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The Pie Shack
Categories: Food Desserts Food Coffee & Tea Desserts, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2305 Queen St EToronto, ON M4E 1G7
Neighbourhood: The Beach
(647) 351-1411
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for The Pie Shack
Review Highlights
"Not to mention the board games."
(in 12 reviews)
"As for Tim, he is the nicest guy you'll ever meet."
(in 19 reviews)
"...to the delicious helping of vanilla ice cream on the side."
(in 7 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite place to take a good book and hide away for a bit, especially on a cold winter day.
The owner is extremely friendly and you feel as if you are being invited into his home for a little home made pie and a strong cup of coffee. -
Review from Janna S.
11/29/2011
I came here on a dark and rainy night to re-tox with Yelp friends after our detox yoga class a few blocks away. We were happy to see the place still open: sometimes the pie shack needs to close late if they run out of stock. The décor is really something too - it's very homey and welcoming!
I haven't seen any reviews of lemon meringue here, but I'd come back here to try that if it were available. The other pie flavours seemed fairly regular; I had the strawberries 'n cream with a small scoop of ice cream on the side. It was great, but I agree with Chris P that the filling was a bit scant.
$6 a slice seems about right when pie alone is the mainstay of the business. In this increasingly gentrified neighbourhood, I'm sure property prices are not cheap, and it's nice to see a business like this doing well.
Also, I love animals but I felt a bit queasy when I noticed the owner's pet dog walking around from the back where I presume the kitchen is located. I guess I prefer my pastry fluffy from butter, not dog hair ;-) Otherwise, the Pie Shack seems pretty clean. -
Review from MW P.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2011
Just had some pie here. We live near by and I had read on YELP that it was the best place to go for desert.
It was pretty great. The pie was delicious. We had Strawberry Cream pie because the owner told it it was the best seller (although he let us in on his secret that in HIS view the best pie was the Raspberry, so we'll try that next time).
Prices are moderately high. $6 for a slice (which is actually 1/4 of a whole pie, so when you think about it I guess that's not TOO bad...), or $25 for a whole pie, but if you were getting it for a dinner party or something, it would probably carry the full value. We just got a single piece, and he cut it in half for us to share. Pretty awesome.
Also, word of note: Although YELP here says the hours are 11am-11pm, the handwritten sign on his door says 11am to 10pm.
Maybe they have winter hours and they close early now, but just a word of warning on the time change.
There is a deck of cards at each table (the girlfriend and I sat down and played Go Fish while we waited for our pie to be served - I think we forgot the rules to Go Fish for not playing it for 20 years, but I digress...), board games in a cabinet, magazines on a coffee table for your perusal, and a couch made with fabric depicting the bones of Velociraptors (yeah it is, check it out next time you're in there).
I'd call this place a win. -
Review from Margaret G.
East York, ON
1/23/2012
My husband and son (my son had recommended it) took me to this lovely little spot for dessert after my birthday dinner. The owner is simply wonderful; attentive but not intrusive. I loved the decor and the tea and the pie AND the cards and board games. We were lucky that it was a dark, cold night so the place was relatively quiet. We were able to sip tea and have pie and play cards for a while.
I felt so welcomed in this little gem; Tim, the owner, is awesome. I had the strawberry rhubarb pie which was fantastic... al a mode, of course.
Tim, keep up the good work. -
Review from Caroline W.
Scarborough, ON
9/22/2011 4 photos
Cozy little place in The Beaches I should have visited sooner. The Pie Shack has a rustic atmosphere, with wooden tables, comfy chairs, and little trinkets relating to nature- the best things were the cuckoo clock and the life-sized stuffed stag (not taxidermic I swear!). It's a small place and when I visited (a Thursday afternoon), it wasn't very busy. I assume it's busier at certain times or days of the week.
The owner is very hospitable and really makes you feel welcome there. His pies are delicious and while they are a bit expensive (myself being a student, $6 for a slice and $2 extra for ice cream is a bit steep), the portion is worth that of two slices and tastes delicious. I opted for a slice of cherry pie with some vanilla ice cream and it was definitely worth the $8. Plus, the fruit makes you feel like you're eating something healthier, right? Other pie flavours there included: raspberry (I heard the owner say this was his favourite, I'll have to try that next time), bumbleberry, apple cinnamon, peaches and cream, and strawberry rhubarb.
I think I'll have to visit here on a cold fall day, and also check out the location that just opened on Annette. -
Review from Jon-Jon G.
Scarborough, ON
7/28/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I absolutely love the Pie Shack and Tim, the owner. It's only taken me forever to give this place a try and quickly become a regular myself. You really can't go wrong with the menu here... it's pie! I usually stop by once a week to pick up some chicken pot pie (or meat pie if it's sold out) to enjoy at home or enjoy a slice (my personal favorite is the Bumbleberry) with some friends, over a game of cards or Scrabble.
