When it comes to soul-satisfying food, chicken pot pie is at the top of most Southerners’ lists. Warm and wholesome, this dish is perfect for all those hospitable Southern moments: church dinners, potlucks, new neighbor welcomes, or just for warming up when that first chill of fall hits the air. When you don’t have time to make it from scratch, here are some great places to enjoy this ultimate feel-good food.
Grace’s—Houston, TX
Named after owner Johnny Carrabba’s Sicilian grandmother, Grace’s has become a Houston staple for comfort food. The dishes at Grace’s are inspired by its namesake’s abiding love of cooking and her legendary hospitality. Her over-the-top Sunday lunches filled the table not only with dishes from her homeland like meatballs in her famed tomato sauce, but also Southern classics like fried chicken. The dishes at Grace’s are built from this multicultural culinary influence; they are homey and exotic at once. Flavored with tarragon, thyme, and Marsala wine, this chicken pot pie does right by Johnny’s grandmother’s memory as well as your taste buds.
3111 Kirby Dr. | 713.728.6410 | gracesonkirby.com
The Pie Hole—Roswell, GA
Housed in a rustic building set just off busy Canton Street, The Pie Hole has is a popular spot for homemade pies that harken back to the days of sitting in your grandmother’s kitchen.This country kitchen is always bustling with bakers making (and customers enjoying) their from-scratch sweet and savory pies. And while we’d never pass up any of their sweet options, their comforting chicken pot pie, topped with a golden brown, flaky crust, is well beloved and has become a community take-home dinner staple.
1025 Canton St. | 678.461.3776
Johnny’s Restaurant—Homewood, AL
Serving classic meat and three dishes as well as Greek specialties, Johnny’s Restaurant is known for quality—Chef Tim Hontzas pulls from his family’s philosophy of preparing food that feeds the body and the soul. Because of their emphasis on sourcing from local farmers, their menu changes seasonally, but their commitment to deliciousness never takes a break. Their chicken pot pie draws a crowd as soon as there’s a chill in the air—the butter-painted, flaky crust draped over a steamy bowl of chicken and vegetables is a siren call on cold days. Topped with a fluffy cornbread muffin, this homey dish is always a crowd favorite.
2902 18th St. S., Ste. 200 | 205.802.2711 | johnnyshomewood.com
The Pie Gourmet—Vienna, VA
Open since 1987, this pie bakery is known for its deliciously sweet offerings, but their handmade savory pies are well worth the stop. Cases full of beautiful pies greet you upon entering, with so many offerings you’ll have trouble making up your mind. Customers crave their rich and comforting chicken pot pie, full of tender white meat, fresh vegetables, and topped with a buttery crust. If you’re in the area, you can pick up a pie to take home or even get one delivered. Don’t fret if you’re not close—they ship their pies across the country.
507 Maple Ave. W. | piegourmet.com
Paul’s Pot Pies—Marietta, GA
Previously known as Traveling Fare, this spot on the historic Marietta Square has been drawing folks in with the heavenly aroma of their pot pies since 1984. They are well known for their chicken pot pie, of course, but also offer varieties like turkey, Italian sausage, and pot roast pot pie. The classic is still a customer favorite, filled with juicy chicken and classic vegetables. Available in 6-inch and 10-inch sizes, they are perfect for dinner tonight or for freezing to have on hand for company. Pick one up to go, or if you can’t wait, pull up a chair and dig right in.
10 Mill St.| 770.428.6092| paulspotpies.com
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey—Raleigh, NC
At the helm of a handful of restaurants that highlight the star quality of Southern ingredients, Chef Ashley Christensen has helped pave the way for the blending of modern and traditional Southern food. This particular venture is intended to be Ashley’s ode to Southern fried chicken, but it has also earned respect for the chicken pot pie, made with milk gravy and a cornmeal pastry crust. Order from the blackboard-style menu, then enjoy your “just-like-grandma-used-to-make” chicken pot pie at this upscale Southern diner.
237 Wilmington St.| 919.322.0127|ac-restaurants.com
Draught—Charlotte, NC
Located right in the backyard of Charlotte’s baseball stadium, this gastropub is more than just a great place to hang out after the game—their menu is full of delicious, seasonal dishes. An elevated variation on the classic, their Duck Pot Pie, featuring braised duck, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts, is well worth straying from the bird we all know and love. Enjoy this dreamy indulgence in the main restaurant’s casual, rustic atmosphere while catching a game on one of their many big screens, or take it outside onto their open-air patio.
601 S. Cedar St.|704.375.7566|draughtcharlotte.com
Rizzo’s Diner—Memphis, TN
At Rizzo’s, Chef Michael Patrick takes a decidedly different spin on this classic dish. His Cajun-seasoned chicken pot pie has been a hit since he opened his first location in 2011. Full of chicken, Andouille sausage, bell peppers, and topped with a golden-brown puff pastry, this dish is the perfect example of Michael’s twists on Southern comfort food. When the restaurant moved to a larger location in 2014, Michael updated his menu—but he knew that he would be in big trouble if he left off his prized chicken pot pie.
492 S. Main St.|901.304.6985|rizzosmemphis.com
