PIEOWA Pie Passport

You asked, so here it is — a list of the pie shops and places featured in the documentary, PIEOWA : A PIECE OF AMERICA. If you visit any of these places, be sure to tell them you saw them in the film.

In order of appearance in the film

The Canteen Lunch in the Alley

This is Tom Arnold’s go-to place when he visits his hometown of Ottumwa. They’ve been serving loose meat burgers, milkshakes, and many flavors of pies since 1936.

Donnellson UCC Lunch (Church Lady Pie)

Lunches are held monthly during the fall, winter and spring. Free will donation.

Chef George Formaro (Pie Crust)

Chef Formaro is passionate about pie and “because we’re in Iowa,” he favors a butter and lard crust. You can find his pies at Gateway Market, though they sell out fast.

Pie Mates Australian Bake House

Available at Des Moines Farmers Markets (Saturdays), Valley Junction Farmers Market (Thursdays), various cafes, and by special order. Follow them on Facebook to get their updates and pop-up locations.

The Egg Roll Ladies

Check their website for food truck events/locations.

The Classic Deli

Just off interstate 80, west of Des Moines, is this quiet town with excellent food — and pie.

Pies and Pastries by Lana (Pie Crust, Iowa State Fair, and RAGBRAI)

Lana has won countless blue ribbons for her pies. She has so many flavors to choose from. You need to order ahead for pickup at the Mickle Center in the Sherman Hill area.

The Bacon Box / Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe (Iowa State Fair)

Goldie’s is the year round location for The Bacon Box concessionaire that sells pecan pie on a stick at the Iowa State Fair. Have a pork tenderloin sandwich at Goldie’s, voted best in Iowa, but save room for pie.

Bonaparte Retreat (State Pie of Iowa)

Their sour cream raisin pie is pictured in the film, but they often have at least 6 kinds of pies to choose from, all made from scratch by a local baker.

Chellie’s Sugga Shack (Sweet Potato Pie)

Kay’s Korner (RAGBRAI)

During RAGBRAI, Mary Kay made hundreds of pies, including gluten free. She’s in her 80s and continues to make customers happy with her baked goods, including some very tasty cinnamon rolls. Call for hours.

Ames Methodist Church (RAGBRAI)

Dr. Pie was featured here eating “fantastic” pecan pie during RAGBRAI. The “Pie Ladies” make 20 to 25 pies each month, sold frozen (unbaked) at the church. Call for availability and pickup times.

Necessities Mercantile (Pies to Say Thank You)

Their blueberry pie is pictured in the State Auditor’s PIE program segment. Their pie flavors change daily, but it’s always homemade, and they have excellent coffee to go with it. While you’re in Eldon, make sure to stop by the American Gothic House to pose for a photo.

Once Upon an Apple Pie (Pie Goes to Broadway)

After the film came out, they opened a brick and mortar location in Grimes, and not currently at farmers markets. They specialize in mini pies with flavors that change monthly. Their lemon chess pie is a favorite. Online ordering available.

Home Slice Handmade Pies (Pie Shop Born During the Pandemic)

The Pie Lady (Pie in the Sky)

Laura Bru is still busy baking in her “pie mobile” every August at the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa. You can also find her at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market on Saturdays from May to October. She pops up at many other locations and events, which she posts on Facebook.

Try Pie Bakery (Next Generation of Pie Bakers)

Online ordering and shipping available. Beth recommends getting a pie shake. It’s worth the calories!

Eat Free Pie (Thanksgiving)

Sign up to get a free pie delivered. Better yet donate a pie. Better still, create your own free pie giveaway in your community. Contact Kaylee Williams for more info.

Parks Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Chuck’s (Thanksgiving)

Free Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Dine-in, carry-out, or delivery available. Or during the rest of the year enjoy an Italian meal.