CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – Nothing sparks debate in the East Bay quite like pie. When Ce-Ann H. of Gregory Gardens asked neighbors in an online discussion for a place to grab just a slice—preferably boysenberry—she set off a flurry of recommendations from Lamorinda to Martinez and beyond.
Dozens of readers chimed in with their favorite spots for flaky crusts, old-school diners, and even hardware store surprises. Here are the community-endorsed must-tries, organized by how you’re most likely to crave them.
Classic Diners Where a Slice Comes with Coffee
Buttercup Diner
Mark N. of Fair Oaks calls Buttercup on Ygnacio Valley Road his go-to, and Bill A. from Town & Country agrees: “Buttercup never lets me down.” The Walnut Creek location keeps a rotating board of fruit, cream, and seasonal specials. Locals swear by the banana cream and the tart lemon meringue—perfect with a mug of diner coffee.
Hickory Pit (aka Emil Villa’s)
Multiple Walnut Creek residents—Elke M. of Diablo Hills, Felicity S. of Contra Costa Centre, and Julie G. of Pacheco—say the South Main Street Hickory Pit slices are “🥧😍.” Expect thick wedges of apple or marionberry served warm, with smoke from the on-site barbecue drifting through the dining room for extra nostalgia.
Black Bear Diner
Diana H. (Diablo Hills) and Arthur J. (Orchard) insist Black Bear’s mile-high pies “hit the spot after any comfort-food meal.” Flavors lean classic—think cherry, coconut cream, and chocolate silk.
Take-and-Bake & Freezer Gems
Ace Hardware (Ygnacio Valley Rd., Concord)
Yes, that Ace. Zack A. of Gregory Gardens turned heads by praising their frozen pies, and Courtney A. (Reliez Valley North) doubled down: “These are some of the best pies I’ve ever had.” Flavors range from olallieberry to peach. Bake one at home and your kitchen will smell like a roadside farm stand.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Harold B. of Boyd calls Sprouts’ $6.99 pies “an excellent deal if you can control yourself.” The bakery case carries 10-inch fruit pies—apple cranberry is a sleeper hit—that go from freezer to oven with no fuss.
Small-Batch & Farmers-Market Finds
Beckmann’s Old World Bakery (Shadelands Farmers Market)
Janet S. of Ryan eyed a marionberry-strawberry mini pie here: “Three servings, tops—but worth every bite.” Paula A. (San Miguel) adds that you can sometimes snag Beckmann’s at Lunardi’s. Rum Pecan in the fall is local legend, according to Silvery S.
The Kreamery & Bake Shoppe (Clayton Rd., Concord)
For 3- and 5-inch personal pies plus ice cream on the side, Susan M. of Sun Terrace sends everyone to this locally owned spot in the old Kmart center.
Alpine Pastry & Cakes (Martinez)
Marta M. says Alpine’s coffee bar and petite fruit tarts satisfy a quick pie craving without the commitment of a whole 9-inch.
Worth-the-Drive (or Detour)
Michael David Winery (Lodi)
Neice G. of Dana Estates makes the trek for “the most delicious pies I’ve ever had”—sold by the slice so you can enjoy lunch in the winery café and still bring home frozen backups.
One House Bakery (Benicia)
Suzanne K. (Hedgewood) touts One House’s award-winning crusts. Seasonal flavors—like rum-soaked pecan or strawberry rhubarb—often sell out before noon on weekends.
Back Forty Texas BBQ (Pleasant Hill)
Dave & Joni E. of Valley High give a nod to the berry cobbler, “just as good as pie,” while Karen W. insists the peach version is unbeatable.
Old Reliables & Quick Bites
- Nation’s Giant Hamburgers – Multiple readers, including Paula S. of Melody and Mike L. of Limeridge, remind us Nation’s always has banana cream, chocolate, and fruit pies ready by the slice.
- Whole Foods – Paige C. (North Civic) likes the bakery’s upscale takes on pumpkin and blueberry.
Pie Wisdom from the Crowd
SR P. of Ellis Lake offers this pro tip: “Fruit pies freeze really well—slice first, then freeze individual pieces.” Problem solved for anyone who, like Ce-Ann H., worries about devouring a whole pie in one sitting.
And for the record, we’ll throw in our 3 pies to try before you die.
Got a favorite slice we missed? Drop us a note at tom@bayareatelegraph.com, and don’t forget to subscribe to the free 925 News newsletter for more delicious local discoveries!
