There is never a bad time for pie, but there are lots of sub-par pies out there. Pies are time consuming to make, when compared to some other types of baked goods, so you tend to see a lot more cookies, muffins and cakes served at coffee shops instead of pies. If you’re in LA and really want to get a slice of great pie with your coffee, you should head out to Republic of Pie in North Hollywood. This bakery-cafe specializes in all kinds of pies – both sweet and savory – as well as outstanding coffee.
They do all their own baking in-house, seven days a week, and their menu includes everything from buttery croissants with house-made dough to scones to in-season fruit pies made with an addictive and delicious pastry crust. In case fruit pies aren’t your thing, they have chicken pot pies, mac & cheese pot pies and a variety of cream pies to choose from, as well. The shop appears to be small from the sidewalk, but it stretches back into three separate rooms and there are plenty of seats for everyone, whether you’re doing a little work or catching up with a friend.
I have no problem with having pie for breakfast, but if you’re not a pie-for-breakfast person, I recommend starting with one of their croissants. I’ve had a few that are a little bit misshapen, but a rustic shape adds to their charm and certainly doesn’t detract from the flavor one bit. As a fan of savory pies, I tend to try to come a little bit later in the day when I am hungry for something hearty. The Australian Meat Pies (top pictured above, filling pictured below) is one of my favorites. It’s very meaty – and filling enough that you could probably share it with a friend! The same goes for the chicken pot pie, which is another favorite of mine. It’s loaded with plenty of chicken, as well as with potatoes and other veggies. The filling is thick, not soupy, and is perfectly accented by the buttery pastry crust.
In terms of dessert pies, there are plenty of options. Sometimes, I admit, I am too full after one of the savory pies to actually go back for a slice of dessert! But when I’m lucky enough to have someone there to share a piece with me, I always get a dessert slice. This last visit, I opted for a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie, which is one of their seasonal offerings. The pie filling is rich and fruity, but not too sweet. There is just enough strawberry to take the edge off the tart rhubarb, but not enough to overwhelm it. Â If you prefer, you can get your slices of pie warmed up and served with a scoop of ice cream, too.
And for anyone who might be visiting from out of town, I have to say that this is a great place to get an “LA experience” of being surrounded by aspiring writers who are all working on a new hit show or the next Hunger Games novel (no joke – 4 different people I spoke with last time I was in there!). People are friendly, creative and laid back – even though they’re trying to get that script sold! I can’t think of a better place to relax, eat and network than a place that serves great pie. Take a quick peek at their full menu board below (click to enlarge) to get an idea of what you’ll see in their pastry case when you visit.
Republic of Pie
11118 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood CA 91601
What do you think?