As for Tim, he is the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Whether it's in the store, or on the street, or on the Boardwalk, he'll strike up a conversation and make you feel welcome with his friendly demeanor. And you can't help but smile when you see Campbell or "Mr. C" lazing around in the back! -
Review from Aviva S.
7/12/2011
3.8. How I wish Yelp accomodated my weird ratings.
- Awesome shopkeeper. Very personable and seems to give a shit about you.
- Love the couches, wooden tables.
- The touch of games is very cool
And most importantly, the pie (I had rasperry rhubarb) was very delicious.
A slice is like $6 which is expensive for my student self but still fell in love with this place.
Pie shack is better than the Canadian Pie Company (less human, more corporation)Listed in: Places I Checked Out Due to…
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Review from Vivek S.
3/14/2011
Before I tell you what happened, let me explain that I think that The Pie Shack is a truly amazing spot. We spent no less than 3 hours here on Saturday night, eating pie, playing cards, drinking coffee, eating pie, playing around on our laptops and eating pie and loving almost every minute of it.
After all, there is a lot to love. The decor is fantastic: simultanously antique-y and modern and cosy with long communal tables that invite conversation (and board games!) with others. The music is spot-on. The service is exceptional: Tim the owner was friendly cubed -- when we walked in it almost felt like we had walked a family living room for an evening with friends.
And the pies? Killer. It was dinner time so I tried a savoury chicken pot pie and FOR REAL it was the best chicken pot pie I have ever had. Not soupy, but firm, flaky, and seasoned beautifully. Later we tried some apples 'n' sour cream and bumbleberry pies a la mode. They have a wide selection of teas here, and the coffee I had was fantastic. I must have had three cups.
This place was seriously rolling on a six star rating until something happened that well, kind of ruined it.
The table behind us was reserved for a birthday party. When they arrived, the owner was scrambling to find chairs. That's when we came over to me and my date as we frittered away on our laptops. "Hey do you guys mind..." and he kind trailed off. Obviously he needed some chairs, and I was happy to move. But there weren't really any other spots available. That's when he reminded us "that it's saturday night and it would really help him out..." Dot. Dot. Dot. I was flabbergasted. He was asking us to leave. This was particularly distressing because 1) there were two free chairs at the table we were sharing with another couple and 2) and I couldn't imagine that 2-3 people from the large party would break away to a new table and assume the spots we were meant to vacate.
In the end the large party seated themselves just fine so we didn't have to leave, but being asked to was embarrasing and made us feel really awkward and unwelcome. Considering the stellar service up to that point, I'd chalk it up to the stress of the large party clouding the owner's judgment.
Everything positive I said about the place stands. This place is a gem, and I'd love to come back and have a flawless experience and give them five stars. Until next time.
Obligatory Title Pun: Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, good PIE.
Menu Readability: A large chalkboard explains pies and pricing.
Need to mention: Open from 11:00 to 11:00 daily.
What this place teaches me about myself: Pie heals all wounds. -
Review from Sandra T.
Toronto, ON
3/14/2011 ROTD 4/20/2011
Charming, cute, cozy!!!
Oh, and the dog's name is Campbell :)
A group of us from my photography class - at the Lens Factory - came here to socialize when it became too cold to continue shooting outside.
At the time, the owner was out walking his dog... but the place was unlocked and there was a sign at the door telling us he would be back. So, we all trooped in. It says a lot about a place and owner that he would leave his store unlocked while he is out walking his dog! :)
Our time at the Pie Shack was wonderful!
I was even given a piece of Strawberry Cream pie - on the house - as a way to apologize for the wait. How sweet :) Totally won me over with this gesture. The pie itself was quite good ... and I am NOT a pie person. The crust was flaky, buttery, with a hint of sweetness. I could also see and taste the fresh strawberries. The sour cream was rich and OMG ... sinful.
I tried some bumbleberry pie and that was significantly less rich because there was no cream. My friends preferred the bumbleberry but as for me, they were equally good.
Tried the vanilla roobios tea and it was very nice! I normally don't like roobios but I really enjoyed this tea!
Decor is gorgeous! Very cozy and rustic. Two comfortable couches by the window. Lots of little interesting things to look at.
Thanks for providing such a wonderful little place :) -
Review from Thea M.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2011
Cozy, quirky vibe (I love the woodsy wooden decor.) Delicious pie (a slice is a 1/4 of a pie for $6) served warm. Decks of cards on the tables add to the fun. What makes this place though is Tim, who takes care of you like you're a guest in his home.
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Review from Phillip Jessie j.
Toronto, ON
6/6/2011
I find most people in this neighborhood to be extremely rude, bigoted, stuck-up and unpleasantly pretentious for no reason.
which is why I was so startled by my wonderful experience at the pie shack.
the owner is very nice, and he makes fucking awesome homemade pie. For $6 you get a big piece of delicious pie. it is so worth it. I had the bumbleberry and it does taste in tune with old style mennonite and grandmother pie.
it's a nice little store with some cool tables and cards, nice cozy atmosphere for stuffing your face with pie with an old friend.
