Ask a foodie: When you want pie, where do you go?

Rebecca LaClair

I know it's not what you think of when you think of pie, but I would argue that The Original Fried Pie Shop in Sikeston, Missouri has created a fried pie that will rival the best traditional pies. Sweet or savory, fillings of all kinds stuff the insides of the most delectable, flaky, flavorful pie crust that I have ever tasted. For a savory choice, I liked the beef and vegetables the most. It was like all the best parts of a frozen potpie from my childhood taken to an undreamed of degree. All of the fruit pies were amazing, and the folks that run the place were extremely friendly, fun and know their pies.

Jessica Medlock

I had to ask my neighbor Sharon for ideas on where to go for pie. I like pie, just didn't think about a favorite place before. Sharon suggested the Pie Bird Cafe in Fruitland, and I got a piece of coconut cream pie. It was a great piece of pie. From the meringue to the crust, it was really tasty. Crust is important, you shouldn't shove it to the side in favor of the filling. Pie Bird has a flavorful and flaky crust. I enjoyed it as much as I did the filling. I thought it was very well made!

Matt Glenn

A cherry pie from the Original Fried Pie Shop.Submitted by Rebecca LaClair

If you're ever in Clinton, Missouri, and you happen across a woman named Marsha Glenn, and you ask her nicely to make you a pie, she will produce the greatest apple pie you have come across. You can pick this thing up and eat it like a sandwich. Sweet, tart, buttery, flaky. And I know, the best is a bold statement, but over the years I've seen the proudest of piesmiths openly weep in the presence of her baked goods. So to walk the earth of Southeast Missouri on a quest for pie left me apprehensive. I remember there was a foodie that name dropped Pie Safe in Pocahontas and went on a little adventure. Friendly owners in a once-before town bank with the vault turned into a vintage candy shop (with Necco wafers!). The piesmith there sold me an apple pie and a coconut cream pie. They. Did. Not. Disappoint. A firm down-home apple pie that reminded me of momma and brought a tear to my eye. And the coconut cream was amazing. Truly a master piesmith of her caliber. And other goodies of cinnamon rolls, pot pies and so much more. Call ahead for whatever your request is and they'll arrange it. Also as a bonus score, they recommended that I go to the East Prairie Pub in Frohna, Missouri for some lunch. The folks at The Pie Safe sent me to a local bar that regaled me of a pound burger, hand pattied, from local beef, fed with molasses (by now this is a fatman's Harlequinn novel). People! Get pie first! Then get burger! We will definitely be back at both places.

Mary Castillo

I came across my favorite pie about two years ago. I was spending a lazy Saturday afternoon exploring Downtown Cape Girardeau, when I had the craving for something coconut flavored. As I considered the possibilities, the idea of a decadent slice of coconut cream pie came to mind. Coconut cream pie is easy enough to make, but as I contemplated buying the ingredients and the wait, I realized I was looking for instant gratification. I reached out to my Facebook friends for suggestions and, as usual, they came through. Sandy's Place Restaurant at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. I called ahead and confirmed they had what I was looking for. I rolled the windows down, blasted some country music, and enjoyed the sunshine as I drove to the airport. If you have never been there, it has a no frills, little "mom and pop" kind of atmosphere. It is all about the food, and they have plenty of delicious food options on their menu and buffet. I ordered my slice of coconut cream pie to go and the slice I was given was so large I wasn't even sure it would fit in the container. They made it happen. I could hardly wait to get home and taste the first bite. Who am I kidding? I took the first, second and third bite right there in my car in the parking lot. Decadent. Creamy. Heaven. The portion was definitely made to be shared, and I found a grateful friend to finish it up. Pie lovers will be pleased with the variety of options available. During the week their hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended hours on Friday and Saturday definitely make it an easier option for a weekend indulgence. My only regret is not having a photo to share with you, but now you have the perfect excuse to check it out and see for yourself.

Ellen Gipson

Honestly, I cannot remember ever going into any restaurant with the intention of ordering (dessert) pie. Fruit pies are my husband's absolute favorite dessert, and when it comes to pie standards, he's an American Paul Hollywood. (Anyone else addicted to The Great British Baking Show?!) Nobody comes close to his mom & grandma's all from-scratch pie recipes, but we enjoyed the adventure looking for a close second place. And on a lazy Saturday morning we discovered the Pie Bird Cafe in Fruitland. A cozy, family-style restaurant where everyone seemed to know each other -- very Mayberry/Stars Hallow-esk. Pie Bird Cafe offers a delicious traditional breakfast and lunch menu of pancakes, biscuits and gravy, omelets, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and of course, pie! Coconut Cream, blackberry, strawberry-rhubarb, peach, chocolate silk and even more depending on the day of the week. The pies are prepared on-site by their in-house baker and freshly baked each day. These delicious pies can be purchased whole or by the slice with absolutely no judgment from the server for ordering three slices of pie with breakfast.

-- Compiled by Joshua Hartwig