One Illinois bakery on this list has been turning out pies since 1861. That means it opened before the Civil War ended, and it is still boxing up pies today.
I love that kind of staying power. Then I found an Amish shop down a county road that sells fried hand pies in flavors like black raspberry and strawberry cream. Another pie maker only opens on weekday mornings and closes at noon.
Illinois clearly takes its crust seriously. Some of these spots sit along Route 66, some hide in farm country, and a few live on busy city blocks with seasonal fillings that rotate all year.
I can’t think of a better excuse for a road trip than a slice of something homemade. The only real question is how many pies you can fit in the back seat.
1. Trefzger’s Bakery
Some bakeries brag about a few decades in business. This family-owned shop in Peoria Heights has been baking since 1861, which is a whole different level of bragging rights.
The bakery now works out of a restored building on North Prospect Road. It feels like the kind of place your great-great-grandparents might have trusted for their Sunday dessert.
So what should you grab? Pies are a big deal here, and boxed pies often stack up ready to head out the door.
Pumpkin pie gets plenty of love, especially when fall rolls around. You can also find cream puffs, eclairs, coffee cakes, and gingerbread men in the cases.
Cake fans won’t feel left out either. The bakery handles custom cakes, including birthday cakes, wedding cakes, sheet cakes, carrot cake, and hummingbird cake.
Thumbprint cookies make a smart add-on for the ride home. Honestly, it’s hard to leave with just one box.
The counter offers signature coffees and teas too. That makes it easy to turn a quick pie run into a small breakfast stop.
Service moves fast and stays friendly, even with a huge spread of goodies to manage. It’s an old-school bakery that still keeps a steady pace.
Plan ahead, because the hours are a little particular. The shop opens at 6:30 AM Tuesday through Saturday and stays closed on Sunday and Monday.
Fridays and Saturdays tend to be the busiest stretches. If you want a calmer browse, a weekday visit could work in your favor.
Free Wi-Fi and a restroom make it easy to linger a bit. You may need that extra minute to decide between pie and an eclair.
More than 160 years of baking is a lot of practice. Illinois doesn’t get many dessert stops with that kind of history.
Address: 4416 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
2. Jubelt’s Bakery & Restaurant
Route 66 travelers have a long list of classic stops. Few of them let you order soup, a cream pie, and a giant caramel donut in one visit.
Jubelt’s sits right on Old Route 66 in Litchfield. It’s a long-standing bakery and restaurant with a historic feel and plenty of road-trip charm.
The bakery side comes first for pie lovers. Homemade pies share space with pastries, cookies, breads, and a rotating mix of baked goods.
Cream pies, fruit pies, and mini pies all show up here. Mini pies are great when you can’t pick just one flavor.
Planning a party? The bakery takes event orders, and you can choose sizes and flavors for mini pies and gooey butter cake.
Donuts are another big draw at this stop. The Napoleon, Nutter-Butter, and King Size Caramel all have serious fans.
Hungry for more than dessert? The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with homemade soups like vegetable beef, chili, and potato.
Breakfast includes omelets, biscuits, and cinnamon roll French toast. That last one sounds like dessert sneaking onto the breakfast menu.
Coffee drinks round things out nicely. You can grab a chai latte or a regular latte to sip beside your apple strudel.
Jubelt’s even offers a drive-through and curbside pickup. That’s handy when the open road keeps calling your name.
Sundays get the biggest crowds, so a weekday stop may feel more relaxed. The bakery closes on Mondays, so plan your route with that in mind.
Families and groups fit in easily, with high chairs and a kids’ menu available. Few Illinois detours deliver this much pie per mile.
Address: 303 N, Old Rte 66 S, Litchfield, IL 62056
3. Lee’s Bakery
Fried pie is a phrase that should make anyone pull over. At this Amish bakery near the cornfields of Roseville, it’s a specialty.
Lee’s Bakery focuses on fresh bread and pies, including fried hand pies. The flavor list reads like a summer fruit stand.