Again, the owner is a very nice man who will help you with whatever you might need. I'm pretty sure this is the warmest and most genuine service I have had in Toronto, especially in the beaches.
I was sort of shocked by how tiny the bathroom is. It's a tiny closet with a sink and toilet and the door can only open about halfway before hitting the sink. I'm a skinny guy and I could barely fit in, how do his best customers, who I assume are fat pie vacuuming blimps manage to use this washroom?
great place though. I love a good pie. -
Review from Kent P.
3/14/2011
I remember the first weekend they opened - there was some hype building on the twitterz. They've kept up the good work since then, too.
The pie is delicious, but like Chris P says - you want a little more in terms of fillings. It's a comfortable and relaxing place to have a cup of tea and a slice while playing cards or something - and the staff/owner/mgr man is as attentive as possible without being annoying.
It's pretty far out there if you're downtown, but a good destination on a rainy weekend afternoon.
There is a really old dog that hangs outside and in. He's REALLY old. Are pets allowed in places where food is prepared? Who cares, at least it's not a cat.Listed in: Dessert
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Review from Chelsea C.
Toronto, ON
12/16/2011
I have a hard time saying anything negative about this place after browsing through the reviews by other yelpers. I just can't get over how bad my pie was tonight..it was supposed to be veggie pot pie, which I guess it sort of was, but a more accurate title would have been spinach pot pie, as this was the only vegetable in it. And it was the spinach taste that explains why spinach has a bad reputation. Ick. I had such high hopes and am so utterly disappointed. I also bought apple pie which I am going to have now, since I didn't eat much of my veg pot pie, so hopefully this is better!
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Review from Jr. Bob D.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2011
On my second trip here it was nice to see that the pies are now made with REAL pie crust, as opposed to the puff pastry that was previously used. A delicious piece of blueberry pie (sans ice cream) and I couldn't have been happier with it and the attentive service.
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Review from Golnar F.
Toronto, ON
4/18/2011
Was having family over and needed a quick homemade treat ... where to go ... recalled a Pie Place @ Queen - "The Pie Shack".
Got the Bumbleberry Pie, which has the added yumness of peaches. Tim, the owner, made me feel like he valued my pie eating business, even walked me to the door - that's what you call service!
The decor in the shack is fantastic, ask him about the custom made chandelier in the window - I love it!
While his pie is super delicious it's a bit sweet and you need to top that pie with some delicious vanilla ice cream .. then you have yourself the ultimate pie experience! -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
9/17/2010 7 photos
I love Pie Shack! I love Pie Shack! I love Pie Shack!
Personally I am not a pie person because I ate so many bad pies.. those nasty supermarket ones, the horrible pies that served in so many restaurants as desserts... all my pie nightmare!
The Strawberry and Cream pie I have at Pie Shack is so so tasty! The crust is so thin, so fluffy, so buttery...the filling is not too sweet but hmmm match perfectly with the pie and god forbid the ice cream!
What makes enjoying a piece of pie so special at Pie Shack is the owner. He is such a great host.. making us feel at home, moving us to the comfy sofa...heated up our pie to perfection and make sure all our cups are never empty without asking! I feel I am in someone porch or a country home enjoying a leisure lazy afternoon ..
If you do decide to drop by, please come early especially on a weekend. We were there at 3 pm or so and almost all the pies are gone!! Some customers has been turned away disappointed...
I have so looking forward to come back to try the other pies they offer!!
They accepts Visa and Mastercard. -
Review from Giuliana B.
SCARBOROUGH, ON
9/9/2010 ROTD 10/16/2010
It was chilly and windy yesterday, and after having spent an afternoon doing absolutely nothing, the bf and I decided to go to The Pie Shack for some warm, gooey pie, and a hot cuppa tea. My sister is always raving about this place, and she once brought home an entire pie from here, which I devoured, so I was looking forward to my first visit.
The place is really nicely decorated, and it reminds me of a beach cabin. The owner, Tim, is the nicest person I have ever met at an establishment. He is warm, friendly, and will make you feel at home and comfortable. He made conversation with us as we decided which pies to get. Finally we decided on raspberry for me, and apple cinnamon for the bf, as well as a pot of chamomile tea.
We settled down, and a few minutes later Tim came out with our pot of tea and we talked some more. He really is one of the best business proprietors in this city and knows how to make his clientele feel welcome. Our pies came out a few minutes later, and man the slices are HUGE! 1/4 of a pie to be exact, and 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream on the side, because we just couldn't resist overdosing on sugar :)
My raspberry slice was delish! Stuffed with sweet - yet -tangy filling, and a deliciously flaky puff pastry crust, warmed to the perfect temperature. I had to to force myself to stop and breath, as I devoured the whole thing. The apple slice on the other hand was dry, and though it had lots and lots of apple slices, they could have been cooked for a little longer and it really should have been moister. Still fairly good though.
