What on earth is simpler and more superbly delicious than pie? A distinctly American treat, Ppie is Americana, it’s versatile, it’s and symbolic, and it’s — comfort food at its very finest. And yetBut in thisa world of Cheesecake Factoriesy and Duncan Hines, the art of the perfect pie is fast fast nearing extinction.

Enter Renee McLeod, pie artistee extraordinaire. Armed with her grandmother’s crust-constructing knowledge and a fabulous sense of whimsy, she McLeod has created a flawless pie haven. It’s a tiny, adorable niche , a tiny, adorable niche nestled on construction-plagued Beacon Street in Somerville. Once you walk into Petsi Pies, all the noises of the city disappear.But You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into some kindly grandmother’s kitchen, where there’s no problem so great itthat can’t be fixed by a hot pie fresh out of the oven.

Petsi Pies offers a wide array of both sweet and savory pies — everything from classics like apple, blueberry, sweet potato, pecan, and chicken potpie to the more unusual apple-sour-cream-walnut pie, chicken-artichoke tart, and a fabulous and fragrant roasted-vegetable-and-goat-cheese tart.

But like any great baker, McLeod doesn’t limit herself to one specialty. She also sells many other home-baked goods (all in the $2 range), such as oatmeal-cranberry-walnut-chip cookies, pecan-shortbread squares, and possibly the most heavenly coconut cupcake ever created.

While most of these options of these treats are available daily, it’s advisable to visit Petsi early, as choices tend tocan dwindle as the day goes on. Customers are also encouraged to call 48 hours ahead for special orders, which McLeod and her team are more than happy to fill. A slice is $2.95; whole pies and tarts run from cost between $14 andto $18.

Like any great baker, Renee doesn’t limit herself to one specialty. She also sells many other home-baked goods (all in the $2 range), like oatmeal-cranberry-walnut-chip cookies, pecan-shortbread squares, and possibly the most heavenly coconut cupcake ever created. When visiting Petsi Pies, yYou’lld do best to bring a few friends along and play the sharing game. Order several items (if you can narrow it down) and a fresh-squeezed lemonade, settle in at one of the few tables in the cozy seating nook, and allow your worries to melt away as you lose yourself in the pastry. It ’scouldn’t be simpler. Or more delicious.

Petsi Pies, located at 285 Beacon StreetStreet,, in Somerville,, is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (617) 661-PIES, or visit www.petsipies.com.