Did I hear correctly? March 14 is National Pie Day? No, not exactly. We just had the real National Pie Day in January. March 14 is National Pi Day. Pi, as you may know, is the number you get when you divide any circle’s circumference by its diameter; it’s always about 3.14. So, March 14 is National Pi Day. But since pies are not square but round, , some genius decided that March 14 should be celebrated by consuming your favorite varieties of these crusty casings filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Here are our perfect pie picks for those who live around these parts.
Howlett’s Restaurant & Tavern – 3530 Festival Park, Chester
Howlett’s has been serving and delighting its customers for nearly 40 years. Hunter Brower, who bought the restaurant about a year ago, says that many of the favorite recipes have remained. That includes their classic made-from-scratch Peanut Butter Pie, which he describes as whipped peanut butter in a homemade graham cracker crust and topped with semi-sweet chocolate. Hunter adds, “Everybody knows that peanut butter and chocolate make a great combination.” I couldn’t agree more.
By the way, Hunter tells me that he has recently introduced his own version of one of Howlett’s most popular dishes, prime rib. “The previous prime rib was very good,” he says, “but we’ve added our own personal touch.” So, before you grab that slice of pie, choose from the 12-, 16-, or 20-ounce portion of this mouth-watering delicacy. Virtually everything at Howlett’s is made from scratch and that includes their world-famous fried deviled eggs.
Homemades by Suzanne – 102 N. Railroad Ave., Ashland
If you head to Homemades by Suzanne for a slice of pie, you’re on the right track. I hope you see what I did there. Suzanne’s cozy little restaurant sits trackside in Ashland, Hanover’s quaint little railroad town. With “Homemades” in the name, you can bet your pie didn’t come from the Food Lion. Vernell, the pie baker extraordinaire, creates some delicious confections in Susanne Wolstenholme’s little shop. The chocolate silk pie gets rave reviews from many guests. But if you’re looking for diversity, the menu also offers apple, chocolate chess, coconut custard, key lime, lemon chess, and pecan pies, as well. Speaking of pies, in season, enjoy one of Suzanne’s savory Hanover tomato pies.
Buttery Baking House – 28 W. Old Street, Petersburg
Buttery Baking House – why, just the name has my mouth watering. Plan a trip to Old Town, Petersburg’s quaint, historic neighborhood, and visit this made-from-scratch artisanal bakery that offers up a wonderful selection of breads, cookies, and, pies.
For National Pi Day, you might choose their Sweet Potato Pie with an Oreo Crust. But then there’s the Bourbon Pecan Pie, No, wait! Maybe I’ll have the Banana Cream Pie. You can see my predicament.
Bell Greek – 8161 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville; 11360 Iron Bridge Road (Watertown Shopping Center), Chester
Now, for something completely different, head over to Bell Greek Authentic Grill for a truly authentic Greek pie. One of the restaurant’s most popular desserts is their galaktoboureko.
Ibo Pinar, who owns this eatery and three other Bell Greek Restaurants throughout the region, describes this traditional Greek dessert pie as featuring a creamy homemade custard baked between layers of crispy phyllo dough. It’s then soaked in honey, topped with cinnamon, and served warm. Ouáou, aftó eínai pentanóstimo!
Around the Table – 155 Junction Dr., Ashland
“It’s soul good,” is the promise made by Ammie Mines-Derricott. Ammie, along with her cousin Kelly Jackson, owns this warm and welcoming soul/comfort food restaurant and, as with virtually everything coming out of the kitchen, Ammie’s pies are made-from-scratch, homemade delicacies. She says her coconut custard and sweet potato pies are the crowd favorites, hands down. Not only are her pies enjoyed by diners in the restaurant, but Ammie gets lots of calls for pies to go. Give her a two or three days advance notice, she advises, “…especially for my sweet potato pies. I have to boil the sweet potatoes. Nothing comes out of a can.” She also tells me that in honor of Pi day, she may cook up some extra special treats. “I may even have my fabulous apple pie,” she teases.
Editorial by Steve Cook; March 2026