Tim checked on us a few times, and refilled our pot with boiling hot water as we sat on the couch and chatted. On my way to the bathroom (which by the way is spotless), I saw Campbell, the dog. He is an ancient fella (15 yrs old) and had some trouble getting up, i petted him and he gave me a doggy kiss on the hand, and won my heart :)
I definitely want to return and try out some of their other pies, I also want to make sure I return soon before Campbell is gone :(Listed in: Get your sugar fix!
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Review from Doris L.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2011
Stopped by this charming place when I was running an errand in the area. I agree, Tim is a really nice guy, was nice chatting with him.
Bought a piece of pecan pie and bumbleberry pie. Both are great! Can't wait to try other things next time. -
Review from Gwyn H.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I've just discovered this treasure recently and can not say enough good things about the Pie Shack. It's actually becoming a weekly ritual of knitting, tea and pie since my friend and I discovered this gem!
First off - Truly fantastic Pie! The crust is light and flaky with a hint of sweetness. The strawberry and cream pie is DELISH as is the Raspberry. AND the meat pies are just as delicious (obviously not hint of sweetness in that pastry).
Secondly - Tim the owner and the cute dog sidekick Campbell. One of the nicest men I've ever met who is always making sure your tea cup / coffee cup is full and that you're enjoying every moment of being there.
Always happy to talk about the days local events and the music selection on Tim's ipod is truly fantastic!
It's as though I'm hanging out in my own house but with fantastic pie there!
Truly fantastic!! -
Review from Evan J.
Toronto, ON
7/11/2011
This is it!
The best pie I've tasted. Hands down. Dare I say even better than the tripple berry pie at the Holt's cafe.
The owner Tim as mentioned is such a great guy. I am happy to return and support his business anyday.
Had the strawbery-rubarb pie as it was in season. The pie was so good we when back the next day for another one.
The crust is so perfect. I just loved this pie.
It is a very cute shop as mentioned, so I will be back some ocations just for a sit in slice as well.
Highly recommened. -
Review from Kat F.
10 Things I Love About Pie Shack!
1) The hours are phenomenal. 11am-11pm every day - this alone ranks it high on my favourite places list, as you all know how I feel about cafes that close early.
2) Free, reliable wi-fi. Stay as long as you like - no one's gonna breathe down your neck to take over your seat, but they may ask to sit with you, and you'll be happy to invite them over.
3) A working cuckoo clock that reminds you of the passage of time (you might lose track of said phenomenon as you settle in here - it's really easy to!). This reminds me of my grandfather's house, which must have had a dozen cuckoo clocks that chimed together in near harmony every hour.
4) Tim, the owner, is on my list of Top 10 Friendliest Owners in Toronto. He is so personable and welcoming, and he remembers every customer on their second visit. There are many regulars at Pie Shack, and he knows them all. He's a great host and will come around to make sure you have everything you need and to refill your teapot of boiling water without you having to ask! Plus, we recently discovered that we went to the same high school - I never bump into high school alumni!
5) The resident dog, Campbell, is a bearded collie that hangs out by the washrooms is a lovely fixture. He's there if you want to shower him with attention, but if you don't like dogs you won't even notice him. He's like a real life Barkley from Sesame Street. The perfect pet!
6) BOARD GAMES! There's a bunch of them stocked in the armoire by the entrance and you're encouraged to grab one and play. Scrabble, Balderdash (I will slay you), Apples To Apples, jigsaw puzzles, checkers, chess and more. Great selection.
7) Music is basically lifted from my own iPod - it's that much aligned with my own tastes. Plants & Animals, Beirut, Beck, Neutral Milk Hotel and more. Wonderful playlist to work from.
8) I love the decor here. I want Tim to decorate my apartment. It's very country villa mixed with eclectic touches like whitewashed tables and driftwood chandeliers. There's a deck of playing cards on every table and pie is served with unique vintage 14x14" patterned cloth napkins. There's a new seating area with a loveseat and magazines by the front window for people watching. The tables are communal and welcome conversation with neighbouring visitors.
9) Which brings me to my next point - great conversation! Every time I come here, I'm chatted up by a new person, and my facial expression doesn't exactly invite conversation. Last time, I was challenged to a Scrabble game by players at the table next to mine, and also discussed handheld video game consoles with a 13 year old. All sorts.
10) Oh yes: PIE! Sweet, wonderful pie. You can get slices (à la mode or not) for $4.50 or take a whole pie to go for $25. I've done both, and the pie heats up nicely in the oven and is ideal for entertaining some pals. There's a rotating selection of blueberry, raspberry, apple, bumbleberry, peach, rhubarb and pumpkin, plus two different meat pies to choose from. I've tried the peach, raspberry and apple and have to say raspberry was my favourite.
