There’s only one word fit to describe Pie Sisters: Adorable. Everything about M Street’s newest bakery, from its tale of sisterly success to the miniature “cuppy” pies on display inside the store, is nothing short of gooey and cute.
Sisters Erin, Cat, and Alli Blakely have been dreaming of their store for years now. Before Pie Sisters opened, the women sold their pies online, perfecting recipes they had been baking since childhood. Cat Blakely, still a full-time employee of the State Department, recently returned from a contracting position in Iraq, making it possible for the Pie Sisters to make their long-awaited move into a storefront at the foot of Key Bridge.
Starting a successful small business in Georgetown’s competitive market is no easy feat. The Sisters’ biggest challenge was finding enough time to meet the growing demand for their pies. Though all of the Blakely women and their small staff bake for long hours every day, the shop usually closes up for the evening once they’re entirely sold out of pies. This speaks volumes about the quality of their product, and bodes well for the longevity of the shop—apparently, Georgetown is ready for an alternative to the endless flow of cupcakes.
The interior of the shop reflects the sisters’ shared history and taste. Described as “country chic” by the owners themselves, the shop is characterized by recovered wood counters and floors paired with modern décor. The result feels like a cross between a homey family kitchen and an elegant urban coffee shop—not a bad place to eat pie. The relaxing oldies soundtrack and mouth-watering smell of baking pies doesn’t hurt either.
Even more delightful than the shop’s décor are the pies themselves. The bakery offers a variety of their popular sweet and savory flavors from apple to chili by the slice or in the form of a “cuppie,” a cupcake-sized pie. Diners can’t help but compare these portables to the cupcakes peddled from nearby Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles, but the Pie Sisters certainly have innovation on their side. In addition to their novelty, the bakery’s pies excel in taste and execution. The chocolate and vanilla cream pies consist of rich pudding topped with whipped cream, while the key lime pie features the perfect balance of a tart citrus filling and buttery crust. The pumpkin spice pie is a favorite of those who want something a little less sweet, and the sisters offer a chocolate pecan pie for their more nut-inclined customers. In addition to these and other in-store pies, the Sisters have an extended menu of specialty pies, ready with 24 hours notice.
The Pie Sisters are a welcome addition to M Street not only for their delicious pies, but for their unique presentation and welcoming storefront character as well. Since Georgetown cupcake stores are becoming as commonplace as bricks in the sidewalk, handheld pies are an undeniably fresh idea.
