Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Greenville: Southern Pies and Coffee

What Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop offers in Greenville

Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop is a casual dessert spot in downtown Greenville that specializes in made-from-scratch pies, coffee, and light lunch items. The shop sits on Main Street and draws regulars for its signature buttermilk pie—a custardy, slightly tangy dessert that gives the place its name—along with rotating seasonal flavors and Southern classics like pecan and chess pie. You can order a slice with coffee or tea, buy a whole pie to take home, or grab a sandwich and salad if you want something savory before dessert.

The space itself is small and unpretentious, with a few tables inside and a counter where you order. The vibe is neighborhood-focused rather than fancy—the kind of place where people stop in on their way home from work or meet a friend on a Saturday afternoon. Pies are baked fresh daily, and the menu changes based on what's in season and what the kitchen has made that morning.

Key Takeaways

• Buttermilk Sky's signature buttermilk pie is a custardy, slightly tangy dessert that reflects the shop's Southern roots and gives it its name.
• The shop bakes pies fresh daily and rotates seasonal flavors alongside year-round options like pecan and chess pie.
• You can order a slice with coffee, buy a whole pie, or pair dessert with sandwiches and salads from their light lunch menu.
• The location on Main Street in downtown Greenville makes it walkable from other shops, restaurants, and the nearby Reedy River area.

The pie menu and what to expect

The buttermilk pie is the flagship—a custard-based filling with a slightly tangy edge that sets it apart from sweeter cream pies. But the menu is not limited to that one flavor. On any given day you might find pecan pie, chess pie (a traditional Southern custard pie with a slightly caramelized top), chocolate pie, or fruit pies depending on the season. Lemon meringue, strawberry, and apple pies rotate in when their ingredients are at their best. The shop also makes savory hand pies and quiches, though the dessert pies are what draw most people through the door.

Pies are available by the slice or whole. A slice comes with a cup of coffee or tea included in the price. If you want to take a whole pie home, you can order ahead or ask what's available that day. The shop does not take custom orders far in advance, so it operates on a first-come, first-served basis for whole pies—part of what keeps the operation focused on freshness rather than volume.

Coffee and light food alongside dessert

The coffee program is straightforward: locally roasted beans, hot and cold options, and espresso drinks. It pairs well with pie, but many people also come in just for coffee and a pastry or sandwich. The lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches, and soups that rotate seasonally. These are not the main draw—the pies are—but they give you a reason to linger or make it a full meal rather than a quick sugar stop.

The shop is open for breakfast and lunch, closing in the early evening. Hours vary by day, so it's worth checking before you go, especially if you're planning to visit on a weekend or want to make sure a particular pie is still available.

Location and walkability in downtown Greenville

Buttermilk Sky sits on Main Street in the heart of downtown Greenville, within walking distance of other shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you're already downtown exploring the Reedy River area or browsing nearby stores, it's easy to stop in for a slice. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots, though Main Street parking can fill up during busy times. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, and the shop's small size and casual counter service make it a quick stop if you're in a hurry.

The downtown location also means the shop is open during the week when people are working nearby, making it a natural afternoon break spot or a place to grab dessert after dinner at a neighboring restaurant.

Why the buttermilk pie matters to Greenville's food scene

Buttermilk Sky represents a particular strand of Greenville's food culture: locally focused, unpretentious, and rooted in Southern tradition. The buttermilk pie itself is a regional classic—common in the Carolinas and across the South, but not everywhere—and the shop's commitment to making it fresh daily rather than buying it frozen or pre-made is part of what sets it apart. In a city with a growing number of upscale restaurants and trendy cafes, this kind of straightforward, quality-focused dessert shop fills a different role.

The shop also reflects Greenville's shift toward supporting local makers and small businesses. It's the kind of place that benefits from word-of-mouth and repeat customers rather than marketing, and it has built a loyal following among people who value consistency and care in what they eat.

When to visit and what to know before you go

Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter than weekends, so if you prefer a more relaxed experience, that's the time to go. Saturday mornings can get busy, especially if the weather is nice and people are out exploring downtown. The shop closes early in the evening, so plan accordingly if you're thinking of dessert after dinner—you may need to grab a pie to take home rather than eat it there.

Pies sell out, especially popular flavors and whole pies on weekends. If you have your heart set on a particular pie, calling ahead or arriving early in the day increases your chances of finding it. The shop's small size means inventory is limited, and that's by design—it keeps everything fresh and encourages the daily-baking model that defines the place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a whole pie ahead of time?

The shop does not take advance orders far in advance. You can call to ask what whole pies are available that day, but the model is based on daily baking and first-come, first-served sales. This keeps pies fresh and limits waste, but it means you may not find a specific flavor if you wait too long in the day.

What are the hours and is it open on Sundays?

Hours vary by day and season. The shop is typically open for breakfast and lunch but closes in the early evening. It's worth checking their current hours before you visit, especially if you're planning a weekend trip or want to make sure they're open when you plan to stop by.

Is there seating inside, or is it takeout only?

There are a few tables inside where you can sit and eat a slice with coffee. It's a small space, so seating is limited, but it's designed for people to linger over dessert rather than a quick grab-and-go operation. On busy days, tables may fill up quickly.

Do they have options for people with dietary restrictions?

The shop focuses on traditional Southern pies made with butter, sugar, and eggs. If you have specific dietary needs, it's best to call ahead and ask what might work for you. The menu is not designed around restrictions, but the staff can tell you what's in each pie.

What's the difference between buttermilk pie and other cream pies?

Buttermilk pie has a custardy filling with a slightly tangy edge from the buttermilk itself, which sets it apart from sweeter cream pies. It's less rich than pecan pie and has a more delicate flavor. It's a regional classic in the South and worth trying if you've never had one.