Turkey Day is just around the corner, which means it's time to get off your keister and start planning, especially if you're leaving the cooking to the pros. Chicago's top restaurants and bakeries are already accepting orders for the most important part of the meal—pie. From pumpkin and apple to sesame caramel and fudgy chocolate pecan, these sweet treats won't disappoint. Act fast; these pies are going faster than the mashed potatoes from your grandma's Thanksgiving spread.
Baker Miller Bakery & Millhouse: You'll be the talk of the table when you show up with a purple sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue ($32). Or play it safe with double chocolate chess ($26), spiced pumpkin ($24), bittersweet chocolate pecan ($30) or salted caramel apple crumble ($30). Order by Nov 18 at bakermillerchicago.com for pickup in Lincoln Square or Ravenswood Nov 20–22.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits: Impress your guests with your choice of four pies: Classic apple ($32), roasted pumpkin ($28), chocolate pecan ($28) and key lime ($28). Order by Nov 18 at bangbangpie.com for pickup in Logan Square or Ravenswood on Nov 21 or 22.
Beatrix: With three locations to choose from (Fulton Market, River North and Streeterville), it's easy to get your hands on three very decadent confections: Pumpkin pecan pie, Oh My! Caramel pie and Tall, Dark and Handsome chocolate cake ($50 each). Order by Nov 20 by phone for pickup on Nov 22.
Delightful Pastries: This sweets shop has you covered on classics with apple ($20), pumpkin ($15) and pecan ($24). But we're eyeing the unconventional choices, like cranberry fudge ($20) and the Elvis, an Oreo cookie crust filled with peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate custard, bananas and whipped cream ($20). Order by Nov 18 by phone, fax or email for pickup or delivery. Check out delightfulpastries.com for more details and a complete menu.
Floriole Cafe & Bakery: If your Turkey Day table is filled with discerning palates, look no further than this Lincoln Park bakery. A grape and walnut tart ($30) or whiskey and rye apple pie ($35) should do the trick. Purists will love the pumpkin pie with brown sugar meringue ($30). Order by Nov 17 at squareup.com.
The Gage: Loop workers won't have to go far to pick up chef Kym DeLost's famous Thanksgiving pies. Choose from pumpkin swirl cheesecake, caramel apple or fudgy chocolate pecan at $35 a piece. Order by Nov 19 by phone or at thegagechicago.com for pickup Nov 20–22.
The General: Grab a drink when you pick up your pie at this Southern-themed Logan Square watering hole. Emma Sterzinger has seven flavors available this year: Pumpkin ($28), pear tart ($32), apple ($32), pecan ($32), chocolate peanut butter ($28), sesame caramel ($28) and chocolate mousse and salted caramel ($32). Order by Nov 20 at thegenerallogan.com for pickup on Nov 22 from 9am to midnight.
Hoosier Mama Pie Company: The Chicago location is no longer accepting orders, but if you're willing to trek to Evanston for a pie, you're in luck. Choose from chocolate chess ($24), pumpkin ($24), Hooiser sugar cream ($21) and more. Order ASAP at hoosiermamapie.com for pickup on Nov 21.
Little Goat: Stephanie Izard's West Loop diner darling offers three unique house-made pies for $28 a piece—India spiced apple with gjetost cheese, pumpkin with spiced shortbread crumble crust and French silk. Order by Nov 20 at goatgroupcatering.com for pickup on Nov 22 from 8:30am to 6:30pm.
Vanille Patisserie: This ever-expanding bakery is known for doing the classics and doing them well. Single pies go for $28.95 and orders of two or more are $25.95 each. Choose from pumpkin with cinnamon whipped cream, apple streusel, traditional pecan, maple cream with mascarpone whipped cream and chocolate Nutella French silk. Bonus points: Each flavor can be made gluten-free for $5 more. Order by Nov 19 at vanillepatisserie.com.