A gem in The Beach(es) that's well worth the trek, no matter which part of town you're visiting from!
NOTE: Take the 501 Neville Park streetcar eastbound on Queen - make sure you don't take the one that says Victoria Park as it short turns on Kingston Road. -
Review from Angela H.
8/24/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Whenever I visit Toronto, I always try to make it down for at least a slice of pie! It's a fantastic environment and the owner has spectacular customer service! he's uber friendly and always there when you need him and sometimes when you don't even realize you do! Always topping up your mugs and making sure you're enjoying your Pie Shack experience!
If you are ever in the area or live in Toronto, I highly suggest you make the trip!
Campbell is always near by having a nap and the atmosphere is very laid back. a great way to end your day! -
Review from Roma M.
8/9/2010
Mmm... Pie.
If I lived near The Pie Shack, it might be a need for concern. I would be an enormously fat but happy person. Instead I am reduced to my snappy, smaller self in desperate need of pie.
The Pie Shack can fill so many uses in a small community. I see it like an excited first date of board games(no need to bring your own, Tim has you covered) and warm pie a la mode, or a relaxing way to spend a sunday afternoon with family, and somewhere to catch up with a friend on a late night, and pet the huge, sweet dog lazy-ing it up near the washrooms .
The 'Pie' was great. It was fresh and homemade, but not in that misshapen way, amateur homemade pies get. Personally, I don't mind it misshapen since it adds a little something, but Tim is a professional, who doesn't look like he'd stand for a shell gone awry.
Oh Sweet Pie.Listed in: A Diabetic's best friend.
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Review from Justin E.
Toronto, ON
1/14/2010 ROTD 3/15/2010
When I began writing this review...oh...let's see now...45 minutes ago (I restarted at least 7 times), I thought I'd be clever and write in the voice of an olde-tymey radio personality like Edgar R. Murrow or Orson Welles or something and give you a funny little monologue about how a voracious race of betentacled aliens were in the process of landing RIGHT THE FUCK NOW OH NOES and that The Pie Shack would probably be the last place besides my Mom's house that I'd want to see before being eaten alive by the aliens.
To be clear, first of all, the narrative would have been designed to take you through an elaborate character arc and several key human emotions, including sadness, anger and foolish pride.
It would begin with me preparing my family (a chinchilla named Alfred) to flee (I would flush Alfred), then I would arm myself to the teeth with nukes, don the standard fleeing wardrobe of tattered rags, Mad Max goggles, a 3 foot green mohawk and a live, hungry arctic wolf that i would wrap around my neck for warmth (I am an animal lover).
Then we (the wolf - who I would later name Hector after the first Canadian Prime Minister - and I) would begin our trek through an increasingly barren wilderness - that strip of mud under the Gardiner that in reality already features apocalyptic decorations including abandoned shopping carts, illegal ads for douche-club events that happened 8 months ago and the homeless.
Eventually, thanks to our near-constant use of psychoactive chemicals, happy singing woodland creature friends would lead us to The Beach(es) and The Pie Shack.
We would meet up with Tim, the super friendly, chill owner and his dog Campbell. Campbell and Hector would go and have some tea (excellent herbal teas to be had here) and discuss a dog-wolf detente while Tim and I would discuss music and the finer points of vintage Hardy Boys novels.
Then the aliens would catch up to us, cover us in their corrosive stomach juices and digest us slowly, but not before we finished our superb slices of every pie type imaginable (peach, strawberry, bumbleberry, pecan, raspberry, etc.) , all presented in a warm and fluffy fashion. I might even enjoy being digested after all that. -
Review from Dale M.
Toronto, ON
12/1/2009
I'm reluctant to call what we experienced yesterday at The Pie Shack "service." It was hospitality. Hospitality so genuine I felt like a guest in Tim's front room. Hospitality so believable I forgot that I was supposed to pay for my visit on my way out.
After dropping our Ronvesvalles junket due to poor response, The Pie Shack became stop number two (out of two) on our Sunday pie crawl, and turned out to be the perfect spot from which to watch the grey night settle in over a slice of pie and a few cups of coffee.
Shari "If I can't eat it, I'll wear it" M. has already noted the beautifully contrasting décor; fresh, taupey walls with white trim, offset by the rustic charm of antique cabinetry and worn farm tables. Ours in particular was by the window and offered a lovely view of a miserable afternoon-turned-evening on Queen Street East, making our positions indoors all the cosier. Company was good; besides Shari I got some face time with Stephanie C. and the ubiquitous Kat F.
I'm not a huge pie fan, so don't expect a lot of depth here. What I can say is that it was delicious, and that the crust was one of the flakiest I've had. Knowing that it takes really cold (read: hard) butter to make a crust so flaky, I can appreciate Tim's efforts in rolling that pastry out earlier that day. Lovely stuff. I had apple, btw, and it came with fantastic vanilla ice cream (cheese was an option).
