Philly Dining: MAGPIE

Magpie is an artisan pie shop that opened this past August at 1622 South
Street. This area of South Street has really gentrified, I’ve been dying to also visit The Cambridge , Pumpkin, and Rex 1516 .

Holly

Owner (former Graphic Designer) Holly Ricciardi says she decided to open Magpie in this city
because we need it. “I love Philly,” says Ricciardi. “It’s wonderful. It’s a big foodie
town. I thought if I’m going to do this, I want to open it up in the
city because city life is a little rough and people need a little
country in their lives to feel comfort and love.” – READ MORE (and listen) to Lauren Lipton’s interview with Ricciardi.

Courtney

I’ve been to Magpie twice now, once with Denine and her son Nate, who completely charmed Courtney the adorable and knowledgeable server. And once for take-out, when I bought some slices to take to another friend’s house for brunch. If you want to order a whole pie you have to do it 48 hours in advance. I wonder how many orders they received for Thanksgiving!

Thanks Denine for Treating!

The establishment is small but bright, clean and inviting. It makes me think of a big remodeled farmhouse kitchen.

Most days Magpie offers 5 or 6 sweet pies (btw $5-$6 a slice) and 2 savory (btw $8-$10 a slice). Butterscotch Bourbon is available most days and Shoo-Fly most weekends, but otherwise the menu changes, particularly by seasons. I have to go back to sample the Pie Fries which comes with a variety of dipping sauces.

Black Bean Chorizo Chili Pot Pie – spicy black bean spanish chorizo chili topped with sharp cheddar cheese and Fritos – 4 Tines

I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve sampled so far, particularly the Black Bean Chili savory pie. The sweet pies taste a bit healthier and less sweet than a Mrs Smith or a pie from a diner, so at first I was looking for… I guess the taste of lard or something. Then I remember, this is a homemade pie that doesn’t need loads of sugar or artificial ingredients to give it shelf life. This is really how a pie is supposed to taste!