delight.
If you enjoy a decadent pumpkin pie with layers of flavor and texture, Milk Bar’s pie is a must-try for a special fall treat.
7. Prairie Grass Cafe – Northbrook, IL
Chef D’Andre Carter, owner of Soul & Smoke in Chicago, typically prefers sweet potato pie, but this season he’s been converted by Prairie Grass Cafe’s pumpkin pie.
Crafted by two-time James Beard Award-winner chef Sarah Stegner, this pie follows her mother’s cherished recipe. “You can taste the love,” says Carter, adding that it has changed his mind about pumpkin pie.
If you want a pie that carries the warmth of tradition and home, Prairie Grass Cafe’s pumpkin pie is sure to win you over.
8. Flour Bakery + Cafe – Boston, MA
Peter Som really enjoys the “Super Pumpkiny Pumpkin Pie” from Flour Bakery + Cafe in Boston. He thinks it has a lot of tasty fall spices and a smooth filling because of the sweetened condensed milk. The pie has a flaky crust and tastes really good.
Flour Bakery’s pumpkin pie is ideal for those who crave a smooth, rich filling and classic autumn spices.
9. Petee’s Pie Company – New York City, NY
Whenever Gregory Otero, chef de cuisine of n/soto in Los Angeles, needs a pie for a Friendsgiving celebration, he heads straight to Petee’s Pie Company on the Lower East Side. “That perfectly flaky and delicious crust satisfies every time,” he says. Whether you’re after a classic pumpkin pie or something more unique, Petee’s is a top-tier choice.
If you’re looking for one of the best pie shops in New York, Petee’s Pie Company will not disappoint.
10. Flying Saucer Pie Company – Houston, TX
To make a classic pumpkin pie, Ruchit Harneja, a pastry chef in Houston, goes to Flying Saucer Pie Company. This bakery has been around since 1967 and is run by a family who likes to keep things basic. Harneja likes that their pies are straightforward, remind him of the past, and are made fresh
Flying Saucer Pie Company is perfect for those who appreciate classic, unpretentious pumpkin pie.
11. Hoosier Mama Pie Company – Chicago, IL
Alvin Kang, co-owner of Perilla in Chicago, swears by Hoosier Mama Pie Company for its mastery of pie-making. Specializing in pies, this bakery is well-known for producing consistently excellent pastries. Kang believes no one does it better when it comes to pies, including their pumpkin pie.
If you value precision and expertise in pie-making, Hoosier Mama Pie Company is the place to go.
12. Pop Pie Co. – San Diego, CA
Chef Gan Suebsarakham, one of the founders of Pop Pie Co., really likes his own pumpkin pie. The Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie at Pop Pie Co. has a smooth pumpkin filling, a special pumpkin spice mix, cream cheese, and roasted pepitas on top for crunch.
If you’re a fan of pumpkin pies with a creamy twist, Pop Pie Co. offers a truly unique option.
13. Sidney Street Cafe – St. Louis, MO
Kathryn Searcy, chef de cuisine at Costera in New Orleans, chooses the pumpkin cheesecake at Sidney Street Cafe in St. Louis. “It’s not too sweet, with warm spice notes that shout fall,” she says. Sidney Street Cafe’s version is a delightful spin on the classic, offering a cheesecake with rich pumpkin flavors.
If you’re seeking a pumpkin dessert with a twist, this pumpkin cheesecake is a great choice.
14. Salinger’s Orchard – Brewster, NY
Rich Parente, chef and owner of Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, N.Y., loves the pumpkin pie at nearby Salinger’s Orchard. After picking pumpkins, he makes sure to grab one of their pies for a classic seasonal treat. “It’s just a great, classic pumpkin pie that’s perfect for the season,” he raves.
For a classic fall experience, Salinger’s Orchard has delicious pumpkin pies that really represent the season.
15. Costco
Even though there are many fancy bakeries and restaurants, a lot of people really love Costco’s pumpkin pie. Tab Volpe, who is a chef, thinks it’s really great. He says it’s cheap, tasty, and always the same. Costco’s pumpkin pie is also big, which is good for parties.
If you’re looking for value without sacrificing taste, Costco’s pumpkin pie remains a fan favorite.
Final Thoughts
From small bakeries to fancy cafes, chefs all over the country have shared their opinions on the best pumpkin pies in America in 2024.
Whether you like a classic pie, a new version, or something in the middle, these suggestions will definitely make you happy this autumn. Make sure to visit one (or more) of these amazing places and enjoy a delicious pumpkin pie!