12 Tennessee Pie Shops That Locals Whisper Rival Grandma’s (But She’ll Never Hear It)
We all have that one pie. Grandma’s is the sacred, untouchable standard. But what if I told you there are twelve places in Tennessee where locals engage in culinary treason?
They sneak off, forks in hand, to indulge in crusts so flaky and fillings so decadent, they momentarily forget the family recipe. Don’t worry-Grandma will never know.
This is a loyal reader pact. We’re going deep into the Volunteer State to find the bakeries powerful enough to challenge the crowned queen of dessert, and nobody is telling your mother.
1. Loveless Cafe (Nashville)
Biscuits may hog the spotlight at this legendary Nashville diner, but locals know the real treasure sits under glass domes on the counter. Chess pie here is so gooey and sweet it could make a grown man weep, while the fudge pie delivers a chocolate punch that lingers long after the last bite.
Opened in 1951, this roadside institution has perfected Southern comfort desserts for more than seven decades. Portions are generous, crusts are buttery, and the rotating seasonal flavors keep regulars coming back for more.
Whether you grab a slice with your fried chicken or order a whole pie to go, the quality stays rock-solid. Loveless has earned its place in Tennessee pie lore, and one taste explains why locals quietly rank it alongside their grandmothers’ best work.
2. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop (Knoxville & Turkey Creek)
Walking into Buttermilk Sky feels like raiding your grandmother’s recipe box, except every single card has been perfected and baked fresh that morning. This regional chain built its reputation on heirloom recipes passed down through generations, and the Knoxville locations stay busy year-round with customers hunting for that nostalgic flavor.
Pecan, coconut cream, and lemon icebox pies rotate alongside seasonal stars that change with the harvest calendar. Each pie gets hand-crimped edges and real-deal ingredients, no shortcuts or preservatives allowed.
The Turkey Creek shop has become a go-to spot for holiday orders, with lines snaking out the door before Thanksgiving. Locals swear the butterscotch cream could convert anyone into a pie person, and the fruit cobblers earn nearly as much praise as the pies themselves.
3. Muddy’s Bake Shop (Memphis)
Memphis knows Muddy’s as the bakery that turns cupcakes into art, but the pie game here deserves equal respect. Seasonal whole pies appear on the menu throughout the year, and the signature Shady Wake has developed a cult following among locals who appreciate dessert with a little edge.
Muddy’s leans into bold flavors and creative twists while keeping traditional techniques front and center. Crusts are flaky without being fragile, and fillings strike that tricky balance between sweet and interesting.
My cousin ordered a Shady Wake for her birthday last year, and half the party asked where it came from before we even finished singing. The bakery takes preorders for holidays, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot in line during peak pie season.
4. Baked On 8th (Nashville)
Small-batch baking means this cozy Nashville neighborhood spot never churns out the same lineup twice, and pie lovers have learned to check the daily menu before making the trip. Pecan pie shows up regularly, but the salted caramel apple and seasonal fruit offerings steal the show when they appear.
Baked on 8th sources local ingredients whenever possible, and the difference shows up in every forkful of bright, fresh flavor. The bakery operates out of a charming space that feels more like a friend’s kitchen than a commercial operation.
Regulars know to arrive early on weekends because popular flavors sell out fast, sometimes before noon. Whole pies require advance orders, but slices are available daily for those who want a quick sugar fix without committing to an entire dessert.
5. Dozen Bakery (Nashville)
This tight-knit Nashville bakery has built a loyal following by rotating pie flavors weekly and offering both slices and whole pies for every craving level. Recent local food roundups consistently name-drop Dozen as a top pie destination, and the buzz is well-earned.
Chocolate cream, bourbon pecan, and fruit pies cycle through the menu, each one crafted with attention to detail that shows in the finished product. The bakery keeps things fresh by experimenting with new combinations while honoring classic Southern standards.
Slices are generous enough to share, though most customers guard theirs fiercely once they taste the first bite. Dozen also offers whole pies for pickup, making it a favorite stop for dinner parties and family gatherings where someone needs to show up with dessert that impresses without hours of home baking.
6. Arnold’s Country Kitchen (Nashville)
Meat-and-three restaurants in Nashville are a dime a dozen, but Arnold’s has held its crown for decades by doing everything right, including dessert. Chess pie, chocolate pie, and seasonal fruit pies round out meals that already feature some of the city’s best fried chicken and vegetables.
