10 Irresistible Pie Shops In Tennessee That Are Worth The Road Trip This Year
The smell of a freshly baked pie can make anyone pause for a moment. In Tennessee, pie isn’t just dessert.
It’s a tradition that shows up in bakeries, small-town cafés, and family-run shops where recipes have been passed down for generations. Flaky crusts, rich fillings, and generous slices keep people coming back again and again.
Apple pies cool on racks, chocolate cream pies sit proudly in glass cases, and pecan pies shine with that perfect golden topping. Some travelers even plan entire drives around these sweet stops.
For anyone who loves a good slice, these Tennessee pie shops make the journey completely worthwhile.
1. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, Knoxville
Some places earn their reputation one slice at a time, and the original Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop on Kingston Pike in Knoxville has been doing exactly that for years. Sitting at 5400 Kingston Pike, this location feels like the kind of spot your grandmother would have loved, with a welcoming atmosphere and the unmistakable scent of fresh-baked crust drifting out the door.
The shop draws loyal regulars and curious first-timers alike, all arriving for the same reason: exceptional pie made the old-fashioned way.
Family recipes are at the heart of everything baked here. The Southern custard pie is a crowd favorite, smooth and rich with just the right amount of sweetness.
Granny’s apple pie brings that classic warmth that makes you feel like you are sitting at a kitchen table on a Sunday afternoon.
The shop also rotates seasonal flavors, so every visit has the potential to surprise you with something new and memorable. The staff is friendly and genuinely enthusiastic about what they serve, which makes the experience even better.
Visiting this original location feels like a rite of passage for any pie lover exploring Knoxville, and it absolutely deserves a spot on your Tennessee road trip itinerary this year.
2. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop – Turkey Creek
Just a short drive from the original, the Turkey Creek location of Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop brings the same beloved recipes to a lively shopping district on the west side of Knoxville. Found at 11525 Parkside Drive, this spot is perfectly positioned for shoppers and families looking for a sweet reward after a busy afternoon.
The atmosphere is fresh and modern while still carrying the warm, homey spirit that makes the Buttermilk Sky brand so recognizable.
The pies here follow the same commitment to quality that has made the original location a Knoxville staple. Each pie is made using time-tested techniques, with real ingredients and careful attention to texture and flavor.
The chocolate chess pie is a particular standout, delivering a dense, fudgy richness that chocolate lovers absolutely cannot resist.
One of the best things about this location is how easy it is to grab a whole pie to take home, making it a go-to stop for holiday gatherings and special celebrations. The staff takes pride in helping customers choose the right flavor for any occasion, offering suggestions with genuine enthusiasm.
If your road trip takes you through the western side of Knoxville, stopping here is a decision you will not regret for even a single second.
3. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop – Johnson City
Nestled in the heart of the Tri-Cities region, the Johnson City outpost of Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop brings a beloved Knoxville tradition to northeast Tennessee. Located at 3135 People’s Street, Suite 300, this location has quickly built its own loyal following among locals who appreciate handcrafted pies made with real care and quality ingredients.
The shop fits naturally into the vibrant energy of Johnson City, offering a cozy retreat for anyone craving something sweet and satisfying.
Regulars here rave about the lemon icebox pie, which balances tart citrus with a creamy, cool filling that feels especially refreshing during warmer months. The coconut cream pie is another crowd pleaser, layered with toasted coconut and a silky custard that somehow manages to taste even better than it looks.
Both feel like a celebration in every bite.
The Johnson City location also benefits from the same rotating seasonal menu that keeps things exciting across all Buttermilk Sky shops. Visiting during fall means encountering pumpkin and spiced apple options that capture the season beautifully.
The space itself is inviting and unhurried, making it easy to linger over a slice and a cup of coffee. For anyone road-tripping through the mountains of northeast Tennessee, this stop is absolutely worth the detour.
