Tucked away on North Main Street in Princeton, Illinois, Myrtle’s Pie is the kind of place that makes you feel like you just walked into grandma’s kitchen. With a 4.8-star rating and a loyal crowd of regulars who drive from as far as Chicago and Peoria just to get a slice, this little shop has clearly earned its reputation.
Open only Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, every visit feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re passing through on I-80 or making a dedicated pie pilgrimage, here’s everything you need to know about this beloved Princeton gem.
A Hidden Gem Worth Every Mile of the Drive
Some places are worth going out of your way for, and Myrtle’s Pie in Princeton, Illinois is absolutely one of them. Customers regularly make drives of over an hour — some nearly two hours — just to grab a slice or two.
One reviewer even called it a “road trip destination,” and honestly, that tracks.
Located at 927 N Main St, the shop sits in a charming small-town setting with nearby antique stores and local shops to explore after your visit. The modest exterior gives no hint of the extraordinary pies waiting inside.
If you’re traveling along Interstate 80, this is your sign to pull off and stop in. Locals say once you’ve tried Myrtle’s, you’ll always plan your route around it.
Go ahead and make the trip — you won’t regret a single mile of it.
The Man Behind the Magic: Meet David
Behind every legendary pie shop is a passionate baker, and at Myrtle’s, that person is David. Customers who’ve worked with him glow in their reviews, describing him as professional, talented, and genuinely excited about what he does.
One bride raved that David made 38 pies of various varieties for her wedding — and they were nearly all gone by the end of the night.
His dedication shows in every bite. Reviewers call him a “true artist” and credit him with bringing a real sense of craft to each pie he bakes.
He’s happy to chat, help you choose your slice, and even take special requests.
David isn’t just running a business — he’s sharing a passion with his community. That personal touch is a big reason why Myrtle’s feels less like a shop and more like a warm, welcoming experience every single time.
Flaky, Golden Crusts That Steal the Show
A great pie lives or dies by its crust, and Myrtle’s has cracked the code. Reviewers consistently praise the crusts as flaky, buttery, and perfectly baked — one customer in their 60s called it the best homemade crust they’d ever tasted in their entire life.
That’s not a small statement.
Unlike the soggy or overly thick crusts you might find elsewhere, Myrtle’s crusts are light and crisp without being crumbly. They hold up beautifully whether filled with a rich cream or a juicy fruit filling.
Several people specifically mentioned that the crust alone made the whole experience worthwhile.
One guest even jokingly apologized to their grandmother for saying Myrtle’s crust was better. When your pie inspires that kind of devotion, you know you’re doing something right.
Every bite starts with that perfect golden shell.
Fruit Pies That Taste Like Summer in Every Bite
Fruit pie lovers, rejoice — Myrtle’s is your paradise. The shop offers a rotating selection of fresh fruit pies that change with the seasons, featuring favorites like apple, cherry, peach, strawberry rhubarb, and even strawberry mango.
One reviewer described the strawberry rhubarb as “the perfect mix of sweet and tart,” and that kind of balance is hard to find.
The peach pie has drawn particular praise, with guests calling it delicious and true to the fruit’s natural sweetness. Apple and cherry slices disappear fast, so arriving early on a Thursday or Friday gives you the best shot at snagging your favorite.
What sets these pies apart is that the fillings never taste artificial or overly sweet. The fruit flavor comes through clearly, the way it would in a pie made at home with care.
Seasonal fruit pies are a big reason people keep coming back.
Cream Pies So Good They’ll Change Your Standards
If cream pies are your thing, prepare to have your expectations completely reset. Myrtle’s lineup of cream pies is nothing short of spectacular, featuring flavors like coconut cream, banana cream, butterscotch, tiramisu cream, and the fan-favorite Monster Peanut Butter Cream.
Reviewers use words like “light,” “silky,” and “fluffy” to describe these dreamy creations.
The coconut cream, in particular, has earned legendary status among regulars. One guest described it as the best they’d ever tasted — light, airy, and packed with real coconut flavor.
The peanut butter version strikes a careful balance so the flavor isn’t overpowering, which is a tough act to pull off.
These pies aren’t cloyingly sweet, which makes them surprisingly easy to finish an entire slice (or two). Cream pies at Myrtle’s set a new benchmark for what homemade really means, slice by satisfying slice.
The French Silk Pie That Deserves Its Own Fan Club
Among all the pies at Myrtle’s, the French Silk has developed something of a cult following. Rich, velvety, and deeply chocolatey, it’s the kind of pie that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.
One reviewer who tried it at Thanksgiving called it flat-out the best pie they had ever eaten — and they’ve clearly had a lot of pie in their lifetime.
The filling is smooth without being heavy, and the balance between sweetness and chocolate intensity is spot-on. Paired with a flaky crust and a cloud of fresh whipped cream, it’s a showstopper for any occasion.
People order it for holidays, parties, and just regular Saturdays when they need something extraordinary.
If you only try one pie on your first visit to Myrtle’s, many regulars will tell you to make it the French Silk. Once you do, you’ll understand the hype completely.
Lemon Meringue With Meringue Stacked Sky-High
Myrtle’s lemon meringue pie is the stuff of dessert legends. Reviewers describe the meringue as standing at least four inches tall — perfectly cooked, light, and airy without a hint of the rubbery texture that plagues lesser versions.