The pies here taste like something pulled from a 1950s church cookbook, in the very best way possible. Regulars know to save room for dessert no matter how tempting the mac and cheese looks on the steam table.
Slices are thick, crusts are golden, and fillings are simple without being boring. Arnold’s has been a Nashville institution since 1982, and the pie quality has never wavered. Locals whisper that the chocolate pie could go head-to-head with any grandmother’s recipe and come out victorious, though they would never say it loud enough for family to hear.
7. Pie R Square (Chattanooga / Red Bank)
Chattanooga’s farmers market regulars have known about Pie R Square for years, but the Red Bank storefront brought this small-batch operation to an even wider audience. Creative flavors like boozy pecan and inventive fruit combinations set this shop apart from traditional bakeries that stick to the same old lineup.
The boozy pecan has become a local legend, with bourbon or rum adding depth to an already rich filling. Fruit pies change with the seasons, highlighting whatever is freshest and most flavorful at the moment.
Whole pies require preorders, especially during holidays, but the shop also offers slices for walk-in customers who want a taste without committing to a full dessert. Chattanooga locals quietly consider this spot a regional treasure worth protecting.
8. The Pie Place (Chattanooga)
Neighborhood bakeries thrive on word-of-mouth, and The Pie Place has built its reputation one satisfied customer at a time in Chattanooga. Whole pies, mini pies, and farmers market orders keep the ovens busy year-round, with locals placing advance orders for holidays and special occasions.
Apple, pecan, cherry, and cream pies anchor the menu, each one baked with care and quality ingredients. Mini pies have become popular for parties and gatherings where variety matters more than size.
Last Thanksgiving, my neighbor brought a sampler of mini pies from here, and the pumpkin version disappeared in minutes. The Pie Place keeps things simple and delicious, which is exactly what Chattanooga pie lovers want from their local bakery.
9. Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe (Memphis)
Downtown Memphis workers have made Butteriffic their go-to spot for lunch and sweet treats, but the pie selection deserves its own standing ovation. Pecan, sweet potato, and icebox pies rotate through the display case, each one crafted with Southern soul and plenty of butter.
Sweet potato pie here tastes like autumn condensed into a single slice, with warm spices and a creamy texture that melts on your tongue. Pecan pie delivers the perfect ratio of nuts to filling, avoiding the overly sweet trap that ruins so many versions.
Icebox pies offer a lighter option for those who want dessert without feeling like they need a nap afterward. Butteriffic has become a Memphis staple for good reason.
10. Frost Bake Shop (Memphis)
Family bakeries carry a certain magic that corporate chains can never replicate, and Frost Bake Shop has been serving that magic to Memphis since its doors first opened. Classic whole pies and seasonal specialties fill the cases year-round, with holiday orders booking up weeks in advance.
Crusts are flaky and buttery, fillings are generous without being sloppy, and the flavor combinations honor Southern traditions without feeling stuck in the past. Frost has become the default choice for locals who need pies for church potlucks, family reunions, and holiday dinners.
The bakery also handles custom orders for special occasions, ensuring your dessert table looks as good as it tastes when company arrives.
11. Magpies Bakery (Knoxville)
Knoxville locals frequently recommend Magpies for cakes and cupcakes, but the pies deserve equal attention from anyone serious about dessert. Excellent crusts and comfort-style fillings make this bakery a favorite for customers who want traditional flavors executed with skill and care.
Apple, cherry, pecan, and cream pies rotate alongside seasonal offerings that highlight fresh ingredients and timely flavors. The crust alone has earned Magpies praise from pie purists who judge every dessert by its foundation.
Whole pies require advance orders during busy seasons, but the effort pays off when you show up to a gathering with a bakery-quality dessert that looks and tastes homemade in the best possible way.
12. Apple Barn / Spotlight Bakery (Sevierville / Pigeon Forge / Dollywood area)
Tourist destinations rarely earn respect from locals, but the Apple Barn has managed to win over both crowds with house-made apple pies that live up to the hype. Located in the Smokies near Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, this spot churns out apple pies and fried-pie novelties that have become perennial hits.
Fried pies offer a portable option for visitors exploring the area, with flavors ranging from classic apple to chocolate and seasonal fruits. The bakery stays busy year-round, with peak tourist season bringing lines that stretch out the door.
Locals know to visit during off-hours or weekdays to avoid the crowds while still enjoying pies that taste like mountain tradition baked into every bite.