Thanksgiving

Pie Time

No matter how dry the turkey, how lumpy the gravy, or how horribly wrong those mini-marshmallows are with sweet potatoes, a good pie can remedy any Thanksgiving disaster. Here are nine of the best, whipped cream not included.

By Rob Patronite
Published May 21, 2005

Updated November 6, 2006

(Photo: Carina Salvi)

Sweet Potato-Pecan, $28 for nine inch, $20 for seven inch
A pie with identity issues, but a good one nonetheless—two all-American fillings peacefully cohabiting in a buttery, French-tart-like crust.
Balthazar
80 Spring St., at Crosby St.; 212-965-1785
Reservation details: Order before Nov. 22 for pickup before 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. $5 delivery fee from West Side Hwy. to Rivington St. between 12th St. and Franklin St.; otherwise, $15 delivery charge.

(Photo: Carina Salvi)

Sour-Cream Apple-Walnut, $26
As much a New York classic as a Peter Luger porterhouse or a Junior’s cheesecake.
Little Pie Company
407 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-414-2324
Reservation details: Pies must be ordered by Nov. 17 and can be shipped until Nov. 22 or picked up by noon on Thanksgiving.

(Photo: Carina Salvi)

Bourbon-Pecan, $26
A happy balance between gooey and dense, with a subtly boozy kick.
Blue Smoke
116 E. 27th St., nr. Lexington Ave.; 212-447-7733
Reservation details: Order by 6 p.m. one day in advance for pickup by 11 p.m. on Nov. 22. No delivery.

(Photo: Carina Salvi)

Double-Crust Apple, $25
When you hear the phrase “as American as apple pie,” this is the pie that comes to mind.
Kitchenette
156 Chambers St., nr. W. Broadway; 212-267-6740
1272 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 122nd St.; 212-531-7600
Reservation details: Orders accepted one day in advance until Nov. 21 for pickup through Thanksgiving Day. Delivery south of Canal St. or between 96th St. and 133rd St.; other locations, $10–$20 fee.

(Photo: Sarah Lohman)

Indian Apple, $25
Maury Rubin's brilliant cross between an apple pie and an Indian pudding (a nearly extinct New England specialty made from cinnamon, ginger, molasses, and apples) has a crisp cornmeal topping.
City Bakery
3 W. 18th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-366-1414
Reservation details: Available in-store, but pre-order by Nov. 20 is recommended. No delivery.

(Photo: Carina Salvi)

Pumpkin, Apple Crumb, and Pecan; $22 Each
For one-stop pie shopping, ‘Wichcraft is offering their house-made vanilla ice cream ($8) this year to go with their toothsome Thanksgiving pies.
’Wichcraft
Multiple locations; 212-780-0577
Reservation details: Order by Nov. 20 for pickup or delivery on Nov. 22 and 23.

(Photo: Yun Cee Ng)

Double-Crust Apple, $20
Having mastered cookies of all sorts, Dave Crofton and Dawn Casale have entered the pie game. Their double-crust apple is usually made from Cortland, Empire, and Golden Delicious varieties and has a remarkably tender all-butter crust.
One Girl Cookies
68 Dean St., nr. Smith St., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn; 212-675-4996
Reservation details: Pies must be ordered by Nov. 20 and can be delivered in Manhattan through Nov. 22; $12 per delivery.

(Photo: Yun Cee Ng)

Tarte Tatin, $18
Not a pie strictly speaking, but in the pie family and a good sop for any Francophiles at the Thanksgiving table. It has an exemplary, slightly bitter caramelized top layer of fruit and a delicately flaky crust.
Almondine
85 Water St., nr. Main St., Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-797-5026
Reservation details: Order by Nov. 20 for pickup Nov. 22 by 7 p.m.

(Photo: Carina Salvi)

Sweet Potato, $12 for ten inch, $10 for eight inch, $4.50 for six inch
Irresistibly smooth and custardy, not too sweet, and gratifyingly down-home.
Sweet Chef Southern Styles Bakery
122 Hamilton Pl., nr. Broadway; 212-862-5909
Reservation details: Delivery in Manhattan of orders above $30. No advance order necessary. Pies can be picked up until the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.