By 
Tis’ the season! Cozy outfits, heartwarming Christmas movies, hayrides, and of course, pumpkin. From pumpkin patches to pumpkin spice lattes to the astonishing variety of pumpkin-themed products at Trader Joe’s, pumpkin is a cultural phenomenon in the US.
I fell in love with pumpkin when I moved to Los Angeles from Europe a decade ago. It’s comforting and delicious.
How did the pumpkin craze begin in the United States?
Pumpkin has its origins with Native Americans, who grew squash and pumpkins and brought them as gifts to the first settlers of the Plymouth Colony in New England. Back then, this pie was a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with goat’s milk, spices and honey. By roasting it in the fire, the interior would turn into a custard-like texture. The reason these early iterations of pumpkin pie lacked crust was that flour and butter were not a thing yet. This is what it looked like!
The first published pumpkin pie recipe, with the crust and custard interior we love today, was in Amelia Simmon’s cookbook American Cookery (1796). Today, pumpkin pie has become a hallmark of Thanksgiving, symbolizing union, comfort and the arrival of fall.
After trying so many pumpkin pies over the last years, the perfect pumpkin pie has a firm yet smooth custard, enhanced with a nice balance of spices (typically cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves) – held by a tender, flaky crust.
It’s lightly sweet, earthy, slightly moist, creamy, and feels like a warm hug. Unfortunately, many places miss the mark.
Whether you want a pumpkin pie for yourself or to share it with friends or family this Thanksgiving, here are some of the best spots you can find in Los Angeles. Even if I was disappointed in some of the pies, I decided to include them and share my experience.
If by the time you’re reading this pumpkin season is over, make sure you hit these places as soon as fall season is upon us!
Pie n’ Burger
Pasadena
This classic Pasadena burger joint is a time machine: the wooden swivel chairs, the old-fashioned cash register, and even knee-operated sinks in the restrooms. Established in 1963, Pie n’ Burger always makes it to the top burger lists in Los Angeles, and their old-fashioned pies made it to Eater LA’s list of the best pies in LA earlier this year.
Although I have yet to try their burgers and their famous Dutch apple pie with a scoop of vanilla, I went there for their seasonal pumpkin pie at the end of September – and boy, was I impressed.
As you can see in the picture, the pie was so smooth that I could cut it with the fork with minimal effort. Incredible! The custard had just the right amount of sweetness and every bite was bursting with rich pumpkin and subtle hints of spices. A whole pie is $35. To place your order for Thanksgiving week, just give them a call. It’s definitely become one of my favorites in the city!
Pie n’ Burger: Website and Instagram
Jongewaard’s Bake n Broil
Long Beach
When I started coming to Long Beach in late 2017, I would always make a pit stop at Jongewaard’s Bake n Broil for a slice of their delectable pumpkin pie. Almost a decade later, their pumpkin pie continues to be one of my favorites in Los Angeles; it truly is supreme.
It’s soft, lightly spiced and wonderfully moist – with a tender crust, making every bite a sheer delight. The picture alone says more than a thousand words. Look at the rich color and luscious custard filling! Since the pie is so light, you might order another one or get a different pie! I highly recommend pairing the pie with a warm cup of their amazing hot chocolate.
A whole pumpkin pie is only $21.95. If you’re thinking of getting it for Thanksgiving, they strongly encourage to call them as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can place your order the day before.
When I went there a couple of weeks ago, I shared with one of the servers that this was one of my favorite pumpkin pies in LA. Jongewaard’s Bake n Broil has been in business since 1965, and the server told me that the pumpkin pie was actually a family recipe that had been passed down from generation to generation. “Our baker has been working here for 42 years,” he said.
Jongewaard is the epitome of old-school nostalgia: the family-friendly atmosphere, the warm customer service, the delicious pies and cakes sitting on revolving stands, the cozy decor with bay windows, white wood panelling, and a bright colored door, reminiscent of somewhere in the tri-state area.
