Math is arguably never as popular as it is on March 14. Known as National Pi Day—ever since the House passed a resolution in 2009 making it so—3/14 celebrates the mathematical constant π, a never-ending number that starts with 3.14. In math, pi represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. On Pi Day, it’s a great reason to celebrate with pies, which, it’s worth noting, are round. Here are 11 places offering temptingly nerdy deals near you.
Acme Pie Co.
Sol Schott’s Columbia Pike pie shop will have all its usual menu items, but any slice eaten onsite will set you back a mere $3.14. Choose from apple, blueberry with lemon curd, chocolate chess, coconut custard, key lime, lemon chess, pecan chocolate, sour cherry, strawberry rhubarb and sweet potato. // 2803 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Bakeshop
Try the Baileys Irish Cream pie—a new seasonal flavor just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Or opt for shop standards such as coconut cream, hot chocolate, key lime, PB Nutella or Nutella cream. Get a free cup of brewed coffee with the purchase of a slice of any icebox pie. If one slice isn’t enough, get a whole pie for $31.40. // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon) and 100 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
Chef David Guas may be busy cooking up ideas for his forthcoming American bistro in McLean, but on Pi Day, his Courthouse eatery will be churning out the baked goods. Bayou bakes personal pies only twice a year—March 14 and July 4. Lemon icebox is Guas’ signature pie. Other choices include salty pecan, strawberry rhubarb and Adams County apple. Each 5-inch personal pie is $8. // 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington (Courthouse)
Cookology
Why lead a person to pie when you can teach them to bake one? That’s the idea behind the Pi Day class at this Ballston Quarter culinary school. From 1-3 p.m. on March 14, learn to make chicken pot pie, key lime pie and a cherry hand pie. (Hand pies are small, folded pies resembling empanadas or turnovers.) Tickets cost $125 and you get to take home the three pies you make. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
The Happy Tart
Gluten intolerant? No need to miss out on the festivities at this entirely gluten-free patisserie. Place an order by March 10 to get 15% off $35 apple and $44 pecan pies. If something savory is more your thing, the shop also sells crepes and omelets stuffed with ham, egg, cheese, mushrooms and more, plus quiches and chicken pot pie. // 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Jake’s Ice Cream
“We celebrate Sir Cumference in a round about way,” quips an ad for Robin Rinearson’s ice cream parlor, which employs people with disabilities. Get $1 off a pint of any of the shop’s 28 flavors. The options go well beyond chocolate and vanilla—although Jake’s has those, too—with fan favorites such as Cereal Milk (Frosted Flakes cereal milk ice cream with fudge-covered Rice Krispies treat chunks) and Purple Cow (black raspberry ice cream with chocolate and white chocolate chips). // 6353 Columbia Pike, Falls Church
Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn
This sister shop to Jake’s Ice Cream that opened last year will celebrate Pi Day with two special popcorn flavors: cherry pie and cherry cheesecake. Prefer something savory for your next movie night? Yellow cheddar, white cheddar, and garlic and herbs with parmesan are also on the menu. // 6328 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church
Livin’ the Pie Life
This Arlingtonian pie shop near the intersection of Glebe Road and Langston Boulevard is offering three mini pies, plus a surprise, for $14 on Pi Day. Three lucky customers will find a $20 “golden ticket” at the bottom of their pie box that they can use for a future purchase. Choose from two options: Box A has Chocolate Caramel Chess, Bee’s Knee’s Honey Chess and Cherry Crumb, while Box B has Southern Pecan, Raspberry Almond Bakewell Tart and Brown Butter Coconut. Note that these sell out, so you might want to order soon. // 2166 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Pastries by Randolph
Village Sweet
Arlington baker Dawn Hart has plenty of traditional crusted pies in her repertoire, but for Pi Day she’s also making cookies that look like pie for $4 apiece. Mini pies ($6) and whoopie pies ($5) will also be available. Want to go full-size? Pre-order flavors such as coconut cream, fresh strawberry, black-bottom banana cream or key lime for $28 each. // 5872 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)
Wiseguy Pizza
Snag a giant slice of New York-style pizza for $3 or get a whole cheese or pepperoni pie for $14 on Pi Day. Giant slices are 65% bigger than typical slices, and the deal applies to plain or any toppings. // 1735 North Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn) and 710 12th St., South, Arlington (National Landing)