Look for lemon, raspberry, black raspberry, pecan, apple, cherry, and strawberry cream. Picking just one feels almost unfair.
Full-size pies come out of the oven here too. Apple pie is a solid choice when it’s freshly made and still close to warm.
The smell of sugar and baked goods tends to hit you right at the door. That’s a pretty good sign you came to the right place.
Breads deserve a spot in your bag as well. Amish-style loaves sit beside cookies, pastries, and coffee bars.
Prices stay reasonable for the amount of goodies you can carry out. That makes stocking up for the week a lot easier.
Keep in mind that this is a takeout spot only. There’s no dine-in seating, so your car may become a temporary pie room.
A drive-through adds extra convenience on busy days. It’s a fun surprise for such a small country bakery.
The shop opens Monday through Saturday at 7 AM and closes on Sunday. Early birds get first pick of the fresh bread.
A free parking lot makes stopping simple. You won’t need to circle the block out here.
The drive through western Illinois farm country is part of the charm. Just bring a cooler and maybe a fork for the road.
Address: 105 20th St, Roseville, IL 61473
4. Myrtle’s Pie
A shop named after a pie is making a clear promise. In Princeton, Myrtle’s Pie keeps that promise with a big, rotating lineup of homemade pies.
The focus here is simple: pie, and lots of it. The selection runs wide, with fruit, cream, and seasonal options.
Flaky crusts are a big part of the appeal. The fillings hold their own too, so each slice feels balanced.
French Silk is one of the standout choices. Chocolate fans will want to put that one near the top of the list.
Short on time for baking at home? Myrtle’s keeps a freezer full of take-and-bake pies.
That means you can serve a homemade-style pie later without making the crust yourself. Your guests don’t need to know the full story.
Many people say these pies taste like something grandma used to make. That’s high praise, assuming grandma was a great baker.
The shop serves coffee, so you can pair a slice with a cup on the spot. Dine-in seating and free Wi-Fi make a short stay easy.
Timing matters with this one. Myrtle’s opens Thursday through Sunday only, and it closes Monday through Wednesday.
Sunday hours are split, with a morning window and a short late-afternoon window. Check the clock before you head out.
Princeton sits along a pleasant stretch of north-central Illinois. A pie stop gives you a sweet reason to explore Main Street.
Parking is free in a lot and on the street. That leaves more room in your budget for a second pie.
Address: 927 N Main St, Princeton, IL 61356
5. Pies By Inge
Early risers win big in Monticello. Pies By Inge welcomes customers during weekday mornings, making this a sweet little morning mission.
The shop sits inside the Monarch Events Center on South Independence Street. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking, so keep your eyes open.
Pie is the main event here, with an extensive selection to choose from. Traditional fruit pies and cream pies fill out the lineup.
Cherry pie is a strong pick if you love a classic. Tart, sweet, and bright red, it’s hard to go wrong.
The shop also makes fun baked pies that go beyond the usual flavors. Ask what’s available, since the choices can surprise you.
Gluten-free options are another bonus. That means more people at your table can share dessert.
Some families have been eating these pies for generations. That kind of loyalty usually says a lot about a bakery.
The staff keep things professional and pleasant. That helps when you’re trying to decide between three flavors before your coffee kicks in.
Staffed bakery hours are limited, but frozen pies may also be available through an honor-system freezer during additional building hours, including Mondays.
That makes checking the latest schedule important. A weekday morning is your best bet for visiting when the bakery is staffed.
Service is primarily takeout. Grab your pie box and find a nice spot around downtown Monticello.
Central Illinois has plenty of small towns worth a visit. This one adds a sweet reason to wake up early.
Address: 212 S Independence St, Monticello, IL 61856
6. The Treehouse Pie Company
Pie for dinner sounds like a kid’s dream. At The Treehouse Pie Company in Sycamore, it’s a perfectly sensible meal plan.