Bonus points for leaving the coffee pot on the table for us. While I didn't fully cash in, I'm a firm believer that this should be common practice, especially at breakfast. Restauranteurs, pay heed! -
Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
1/17/2010 6 photos
I have found a new house of worship on Queen St. E. and it's called The Pie Shack. Hallelujah, amen sista, pass the plate, I've been saved. This is my kind of temple. I could give thanks here on an ongoing basis.
After a celebratory Decemburger victory scoff with Kat "my nails always look great" D. & Shari "love me, love my pussy" M. at the W Burger Bar (stay tuned for my review on that) we headed over to the Beaches for some Pie Shack loving with Tim the owner and his four legged pal, Campbell, the resident canine. If you haven't been to this pie shrine then I suggest you get baptized quick!
Comfort abounds at Pie Shack so any guilt you might experience from gobbling up pie with the trimmings quickly dissipates. Weems chairs and distressed tables, small sofas, easy on the eyes lighting and a cupboard full of board games just screams at you to hang out for a while. Tim the owner is an absolute charm and is the sweetest piece of pie in the place! Going to the Pie Shack is like going home to your favorite Auntie's house, you just know you are going to love it.
Pie here is fabulous and simple. It isn't the over the top 22 different choices you'd find over at Wanda's. Frankly I didn't miss having all those choices because what was there was stellar. Peach, Bumbleberry, Apple Cinnamon, Raspberry, Strawberry Rhubarb or Pecan....you can have with whipped cream or ice cream....or both. Tim serves you so attentively, encourages you to take your time, is quick to refill your coffee cup with a damn fine cup 'o java. Cloth napkins, all made just for the shop, that are crisp and homey just seal the deal on the comfort of this destination dessert spot.
I opt for the basic Apple & Cinnamon. A few minutes later Tim tells me that he has piece that is only 2/3 of a slice (it's the end of the day) and I tell him that is ok. He tells me to pick another pie and he'll lop off a piece and make it the equivalent of a whole big slice. He smiles and tells me that way I get to try two kinds of pie. I love this man. He knows a way to a girls heart.
The pie is delicious. The top of the pastry is super flaky, almost like puff pastry. It makes the pie light. There is no pie goop here, no syrupy fillers. Just beautiful sliced apples that still have some body to them. I also bought a piece of pecan pie to take home to my honey as Pecan pie is his favorite. I gotta tell you, whole large pecans filled the flan like crust and the pie isn't runny as some Pecan pies can be. The dense amount of pecans give it body and make it firm. The flavour of butter screams out from the pecans and even though we eat this pie at home the next day it is still fresh and delicious.
I'm going back to the Pie Shack. I'm waiting for the Lemon Meringue pie. Amen brothers and sisters....now pass the damn plate!Listed in: La Vida Es Buena!
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Review from Ray N.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2010
You know when a place picks one thing to focus on, it's probably going to do a decent job of it.. Well the Pie Shack focuses on... you guessed it, Pies.
I had heard about the place from friends, and often drive by it. One day last week I was finally convinced to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did. When you think of a Pie Shack, what do you think of? Well, I think of a little cottagey place with lots of wood everywhere, board games scattered around, and the lingering aroma of fresh pie baking in the oven... Well friends, I'm happy to report that's exactly what this place is!
Ok, now when you think of a Pie Shack owner, who do you think of? I think of a grandparent-like personality, ever calm, ever caring, and totally patient and understanding of the uncertainty faced by your inner fat child, perilously debating between apple or pecan. Again folks, happy to report, this pretty well typifies the owner of the Pie Shack who served us that day.
But wait, there's more. After a few minutes of deliberation I opted for a blueberry slice. I was given the option of ice cream on the side, to which i decided I would decline, opting to focus on the purity of the pie on it's own. After about 5 minutes of being slaughtered by my unassuming friend at a game of checkers, my pie arrived. And let me tell you it was a slice of heaven. You know how sometimes you try to eat the crust first, saving the fruity goodness for last. Well the crust was so good that this normal game plan went out the window. It was almost like eating some amazingly delicate artisan bread, that's how good it was. And the blueberry filling was amazing too.. not too sweet, and the blueberries were soft and whole, not squashed and jammy.
This place is everything I expect and want in a Pie Shack, and so much more. I will be back long before my checkers game gets any better, thats for sure. 5 stars baby! -
Review from Danielle P.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2010
I too am forced into song...
Working at the Pie Shack (oh oh, yeah yeah)
At the ,Pie Shack, yeah (ooh, yeah yeah)
At the Pie Shack (sing it with me now)
Working at the Pie Shack , yeah
The owner of this pie place was working and working and working for his $5.00 a slice. Flitting around like a humming bird he fed us tea, coffee and copious amounts of pie. Like one of the family, he cited names and favorite pies for several of the other swapping yelpers.
