Turkey is swell, but everyone knows the best part of Thanksgiving dinner is dessert — namely, the pie. Purists prefer pumpkin and pecan, while others love adventurous takes. Houston restaurants and bakeries offer plenty of kinds, so you can please everyone and keep the pie-peace. Order deadlines and pick-up times vary by location, so take note and plan accordingly. 

Bellaire

Dandelion Cafe, 5405 Bellaire: Have your pie and eat it all thanks to personal-sized goodies from this cozy spot. Order pumpkin bars from local producer Chic Sweets Fine Desserts that are $22 for six or $42 for a dozen. There are also housemade personal pecan and other seasonal flavored pies. They cost $5.99 for one, $33 for six and $63 for a dozen. Call 832-988-9210 or order online. Pre-order all desserts for Thanksgiving by November 22.

Moeller’s Bakery, 4201 Bellaire: Locals have loved this sweet spot since it opened in 1930. Along with an extensive menu of cakes, cookies and other delights, there are a dozen pies on offer. Choose from sweet potato, buttermilk, pecan, pumpkin, Boston cream and more. Prices vary by flavor and size. Place orders online, or mask up and step into the storefront for an added taste of nostalgia.

Downtown

The Rustic, 1836 Polk: Break the pecan and pumpkin mold with a different “p” pie: peanut butter. Fans of the iconic chocolate/nut butter combo will want to try the Peanut Butter Pie filled with chocolate fudge and topped with a generous layer of peanut butter cream. It is finished with whole peanuts and a chocolate drizzle. It costs $24.95 for a whole pie and $9.95 for a slice. Call (832)-321-7799 48-hours in advance for pickup during normal hours the week of Thanksgiving. The Rustic is closed on Thanksgiving.

Galleria Area

Kenny & Ziggy’s, 2327 Post Oak: Visit this New York-style deli for its huge menu that also includes a smorgasbord of sweets. Pick up 11-inch apple, banana cream, coconut cream, chocolate cream, pecan and pumpkin pies, which cost $39 each. There is also a three-inch-high key lime pie for $42. Place orders by November 18 (48-hour notice required). Nationwide overnight shipping is available, too, should your travel plans demand it. Place those orders by November 23. Submit completed order forms via email to [email protected], fax to (713) 871-8884 (call the main line upon sending to confirm receipt) or place your order over the phone at (713) 871-8883.

Heights

Fluff Bake Bar, 1701 W 15th: Indulge with festive finds from pastry chef Rebecca Masson’s shop in the Heights. Choose from selections such as pumpkin, Dutch apple, bourbon, chocolate & pecan, pecan and chocolate cream. There are pint-sized Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, too! Order online for pickup November 23 and November 24.

Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella: Bring home the elegant yet rustic charm of one of a unique Houston restaurant with decadent pies. The Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie serves six and costs $32. Order by calling (713) 861-8666 at least 48 hours in advance of pickup. Limited availability; pickup November 23 through 25.

Red Dessert Dive, 1045 Studewood: This cool neighborhood nook has an assortment of special items available for holiday noshing. Choose from six pies: Whiskey Walnut Chocolate Chip and Apple Crumble are $32 each, Browned Butter Pecan, Salted Honey Chess and Pumpkin Maple are $30 each and the Gluten Free, Vegan Pumpkin Pie is $34. Place orders online for Thanksgiving by noon on Sunday, November 21 for pick up November 23 and 24. Call (832) 649-2977 for more information.

Revival Market, 550 Heights: Grab an assortment of handcrafted treats at this local favorite. Choose from apple, pecan and pumpkin pie for $34 each. You can also pick up housemade whipped cream for $5.95 per 16-ounce container. Place orders online for pickup November 22 through 24. Call (713) 880-8463 for more information.

Studewood Grill, 1111 Studewood: Bourbon fans will want to save room for the extravagant Butter & Bourbon Pecan pie from this Heights hangout. It costs $98 but serves 10 to 12, and the Thanksgiving special includes pre-packaged bourbon glaze, a half-gallon of vanilla ice cream and four .375-ounce shots of Bulleit Bourbon. Pre-order whole pies by calling (713) 864-1100 for pickup on November 24.