This cafe and bakery bakes from scratch daily. The kitchen leans on seasonal ingredients and tried-and-true comfort recipes.
Savory hand pies are a specialty. They’re easy to hold and great for a quick lunch.
Need to feed a crowd? Hearty family-sized pot pies make dinner easy without turning on your oven.
Then come the traditional dessert pies. Classic fruit flavors and other sweet options keep the ending of your meal on track.
House-made salads, soups, and sides fill out the menu. They’re designed to go with whichever pie you choose.
The menu rotates with daily, monthly, and seasonal specials. That gives you a fresh excuse to come back again and again.
Coffee is on hand for an afternoon pick-me-up. A slice and a cup make a pretty great break.
Hours run later than many bakeries, until 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday hours are shorter, and Mondays are closed.
Evenings get busy, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Thursday or Friday mornings tend to be calmer.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside. Your pup may beg, but the pot pie is yours.
Delivery and takeout make it easy to enjoy pie at home. Free on-site parking keeps the visit simple for anyone driving through northern Illinois.
Address: 265 W Peace Rd #102, Sycamore, IL 60178
7. Hoosier Mama Pie Company
A pie shop with Indiana in its name might seem odd in Chicago. One bite of the crust, though, and the name stops mattering.
This West Town shop serves a rotating menu of homemade sweet and savory pies. The space has a cute retro look that fits the old-fashioned mission.
Crust is the star here. It bakes up flaky, buttery, and crisp, with a nice balance between crust and filling.
Banana cream and key lime pies are popular sweet picks. Pumpkin pie and the classic apple-style options keep tradition strong.
The chocolate pie is worth a look too. Its thin bottom crust and thicker flaky edge give each bite some texture.
Savory pies are just as tempting. Chicken pot pie, a mushroom goat cheese hand pie, and a spinach artichoke galette show up on the menu.
The pies aren’t overly sweet. That homemade feel comes through without a sugar overload.
Coffee and cappuccino make good partners for a slice. The shop also serves breakfast, so a morning visit is fair game.
Hours run Tuesday through Sunday, with Monday closed. Sunday mornings and Friday afternoons are the busiest.
Paid street parking is your best bet here. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot.
Service moves quickly, even when the line grows. You won’t wait long to start eating.
Chicago has plenty of famous foods, from deep-dish to hot dogs. This shop makes a strong case for adding pie to the list.
Address: 1618 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
8. Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
Any menu with something called a Frankenpie has our attention. Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits in Logan Square brings that kind of playful spirit.
The Baker’s Choice Frankenpie lets the kitchen pick a mix of slices. It’s a fun option when you can’t make up your mind.
This rustic bakery keeps a rotating menu of homemade sweet and savory pies. Creative flavors are a big part of the fun.
Key lime, blackberry plum, and spicy French silk have all made appearances. Cherry limeade and cookies and cream add even more variety.
The Summer Pie pairs vanilla ice cream with lemon curd. The Apple Cider Pie hides a cheesecake layer inside.
Savory eaters can grab a 5-inch pot pie. It’s a nice size for lunch without needing a nap afterward.
Biscuits are the other half of the name. Try a scratch biscuit, a bacon biscuit, or a farmers biscuit for breakfast.
Candied bacon gets plenty of praise too. Granola bags and cookies make easy take-home treats.
The shop is small, with fun decor and picnic-style seating. A pie garden adds an outdoor spot when the weather cooperates.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday closed. Weekend hours end at 3 PM.
Saturdays and Sundays draw the biggest crowds. Wednesday is usually a calmer choice.
Free street parking helps in a busy neighborhood. Chicago closes out this list with a slice of pure fun.
Address: 2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
9. The Happy Apple Pie Shop
A bakery where every pie comes with a little extra heart? That’s The Happy Apple Pie Shop in Oak Park, and its story is just as sweet as the desserts.
This neighborhood favorite specializes in handmade sweet and savory pies. The chocolate chess pie is a particularly tempting choice for anyone who believes dessert should involve plenty of chocolate.
