The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop is a local institution. Open since 1938, it was originally located on the corner of 5th and B in Hillcrest but today you can find it in North Park on El Cajon Boulevard. While the locations have changed, the recipe for its chicken pot pie hasn’t. Featuring a blend of chicken, turkey, and gravy, it’s still a deal at $5.95 per serving. Do yourself a favor and order up the dinner set complete with whipped potatoes, side of veggies, and a roll with your choice of dessert pie for $12.95. And don’t sleep on their dessert pies either, offered in flavors ranging from apple and blueberry-peach to pumpkin and pecan.
How to order: Walk in or order takeout and delivery by calling 619-295-0156 or ordering online.

You’ll have to head to a Kearny Mesa industrial park to dig into this South African cuisine. Owned and operated by Graham Perkett, gourmet pies headline the menu and all feature a handmade crust that utilizes butter for a flaky texture. Head in around noon and choose from ready-to-eat single-serving portions like steak and mushroom and vegetable curry. Don’t leave without stocking up on family-sized pies located in the freezers. A menu of classic South African desserts, including koeksisters, a deep-fried braided doughnut soaked in a sweet syrup, are also available to order.
How to order: Walk in or call 619-370-8085 for takeout orders.

San Diego native Elizabeth Harris’ love for all things sweet shows up in her pie creations. Some choices include apple crumble, Mississippi mud pie, chocolate cookie dough, pecan, pumpkin, and cherry lattice pies. There’s also a take-and-bake option of savory selections to enjoy later, including meatball pie, breakfast pie, and a Thanksgiving pot pie. Menu selections change daily so call ahead.
How to order: Walk in or call 760-230-6780 for takeout. Customers are encouraged to place holiday orders early and Thanksgiving pre-orders can be picked up on Wednesday, November 24.

Like its Orange County counterpart, this San Diego shop delivers on sweet pastries, including tarts which, let’s face it, are basically pies sans top crust. Loyal customers flock for the black-bottom creme brulee with layers of ganache, sponge, vanilla custard, and torched sugar on top. Or order the more seasonally appropriate Oh My Gourd!—the bakery’s take on pumpkin, but sweetened with honey, with a torched meringue top.
How to order: Walk in or call 619-641-0081 for takeout orders.