If you have ever chased a craving up a mountain road, you know the pull of Julian Pie Company.
This small town bakery turns simple fruit into slices that linger in your thoughts long after the last crumb. The strawberry rhubarb pie is the memory maker here, bright and tart with a buttery finish that keeps calling you back.
Come hungry, and plan to leave with extras for the week ahead.
Why the strawberry rhubarb steals the spotlight
The strawberry rhubarb at Julian Pie Company hits that rare balance you chase in fruit pies. Strawberries bring sun sweet brightness, while rhubarb adds a lively tart snap that keeps every bite from feeling heavy. The filling sits glossy and gem toned, tucked under a lattice crust that shatters delicately. You taste fruit first, sugar second, and then butter quietly rounds it out.
Part of the magic comes from how the bakers manage moisture. The fruit holds shape without turning gummy, and the juices gel into a clean slice that does not collapse. The crust stays crisp even hours later, which matters if you are grabbing a whole pie for the ride home. A light brush of sugar on top gives a gentle crackle with each forkful.
Order it by the slice if you want to test drive the flavor before committing to a whole. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic hot cold contrast. The cream softens the tartness just enough to keep you chasing the next bite. You will find yourself planning breakfast around leftovers.
This pie is seasonal in spirit but available regularly enough to become a ritual. You notice a slightly different nuance with each visit. Some days read more berry forward, others lean rhubarb crisp. Either way, the memory sticks all week.
A quick guide to visiting the Main Street bakery
Julian Pie Company sits right on 2225 Main St, making it easy to spot as you stroll through town. The patio out front offers shaded tables so you can dive into a warm slice without waiting to get home. Parking can be tight on weekends, so aim for earlier hours. Doors open at 9 AM, with a simple schedule that helps you plan.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday run 9 AM to 5 PM. Thursday and Friday are closed, a quirk that surprises first timers. Call ahead if you are coordinating a group, or check the website for holiday updates. The phone number is +1 760-765-2400, and staff are friendly about quick questions.
Inside, the counter moves quickly even when the line wraps. Grab a menu, choose your slice, and watch the team box whole pies with practiced ease. Cash and cards are accepted, and prices lean budget friendly. You can linger, but most folks snag pie and wander Main Street.
Do not skip water or coffee with sweeter picks. The patio is perfect for people watching and comparing notes on favorite flavors. If you are road tripping, bring a cooler for take home pies. Julian’s mountain air makes warm pie smell even better.
What makes the crust unforgettable
The crust at Julian Pie Company is not an afterthought. It is flaky without being greasy, buttery without tasting heavy, and strong enough to stand up to juicy fillings. The edges arrive beautifully crimped, with a light sugar dusting that adds texture. You can hear the faint crackle when your fork breaks through.
Technique shows in every layer. The bakers keep the dough cool, handle it minimally, and bake to a steady golden brown. No burnt spots, no soggy bottoms. Even cooled slices maintain structure, making road snacks neat and satisfying.
The lattice on strawberry rhubarb is both pretty and practical. Vents let steam escape so the filling concentrates rather than floods. This gives you clean flavors and a tender bite that stays consistent to the last fork. A quick rewarm at home revives the aroma beautifully.
Crust matters because it frames the fruit. When it is right, you notice the pie as a whole rather than parts. At Julian, crust and filling are tuned to the same key. That harmony is why a midweek craving feels inevitable.
Pairings that make your slice sing
Start simple with vanilla ice cream. The cool cream softens the rhubarb zip and lets strawberries bloom. If you prefer less sweetness, try a small dollop so the pie stays lead actor. Coffee or black tea makes an ideal partner, cutting richness and resetting your palate between bites.
On chilly days, ask for your slice warmed. Heat wakes up the butter in the crust and loosens the fruit perfume. A light cinnamon sprinkle adds warmth without hijacking the flavor. Avoid heavy sauces that drown the clean tart sweet balance.
