Some desserts are worth a short car ride. This one is worth an hour behind the wheel, and plenty of people happily make the trip.
Tucked into a small Illinois town, a modest shop keeps turning out from-scratch pies with buttery, flaky crusts that keep folks coming back for more. Word spreads fast when strawberry rhubarb hits that sweet-tart balance just right, and the freezer stays stocked with take-and-bake options for the road home.
The owner greets guests like old friends, the tables invite you to linger, and the flavor list changes often enough to reward repeat trips. Curious where this little pie haven is hiding, and why drivers plot road trips around its limited hours?
Keep reading, because the story only gets tastier from here.
Where To Find This Pie Haven
Set at 927 N Main St in Princeton, Illinois, Myrtle’s Pie sits in a small town that rewards anyone willing to slow down and explore. The shop keeps a homey, unpretentious feel that matches its surroundings.
People come from surprising distances to reach it. Regulars mention driving an hour or more, and some make the run from as far as Peoria to the Chicago area just to stock up.
The storefront stands out as unique and full of local character. Once you find it, the warm welcome makes the miles feel worthwhile.
Parking is easy, which matters when you are hauling home more than a single slice. Plenty of space out front means the drive ends without a hunt for a spot.
Princeton itself adds to the appeal, with cute stores, antiques, and restaurants nearby. That mix turns a simple pie run into a small day trip worth planning around.
The Star Of The Show
Strawberry rhubarb is the headline for good reason. The filling lands on that perfect line between sweet and tart, which is exactly what pie fans chase when they go hunting for the real thing.
Regulars order it plain and also ala mode, and both ways earn steady praise. It shows up again and again on the lists of what people carry home.
Part of the magic comes from restraint. The pies here are not overly sweet, so the fruit gets to shine without being buried under sugar.
Whole pies of this flavor disappear quickly once they reach a kitchen counter. Families have been known to finish them within a couple of days of the drive back.
For anyone who has searched for a proper fruit pie since their old favorite bakery closed, this one answers the call. It is the kind of slice that turns a first visit into a standing tradition.
A Crust Worth The Miles
Ask longtime fans what sets these pies apart, and the crust comes up fast. Buttery, flaky, and fresh, it does the quiet work that separates a good pie from a memorable one.
Some folks rank it above their own family recipes, which is no small compliment in pie country. That kind of loyalty says plenty about the care that goes into each shell.
The base holds up under both fruit fillings and rich cream flavors. Whether it cradles tart rhubarb or a silky filling, it keeps its structure and never turns soggy.
Consistency matters here, too. Trip after trip, the crust stays tender and golden, giving repeat guests a reason to trust the next slice as much as the last.
Great pie starts and ends with the crust, and this shop clearly understands that math. It is the foundation everything else is built on, and it earns its keep.
An Enormous Selection Under One Roof
Choosing here is a happy problem. The pie selection runs huge, with countless flavors available by the slice and many offered as whole pies too.
Fruit pies share the space with cream pies, cheesecakes, and rotating seasonal creations. There is truly an option for nearly everyone who walks through the door.
Beyond the classics, the case fills with playful specialties. Names like tiramisu cream, raspberry lemon cheesecake, and monster peanut butter cream keep the lineup interesting.
The variety is so wide that some people order small slivers of several kinds just to compare. It is a smart way to sample before committing to a whole pie.
Fresh batches get made and swapped out often, so the display rarely looks the same twice. That constant rotation gives frequent guests a fresh reason to return and see what is new.
Cream Pies That Steal Hearts
While fruit pies pull in the crowds, the cream pies quietly build their own following. Coconut cream earns high marks for being light, fluffy, and full of flavor without turning heavy.
Lemon meringue is another standout, sometimes stacked with meringue several inches tall. The topping comes out light and airy, and the lemon leans tart rather than cloying.
Banana cream, chocolate cream, and butterscotch round out the roster. Each brings its own personality, and fans tend to pick a favorite only after much delicious debate.
The peanut butter cream deserves a nod for balance. The peanut butter reads clearly without overpowering, which is a tricky feat for that flavor.
Rich French Silk sits on the decadent end of the menu for those who want something indulgent. Between all these options, the cream pie category alone could fuel more than one road trip.
Cinnamon Rolls For The Ride
Pie may be the main event, but the cinnamon rolls refuse to be an afterthought. They rack up frequent mentions and often end up in the take-home bag alongside the pies.
People grab them on the way out almost by reflex. A whole pie for the family and a few cinnamon rolls for the drive has become a common Myrtle’s order.
The rolls hold their own next to the shop’s baking reputation. They are described as very good, which fits the standard set by everything else in the case.
Because they pair so well with coffee, they make a natural companion for anyone dining in. A warm roll and a hot cup turn a quick stop into a relaxed pause.
