One pie shop in this lineup is so pie-focused that its name is literally a confession of bias. I love a bakery that tells you exactly where its heart lives.
Another spot bakes its apple pie with orchard fruit from right there in the same region. Two more sit inside the same historic public market, practically sharing a sidewalk.
That means you could compare apple pies without even moving your car.
Ohio takes its apples seriously, and these bakers clearly took notes. Some lean toward crumb toppings, some stick with double crusts, and a few slip in sweet potato or vegan twists.
I can’t imagine a better excuse for a road trip.
So here’s my question for you. Are you a crumb-top loyalist, or do you want that tall, flaky lid?
Either way, your fork has some serious decisions ahead.
Just Pies Inc
The name says it plainly, and honestly, who needs anything else? This Westerville shop has been focused on pies since it opened in 2004.
The family behind it bakes from scratch. Many of the recipes trace back to grandmothers, an aunt, and mom, which feels like the best kind of inheritance.
Now, about that apple pie. Fresh apples get piled and packed into a flaky, homemade double crust, and you can find it year-round.
Prefer a crunchy top? The Apple Crumb Pie swaps the upper crust for crumbly goodness.
There’s also a No Sugar Added Apple pie for anyone watching their sugar.
The crust here leans thick and flaky, with plenty of fruit inside. Cherry and mixed fruit pies also earn high marks, along with playful flavors like peach riot.
Keep in mind this is a grab-and-go kind of stop. There’s no dine-in seating and no restroom, so pick up your pie and head home.
Curbside pickup is offered, which helps on rainy Ohio afternoons. Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Friday afternoons and Saturdays get busy.
Address: 736 Northfield Rd #1, Westerville, OH 43082
Gray House Pies Westlake
Greater Cleveland has a pie shop that treats butter like a love language. That’s great news for your apple pie cravings.
Gray House Pies has been a Cleveland original since 2004, and the Westlake shop keeps the tradition rolling. Pies are made from scratch with natural ingredients, without preservatives or hydrogenated oils.
The classic apple pie starts with freshly peeled apples. They go into an all-butter crust and get finished with a buttery crumb topping.
Texture matters here, and it shows. The apples are thinly sliced and tender, with a blend of apple varieties and warming spices that create a deliciously balanced filling.
The menu stretches well beyond apple. Sweet potato, pecan, and coconut cream pies share space with savory quiches, and the lemon bars have their own fan club.
Timing is everything, so note the hours. The shop opens Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Address: 26075 Detroit Rd, Westlake, OH 44145
Haas Bakery
Early birds, this one’s for you. Haas Bakery opens at 5 AM Tuesday through Saturday, long before many of us find our socks.
Located in Oregon, just outside Toledo, this neighborhood bakery is known first for donuts. The sour cream donuts and apple fritters are popular picks.
Still, don’t overlook the pie case. The bakery makes its own pies, including apple pie, alongside a tempting selection of other baked treats.
That’s what makes this stop fun. You come for a fritter and leave holding an entire apple pie, which counts as a smart decision.
The lineup has a real old-school bakery feel. You’ll spot cookies, elephant ears, and Polish coffee cake, plus seasonal iced and decorated cookies.
Coffee is available too, so your morning is covered. Just know there’s no dine-in seating and no restroom, so treat it as a quick stop.
Hours run Tuesday through Friday from 5 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 5 AM to 5 PM. The bakery is closed Sunday and Monday.
Go a little earlier if you want the best pick of the pies.
Address: 2306 Starr Ave, Oregon, OH 43616
Partial To Pie Bakery
Any bakery that names itself after a soft spot for pie is making a bold promise. Good news: the apple pie keeps it.
You’ll find this little shop on Shroyer Road in Dayton, and pie is clearly the main event. Its apple pie is a popular choice, with a homemade crust and a generous filling of spiced apples.
The crust gets plenty of attention, too. It’s known for being flaky and tender, which is exactly what you want holding up a pile of spiced apples.
Apple isn’t the only option on the shelves. You can also grab chocolate pie, coconut cream pie, and mini hand pies for snacking on the go.
Savory fans aren’t left out either. Quiche shows up on the menu, so you can call your visit breakfast and still sneak in dessert.
Speaking of breakfast, the doors open early at 7 AM, Tuesday through Saturday. Coffee is available, and there’s free Wi-Fi if you want to linger with a slice.
Plan ahead for Saturdays, though. The shop closes at noon that day, so an earlier visit gives you more time to browse the selection.
Address: 200 Shroyer Rd, Dayton, OH 45419
Mama Jo Homestyle Pies
With a name like Mama Jo, you already know this place isn’t fussing with fancy foams. It’s all about homestyle pies made from scratch.
The Amherst bakery specializes in scratch-made pies and fruit-filled strudels. Ingredients are top-shelf, and the baked goods are made without preservatives.
Apple fans should zero in on the apple crumble pie. It holds its own on a menu packed with strong contenders.
And those contenders are serious. Strawberry cheesecake pie, strawberry cream cheese pie, coconut cream, and key lime all have devoted followings.
Not feeling pie, somehow? Cookies and cakes round out the counter, so the whole family can find something.
Pies are freshly made daily, which is a big reason this shop stands out in Lorain County. Grocery store pies simply can’t compete with that kind of care.
Here’s a scheduling perk. Unlike many bakeries on this list, Mama Jo is open seven days a week.
Monday through Saturday hours run from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Weekday mornings are usually the calmest time to swing by.
Address: 1969 Cooper Foster Park Rd, Amherst, OH 44001
Happy Pies
A pie stand called Happy Pies sounds like something a kid would invent. Luckily, the grown-ups running it bake like pros.
You’ll find this vendor at Findlay Market, Cincinnati’s famous public market. Browsing there is half the fun, and the pie stand makes a sweet finish.
Apple pie is one of the standouts. The crust is flaky and buttery, the kind that practically melts as you eat it.
The flavor list keeps going, too. Key lime, cherry, blueberry, pecan, pumpkin, rhubarb, peach, and shaker lemon all show up in the lineup.
Shaker lemon deserves a quick shout. It’s an old-fashioned pie that uses thinly sliced whole lemons, so it’s fun to try if you spot it.
Savory options join the party as well. Quiches and pies for savory dishes make it easy to plan dinner and dessert in one stop.
Can’t make it to the market? Delivery and pickup options are available, which is handy for holidays or office treats.
Pair your pie run with a lap around the market. Ohio doesn’t get much tastier than an afternoon spent snacking at Findlay.
Address: Findlay Market, 1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
MAKERS BAKERS Co. Bakery & More
Cinnamon rolls and banana pudding may be the headliners here, but the apple pie keeps stealing scenes. That’s quite a talented cast.
MAKERS BAKERS Co. sits right in the center of Findlay Market in Cincinnati. Yes, that makes it a neighbor to our last stop, so plan a double pie mission.
The apple pie has a reputation for being downright addictive. There’s also a sweet potato pie, which makes the holiday dessert table a lot easier to plan.
Beyond pie, the menu wanders in tasty directions. You can grab sandwiches, hot drinks, coffee, and plenty of other fresh baked goods.
The owners bring big energy to the counter. They take pride in their work and care about each guest having a great experience.
It’s also an LGBTQ+ friendly spot and a transgender safe space. That welcoming spirit pairs nicely with a fork and a slice.
Seating isn’t offered, so grab your treats to go. A restroom is available, and delivery is an option.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Save room, because one slice rarely feels like enough.
Address: Center of the Findlay Market, 1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
