This Sunday, Jan. 23, is National Pie Day. Though I'm sure this holiday happens every year, it's fitting that this is the first I've heard about it, because 2011 is clearly the year of the pie. From Manhattan to the Mission District, pies are popping up everywhere, and though the cupcake trend is still going strong, I'm pulling for more pie — especially adorable mini pies. Here are five places to taste the trend.

  1. SusieCakes (2109 Chestnut St., 415-474-2253) Whether you grew up eating cupcakes, banana pudding, or whoopie pies, SusieCakes serves up nostalgia. In honor of Pie Day, the bakery is unveiling new Sweetie Pies (pictured below), handheld pocket pies baked with love, and launching a Pie of the Month Club. Sign me up! (Seriously.)
  2. Mission Pie (2901 Mission St., 415-282-1500) This cozy, cafe-style corner shop excels at savory items too, including sumptuous galettes and quiches, so you can have dessert first or second. Choose from seasonal pies that change daily; pumpkin and vegan apple-cranberry are currently on tap.
  3. Bike Basket Pies Almost as cute as a heart-shaped pie? Pie delivered to your door via bike basket. Baker Natalie focuses on seasonal sweet pies (currently, apple kiwi and pear apple) and savory ones (Winter greens and parmesan) and makes deliveries every Tuesday; place your order by noon on Monday.
  4. Chile Pies & Ice Cream: (601 Baker St., 415-614-9411 ) The sister sweet shop to Green Chile Kitchen two blocks away, Chile Pies & Ice Cream was inspired by the roadside diners of New Mexico. Flavors change frequently, but the signature green chile apple pie with walnuts, ice cream, and a red chile honey drizzle is unexpected and irresistible.
  5. Black Jet Baking Company: Though it doesn't have a storefront, Black Jet delivers homemade pies (like pecan, apple cranberry, and boozy apricot crumb) and pop tarts (including brown sugar and jalapeno cream cheese flavors) to cafes all around town and hosts occasional pie pop-up shops.


Source: Flicker User Lactarded and SusieCakes