The Happy Tart
Can’t do gluten? No problem. Pastry chef Emma Cech has turned wheatless into a science (and an art) with an every-bit-as-flaky-as-you’d-hope pie crust made with brown rice, sweet rice, tapioca starch, potato starch, sorghum, sugar, salt, butter and eggs. Using that crust as a base, her Falls Church City operation turns out holiday temptations like traditional apple, pecan (made with honey in lieu of corn syrup), pumpkin, chocolate-pecan, pumpkin-praline and sour-cream-apple pie ($22-$35). And get this: the patisserie also sells unbaked gluten-free pie shells for $5 for those who want to add their own fillings and bake at home. Place your order online and pick up at the shop before Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 3 p.m. // 410 S. Maple Ave., Unit 100, 571-395-8280
Buzz Bakeshop
Whether it’s traditional pumpkin, pecan, Dutch apple or French silk pie you desire, Buzz has it—along with sides like sweet-potato biscuits, cinnamon rolls and cranberry-orange jam (breakfast quiche, too). All pies ($32-$35) and other goodies are available for online pre-order now through Nov. 24. You choose the date and pickup location when you place your order. //818 N. Quincy St. at Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston), 703-650-9676
Red Truck Bakery
This rural bakery owned and operated by Arlington transplant Brian Noyes (he now lives in Orlean, Virginia) is a cult favorite that counts former president Barack Obama among its many fans. While the bakery generally ships nationwide, pies (being fragile creations) generally aren’t sold this way (the exceptions are mincemeat and Kentucky bourbon-pecan, which are sturdy enough to travel). For those willing to make a pilgrimage to Red Truck’s Warrenton or Marshall locations, temptations await in the form of sweet-potato-pecan pie with bourbon; salted-caramel-apple; apple-cranberry-walnut with hints of orange; and more. If you go, be sure to pick up one of Noyes’ pretty cookbooks (they make great holiday or hostess gifts) and grab a bag of his award-winning granola for breakfast. Thanksgiving orders available for pickup through Nov. 27. //8368 W. Main St., Marshall, 540-364-2253; 22 Waterloo St., Warrenton, 540-347-2224
Oby Lee
OK, guess what? This list now goes to 11. At Oby Lee in Clarendon, co-owner Ula Piotrowska turns out mile-high pies ($29.95 each) in winning combos such as granny smith & cinnamon; cranberry-apple-walnut; caramel apple-crumb; cranberry-pear; wild berries with orange peel; and pumpkin. She also offers a traditional Polish apple pie (aka szarlotka or jabłecznik)—featuring a buttery bottom crust, grated apples and a cobbler top—using a family recipe handed down through generations, which she learned to make from her babcia (grandmother). Order online before Nov. 25. Pick up day is Nov. 27. // 3000 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon), 571-257-5054