Pi(e) Day in Long Beach

Pi(e) Day is here, as it is every March 14, offering the opportunity to appreciate the date and its relation to both math (pi is 3.14) and dessert (pie is scrumptious). Finding great pie in Long Beach is a simple equation, readily available at some of the city’s oldest, most beloved eateries, many of which offer great Pi Day specials. Here’s a slice of some great places to enjoy Pi(e) Day, every day.

KEY LIME, Laurie’s Pie Bar

Laurie’s Pie Bar (450 Pine Ave) not only offers all manner of sweet pies made from scratch–Whiskey Peach to purple wonder Ube Coconut–but also savory pot pies and pies for your pet. Their most popular is the tart and magnificent Key Lime pie, complete with handmade graham cracker crust. For Pi Day, they’re offering free Key Lime Pie Shots for the first 50 guests–limit one per person. Their Frankenpie option allows you to make your own pie by picking six separate slices and, for Pi Day, if you buy five slices, you’ll get the sixth free! Finally, if you purchase six of their signature Cutie Pie jars, you get a free Laurie's Pie Bar tote bag.

LEMON LUSH, Bake ‘N Broil

As they’ve done for decades, Bake n Broil (3697 Atlantic Ave) bakers arrive at 4:30 AM to begin the process of crafting a selection of homemade favorites from scratch–turning out an incredible 2,000 leading up to Thanksgiving. While everyone has a Bake ’N Broil favorite, whether apple, German chocolate or French peach, its most popular is called Lemon Lush. The Lush comes from a combination of sweet and cream cheese, lemon curd, and just the right amount of pecans.

BANBERRY, Polly’s Pies

Polly’s Pies' (3490 Atlantic Ave.) pie menu is highly curated, leaning heavily toward the classics: apple, cherry, chocolate cream, etc. Still, their signature pie is an amazing amalgam of strawberries and banana called, wait for it, Banberry, which combines banana creme filling, topped with fresh strawberries, all of it ringed with a healthy band of real whipped cream. Enjoy it on Pi Day, or any day of the year.

STRAWBERRY, Hof’s Hut

It doesn’t get any more traditional than strawberry pie, and of course, it doesn’t get any more traditional in Long Beach than Hof’s Hut (2147 N Bellflower Blvd). This local institution has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for more than 70 years, greeting each guest to its Los Altos location with a large refrigerated case of pies in its entrance. Standing out is the spectacularly sweet architecture that goes into Hof’s signature Strawberry Pie, piled high with ruby red glistening strawberries. On Pi Day, you'll get $3.14 off any large, fresh-baked pie. For details and the discount code, visit Hof's Pi Day page.

REPUBLIC OF PIE

Joining the growing roster of restaurants that offer sweet treats on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, Republic of Pie (5272 E 2nd St) serves up classic fruit and cream pies, from marionberry to pumpkin. Their menu also includes savory chicken pot pies and a turkey chili pot pie that you can enjoy in the restaurant or take home. There are full breakfast and lunch menus and a broad range of tea and coffee, including Stumptown cold brew on tap. To celebrate Pi(e) Day with some unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere, try the Earl Grey Creme Pie or the Espresso Almond Chocolate Pie and be sure to follow Republic of Pie on Instagram and TikTok for a 10% discount on whole pies on March 14.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.