Four and Twenty Blackbirds

I’m not a huge pie fan but Four and Twenty Blackbirds definitely converted me. It’s a pie shop located in Gowanus, Brooklyn and they’re famous for their custard pies. I usually don’t eat pies because of the fruit texture – apples get too grainy and berries get too syrupy and sweet. But once I learned they sold custard pies and I tried one, I was completely hooked!

Some of their top favorites are the Salty Honey and the Matcha Custard. I’ve probably tried the majority of their custard pies. Their menu actually changes throughout the day so it’s better to just hang around for a bit if the flavor you want to try isn’t available. Every years on Pi Day (March 14), they have a special where you can get three slices for $3.14 each. I usually frequent there around that time so I can try a few pies at once. You can see the flavors on their menu here.

Here are a few that I’ve tried:

• Matcha Custard Pie: The first custard pie that I’ve tried that converted me – the matcha powder that they use is extremely high quality and the pie is so silky smooth.

• Coffee Custard Pie: I didn’t even realize that they even had a coffee custard flavor until I was at the shop so it was a welcome surprise! This is definitely one of the pies to try if it is ever available!

• Lemon Chess Pie: The shop sells three types of chess pies and their lemon chess pie is very similar to a lemon meringue. Definitely on the tart side, it’s a great option for those who are looking for a texture lighter than a custard pie.
• Black Sesame Custard Pie: This one was probably one of my least favorites but only because it was so dense. The black sesame flavor is really delicious though so I still do recommend it based on taste alone.

• Grapefruit Custard Pie: This is also one of my top favorites! Not too sweet, not too bitter, and the texture was just right. I was very lucky that they had this available while I was there!
• Lavender Honey Custard Pie: I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did because lavender is a tricky flavor to work with – too much of it and it starts tasting like soap. This was a great one and the honey wasn’t too sickly sweet.

• Buttermilk Chess Pie: The second of their three chess pies, this one is considered a traditional pie in the South. It’s definitely a nice pie but similar to having vanilla ice cream.
• Chocolate Chess Pie: The third of their chess pies, this one is rich but smooth and definitely a must for chocoholics.

• Caramel Apple Pie: As far as apple pies go, this one was actually really good! The apples were a nice texture and the pie wasn’t too sweet.
• Salty Honey Pie: This one is incredibly sweet. It’s a local favorite but definitely requires a large cup of black coffee to offset the sweetness of the honey!