As we celebrate Black History Month, Travel Costa Mesa has partnered with a Black content creator to share stories of local Black-owned businesses and her own viewpoint of Costa Mesa and Orange County. Danielle is a social media influencer and writer who started a blog called Follow My Gut, about food experiences in LA and OC, and subsequently writing for Locale Magazine and other publications. Enjoy Danielle’s guest post and stories this month sponsored by Travel Costa Mesa!
I started my restaurant website, Follow My Gut in December 2014 because I love dining in restaurants and introducing people to meals they may enjoy. While I’ve been running the website for over seven years, I have been a professional eater since I was born in October 1986. In the time I’ve been exploring food, there has been a dish that I’ve loved since the very beginning. That dish is a full chicken pot pie.
Growing up, whenever my mom and I went to the grocery store I would make my way to the freezer aisle to grab as many pot pies as she would allow. My favorite was the Banquet brand that needed to be nuked in a microwave for proper consumption. I can admit, my food standards weren’t fully developed at the time. But since each box was only eighty-five cents, it was a full pot pie (crusted from top to bottom), and it perfectly carried me through an episode of Big Bad BettleBorgs, I didn’t complain. It was during that time that I quickly developed a love for a full pot pie and that love has now developed into an obsession.
When I had the opportunity to go on an adventure through Costa Mesa, I was excited to learn about the businesses and attractions, but I was over the moon at the chance to visit Pop Pie Co. on 17th Street. Why? Because on their menu they have – you guessed it – a full pot pie.
Nestled within the bustling plaza of 17th Street Shops, is the quaint bakery with friendly staff eager to introduce you to the brand and help you find a few favorite pies, drinks, and desserts. I scanned my eyes through their display cases and was captivated by the different styles of pies they make ranging between sweet and savory. It’s perfect because Pop Pie Co. has pies that can be your meal, your dessert, or both. It didn’t take long for me to order one of their five-inch classic chicken pot pies once I learned it was in fact a full pot pie. Nowadays, most restaurants that serve pot pies make them with the crust that sits only at the top of dish. Is it good? Sure. Could it be better? Absolutely. At Pop Pie Co. they do better by ensuring the crust runs from the top to the bottom of the dishware. A pie like that takes me back to my childhood as if I’m watching after-school cartoons all over again. In addition to the classic, the restaurant serves unique flavors. Along their menu are pies such as their Green Hog & Cheese and Roasted Veggies & Yellow Curry.
In addition to the pies that are filling enough to be a complete meal are their desserts. Pop Pie Co.’s dessert pies can be served by the slice or whole and just like their savory dishes, their sweet flavors are just as mouthwatering. Key Lime, Salted Caramel Apple, and Hojicha & Salted Cream are just a few to name. Not to be overlooked, they also have galettes and cookies including a Croque Madame and Snickerdoodles.
Within their small but mighty 17th Street home, Pop Pie Co. has a well-designed menu with tasty items. If you’re looking to enjoy a pot pie that feels like warm childhood memories or if you want a few desserts that will have you returning to their location time after time, then make your way to this Costa Mesa location for your very own delicious adventure.
Address: 270 E. 17th Street, Suite 17, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Phone: (949) 524-3015
Hours: Sunday- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
