Best Places For Thanksgiving Pie In Tampa

The Daily Meal Staff|Nov. 12, 2014 7:00 am EST

Certainly, Thanksgiving is a holiday to spend time with family and reflect on our blessings, but even the youngest family members know that the centerpiece of the holiday is the Thanksgiving feast. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes and roasted vegetables are piled high on our plates. Just when we think we couldn't possibly take another bite, out come the pies. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and sweet potato pie are some well-loved Thanksgiving dessert staples. If you're looking for a scrumptious, sweet ending to your holiday meal, these local shops have the perfect pie to complete your Thanksgiving.

J. J. Gandy's Pies, Inc.
3725 Palm Harbor Blvd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
(727) 938-7437
www.jjgandys.com

J.J. Gandy's supplies pies to over 20 local restaurants in the Tampa Bay area and has been a local favorite for 27 years. You can pick up a huge variety of pies year-round, but certain flavors take over during the holiday season. Since Thanksgiving is the store's busiest holiday, with over 3,000 orders being filled annually, plan to order your pie as early as possible. Double-crusted fruit pies, such as apple, Dutch apple and cherry, must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance of pick-up. Other pie flavors are kept in stock, but it is still best to place an order and reserve your pie. Holiday pie flavors include pecan pie, pumpkin cheese pie, mincemeat pie and the most popular – pumpkin chiffon pie, a lighter, fluffier version than traditional pumpkin pie.

Mike's Pies
8625 Florida Mining Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33634
(813) 249-7437
www.mikespies.com

Mike's pies are so good that they have made their way into restaurants in 25 states and have even been featured on the Food Network. His pies have won 13 awards and his key lime pie recipe is locally famous. Key lime pie may seem like a summery treat, but hundreds are ordered during the holidays as well. If key lime is not for you, try the southern pecan pie, pumpkin pie or the granny apple crisp pie, made with tart granny apples and a sweet and crunchy streusel.

Wright's Gourmet House
1200 S. Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 253-3838
www.wrightsgourmet.com

The most popular flavor from Wright's is pecan pie. The buttery, flaky crust, sweet custard and roasted pecans used in the pie are hard to beat. You can also order other popular holiday flavors such as pumpkin, apple crumb pies and apple lattice pies. An assortment of pies are always kept in stock, but to avoid the disappointment of your favorite flavor being sold out, order ahead to reserve your pie.

Chocolate Pi
1205 S. Howard Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 831-2195
www.chocpi.com

Typically, Chocolate Pi specializes in elaborate wedding and birthday cakes. However, during the holidays, you can find some seasonal pie favorites. Pie flavors you'll be thankful for include pecan, apple, lemon and chocolate, as well as a delectable pumpkin cheesecake. Order several days in advance to be sure you get the pie you want.

Pane Rustica
3225 S. MacDill Ave.
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 902-8828
www.panerusticabakery.com

Most of the year, Pane Rustica doesn't do pies. You'd find other types of desserts, such as cookies and pastries, instead. However, during the holiday season, Pane Rustica whips up some seasonal favorites. Some of your choices include pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, apple and cranberry-blueberry. Be sure to reserve your favorite flavor in advance.

Amanda Mole has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil and cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove. She believes that food provides more than just vital nutrients: it is an irreplaceable part of countless cultural and social activities. As a Tampa Bay resident for the past 21 years, she is well acquainted with the incredibly diverse range of restaurants, bars, and food festivals that the area has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.