4. Julia’s Homestyle Bakery, Murfreesboro
There is something genuinely comforting about walking into Julia’s Homestyle Bakery on Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro. The space feels personal and unpretentious, like someone really did pour their heart into every recipe on the menu.
Located at 1911 Medical Center Parkway B, this bakery has carved out a loyal community of fans who return again and again for pies that taste exactly like they were made in someone’s home kitchen, because in spirit, they absolutely were.
The sweet potato pie here is legendary among regulars, offering a deep, spiced richness that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. The buttermilk pie is another standout, simple and honest with a slightly tangy custard filling that pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.
Both pies reflect a commitment to keeping things real and rooted in Southern tradition.
Julia’s also offers a rotating selection of fruit pies that change with the seasons, so there is always a reason to come back and try something different. The bakery has a laid-back, neighborhood feel that makes first-time visitors feel like regulars right away.
Murfreesboro sits conveniently along several major routes through Middle Tennessee, making Julia’s Homestyle Bakery an easy and extremely rewarding addition to any pie-focused road trip across the state.
5. Pie R Square, Red Bank
The name alone tells you that Pie R Square on Dayton Boulevard in Red Bank is not your average bakery. Playful, creative, and unapologetically original, this shop at 4403 Dayton Boulevard has built a strong reputation for pushing pie boundaries in the best possible way.
Red Bank is a charming community just north of Chattanooga, and Pie R Square fits right into its spirited, independent character with a menu that surprises and delights in equal measure.
Creative flavor combinations are the shop’s calling card. Think unexpected pairings that sound unusual on paper but make perfect sense the moment you take a bite.
The shop rotates its offerings regularly, which means loyal customers are always discovering something new and keeping the experience fresh and exciting with each visit.
Beyond the inventive flavors, Pie R Square also nails the classics, offering solid versions of traditional favorites for those who prefer familiar comfort over culinary adventure. The crust across the board is consistently excellent, flaky and golden with a satisfying snap when you press a fork through it.
The shop has a welcoming, slightly quirky vibe that makes it a genuinely fun place to spend time. Anyone passing through the Chattanooga area should absolutely put this creative little pie destination on their must-visit list this year.
6. Lambert’s Southern Pies & Bake Shop, Maryville
Maryville sits at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, and Lambert’s Southern Pies and Bake Shop at 1116 East Broadway Avenue feels like a natural extension of everything that makes this region so appealing. The shop is deeply rooted in Southern baking tradition, offering pies that are straightforward, generous, and made with the kind of quality that speaks for itself without any need for fancy presentation.
Walking in for the first time feels immediately right.
Lambert’s excels at the classics, with pies that honor the flavors most associated with Tennessee’s culinary identity. The pecan pie is rich and sticky in all the right ways, while the fruit pies carry the bright, honest taste of real ingredients handled with respect.
Regulars often mention that the crust sets Lambert’s apart, achieving a tenderness and flavor that is hard to find anywhere else in the area.
The shop also serves as a community gathering point, attracting both locals and visitors who are exploring the gateway towns near the national park. Its location makes it an ideal stop before or after a day of hiking or sightseeing in the Smokies.
Lambert’s Southern Pies and Bake Shop is exactly the kind of place that reminds you why road trips through Tennessee are so rewarding and full of genuinely good discoveries at every turn.
7. Merridee’s Breadbasket, Franklin
Franklin is one of the most picturesque small cities in the entire state, and Merridee’s Breadbasket at 110 Fourth Avenue South fits perfectly into its historic downtown charm. This beloved bakery has been a Franklin institution for decades, earning a devoted following through consistently excellent baked goods and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels genuinely timeless.
The moment you step inside, the smell of fresh bread and pastry makes it impossible to think about leaving quickly.
Pies at Merridee’s carry the same old-world care that defines everything the bakery produces. The chess pie is a particular point of pride, sweet and rich with a slightly crackled top that gives way to a smooth, dense filling underneath.
