It goes without saying that if you visit House of Pies you should order a wedge of Bayou Goo, Washington Cherry, Texas Pecan, or any other of their terrific types of pie. But men and women cannot subsist on pie alone (believe me, I've tried). Here are five other menu items to pair with your pie:
5. Patty Melt Deluxe. The difference between a traditional cheeseburger and a diner-style beef patty melt is the use in the latter of heavily buttered or greased bread rather than a bun. That distinguishing factor alone makes House of Pies' patty melt worth trying; the half pound of steak meat cooked to order, ample slices of cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and tomato are lovely added bonuses.
4. Strawberry Cheesecake. "You know what this piece of pie needs? A side of cheesecake!" Can't tell you how often I've heard those words....coming out of my own mouth. With a thick buttery crust of graham cracker crumbs, a solid interior of dense sugary cream cheese, and a generous portion of berry topping, the strawberry cheesecake easily stands up to any of House of Pies' other more popular circular desserts.
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3. Cottage Fries. House of Pies offers patrons a choice of French fries, mashed potatoes, cottage fries, and O'Brien potatoes with most entrees. Although it's hard for me to break my habit of ordering that cute little scoop of mash, I'm so glad I finally did or else I would have never discovered cottage fries, thin crispy potato discs whose vast brown surface area provides the perfect platform for ketchup.
2. Cream Puff. Definitely not for the dainty. This cream puff, roughly the size of a regulation softball, is stuffed with about a cup of custard cream and crowned with melted dark chocolate and powdered sugar. Among mixed company, eat it with a fork; among friends, take large bites and don't apologize as the filling get all over your face.
1. Eggsadillas. There are a few noteworthy Tex-Mex breakfast plates at House of Pies (huevos rancheros and Acapulco platter) but the "eggsadillas" are the most inventive and the most delicious. As the name would imply, two large flour tortillas are layered with eggs, sausage, and cheddar and jack cheeses, then toasted and seared quesadilla style and served with a side of beans and picante sauce. Thank goodness House of Pies offers breakfast anytime because these puppies are just as good for brinner.
