FOOD: Sweet Spots

If you’re a sweets enthusiast, you probably live with a guilty little nag at your conscience. With the meteoric rise of organic foods, whole grains and lean proteins sweeping the nation, sugar can seem like the ultimate enemy. But today’s food trends are all about prioritizing. We know when to splurge, and we aren’t afraid to do it! So if you’re gonna do something wrong, do it right. Indulge responsibly at these delicious metro sweet spots. You can always exercise and eat brussels sprouts tomorrow.

Pie Junkie

If the name of this cool little pie shop doesn’t instantly make you smile, something’s wrong! Dessert should always be this much fun. Each seriously decadent pie that co-owners Leslie Coale-Mossman and Darcy Schein whip up is a testament to their grandmothers who never let them make boring pies. Mission accomplished! With rich, delicious concoctions like the Drunken Turtle—a sumptuous fudge pie with pecans, drenched in salted bourbon caramel—boring is never on the menu.

Other best-loved pies like their Bird Dog Buttermilk, Apple Crumble, Coconut Cream, French Silk and to-die-for Peanut Butter Chocolate keep guests lining up for more. Nestled in the heart of OKC’s historic Plaza District, the relaxed 12-seater café is an easy stop for co-workers, friends and families. Along with a splendid array of fruit, cream and nut pies made fresh daily, available by the slice or specially ordered in whole pies, they also serve up savory quiche for breakfast and frozen chicken pot pies to pick up for dinner. An open kitchen allows the owners and staff to visit with customers while they bake. Ahh, it’s just like home, but without the clean-up!

1711 NW 16th St., OKC | piejunkie.com

N D Foods

If this delightful hidden gem in the Village hasn’t been on your radar until now, you’re in for a treat! Here, regulars are greeted by name and new guests instantly find an easy go-to spot when nothing in the fridge will do. For years, mother and son owners, Deloris and Nick, have served up an amazing variety of deli and home cooked foods, including an eye-popping lineup of cakes, pies, brownies, cupcakes, cookies and more. The mile-high layered Strawberry cake and the perfectly tart and sweet lemon squares are longtime staples. Deloris’ daily homemade fruit pies line the counter like Christmas at grandma’s house, begging you to grab a fork and sample them all!

Beyond the satisfying sugar fix, the cafe’s Greek Salad, Reuben sandwich and hot entrées like lasagna or broccoli chicken casserole are served up in generous portion. Customers also love the delicious selection of packaged homemade entrées—great to pick up for a quick, homemade dinner.

2632 W. Britton Rd., OKC | (405) 840-9364

Café 501

One step inside this chic yet cozy Edmond eatery and you know you’ve discovered something special. A glass case greets you, brimming with exquisite pastries, bread pudding, brownies, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, pies and enticing treats. Although this Edmond original has blossomed into six unique metro locations boasting everything from a sublime steakhouse and martini lounge to eateries at the Myriad Gardens, the dazzling sweets remain a supreme attraction. General Manager and Chef Gerry Reardon notes that it’s the time and care they take in creating each dessert, as well as customer requests, that keep the evolving dessert line-up exciting.

In addition to stellar sweets, the gourmet lunch and California-inspired dinner selections make Café 501 a remarkable spot to dine. Scrumptious sandwiches, flavorful salads and hearty soups are mainstays. Sunday brunch and catering add to the many pleasures of this urban hot spot with its exciting, energetic vibe.

501 S. Boulevard | cafe501.com