Jongewaard’s Bake n Broil is one of my favorite restaurants in LA. The only con, besides how far it is from Central LA, is that if you want to eat there and you don’t want to wait for a booth, you have to snag a seat at the counter, which is first-come, first-served.
As far as other pies go, the server suggested the boysenberries. “It’s definitely my all-time favorite. You also don’t find that pie that easily in other places,” he said.
Jongewaard’s Bake n’ Broil: Website and Instagram
KnowRealityPie
Eagle Rock
In 2024, I wrote an article about who I think is the pie queen of Los Angeles: Tracy Ann, owner of KnowRealityPie in Eagle Rock. Her creativity with pie is astounding and knows no bounds. During fall, Tracy doesn’t offer one pumpkin pie, but rather THREE varieties: Old-Fashioned Pumpkin, Praline Pumpkin Crumb and Gingersnap Pumpkin.
However, on November 1, Tracy shared on Instagram: “Every once in a blue moon, I get to actually have a slice of the pies we make. Pumpkin Spiced Latte, you are amazing. We’ll be adding this to our online order menu.” Please note that these pumpkin pie varieties are on rotation, so you won’t be able to find all of them at the same time.
To say that Tracy’s pies sell out really fast is a complete understatement. If I want to get a slice of one of her pies, I have to make sure to be in Eagle Rock at the opening time. When I went there, her husband Kelly handed me two slices: Gingersnap Pumpkin and Gingerbread.
The Gingersnap Pumpkin was absolutely divine, a crumbly delight if you will. Not only was the crust incredibly satisfying, but the spiced pumpkin custard inside was velvety smooth. The textural contrast was unbelievable. The notes of ginger were sharp while still allowing the pumpkin flavor to shine through.
This pie was made with Gingersnap cinnamon cookie crust, creamy spiced pumpkin custard, brandy whipped cream, and cookie crumb dusting. Does it get better than this?
By the time this article goes live, the pumpkin pie orders for Thanksgiving will already have closed. But if you walk in that day, Tracy said they’ll have pumpkin slices and maybe a few pies available, so go early!
With so many varieties of pumpkin pie, I asked Tracy what her favorite was. She said, “My favorite is the Old-Fashioned Pumpkin because it’s a secret generational pie full of flavor. We use no preservatives, and roasted pumpkin!”
Also, if you love gingerbread, you cannot miss Tracy’s Gingerbread pie. But really, any pie of hers is mind-blowing. If you don’t know Tracy’s story, she kept winning so many times at KCRW’s Good Food Pie contest that they decided to make her a judge, so people wouldn’t think the contest was rigged. She’s truly gifted!
KnowRealityPie: Website and Instagram
Bristol Farms
Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Westwood
If you Google “Bristol Farms celebrities”, you’ll find dozens of pictures of celebrities leaving the Beverly Boulevard location carrying paper bags with the Bristol Farms logo.
People think Erewhon is where the rich people shop in LA, but I think Bristol Farms is where the rich actually shop. This gourmet grocery store doesn’t have gimmicky and ostentatiously priced products; the workers have been there for ages and they boast a top-notch product selection. Their bakery is said to have one of the best chocolate chip cookies in LA!
Although I drive by Bristol Farms every day on my way to work, I only step foot once a year to buy their pumpkin pie. I’m surprised that after combing through pumpkin pie lists in Los Angeles, most of them mention Whole Foods, but no mention of Bristol Farms!
Over the years, whenever I spend Thanksgiving with friends, this pie never fails to make a lasting impression. It has an amazing texture, it’s jam-packed with pumpkin flavor that is lightly spiced, pairing perfectly with the buttery soft crust. It’s also incredibly easy to get a clean slice. One of my pet peeves with store-bought pies is a rock-hard crust.
Every time I bring this pie (I make sure to remove the price sticker), before I have the chance to say that it’s from Bristol Farms, people are already complimenting me on it. “It’s so good! Did you make this?” It never misses a mark!
Bristol Farms’ pumpkin pie is the store-bought pie you bring to impress. If you go the morning of Thanksgiving, their hot bar with Thanksgiving food is also top-tier. Pricey but worth every penny.
