Tooborac Pies

Tooborac Pies sits on the Northern Highway run through Tooborac, Victoria, and travellers heading to or from Bendigo stop in rather than pass through. Pies are the whole story here, and they come out fresh from the oven, hot right through, with flaky pastry and a generous amount of filling.

The flavours available include the beef and chilli, the beef and beer, steak and ale and beef and mushroom, plus chicken, leek and bacon. The rabbit pie is offered, though it isn't always on the menu, so it's worth asking before you set your heart on one. The pies are known for being big and meaty, with proper shredded filling rather than mince, and one visitor said a single pie was filling enough that dinner wasn't needed.

Price is the thing people raise most. These pies cost more than your typical roadside pie, and a few folks baulk at that, but the common view is that the size and flavour make up for it. We've also heard the odd grumble about consistency, with one regular noticing lighter fillings in a recent batch and another finding a pie that wasn't baked through at the base. For a pie shop with a loyal following, that's a small note in an otherwise strong local reputation.

You can take pies away or sit in at the tables out the back, which make a pleasant spot on a sunny day. Frozen pies are stocked in good numbers, handy if you're stocking up for winter or want some for the road home. Coffee is available, and there's free parking on site and on the street, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Card and mobile payments are accepted.

One practical tip: the pies are too hot and too messy to eat while driving. If the door is locked when you arrive, locals suggest popping next door to the pub, where staff can help. Hours are posted daily, though it's worth checking before you make a special trip.