Unearth The Voyage
If a slice of heaven had an address, it would be 19 Mt. Rushmore Road in Custer. Purple Pie Place is the kind of spot you hear about from locals who happily drive hours for that first buttery bite. The bright purple exterior lures you in, but it is the flaky crusts and creative fillings that keep you coming back. Bring your appetite and a friend, because you will want to try more than one slice.
1. The Iconic Purple Storefront
That bold purple facade feels like a beacon for pie lovers cruising through the Black Hills. You pull up, snap a photo, and immediately catch the aroma of butter and sugar drifting through the doorway. Inside, glass cases glisten with golden crusts, creamy fillings, and berries that look like they were picked minutes ago.
Locals swear by it, and travelers from Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park detour here on purpose. The vibe is playful and warm, with an easy small-town charm. You know you are in for something special the moment your hand hits the door.
2. Flaky Crust Mastery
The crust is where Purple Pie Place turns pie into art. Each bite shatters lightly before melting into buttery layers, never tough, never soggy. You can taste the care in the lamination and the perfectly balanced bake, with edges that crunch and a bottom that stays crisp under juicy fillings.
Order any slice and notice how the crust frames the fruit like a picture. It supports tangy rhubarb, lush custards, and rich chocolate with equal grace. If you are picky about texture, this crust will win you over quickly.
3. Bumbleberry Bliss
Bumbleberry here means a joyful mashup of berries bursting with sweet-tart personality. Think blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and friends tucked under a golden lattice. The filling sits just thick enough to hold shape, yet juicy enough to stain your fork a deep jewel tone.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let the warmth meet the chill. You get bright pops of berry, a buttery crunch, and a finish that lingers like summer. It is the slice you recommend to someone when they ask for one perfect introduction.
4. Raspberry Rhubarb Jalapeno Surprise
This flavor proves Purple Pie Place loves a playful twist. Raspberry brings sunshiny sweetness, rhubarb adds tang, and jalapeno sneaks in a gentle heat that pricks your lips after each bite. It is balanced, not gimmicky, and you can taste each element without one overpowering the rest.
Take a bite, wait a second, and feel the warmth bloom. It is fantastic with whipped cream, which softens the spice and lets the fruit sing. If you chase interesting flavors, start here and prepare to be delighted.
5. Classic Apple Done Right
Sometimes you just want a flawless classic, and the apple delivers. The apples keep their character, tender yet distinct, not mushy. Cinnamon whispers rather than shouts, and a light gloss holds everything together without tipping into syrupy sweet.
The crust stays crisp against the fruit, giving every forkful contrast and comfort. Add a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it straight, either way you get nostalgia wrapped in craftsmanship. This is the slice that convinces skeptical friends the hype is real.
6. Savory Bites and Lunch Breaks
Yes, it is a pie paradise, but lunch shines too. Fresh sandwiches, paninis with melty cheese, crisp salads, and comforting soups give you room to balance sweet with savory. It is the move: share a panini, then split two slices of pie so nobody gets dessert envy.
The menu feels approachable and fast without skimping on quality. If you are road tripping through the Black Hills, this is the ideal refuel. You get real food, friendly service, and a clear path straight back to the dessert case.
7. Pet Friendly Patio Vibes
Bring your pup and settle into the patio, where the purple theme spills outside with cheerful flair. It is pet friendly, easygoing, and perfect for savoring a slice while people watching on Mt. Rushmore Road. The breeze, the chatter, the clink of forks on plates: simple pleasures amplified.
On warm afternoons, ice cream sundaes are the call. You can linger without feeling rushed, which makes that second slice dangerously tempting. It is the kind of patio that turns a quick stop into a memory.
8. When To Go and What To Know
Hours typically run 11 AM to 7 PM, but check the website since seasons can shift schedules. Lines form in peak summer, so arrive early or plan a late afternoon treat. Parking is straightforward, and the shop sits close to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore adventures.
Prices are friendly, slices generous, and staff happy to guide you toward favorites. If you want a sure bet, start with bumbleberry, then add a wild-card flavor. You will leave plotting the next excuse to drive back.
