Sister Pie is a paragon of progress in a city working hard to reinvent itself. You walk into the bright, welcoming bakery to see a full display case and a cadre of smiling bakers. The owners make an effort to hire from the community and to foster a sense of pride around Detroit ingenuity and Michigan produce.
The first thing you notice when looking at a slice of pie are its big chunks of fresh, toothsome seasonal fruit rather than stewed, syrupy fillings. Crusts are dark, sturdy, and wholesome — somewhat mired by sogginess in the top crust. But that’s OK; when mixed into the fruit filling, it all comes together beautifully.
Founded through community funding in 2015, the bakery succeeds in its mission of celebrating the seasons and the diversity of Michigan produce. A Roasted Pear and Walnut Pie tasted like the specific moment that we were in the bakery, as summer started to mellow into cool, just a few weeks before fall. Because of the year’s late summer, pie season also extended to offer peach-blackberry filling. The filling tasted of perfectly ripe fruit.
Sister Pie bakes beyond pie, including an eye-catching Paprika Peanut-Butter Cookie. A balance of sweet and savory in which the clever flavor combination of peanut and chili makes for a memorable bite. For a small taste of the bakery, pie cookies are a two-bite delight: flaky sandwiches with lemon curd filling. The bakery also serves a mean cup of joe that is custom roasted locally.
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Ann Arbor, MichiganThe uber slider — triple, quad or quint, loaded & layered to the max — has made Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger an Ann Arbor legend of greasy-spoon greatness.
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Cloverleaf Restaurant and Bar
Eastpointe, MichiganIn the complicated lineage of Detroit pizza, Cloverleaf is likely the closest to the original, and one of the few places with a true parlor atmosphere.
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Mike’s Famous Ham Place
Detroit, MichiganMike’s is a Detroit treasure with a tiny menu revolving around freshly carved ham. In soup, on a roll, or with eggs, it’s irresistible.
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Telway Hamburger System
Detroit, MichiganTelway Hamburger system is a local gem serving sliders and coffee all night. Locals buy burgers by the sack.
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Palazzo Di Pizza
Royal Oak, MichiganPalazzo is no palace; it’s a tiny take-out window, but behind it is a chef who has helped elevate Detroit-style pizza to national fame.
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Duly’s Place
Detroit, MichiganDuly’s is an old-school, all-hours diner serving superb chili, including one of the best Coney Island hot dogs anywhere.