Note: I bought myself a half pumpkin pie the day this article was published, and I can confirm yet again that it is the best store-bought pumpkin pie in LA. The creamy texture and sweetened pumpkin flavor is off the charts.
Bristol Farms: Website and Instagram
The Cheesecake Factory
Multiple locations
I love The Cheesecake Factory: the massive, never-ending menu, the great customer service, their spaghetti and meatballs, and of course, their original cheesecake. No matter what location of The Cheesecake Factory I go to, the consistency and quality never fail.
Their pumpkin cheesecake is one of my favorite treats during fall: deeply chilled with a perfectly balanced cheesecake flavor. This pie is impossibly creamy, boasting a warm blend of spices that, surprisingly, are very subtle and truly elevate the flavor to new heights. The pie is not overly sweet, and I love how the Graham cracker crust complements this creamy delight by adding a light touch of salt.
You can get a slice in the bar area or purchase the whole 10-inch pumpkin cheesecake on their website. If you like pecan, they also offer a pecan pumpkin cheesecake pie!
The Cheesecake Factory: Website and Instagram
Fat + Flour
Grand Central Market (DTLA)
Culver City
I still remember trying Nicole Rucker’s famous key lime pie for the first time in the spring of 2021 at the Grand Central Market in DTLA. I had never had a key lime pie as good as hers.
Regarded as the “pastry queen” by Bon Appetit, award-winning baker Nicole Rucker has worked at some of the best restaurants and bakeries in the city. Before making the foray into her own business ventures, Nicole was the pastry chef at Gjelina Take Away in Venice. In 2012, Nicole won the KCRW Good Food Pie contest, taking home four ribbons.
Besides being a two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, Nicole is the author of two cookbooks: Fat + Flour: The Art of a Simple Bake and Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers: A Cookbook.
Since I went to Fat + Flour the last time, Nicole has expanded with a second location on the Westside at the end of 2023. The shop features a cozy sit-down space, savory treats, Nicole’s books — and of course, pies!
I went one afternoon specifically for a slice of her pumpkin pie. The flavor and consistency slightly resembled the pumpkin cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, as Nicole’s is also made with cream cheese custard.
The Graham cracker crust was finely ground, something you don’t see very often, and the combination with the creamy pumpkin filling and whipped cream was exceptional. It was so good that I went back for a second slice, which Nicole generously comped because a good chunk of the crust fell off.
Last year, Nicole took the pumpkin pie to the next level and offered a Basque pumpkin cheesecake pie! Stay tuned on the Fat + Flour Instagram page just in case it comes back this year!
Fat + Flour: Website and Instagram
Urth Caffe
West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Arts District, Pasadena, Hawthorne
When I think of Urth Caffe, I think of 2015, a time when influencers and celebrities were being photographed on the Melrose Ave terrace on a weekly basis: Kylie Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Madison Beer… It used to be my breakfast spot when I moved to LA a decade ago. Today, the West Hollywood location is overrun by Gen Zers in oversized jeans and tank tops with a Glossier bag in tow.
Little did I know that Urth Cafe is actually famous for its seasonal pumpkin pie!
I got a slice one night when I was driving in the area and ate it on the terrace. This pumpkin pie has a very deep and earthy flavor – think of straight pumpkin purèe that has been heavily spiced (particularly on the cinnamon). In all my favorite pumpkin pies on this list, there is a balance of sweetness, spices and texture.
This pumpkin pie missed the light and silky smooth custard texture, and the Graham cracker crust they proudly tout on their website was too hard and nothing to write home about. Additionally, I would have very much preferred a thinner slice. It was so big that it was hard to eat the top part in one bite.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy it, nor would I get it again. However, if you go on their website, the reviews vehemently suggest otherwise. People in LA, some of them transplants from the Midwest, praise this pumpkin pie, emphasizing how much it resembles the pumpkin pie their moms or grandmothers made on Thanksgiving. If you’ve tried it, do you agree?
