Rodney “The Pie Man” Henry has been busy. He recently renovated his Federal Hill store, Dangerously Delicious Pies, and then proceeded to gussy up a location in Hampden (3547 Chestnut Ave., 410-662-7437, dangerouspies.com), adding Savory House to the original name. The spruced-up restaurant—where Finnerteas used to be before its roof blew off during a storm a few summers ago—has a chic vibe with scarlet walls, lacquered tables, glistening wood floors, and wrought-iron chandeliers.
While Henry’s house-made sweet pies get equal billing, the focus leans toward heartier pies filled with beef, chicken, or crab. The generous wedges and rounds are served on dainty flowered china. And while there’s no liquor license, BYOB is encouraged if diners are so inclined.
We sampled a six-inch steak pie ($12 whole, $7 by the slice) that included a side of roasted miniature carrots. The golden lattice-crust pie was laden with really tender steak and big pieces of mushrooms and onions. The mild Gruyère cheese allowed the more decisive ingredients to show off their complex flavors. And how can you resist peach pie in season? Served warm, the wedge was bursting with fresh fruit slices that spilled out of the flaky crust.
Hampden hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.
