I hope I'm not the only one who places equal importance on Thanksgiving dinner's pumpkin pie closer as much as I do a moist turkey fresh from the oven, well-executed stuffing, and a great heaping helping of whipped mashed potatoes. Although it proves quite the portion control challenge, saving room for a big 'ol bite of that perfectly spiced and flaky crust pumpkin pie presents the just-right note to end your feast and begin your journey to a tryptophan-induced food coma land. Here are five city locales that make a mean pumpkin pie — the kind that will, in fact, make you push yourself to the very limits of dining sanity. Read on for all the details and make sure to add these sweet spots to your list of reasons to be thankful.

  1. Baked (359 Van Brunt St., 718-222-0345) For a not-too-pumpkiny pumpkin pie, Baked has got you covered. The wheat oat crust can be hit or miss, but most of the time, it's a home run. Where the eatin' is concerned, it's hard not to gobble it all in one sitting. Dangerous territory.

  2. Hill Country Chicken (1123 Broadway, 212-257-6446) More Mom's homemade pie than artisanal masterpiece, readers love Hill Country's version for its traditional, comfort-food approach to a Fall dessert classic. The texture is perfect, the crust is buttery, and the filling has the "right" amount of spices, yum.

  3. Grandaisy Bakery (250 W. Broadway; 73 Sullivan St., 212-334-9435; 176 W. 72nd St.) Everything this bakery does is seriously good, so it comes as no surprise that Grandaisy's pumpkin filling is the most serious of the bunch. No frills — just fresh pumpkin paired with a thick, flaky crust to match.

  4. Two Little Red Hens (1652 Second Ave., 212-452-0476, pictured above) Almost everyone who suggested this Yorkville bakery exclaimed, "It's one of the best things I have ever eaten. Ever." Or some derivative of that sentiment. Needless to say, Two Little Red Hens pleases with its slightly liquored up version of pumpkin pie. Aside from its alcohol content, the pumpkin filling texture has been described as "silky," which for some diners is the greatest selling point.

  5. Yura on Madison (1292 Madison Ave., 212-860-1701) This Upper East Side prepared foods and dessert destination bakes a mean crust that's buttery, flaky, and vaguely nutty. More importantly, the pumpkin filling is straightforward and delightful.

Source: Flickr User kathyylchan, Flickr User missswangy, and Flickr User kathyylchan