Everyone wants to know where the best place to get pie is in Julian. Honestly, coming from a born and raised local, they all are good. No one ever believes me when I say that, but hear me out. A bakery couldn't serve in Julian if they weren't good. Who would wait two hours for a bad pie? No one. I will tell you that my favorite flavor of pie is Boysenberry Apple Crumb.
The next question everyone wants to know is who uses Julian Apples. Many of the local businesses try to incorporate Julian apples into their products in the fall when apples are ripe. Some companies have private orchards that they use and others work with u-pick orchards to buy apples. The best thing to do is to check with the individual bakeries to see if they use local fruit.
Bud Farmer originally opened his pie shop where Mom's Pie's Wynola location currently is. Back in the day, he used to use a tortilla press to flatten his pie crust. Although his business is no longer around, he has left a lasting impact on Julian's reputation for great pie and fresh apples.
Dudley's Bakery is just outside of Julian in the little town of Santa Ysabel at the corner of Highway 78 and 79. It was started in 1963 by Mr. Dudley Pratt. According to their website, "Quality, taste, uniqueness, and freshness have always been the hallmark of Dudley's Bakery." While there, you can pick from a variety of fresh-baked bread, pastries, and deli items.
The Julian Cafe serves everything from breakfast to dinner and of course apple pie for dessert. The Cafe was started in 1972. You can pick between crumb or pastry crust pie filled with Apple, Apple-Boysenberry Crumb, or Apple-Pumpkin Crumb(seasonal). The menu also includes apple crisps, a little sweeter with an oatmeal crumb crust. They have a pie window where they sell whole pies for those who don't want to wait in line for a table at the restaurant. The Cafe is open until a least 7:30 pm.
Anita Nichols opened Mom's Pie's doors in December 1984. Anita has grown her bakery from a place with seating for two to now two locations. Mom's also has apple cider now. Their fresh-baked pies are available in crumb or flaky crust. The pie menu includes apple, apple caramel, apple boysenberry, apple cherry, bumbleberry, cherry, chocolate pecan, pecan, pumpkin (seasonal), rhubarb-strawberry, and chicken pot pie. For those looking for a low sugar pie, apple flakey cider pie is sweetened with apple cider. Those on a gluten-free diet can order the chocolate pecan without the crust. If you're looking to avoid the line at their Main Street location, you can call in your whole pie order the day before your visit, head down to their Wynola location (4510 Highway 78), or order online.
Apple Alley Bakery is a quaint little pie shop on Main Street. Among their list of pie flavors, you can find sugar and gluten-free options. They also have a simple lunch menu. It's not uncommon for active and veteran military families to find one of their pies in the mail courtesy of Julian's John and Jojo. (Click here for the news story.) Some days you may see local Dave singing and playing his guitar in front of the bakery (tips are appreciated).
Liz Smothers started the Julian Pie Company in September of 1986. Julian Pie Co. has two locations (Julian and Santa Ysabel) and they ship pies all throughout the county. In addition to their apple pie, they also make yummy apple cider donuts. To skip the line in Julian, head down to their Santa Ysabel location or stop by your neighborhood grocery store (yes, it's the same pie sold in Julian).
California Mountain Bakery is located just outside of Julian in Wynola. They have a wide variety of unique pie flavors, pastries, and bread. Being just outside of town means there may be less of a wait. Raul Padilla and his family are always ready to serve you.
Juliantla Chocolate is an adorable little store and bakery just up B Street off Main Street. Here you can find a large variety of chocolate goodies, pie, and cupcakes. Yesenia even has glutton-free and vegan options! While you're there, look for Mountain Made products.
Regulars Wanted has yummy hand pies. You can also find a variety of fresh baked goods here.
In addition to the lengthy list of Julian bakeries, you can also find Julian apple pie at many of the restaurants. Some make their own just for their restaurant customers and others order pies from one of the local bakeries listed above.
Feeling adventurous? Ask for cheddar cheese on your pie. It's pretty popular. Cheese is optional but cinnamon ice cream with your pie is a must! I promise you, you won't be disappointed.
In addition to pie, be sure to bring home a Mountain Made apple scented candle with you! It's sure to leave your home smelling like Julian.
**All information provided in this post was correct to the best of my knowledge at the time the post was published. Information provided in this post may change without notice. Please double-check with the individual business for the most up-to-date information.**