The Pies Have It

It’s midterm season, and sometimes brain break just doesn’t cut it when you’re tormented by looming exams. We’re here to satisfy your inner foodie with some culinary stress-relief therapy: delicious pie recommendations! And for those of you spending too much quality time with that Math 25 problem set, we’re talking about the edible variety.

Scrumptious goodies are luckily just a short walk away from Harvard Yard and the Quad, and pie is the perfect fall treat to take your mind off a growing workload.

Petsi Pies, 31 Putnam Avenue

Pros: This lovely shop serves delectable scones, muffins, and pies with a side of friendly service and a comfortably homey vibe. With freshly baked goods and all-natural ingredients, this place deserves the rave reviews it’s received on Yelp.com. The hours are pretty flexible (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.), so feel free to stop by and enjoy a delightful slice! The prices are reasonable when you consider that the standard portion serves two people.

Cons: It can be cramped inside and the location is several minutes walk from the Yard, although Matherites won’t be complaining.

Recommend: Any of the fruit pies or scones, the Banana Chip Muffin, and the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie.

Crema Café, 27 Brattle Street

Pros: Crema Café’s artful brick walls, upper level loft, and gleaming wooden tables create a sophisticated atmosphere that Petsi Pies lacks. Their baked goods—also fresh and home-made—are smaller and half the price of Petsi’s. They stay open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., so venture inside to sample a key lime pie bar or buttery English muffin. Vegan options include brownies and chocolate walnut cookies, according to Yelp.

Cons: Their cash register has been broken for a while, so they won’t accept credit in the meantime. Also be prepared to wait during their busy lunch hours.

Recommend: Pear-ginger scone, spicy hot chocolate, and massive chocolate chip cookies.

Hi-Rise Bread Company, 56 Brattle Street

Pros: This small shop can be hard to locate but they’ve made a name for themselves with stellar, large cookies. If you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Harvard Yard, the upstairs seating area is an ideal place to escape the tourist cameras and get some work done.

Cons: What this tiny bakery lacks in size, it can make up for in price, and comments on Yelp unanimously mention service with an attitude.

Recommend: Oatmeal raisin cherry cookie and chocolate cookie.

If you’re looking for a sweet snack and are willing to spend a bit more cash, other options include Sweet, for their specialty cupcakes, L.A. Burdick Chocolate Café, for decadent chocolate desserts and unbelievably rich hot chocolate, and Finale Desserterie and Bakery for their molten chocolate cake and dessert sampler.

Do you have a favorite spot we missed? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Photo courtesy of Yelm/Wikimedia Commons.