Review from Michael:
“Okay … so my Midwest grandmother has been rolling in her grave for many years now. Why? … because since moving to LA in 2001, I’ve been on record telling the world that Urth Caffe’s pumpkin pie with whipped cream is hands down THE BEST! My grandmother was famous for her pumpkin pie, winning her local area competitions at church and the annual summer fairs. Well, sorry Nanny – Urth Caffe’s pumpkin pie wins.”
Review from Marianadiaztejeda:
“Hi! Im from Mexico city and every autum season the only thing I think is to travel to US to taste the pumpkin spice pie of Urth cafe. The thing I love the most is that the slice is soooo big, so I can eat pie all day jajajaja”
Review from Robertdeery
“I visited Urth Caffe Las Vegas at the Uncommons yesterday for the first time. I walked in intending to just look around and check out the menu. When I went up to the display case I saw many deliciously inviting items. One that stood out was the pumpkin pie. It was a pie that was much deeper in depth that I had experienced before but had rich color and looked exquisite. I decided to give it a try and it was literally the best pumpkin pie experience that I can ever remember.”
Urth Caffee: Website and Instagram
Costco Wholesale
Multiple locations
The $5.99 pumpkin pie from Costco has made waves on TikTok, becoming a viral sensation. Unfortunately, the only way to get it is if you are a member or apply for a yearly membership at $65. Some people have tried all the hacks to get it as a non-member without success. To buy a gift card, a member has to buy it for you. You may be able to get the pie through a third-party delivery service, but the cost will be much higher as there is a $35 minimum delivery fee and it won’t be at warehouse prices.
Since I don’t shop at Costco and I don’t think it’s worth trying to circumvent all the possible loopholes for a $5.99 pumpkin pie, for now Bristol Farms remains my favorite store-bought pumpkin pie, albeit at a steeper price.
On all the lists I’ve seen about the best grocery store pumpkin pies, Costco’s reigns supreme for its amazing flavor and incredibly cheap price.
In November 2023, online magazine Allrecipes.com published an article, “I Tried 7 Grocery Store Bakery Pumpkin Pies and Only One Was Worth It”. Among Trader Joe’s, Target, Kroger, Aldi, Whole Foods and Walmart, Costco earned the number one spot.
Author Ann Walczak wrote: “Upon first taste, I was blown away— I thought for a second that I might not be able to tell the difference between this and my (or my mother’s) pumpkin pie in a blind taste test (I could, but it would be super close). It had the perfect texture as you cut into it and the perfect mouthfeel. The crust held up on the bottom, providing a secure place for the filling to rest, rather than a soggy pile of crumbs holding on with thoughts and prayers.”
It turns out that Costco uses Dickinson’s pumpkins, which are considered some of the best in the United States.
“And it’s this pumpkin’s tender texture and creamy, sweet, squash-like flavor that makes it so perfect for pie. It’s that very pumpkin that fills 95% of the world’s canned pumpkin—that’s right, the bright orange can of Libby’s relies exclusively on this variety. Cosco won’t reveal its source of ingredients, but I’d guess that’s what they use. Who’s to say if any of the others on this list use that pumpkin or not, it’s a huge leg up for Costco regardless.”
House of Pies
Los Feliz
A lot of people praised the pumpkin pie from House of Pies, but it was the most disappointing pumpkin pie I’ve ever had. 🙁 The color was pale and to say that the flavor was mild is a big understatement. It was soggy (especially at the bottom), and the crust was so hard I made a crumbly mess on the table as I tried to cut it. I even thought of not eating the pie, but I’d already made the trek… Maybe I came on an off-day?
In the side-by-side comparison below between the pumpkin pie of Pie n’ Burger and House of Pies, you’ll see that the latter is missing the smooth top and rich, vibrant color big time. It almost looks like someone forgot to saturate the picture. For the record, I did not use a filter on the left picture, but the difference is abysmal.
Thank you for reading! What are your favorite pumpkin pies in LA? 🎃🥧
