Cynthia Crain, known as Boo Boo to her grandchildren, originally developed the recipe for her sweet potato pie for her pie-loving husband, Thomas, and taste-tested it at family reunions before the couple fulfilled a ten-year dream to launch their own business. Cynthia now bakes pies by the hundreds in a commercial kitchen and Thomas sells them at several San Diego County farmers markets. The pies come traditional, gluten-free, and vegan; and in sizes mini, medium, or “big,” ranging in price from $4-$20.
How to order: Find them year-round at farmers markets in Oceanside, Hillcrest, La Mesa, and Little Italy.

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 $6.45 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 of 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.