Sister Pie
You’ve been to a library, but have you been to a piebrary? That’s the term for this bakery’s antique hutch filled with a selection of eclectic mugs, any of which you’re free to “check out” for your morning coffee. The piebrary is just one of the many irresistibly charming details at Lisa Ludwinski’s sweets shop, a burst of friendliness and energy on an otherwise quiet corner of Detroit’s West Village. On the counter are the day’s creations: dozens of cookies in inspired flavor combinations like peanut butter-paprika (it works!), a healthy little salad, and—of course—the showstopping pies. Ludwinski is famous for her salted maple, a creamy custard in a twice-baked, all-butter, crazy-flaky shell. Alongside that staple are rotating beauties that span the growing season from strawberry rhubarb-lavender in early summer to cranberry-tangerine in the winter. Each slice comes on a precious vintage plate, topped with freshly whipped cream, because, no, this place could not be any cuter.
PRO TIP: The “Pie It Forward” program allows anyone feeling generous to purchase a slice for a future customer.
THE DETAILS: Closes at 4 p.m. on weekends—and popular pies might sell out before then. Tuesday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed Mondays).