Chess pie is an old-fashioned Southern favorite, known for its rich, sweet filling. The chocolate version brings an extra layer of indulgence, making it a fun alternative to the usual apple or cherry.
Fruit pie lovers have reasons to browse, too. The selection can change, so checking what’s fresh before your visit is part of the fun.
But there’s something else that makes this little bakery special. The Happy Apple Pie Shop creates employment opportunities for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
That mission gives every purchase a little more meaning. You’re supporting a neighborhood business that believes good food and meaningful work belong together.
The shop has a welcoming, small-scale feel that suits a leisurely pie stop. You don’t need a fancy dining room when the real attraction is waiting inside a pie box.
Bringing dessert to a family gathering? A handmade pie makes an easy centerpiece, especially when you’d rather spend the afternoon visiting than working on a crust.
If you’re planning a special trip, check the current selection and opening hours first. Popular flavors aren’t necessarily available every day.
Oak Park has plenty of reasons to visit, from its historic architecture to its walkable neighborhoods. A handmade pie makes the drive even sweeter.
Address: 226 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL 60304
10. Pots and Pies Bakery
Some bakeries treat pie like an afterthought. Pots and Pies Bakery in Crystal Lake puts it right at the center of the experience.
Chef Auriane Ugalde brings a French-inspired approach to this charming bakery, where handmade sweet and savory pies share space with flaky pastries and croissants.
That combination makes it easy to justify stopping in before lunch. You can pick up something savory for a meal and still leave room for a sweet treat afterward.
Individual pies are available at the bakery, giving visitors a chance to sample the selection without committing to a full-size dessert. That’s especially handy when everyone in the car wants something different.
But if you’re feeding a family or planning a celebration, larger pies are an option, too. The bakery asks for 48 hours’ notice on its nine-inch pies, so a little planning goes a long way.
I love that kind of flexibility. Sometimes you want one little pie to enjoy with coffee. Other times, you need something big enough to bring to Sunday dinner.
The French influence adds something different to an Illinois pie road trip. It’s a nice change from the usual country bakery without losing that homemade appeal.
And don’t overlook the croissants. A bakery that works with both pastry dough and pie crust gives you plenty of reasons to linger over the selection.
Check the current menu before visiting, since flavors and availability can vary. Ordering ahead is particularly sensible if you’re counting on a full-size pie.
Crystal Lake already makes a pleasant day-trip destination, with a historic downtown and nearby lakefront scenery. Freshly baked pie gives you another excellent excuse to go.
Address: 67 E Woodstock St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
11. Spilt Milk Pastry
Oak Park has another bakery that takes its pies seriously. Spilt Milk Pastry is known for handmade desserts that make choosing just one flavor surprisingly difficult.
Heirloom apple pie is a natural place to start. It’s the kind of classic that reminds you why buttery crust and fruit filling have remained such a winning combination.
Key lime pie offers something completely different. Its bright, tangy flavor makes a refreshing change from richer desserts, especially when you’re craving something that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet.
Seasonal fruit and cream pies add more variety to the selection. Depending on when you visit, the display may offer something you didn’t even know you were craving.
That’s one of the best things about a bakery with changing flavors. A spring visit might feel completely different from a fall pie run.
The bakery also makes other pastries, so pie lovers aren’t the only people who will find something tempting. It’s a useful stop when your travel companions have different ideas about dessert.
What makes this place especially appealing is its focus on familiar treats made with care. You don’t need an elaborate creation when a well-made slice of pie can do the job beautifully.
Planning to bring something home? A whole pie can turn an ordinary dinner into a small celebration, and individual treats are perfect for the ride back.
Check the bakery’s current ordering menu before making a special trip, particularly if you have a specific flavor in mind. Seasonal selections can change.
Between its neighborhood setting and tempting pie selection, Spilt Milk Pastry makes Oak Park an easy addition to an Illinois dessert road trip.
Address: 103 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
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