Memorial

Jonathan’s The Rub, 9061 Gaylord: Opt for Snickers pie, coconut cream pie or pecan pie that serve six each and cost $40. There is also a Chocolate Black Out that serves eight and costs $48. Place orders online or via the Jonathan’s The Rub phone app by noon on November 15. Pick up pies on Thanksgiving day at 9090 Katy Freeway from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

White Elm Cafe, 14079 Memorial: This modern spot for casual fare doesn’t typically sell whole pies, but makes exceptions for holidays. This year, choose from Bourbon Pecan, Apple Crumble and Pumpkin Meringue. Each selection is $28 each. Order 48 hours in advance by calling (281) 496-2920. Deadline for ordering is November 21.  

Midtown

Sinfull Bakery, 1714 Webster: Pie for everyone! If you or a loved one are vegan, you can still tuck into holiday must-haves from Houston’s original vegan bakery. Choose 9-inch apple, sweet potato, blueberry and Mix Berry pies that cost $25 each, or Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie for $24. Upgrade with a sweet and crunchy add-on: sweet potato and pumpkin cheesecake are available with candied pecans for $28 each. Pre-order online and schedule pickup November 23 through 24 from 7 a.m to 4 p. m. Note that pickup is available only at the café (no farmers markets).

Montrose

Underbelly Hospitality, 1100 Westheimer: Order classic desserts with traditional or gluten-free crusts from the catering side of chef Chris Shepherd’s enterprise. All four pies are nine inches and cost $32. Traditional pie crusts are available with vinegar, pecan or apple crumb filling, and the gluten free Pumpkin Cheesecake pie has a housemade graham crust, spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling and walnut crumble on the side. Place orders by November 19. Call (832)-241-5088 or go online, and pick up at 1100 Westheimer between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on November 24.

Oak Forest / Garden Oaks

Becca Cakes Bakery, 1207 West 34th:  Sample and share an assortment of flavors with the Mini Pie Set. It costs $55 and includes 12 mini pies (four each of pecan, apple and mixed berry). Pies are presented in a gold gift box with a bow for giving and displaying. Place pre-orders through November 17 for pickup on November 20, 23 or 24 (select your preferred pickup date from the drop-down menu when placing order online). Call (713) 364-3360 or order online.

Flying Saucer Pie Company, 436 West Crosstimbers: A neighborhood icon since 1967, this pie counter normally offers 15 housemade daily selections. A dozen are available during the holidays and include peach, apple, cherry, pecan and pumpkin, plus cream pies such as strawberry, coconut, lemon and key lime. Purchase whole or by the slice. Prices range from $16 to $17.25 for whole pies, and all pies are first-come, first-served, so plan ahead if your taste buds are set on something. For Thanksgiving week this year, the hours are November 22 and 23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., November 24 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Upper Kirby

Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe, 3600 Kirby: Elaborately decorated desserts are a popular find at this specialty bakery, but so are the pies. Choose from six flavors including S’mores, Double Crust Apple, Double Decker Key Lime, Old-Fashioned Pumpkin, Southern Pecan and To-Die-For Fudge Pecan. They cost $35 each. Order online or by calling (713) 522-9999.

Multiple Locations

Goode Company Barbeque, multiple locations: The Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, which is based on a family recipe and has been served at Goode restaurants since 1977, is one of Houston’s most famous and giftable desserts. For Thanksgiving, there is no need for pre-order. However, if you want to pick one up, you might want to call ahead to ensure there are still some left. Two days before Thanksgiving, Goode Company is setting up drive-through pie pick-up booths at Armadillo Palace (enter parking lot on Bartlett Street), Goode Co. Barbeque in Memorial, Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina in The Woodlands and Goode Co. Barbeque on 290. The drive-throughs are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

House of Pies, multiple locations: A Houston tradition since 1967, this family-owned, 24-hour bakery has 28 housemade pies (some fruit fillings are only available seasonally) priced $15.95 to $16.95 for whole pies. Look for classics such as Texas pecan, apple and pumpkin, or fan-favorite Bayou Goo. There are also seasonal sweets such as mince and Strawberry Cream Cheese, and sugar-free fruit such as apple and cherry. All selections are first-come, first-served, but given that the locations are open around the clock even on holidays, this shouldn’t be a problem. 

Ellie Sharp