He exuded calm in the face of 25 chatting ladies who, let's face it, completely took over the tiny shop. He wasn't perturbed or frazzled in the slightest. He had recommendations for each palate and some of his own personal favorites.
The only reason I removed a star from this vetted establishment is because no one does pie like my grandmother and it would feel like cheating to say otherwise. As a note to all butter tart lovers, the pecan pie is not a large butter tart, just a pie with many many pecans.
Bottom Line...Come here for the coffee, the board games, the great service, or the pie. Just get ready to be a little closer to someone in this very far away city.Listed in: UYE Me B*tch
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Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 1/17/2010 4 photos
Was back at The Pie Shack on Friday with fellow pie lovahs, Kat F and Christine C. This time round I had the bumble berry pie. I moaned goodness at this treat. Wow! The coffee was awesome and kick ass and I am kicking my own ass for not buying some to take home.
As always, we love Tim the owner and Campbell the dog.
Big bonus points to Tim for playing Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on the ipod!Listed in: Give me my f*$%ing coffee!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/29/2009 First to Review
SHUT THE FARM DOOR!!
This place is fan-freakin-tastic!
As stop #2 on the "pye" crawl, Stephanie C.,… Read more »
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Review from Mary S.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2011
They charge $25 per pie so expectations were high. Disappointed. The apples in my apple pie were under-cooked (slightly crunchy instead of sooth and creamy). Also lacking in "flavour" because they don't use any spices in the pie (cinnamon sprinkled on top of pie crust). Also no "apple goo", you know the mushy stuff that keeps the pie together; the apple chunks just fell out on the sides. The crust is good but slightly undercooked so thin and chewy not flaky. The pumpkin pie was tasty but not spectacular. Yes, the room is charming and the concept of a pie "shack" is adorable but $25 for a really humble pie is too much.
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
11/30/2009
Shari M. did a great job summarizing this little gem. Everything from the décor, to the pies, to the service was excellent, and won instant raves from our table.
As the last pit stop on the pie crawl, the Pie Shack is a wonderful place to enjoy dessert. It's a comfortable and relaxing spot, away from the busy core on the Beaches' strip. With the combination of the bad weather and eating dessert in the middle of the afternoon, my experience was a good one. The owner (or perhaps co-owner) Tim was very helpful and gracious to us from the moment we stepped through the door. He took the time to attend to our needs such as supplying a fresh pot of coffee on our table for example, and also taking a moment to talk with us and get our impressions on his product.
For my choice of pie I chose bumbleberry, which I would recommend. Each morsel got better and better, and also thanks to the delicious helping of vanilla ice cream on the side. As for the crust, it was flakey and delicious! The way a pie crust should be, which made me very happy and I complimented Tim for it.
But I do have one little disappointment: as a person who lives west of Bathurst, it's a little unfair that the Pie Shack located in the Beaches. It does offer good enough incentive to visit it again. So, I'll say it: you East Enders are so lucky! -
Review from Nicole B.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm late on my Pie Shack review. My first experience was the night of the makeup swap.
Atmosphere: It has this great home-y feeling. Like you could curl up on the couch, with some pie and a warm drink and talk the night away. Not to mention the board games. I wish I didn't live on the other side of Leslieville or I would be here often.
Pie: It was good but not what I had hoped. Wanted a slice of butter tart, got a pie shell with a whole bunch of pecans. I bought two pot pies to take home and my mom ate both. So it's worth the drive to Leslieville.
Service: Tim was funny. He was like a mother hen, pecking around, making sure we were all comfortable and had our pie. He reminded me of my grandmother. No matter how many times we told him the tables were fine, he came back just to make sure. Also loved that he was able to recommend a great pie choice for Abby. Tim knows his pie!
I would go back to try other pies and the elusive Chicken Pot Pie. I don't know if I would buy one to take home though as $25+tax is a bit much for me.Listed in: Sugar Coma
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Review from Matthew S.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2010
The Pie Shack's got things figured out. A lovely space reminiscent of a cottage down to every last detail, including cards, beat-up old books, board games, and a cool dog. The owner, Tim, is super friendly, attentive, and loves to tell the Pie Shack story. Solid music coming from Tim's iPod; I heard Neutral Milk Hotel and Sufjan Stevens while I was there, just to name a couple.
The pie is quite good as well. The crust is a nontraditional puff pastry style, which I really enjoyed. Everything tasted fresh and is served properly warmed up with an optional scoop of tasty ice cream. Tim appears to have chosen to focus on doing a small number of pies (about 6 when I was there) right rather than a doing a half-assed job of a million different flavours.