Beneath that cloud of meringue sits a lemon filling that’s tart without being sour, sweet without being cloying.
Getting that balance right in a lemon meringue is genuinely difficult, and Myrtle’s nails it every single time. One reviewer who drove nearly two hours specifically mentioned the lemon meringue as a highlight of the trip, calling it “amazing” and “just the right balance.”
For anyone who’s been burned by flat, weepy meringue at other bakeries, this pie is a refreshing revelation. Grab a slice early in the day because it tends to sell out fast.
The lemon meringue alone is worth planning your whole visit around.
Gluten-Free Options That Don’t Compromise on Flavor
Finding a truly great gluten-free pie is rarer than you might think, and Myrtle’s has stepped up in a big way for guests who need that option. David offers gluten-free crust on request — you just need to call ahead to place your order.
At a wedding where 38 pies were served, several were gluten-free, and guests reportedly loved them just as much as the regular versions.
That’s the real win here: the gluten-free pies don’t feel like a compromise. They’re made with the same care and quality ingredients as every other pie in the shop.
Guests with dietary restrictions don’t have to settle for a lesser experience.
If you’re planning to visit and need a gluten-free option, a quick phone call to +1 815-915-8397 will get you set up. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference for a lot of people who love pie.
Custom and Special-Order Pies for Any Occasion
One of the best-kept secrets at Myrtle’s is just how flexible they are with custom orders. Walk in and you’ll find an extensive handwritten list of pie flavors available by request — all you need to do is call ahead with enough notice.
From rare flavors to large-quantity orders, David and his team can accommodate a surprising range of requests.
One couple ordered 38 pies in multiple varieties for their wedding reception, and the results were so good that nearly all of them were gone before the night ended. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, birthday party, or office celebration, Myrtle’s can make your dessert table truly unforgettable.
Custom orders are also a smart move if you have a specific craving that isn’t always on the regular rotation. A little planning and a phone call go a long way when Myrtle’s is doing the baking for your special event.
Take-and-Bake Frozen Pies to Enjoy at Home
Can’t finish your pie in one sitting? No problem — Myrtle’s has you covered with a freezer stocked full of take-and-bake pies and quiches in an impressive variety of flavors.
These frozen options are perfect for stocking up when you make the drive, especially if you’re bringing treats back for friends, family, or coworkers.
One reviewer mentioned that regulars sometimes show up with grocery lists, loading up on frozen pies to bring home for the week. It’s a brilliant way to extend the Myrtle’s experience beyond your visit.
Reviewers recommend bringing a cooler in your car to keep everything fresh on the drive back.
The take-and-bake selection mirrors the quality of the fresh pies, so you’re not sacrificing anything by going the frozen route. Calling ahead to reserve specific flavors is a smart move, especially if you have something particular in mind for the week ahead.
A Cozy, Old-Fashioned Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
Step inside Myrtle’s and you immediately feel the shift — it’s warm, unhurried, and genuinely welcoming. The shop features large family-style tables that encourage you to linger over your coffee and pie rather than rush through your visit.
Reviewers consistently describe the vibe as “homey,” “charming,” and like “a place from the past.”
The decor earns plenty of compliments on its own, with a unique storefront and interior styling that feels curated and personal rather than generic. It’s the kind of place where strangers at the next table end up laughing and sharing stories over dessert.
That communal energy is rare and worth savoring.
Hot coffee with fresh cream is always available to pair with your slice, adding to the old-school cafe feel. Whether you’re catching up with a friend or enjoying a quiet solo stop, Myrtle’s creates the perfect backdrop for any kind of visit.
Pecan, Key Lime, and Specialty Pies Worth Seeking Out
Beyond the cream and fruit classics, Myrtle’s also turns out some seriously impressive specialty pies. The pecan pie has been praised by multiple guests as one of the best they’ve ever tasted, and the key lime — described by one husband as possibly the best he’d ever had — keeps people talking long after the last bite.
The shop also offers creative options like Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake, Cherry Cheesecake, Blueberry Cheesecake, Tiramisu Cream, and even a fun Cake Batter pie with sprinkles that’s perfect for kids. Seasonal and rotating flavors mean there’s almost always something new to discover on each visit, keeping things exciting for repeat customers.
Reviewers who’ve sampled widely across the menu say the quality stays remarkably consistent no matter which flavor you choose. Myrtle’s specialty pies prove that the shop isn’t just good at the classics — they’re genuinely creative bakers with serious range.
Limited Hours That Make Every Visit Feel Special
Part of what makes Myrtle’s so beloved is its delightful scarcity. Open only Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, the shop’s limited schedule creates a sense of occasion around every visit.
You don’t just pop in on a whim — you plan for it, you look forward to it, and that anticipation makes the pies taste even better.
Those short hours also reflect the dedication that goes into each pie. Baking at this level of quality takes real time and effort, and the schedule ensures David and his team can pour everything into what they make.
Nothing is rushed, nothing is mass-produced.
If you’re thinking about visiting, check the hours before you head out and consider calling ahead if you have a specific flavor in mind. Arriving close to opening time gives you the widest selection before popular flavors sell out.
The early pie-lover gets the best slice.