Fruit pies made with seasonal ingredients round out a menu that changes just enough to stay interesting while always delivering the comforting familiarity that keeps people coming back.
The setting inside Merridee’s is part of the appeal, with wooden tables and a relaxed pace that encourages you to slow down and actually enjoy your food. Franklin itself is worth exploring before or after your visit, with its historic Civil War sites and boutique shops just steps away.
Merridee’s Breadbasket is the kind of place that becomes a personal tradition once you discover it, and it earns its place on this list with complete ease.
8. Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe, Memphis
Memphis has a bold food culture, and Butteriffic Bakery and Cafe at 488 South Second Street brings that same energy to the world of pies and pastries. Located in the South Main Arts District, this bakery occupies a space where creativity and craftsmanship meet in a genuinely exciting way.
The neighborhood itself is full of galleries, restaurants, and independent shops, making Butteriffic a natural anchor for anyone spending a day exploring one of Tennessee’s most vibrant urban neighborhoods.
The pies here lean toward the indulgent end of the spectrum, with rich fillings and buttery crusts that justify every single calorie. The caramel apple pie is a standout, layering deep caramel sweetness with the gentle tartness of fresh apple in a combination that feels both classic and elevated at the same time.
Chocolate-based options are equally impressive, showing real skill in balancing sweetness with depth.
The cafe side of the operation adds another layer of appeal, offering coffee and light bites that make Butteriffic an easy place to settle into for an hour or two. The staff is attentive and clearly proud of what comes out of their kitchen each day.
For anyone road-tripping through western Tennessee and making a stop in Memphis, this South Main gem is a must-visit destination that delivers on every level.
9. Pie Sensations, Columbia
Right on the historic public square in Columbia, Pie Sensations has turned a simple concept into something truly special. At 26 Public Square, this shop occupies a spot that feels made for a bakery, surrounded by the energy of a thriving downtown and the kind of foot traffic that comes from being exactly where people want to be.
Columbia is a city on the rise, and Pie Sensations has grown right along with it, earning fans across the entire Middle Tennessee region.
The peach bourbon pie is the one that gets talked about most, and for very good reason. It combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a subtle warmth from bourbon, creating a filling that feels sophisticated without losing any of its down-home appeal.
The crust is consistently well-executed, providing a sturdy and flavorful base that complements rather than competes with the filling.
Beyond the signature flavors, Pie Sensations offers a rotating menu that keeps regulars guessing and first-timers eager to try multiple options before choosing just one slice. The shop has a genuine small-town warmth that makes every visit feel personal and unhurried.
Columbia is about an hour south of Nashville, making Pie Sensations an easy and extremely satisfying detour for anyone traveling through the heart of Middle Tennessee this year.
10. Lynnville Fried Pie Company, Lynnville
If you have never had a fried pie, Lynnville Fried Pie Company at 121 Mill Street in Lynnville is the perfect place to experience one for the very first time. Lynnville is a tiny, charming town in southern Middle Tennessee that feels like it exists outside of time in the best possible way, and this little shop fits its surroundings perfectly.
The concept is simple: hand-held pastry pockets filled with sweet or savory fillings, fried to golden perfection and served warm.
The result is something that sits somewhere between a turnover and a traditional slice of pie, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavorful filling inside. Apple and peach are perennial favorites, delivering that familiar fruit-and-sugar comfort in a portable format that is easy to eat while wandering the quiet streets of downtown Lynnville.
Each fried pie is made in small batches, which keeps quality high and every bite consistent.
The shop itself is small and unpretentious, decorated in a way that honors the rural Tennessee heritage surrounding it. Visiting feels like discovering a local secret that only the most adventurous road-trippers ever find.
Lynnville is a slight detour from the main highways, but the Lynnville Fried Pie Company makes that detour feel completely and utterly worthwhile for anyone serious about experiencing Tennessee’s full pie tradition.