Phoenix, AZPie Shops

Bekke Holmes bakes the pecan pies at this Phoenix barbecue joint, and her husband, pitmaster Scott Holmes, gives them a turn in his signature smoker, so a classic pecan pie picks up a layer of smoke. They come as individual pie-lets all year, with full-size pies at the holidays. This entry is the University Drive location, one of the two. Order the smoked pecan pie-let.

The lemon meringue pie is the signature dessert at this seafood restaurant, and this entry is its Camelback Road room. A buttery graham cracker crust holds a pool of tart lemon custard, topped with a towering dome of light meringue torched to a glossy bronze, a diner classic given a dramatic presentation. Order the lemon meringue pie to close out a seafood dinner.

Pecan pie is the signature dessert at this Central Phoenix institution on 16th Street. Its top carries a pronounced layer of caramel and toasted pecans, dark and rich, very sweet without tipping out of balance, and heavy on caramelized nuts. Order a slice of the pecan pie to finish.

A Moon Valley pie shop that bakes personal-size pies. The personal pecan pie arrives with well-toasted pecans, a well-developed, flavorful crust and a lighter filling that is not dense, so it eats easily. Order the personal pecan pie.

Pie Snob's founder sold pies out of her house for years before opening this Arcadia storefront, and the pie bakery now also has shops in Uptown Phoenix and Chandler. The apple crumb pie packs chunky, cinnamon-spiced apple slices under a flaky, buttery crust, and the case also turns to key lime, chocolate cream, blueberry and caramel apple. Order the apple crumb.