Let’s face it: You can’t have a Thanksgiving meal without a slice of pumpkin pie — or, OK, your favorite holiday pie — to end the celebration. But, between roasting the turkey, prepping the side dishes, getting the house in order, and welcoming family and friends, sometimes it’s hard to make everything you need from scratch.
If buying your pie is sounding pretty good right about now, you’re in luck: Six of our favorite Chicago bakeries sell a classic pumpkin pie, along with other specialty options. Make sure to put in your request now, though; Hoosier Mama has already stopped taking orders (but you can try your chance in line day-of), and the rest of the spots on this list are not too far behind.
Baker Miller Bakery: At press time, the Lincoln Square bakery is still taking orders for all Thanksgiving pies. Regular pumpkin pie: $25. 4610 N. Western Ave. 312-208-5639, www.bakermillerchicago.com.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: apple, double crust apple, butterscotch, choco-caramel turtle cheesecake, maple cream
Bang Bang Pie Shop: At press time, the Logan Square bakery is still taking Thanksgiving pie orders. Regular pumpkin pie: $26. 2051 N. California Ave. 773-276-8888, www.bangbangpie.com.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: apple, apple crumble, chocolate pecan
Bittersweet Pastry Shop: Gluten-free options are available alongside the traditional pies at this Lakeview bakery, which is taking orders for Thanksgiving until Nov. 23. Regular pumpkin pie: $18. 1114 W. Belmont Ave. #8, 773-929-1100, www.bittersweetpastry.com.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: flourless chocolate mousse cake, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate peanut torte, double crust apple, chocolate cream pie, pecan, apple cranberry streusel
First Slice: Buy a pie, and help others at the same time: This local bakery chain uses its proceeds to feed Chicagoans in need. Pie orders will be accepted through Nov. 22; order by Nov. 15 for a free slice of Glogg cake. Regular pumpkin pie: $18. Multiple locations, www.firstslice.org.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: pumpkin cheesecake, apple, French silk, Michigan sour cherry
Grange Hall Burger Bar: The burger bar is taking holiday pie orders up through Nov. 25 at noon. Order a traditional pumpkin pie or even its specialty bourbon pecan pie. All pies are $18 without tax. 844 W. Randolph St.; 312-491-0844, www.grangehallburgerbar.com.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: Gluten-free chocolate
Hoosier Mama: Though the bakery is no longer taking Thanksgiving pie orders, customers can wait in line the day of to see what’s up for grabs. 1618 W. Chicago Ave., 312-243-4846, hoosiermamapie.com.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: apple, pear apple cranberry, coconut cream, chocolate cream, chocolate chess, Hoosier sugar cream, banana custard
Spinning J: At press time, the bakery is accepting orders for Thanksgiving pies but warns that capacity could be reached in the next week. This year the bakery has teamed up with Black Dog Gelato and is selling quart and half gallon sizes for those who love pie and … well, gelato! All whole pies, including the classic pumpkin, are $26 each. 1000 N. California Ave., 872-829-2793, spinningj.com.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: apple, maple pecan
Vanille Patisserie: Once a year this French-inspired patisserie likes to spread pie cheer by offering three Thanksgiving pies: Pumpkin with cinnamon whipped cream, traditional pecan and apple streusel. Orders must be placed by Nov. 22 before end of business day. All three pies are $27.95 each or $49.95 for two. 2108 N. Clark St.; www.vanillepatisserie.com; 773-868-4574.
Popular pies besides pumpkin: Apple streusel, traditional pecan
Lindsey Compton is a freelance writer.
This story has been updated with an additional bakery, Vanille and Grange Hall Burger Bar
