Unearth The Voyage
North Dakota boasts a delightful array of pie shops that evoke the warmth and comfort of a grandmother’s kitchen. Here are five establishments where you can savor homemade pies that feel like a taste of home. Each of these pie shops offers a unique experience, combining traditional recipes with a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
1. Deaner’s Diner – West Fargo
Step into Deaner’s Diner and you’re greeted by the charm of yesteryear. With vinyl booths and quirky memorabilia, this spot feels like a nostalgic trip back in time. The aroma of freshly baked pies fills the air, and the friendly staff makes everyone feel like family.
Locals can’t get enough of their house-made apple pie, which is a crowd favorite. Other popular choices include lemon, cherry, pumpkin, and pecan pies.
This unassuming diner is a slice of vintage charm that’s worth visiting. It’s a place where every bite of pie feels like a warm hug.
2. Tower Travel Center Cafe — Tower City
Nestled just off Exit 307 on I-94, Tower Travel Center surprises visitors with its exceptional pies. This roadside gem may not look extraordinary from the outside, but its scratch-made pies steal the show inside.
The menu boasts flavors like apple, caramel apple, blueberry, and walnut cream, each slice offering a comforting taste of home. The cafe’s welcoming ambiance is reminiscent of a cozy roadside haven.
Whether you’re stopping by on a long journey or a quick getaway, the delightful pies make the wait worthwhile.
3. Family Bakery & Restaurant – Bottineau
Described as a ‘hole-in-the-wall,’ Family Bakery & Restaurant in Bottineau is a hidden treasure for pie lovers. Despite its modest appearance, this spot delivers big on flavor and comfort.
The pies, baked to perfection, offer a nostalgic embrace, much like grandma’s kitchen. Customers often rave about the genuine, homey taste that sets it apart.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a delightful spot to indulge in classic baking done right.
4. Fried’s Family Restaurant – Mandan
Fried’s Family Restaurant in Mandan is more than just a dining spot; it’s a cherished local institution. Known for its hearty German-inspired meals, the restaurant also serves up comforting pies that complete the experience.
Every pie here is made with love, evoking memories of family dinners back home. The cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff add to the warmth of this family-owned gem.
It’s a place where the heartiness of a meal meets the sweetness of a homemade dessert.
5. Nichole’s Fine Pastry & Cafe – Fargo
Nestled in Fargo, Nichole’s Fine Pastry & Cafe offers a touch of elegance with its pies. This cafe has earned a James Beard Foundation nod and presents delicate, rich fruit crumbles and cream pies like chocolate and butterscotch.
The pies embody a blend of sophistication and the beloved, homemade feel of grandma’s kitchen, featuring a flaky, buttery crust.
It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a refined yet authentic pie experience, where tradition meets a touch of flair.