At home, consider whipped cream with minimal sugar. A thin slice of sharp cheddar is a classic apple pie move, but it also gives strawberry rhubarb a playful contrast. The salt and tang highlight the fruit’s brightness. Serve on a cooled plate to keep ice cream from running too fast.
If you are packing a picnic, bring sparkling water or a dry cider. Bubbles make each bite feel new. Keep utensils and napkins handy for patio nibbling. Little touches turn a good slice into a small event.
How to time your visit for the freshest pie
Arriving close to opening at 9 AM gives you the best shot at still warm pies. The bakery moves quickly, and popular flavors can rotate from oven to display on a steady rhythm. Weekends get busy, so plan patience and embrace the line. It usually moves faster than it looks.
Thursday and Friday closures mean midweek cravings require timing. Monday through Wednesday mornings feel calm and local. Saturday and Sunday bring families and hikers, which adds energy but reduces seating. If you want patio space, send one person ahead to scout a table.
Call the shop if you are after a whole strawberry rhubarb pie. Staff can advise on availability and best pickup windows. Consider ordering earlier in the day so you do not miss out. Cooling time matters if you are driving a distance.
Bring a cooler or insulated bag for take home. Warm pies travel better when supported. Avoid direct sun in the car, especially in summer. You will be happier slicing a pie that arrived in peak shape.
Other bakes to try while you are here
Strawberry rhubarb may be the headline, but exploration pays off. Apple takes on many forms here, from classic Dutch crumb to no sugar added. The apple cider donuts deliver cozy spice and a tender crumb that pairs beautifully with coffee. Cookies round out the case when you want a quick pocket friendly treat.
Rotating seasonal pies keep things interesting. Berry blends shift with the calendar, and pumpkin pops up in cooler months. If you enjoy texture, look for nut topped varieties. Staff will happily describe the differences so you choose confidently.
Consider splitting a flight with friends by ordering several slices. Mix a tart fruit with a richer option for balance. The crust consistency across flavors is impressive, which makes comparison fun. You will likely leave with a favorite you did not expect.
Prices stay approachable, marked with a single dollar sign on most guides. That makes sampling feel reasonable rather than splurgey. If you love a flavor, snag a frozen pie for later. Your future self will thank you on a busy weeknight.
Insider tips from the patio
Lines look long but move briskly, so do not bail too soon. Read the chalkboard while you wait and choose your backup flavor in case your first pick sells out. Ask for a warm up on your slice if you are staying. The patio is shaded enough to enjoy pie without melting your toppings.
Bring cash as a backup even though cards are accepted. Cell service can be spotty on busy days, and it helps to keep things simple. Napkins go fast, so grab a few extras. A small travel knife makes share plate slicing neater.
For photos, late afternoon light flatters the lattice shine. Sit near the edge of the patio for a little mountain town backdrop. Keep your plate in shade to avoid glare on the filling. Quick snaps beat long staging when warm pie is calling.
Be neighborly and bus your table when you finish. It keeps the flow friendly and helps staff on peak hours. If you enjoyed your visit, leave a review. Those 4.7 stars reflect real care baked into every crust.
Plan a perfect Julian pie day
Start your morning with a scenic drive into Julian and aim to arrive close to 9 AM. Grab coffee, then order a slice of strawberry rhubarb for immediate happiness. Pick up a whole pie to go before the midday rush. Choose a seat on the patio to savor the mountain air while you plan the rest of your day.
Stroll Main Street after your slice and let the sugar buzz guide you. Duck into nearby shops for souvenirs and small town charm. If you like short hikes, keep it gentle so your pie box rides level. A cooler in the trunk protects your prize from sun and traffic delays.
Mid afternoon, return for donuts or a second slice. Compare notes with your crew and lock in favorites for future trips. Call ahead if you need an extra pie for friends. The team can advise on availability and hold times.
Head home before sunset with the car smelling like butter and berries. Rewarm a slice at 300 degrees for a few minutes, then add ice cream. Share, or do not. That strawberry rhubarb will keep calling all week.