We tried strawberry rhubarb, peach, and pecan. The strawberry rhubarb was the best of the bunch, not as good as homemade and could have had more filling, but damn good nonetheless. The peach, my favourite type of pie, was a bit of a let down. There was not nearly enough peaches and most bites were doughy and peachless. The few bites that did have peaches were excellent though. The pecan is made with a more traditional crust rather than the puff pastry crust. This one was quite tasty, tons of perfectly fresh pecans. The crust was too thin in my opinion and there could have been a little more filling (as Danielle P says "this is not a large butter tart"). I like my pecan pie gooey, but that's a matter of personal preference
Having said all that I will say that I'm mad picky when it comes to pie and this is certainly the best store made pie I've had in Toronto. So much better than the strangely popular Wanda's. Also, I'm sure the fruit pies will improve come the summer growing season and as Tim perfects the recipe with his baker. I'll definitely be back to give these pies a try again.Listed in: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
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Review from Tiffany S.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2010
The Pie Shack is a Beaches Gem for sure! The service is personal and friendly, the atmosphere cozy and cottage-like, and the pie--perfection.
I loved the welcoming touches like the deck of cards on each table, the cabinet of board games, and the docile dog relaxing by the door. The owner, Tim, was very hospitable and made you feel right at home.
I look forward to visiting again soon! -
Review from Steph L.
1/28/2010
The Pie Shack is a little old place
where we can get together...
Pie Shack,
Pie Shack, that's where it's at!
Tonight, I attended the CMYE: Makeup Swap at Pie Shack.
Another great event organized by Kat!
There were piles of cosmetics! It was fun to pick up something different to try.
As for the Pie Shack, what a great place!
It's a super cozy spot with warm and welcoming staff.
The decor reminds me a summer cottage with the wooden bench tables and the chandelier or branches.
The cuckoo clock is totally awesome.
The pie was spectacular. I had the raspberry pie (which seems to be a favorite) with a generous scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream.
The pie filling was perfectly sweet and tart and the crust was airy and flaky.
It's a bit of a trek to the beaches for me, but I will definitely make the trip again! -
Review from Bonnie K.
3/12/2010
My boyfriend and I were visiting from Boston. I was craving a delicious late night snack and found The Pie Shack, open until 11pm! Finding street parking was easy.
Walking in, I immediately felt welcome and at home. The atmosphere here is so wonderful, the decor is like nothing I've ever seen. There was the most wonderful music playing. Tim, the owner, was extremely friendly and patient. There were dessert pies and even a few "dinner" type options (pot pie, quiche). You can add ice cream or whipped cream to your pie. Tim bakes them in the oven and delivers it to your table. His coffee is delicious and he even gave us the coffee pot for refills.
We went two nights in a row, but unfortunately had to go back to Boston. Otherwise, I would have been back the next night. He was very helpful with travel tips and made wonderful conversation.
Campbell, his 14 year old bearded collie, was very quiet and enjoyed the back corner, but was very pleasant when he came out to say hi.
Cheers to Tim and The Pie Shack- I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Chris P.
2/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm just not sold on Pie Shack. Everyone raves but I am left wanting more. Are my pie standards too high? I would like to think not. The crust is good but the fillings are lacking.
What is good about the Pie Shack is the cozy atmosphere and the laid back attitude. There are games to play, free wifi to use, and large tables where you are encouraged to sit with stangers and share a conversation. -
Review from David S.
Ajax, ON
11/17/2010
The pie shack is an experience! The pie's are amazing, however the price is so fricken beaches -- and by that I mean EXPENSIVE! But if you can ignore the price and want a great place to go and hang out, have a slice and a la mode it... then this is the place for you. Or better yet, why not take a $25 pie home with you.
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Review from Michelle A.
Toronto, ON
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not the biggest lover of pie. As a chocolate lover, I always found apple pie (a family fave) to be a disappointing dessert. SO when I started hearing amazing things about The Pie Shack in The Beach, I never really jumped on the bandwagon... What a regret. This isn't your average President's Choice Loblaw pie that your mom reheats. It's fresh, flaky, thin pastry crust that is packed full of fruit. When I arrived, they had a lot to choose from: raspberry, strawberry and cream, strawberry rhubarb, bumbleberry, and apple and cinnamon. I opted for the raspberry, heated up (no ice cream). And my friend (shout outs to Kent P) selected the strawberrry rhubarb. We also shared a pot of chamomile tea. The bill was $16 - not bad! The raspberry pie was very tart, and reminded me more of a large sugary raspberry turnover than a piece of pie. I love raspberry-filled everything, so I was in pie heaven. The strawberry rhubarb was a bit more traditional with more of a buttery crust (mine was better). The space is very rustic with large wood tables and cottagey decorations. The owner is so helpful and was quick to refill our pot of tea without us having to ask. There's also a very cute old dog that hangs out by the bathrooms - very sweet. Worth the trip to The Beach!
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Review from Hafiz L.
Toronto, ON
8/14/2011
Best pie in Toronto, potentially the world. I can't get enough of the strawberry rhubarb and strawberry cream, simply fabulous. Every person I've introduced their pies too instantly falls in love. Add on Tim's great service and the vintage decor....what is their not to love!!!!
