LA's Best Holiday Pies

Though our national day of thanks may be weeks away, there's no such thing as planning too far ahead when it comes to something as important as dessert. And really, what's Thanksgiving dinner without a holiday pie? So start saving your calories and getting your orders in soon – the following pies are sure to make you dazzle your fellow diners and satisfy the most discriminating sweet tooth.

Urth Caffe

2327 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90407
(310) 314-7040

8565 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 659-0628

267 S Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90209
(310) 205-9311

451 S Hewitt St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 797-4534
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The kitchen boasts that "only the finest ingredients" - many of them organic - go into making this one of the most luscious pumpkin pies in town. Diners wholeheartedly agree; refrains like "totally insane," "freaking fabulous" and "groan-worthy" make this autumnal delight worthy of its "Best Of" place of honor. A buttery graham cracker crust cradles four to five inches of dense pumpkin-y goodness – a perfect accompaniment to that Spanish Latte. And they serve it up year round! A slice goes for $5.99. Forty smackers for the whole pie.

COSTCO

Locations throughout Los Angeles
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This massive confection from the mecca of all things mega-sized is enough to convert any bakery snob. So it may not come from hand picked organic squash from an organic farm in Iowa but no one could deny it's a solid, tasty pie. And if you're on the go and need to feed a house full of guests or just have an obscenely large appetite for pie, it's worth the price of membership -- the bakery turns out a whopping 12 incher for only $5.99! You can't make a pie for that. Just don't forget the gonzo can of whipped cream to go with it!

Sweet Lady Jane

8360 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 653-7145

1631 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 254-9499
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One could easily make the case that turning out mouthwatering desserts as pleasing to the eye as the palate for 20 years puts this bakery in a class by itself. And the proof is in the pudding...er, pumpkin pie. The Lady adds her trademark magic to a traditional recipe with just a hint of bourbon, and the option of plain or a praline topping. Call ahead or order online for a full 9 inch pie ($26 plain, $28 praline) or stop by for a slice of heaven ($7.50). For a spin on tradition, try their New York style pumpkin cheesecake.

I HEART PIES

Seasonal pick-up location:
Plastica
8405 West 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 744-1632
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If you can't make up your mind what kind of pie to get for Thanksgiving or your dietary restrictions leave you longing for that perfect holiday mouthful, I Heart Pies is your gift from the pie gods. Featuring both sweet and savory pies in large (9"), medium (5") and minis (3") and a menu that changes by the season, they whip up something for everyone. The pumpkin pie is a holiday must – no canned filling here, only "roast sweet pumpkins from Yucaipa." Maple Cream, Pecan and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan also deliver the flavors of the season. Some pies (including pumpkin) can be made vegan or gluten free without sacrificing flakiness or flavor and the beautiful packaging makes gift-giving a no-brainer. Order online or check out the NoHo Arts District Farmers Market Sat 9-2.

27th Street Bakery Shop

2700 S. Central Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90011
(323) 233-3469
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Since opening their doors in 1956, three generations of family bakers have been serving up a scrumptious assortment of traditional pies to Angelenos from the heart of South Central. But it's their sweet potato pie that made them famous. With a perfectly flaky crust and a rich but not too sweet filling, it's simply the ultimate, old-fashioned sweet potato pie. They also do a pecan pie and sweet potato pecan pie that will brighten up any Thanksgiving menu. Stop by the bakery, place an order online for regular or mini pies or check their website for major retail locations that carry the brand.