Daniel B.
Yelp
Panbury's Double Crust Pies is a meat pie shop that opened inside the Sweet Auburn Curb Market in April 2014. The shop was inspired by co-owners Adam and Lauren's South African roots, where these types of pies are the norm. In Atlanta, this concept is more unique. While there are several restaurants in the metro area that serve meat pies (Australian Bakery Cafe in Marietta comes to mind), I think Panbury's is the first to specialize and serve them in the city.
The shop has one of the more elaborate and attractive storefronts inside the Curb Market. The space looks modern, clean, and inviting. The shop has its own seating area with four small tables in addition to some counter seating which faces a window into the kitchen. The ordering counter has two shiny, well lit, glass display cases containing the latest day's batches of pies, rolls, and foldovers. Behind the counter is a fancy Turbofan oven where you can often see (and smell) new pies being baked.
About eight different kinds of savory pies are offered. "Savory" meaning these aren't traditional sweet dessert pies (though they sell those too). For anywhere from $6-8, you can get a warm and scrumptious pie. One pie is good enough to fill you up. As Lauren might tell you, the best way to eat one of these pies is with your hands. "Instructions" are also printed on the menu. Peel back the foil and take a bite, much like you would with a hamburger. The fork and knife approach is much more difficult.
While meat pies have been around for centuries in Europe, Australia, and South Africa, Adam and Lauren have added some interesting recipe variations to their menu. Examples include a Southern Breakfast Pie with eggs, chicken sausage, and maple syrup, a Cajun Chicken Gumbo Pie with chicken, andouille sausage, and Cajun spices, and a Cracked-Black-Pepper Steak Pie made with slow-braised beef shoulder and gravy.
I've tried a few pies so far and have really enjoyed them. They include:
Steak & Stout Pie
Chicken & Mushroom Pie
Green Thai Chicken Curry Pie
The Steak & Stout Pie is like a classic British pie. It's made with beef, onions, cremini mushrooms, rosemary, thyme, and Guinness beer. It's a hearty, wholesome pie, the kind that "sticks to your ribs." Flavorful and satisfying.
The comforting Chicken & Mushroom Pie is my favorite so far. It's made with chicken, cremini mushrooms, white pepper, herbs, and a cream sauce. It's kind of like a cream of chicken and mushroom soup, but in pie form. I want another one just thinking about it.
The Green Thai Chicken Curry Pie is surprisingly good. I'm sometimes skeptical of Thai twists to Western food, but Panbury's pulls off the Thai flavors rather authentically. This pie is made with chicken, mushrooms, cilantro, lime, green onion, chilis, and coconut cream. It tastes just like Thai green curry. The chilis used are actual Thai bird's eye chilis, so this pie is spicy.
A common feature of all the pies I've tried here is the delectable, flaky, and buttery pastry crust. They've seemed to have perfected it. In my opinion, the best parts of the crust are the harder, outer edges that have been cooked against the foil. Delicious.
In addition to Panbury's pies, I've tried their sides: mashed potatoes and beef gravy and kale salad with cranberries, almonds, Parmesan cheese, and lemon vinaigrette. The sides are OK. The meat pies are where it's at. Other foods offered include mini pies, chicken sausage and pork sausage rolls, and sweet pies and foldovers including apple, blueberry, and peach.
Until the business expands (which is in the works), you will most likely encounter Adam and/or Lauren during your visit. They are both very nice and friendly. Excellent service!
If entering the Curb Market from the parking lot, walk straight to the back and Panbury's will be just to your right. The business validates parking for up to one hour.
Finally, Panbury's pies are also great for taking back home or to the office.