by Carly Boers - 48 Reviews - 11 List
You've probably crafted at least one excuse to eat pie, but we have five reasons to indulge at Chicago's best pie shops. Whether you like it custardy, fruity or a la mode, there's no reason not to treat yourself to one (or more) of these toothsome slices.
Updated: March 16, 2010
Pie purists swoon over Gracie's apple pie, a thick wedge of crispy crust and tart chunks of fruit that's served warm with an oozing dollop of vanilla ice cream at this sweet Southside standby. If one slice leaves you wanting more, snag a whole pie from adjoining Medici's Bakery.
Slip into West Town's sunny slice of pie nirvana for a cup of Metropolis coffee and some lemon chess pie--a custardy, pucker-inducing Southern classic. If you're feeling benevolent, surprise your office mates with a tangy strawberry rhubarb or passion fruit meringue pie.
Even non-pie lovers can get their pie on thanks to this Lincoln Park sugar shack's whoopie pie, a colossal concoction that actually belongs in the cake family. Perched regally atop the bakery case, this sprinkle-covered affair sandwiches the bakeshop's beloved butter cream frosting between two slices of dense chocolate cake.
Down a decadent helping of this Ravenswood cafe's chocolate-peanut butter pie and forget that usual side of guilt since your indulgence just benefited someone in need. Fifteen percent of the cafe's proceeds benefit First Slice, a community-supported kitchen that provide restaurant-quality food to the needy. Now that's the spirit.
If you're craving an out-of-the-ordinary pie on this unconventional holiday, call this Humboldt Park shop and ask for the made-to-order Banoffi pie. The layered creation starts with a crumb crust, alternates rows of fresh bananas and fudge, and ends with a mound of whipped cream drizzled with homemade toffee.