Not every bakery can moonlight as both a pie destination and a cinnamon roll stop. This one manages both without missing a beat.
Take-And-Bake Pies And Quiches
The freezer is a secret weapon for out-of-towners. It stays stocked with take-and-bake pies and quiches in a variety that rivals the fresh case.
That setup makes long drives practical. Guests can grab frozen options, drive home, and bake fresh whenever the craving hits.
Savory fans get some love, too. Whole quiches sit in the mix for anyone who wants something beyond dessert to carry back.
Regulars have figured out the drill and come prepared. Bringing a cooler is a common tip, since it keeps everything in good shape for the trip back.
Some arrive with actual grocery lists for friends and coworkers. The freezer turns a single visit into a supply run for an entire circle of pie lovers.
Custom Orders And Special Requests
Craving a flavor that is not in the case today? A quick call ahead can usually sort that out.
The shop takes custom orders with a little advance notice.
The made-to-order list is extensive, so the possibilities stretch well beyond the daily lineup. Guests get handed a full menu and simply choose what they want.
Dietary needs are handled with care as well. A gluten free crust can be arranged when requested ahead of time.
This flexibility makes the shop a go-to for holidays and celebrations. Ordering a specific pie for a special occasion is as easy as planning it in advance.
The willingness to say yes reflects the personal touch that runs through the whole operation. It feels less like a transaction and more like a favor from a friend who happens to bake beautifully.
The Owner Who Loves The Craft
Behind the counter stands an owner who clearly loves what he does, and it shows in every slice. Named David by grateful guests, he is often called one of the nicest people you will meet.
He plays host as much as baker, happy to serve and quick with a warm welcome. That hospitality turns a quick errand into a genuinely pleasant visit.
Creativity keeps the menu lively. He is known for constantly coming up with something new and delicious, which keeps regulars curious about the next batch.
His passion sets the tone for the whole shop. When the person making the pies enjoys the work this much, the results speak for themselves.
That personal connection is a big reason people return. Folks come for the pie and stay loyal because of the friendly face who serves it.
A Cozy Spot To Linger
The space invites you to stay a while. A handful of large family-style tables give guests room to sit, chat, and enjoy a slice without rushing off.
The vibe leans homey and charming, with decor that draws the eye while you decide what to order. It is the kind of room where old friends catch up and share a few laughs.
Both indoor and outdoor seating are available depending on the season. That flexibility makes it easy to settle in whatever the weather.
Hot and cold drinks round out the experience for anyone dining in. Coffee, hot chocolate, and assorted teas pair naturally with a plate of pie.
The atmosphere earns just as much affection as the food. A great place to sit and enjoy a slice is exactly how many describe it, and that comfort keeps people coming back.
Coffee And Tea To Pair
A slice of pie almost begs for a warm cup beside it, and the shop delivers. Delicious coffee, served with fresh cream, is a favorite companion for dining in.
Warm options extend to hot chocolate for those who skip the coffee. On a cool day, it makes the visit feel all the more comfortable.
Tea drinkers are not left out either. Several types of tea round out the drink menu for guests who want something lighter.
The pairing turns a fast stop into a relaxed pause. Many people plan to return specifically to sit down with a slice and a cup rather than rush out with a box.
Simple as it sounds, the coffee-and-pie combination is part of the shop’s charm. It is the small detail that nudges a quick visit into a lingering one.
Hours, Prices, And Planning Your Trip
Timing is everything with this shop, since the hours are limited. It opens Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM, while Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday stay closed.
Checking before you drive is wise. Frequent guests always stress looking up the schedule so a long trip does not end at a locked door.
Prices land on the reasonable side, which makes stocking up feel guilt-free. Grabbing several slices or a whole pie will not strain the wallet.
Phoning ahead pays off in more ways than one. It lets you reserve a specific flavor or a frozen pie or quiche to take home.
Whole pies, slices, and freezer options all sit ready for different plans. Whatever the mission, a little advance thought makes the visit smooth and the drive home sweet.
Why The Drive Pays Off
By the end, the math becomes clear. A shop that pulls guests from across the region, with a 4.8-star reputation across hundreds of reviews, is doing something right.
People plan trips around it and return again and again, some treating it as a standing stop whenever they pass through the area. Loyalty like that does not happen by accident.
The combination of flaky crusts, a huge rotating selection, and a genuinely kind owner adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Every element supports the reputation the pies have earned.
The freezer, custom orders, and cozy tables mean the shop fits both quick runs and slow afternoons. There is a version of the visit for nearly every kind of pie lover.
So when the craving for a real strawberry rhubarb pie strikes, this little Princeton spot makes the miles feel like a bargain. Pack a cooler, check the hours, and let the road lead you to some very good pie.
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