McDonalds Fried Apple Pies Search: Last Seen In Tampa

At some point in the 90s, fried apple pies began to disappear as McDonald's locations around the country switched over to the baked pie. For this fat kid, life was never the same.

When I first moved to Florida about seven years ago, I mentioned on the air how much I miss the 1980s version of McDonald's apple pies that I grew up on. They were deep fried and had that molten lava hot filling. If you wanted to save your tongue from hours of pain, you knew it was best to let them cool before attempting to bite into one. Right after I mentioned on the show how much I missed them, a listener called in and let me know that they WERE still around. I didn't believe her. Then another called. And another. Sure enough, they were right. McDonald's restaurants in the Tampa area owned by a company called Caspers still sold the old fried pies. They were pretty much the last ones in America to still sell them. I think I had 3 that week. Notice how much thinner I was then. Must be a coincidence.

Don't know what ya got til it's gone.
After the novelty of having the fried pies again wore off, I stopped seeking them out. Years passed and lately they've been on my mind again. After a phone call to the Caspers office, I'm sad. The very nice woman who answered said they have been retired. Tampa was the last holdout but has made the switch to baked apple pies. And now that I can't have one, I want one terribly. Is it true? Are there really NO McD's fried apples pies left anywhere in Florida? Yes, I know Popeyes and Checkers both have a similar pie, but it's not the same.

One last hope... my search is not over.
Got a passport? On my first visit to Europe sometime around 2005, I found the McDonald's over there still sell them fried. I've read that they have them in Hawaaii too. I'm heading over to England and Spain in a few weeks. Best believe I'll be on the hunt and will report back. That pie below was one I found in the Czech Republic.

October 2019 Update!
Just got back from Europe trip. I was disappointed in Barcelona, Spain where the fried pies were nowhere to be found. In fact they had HEALTHY dessert options like MELONS! Who wants healthy!? But fortunately London came through, as you'll see from the Facebook Live I did!

You feel it coming. That heat. The humidity. It's about that time of year where our lunch hours move back inside where the air conditioning keeps it in the 70s like mother nature (should have) intended. There are still a few weeks left before summer officially arrives in Florida so here are some spots to have a bite to eat in the fresh air, while it's still refreshing.

The dining highlight of the Redneck Riviera.  This one's not far from the radio station so you'll often find one of us you listen to on the radio kickin' back with a beer when we want to, well, get away. Honestly it's a bit overpriced for what you get food-wise, but the views and vibe make up for it.

It doesn't get much more Florida than Frenchies. Well known for their grouper sandwich, boiled shrimp, seafood gumbo, and plenty of adult beverages on days and nights when it gets sticky.

The food options honestly are just ok, but the views from the new St. Pete Pier made having to put up with all the whining people did for years on end.  The city did a fantastic job.  It's a destination.  Sure long-time locals probably still have their fond memories of the old design, but the new St. Pete Pier is a great place to chill out and have a bite to eat.  The better dining choices can be found downtown to be honest. However, if you want that view, you can't beat the St. Pete Pier.

Widow Fletchers may not win many culinary awards, but the vibe is super chill and it's a great place to watch a Pasco sunset.

We live here to have a drink at the beach.  So this is a must for the list.

Live music, great views... and lots of food choices - oysters, burgers, wings.

Try their fresh local smoked fish spread served with crackers and hot sauce.

Many of us still call it Channelside, but the many choices you have now at Sparkman Wharf really make it a great reason to leave early if you're going to an event at Amalie Arena.

OK I have to be totally honest... the views are nothing special here.  But the outdoor seating is helpful because this place fills up fast.  It's hands down my favorite pizza anywhere in Florida.  It's so good that the first time I had it, when I visited NYC the following week, I didn't even seek out any pizza.  You should ALWAYS eat pizza when you go to NYC.  But Cristino's is that good.  It's made several national lists for a reason.  The outdoor seating isn't terribly inspiring - it's not near the beach. But that's a good thing because it's tough enough to find parking anywhere in Clearwater.

Live music and great views with Sunday pool parties.

A listener tip from Mark Hoeller from St. Pete: "Island Grille is on a marina and there’s a pool there as well (but not sure if the restaurant patrons can use it). The blackened shrimp tacos and lobster mac and cheese are both awesome. Prices aren’t crazy, and both an inside and outside bar. Usually have great service as well."

A listener tip from Amy:  "Ozona Blue is by the marina & has a kinda chill vibe dur day & upscale at night. They even have a pool you can swim in during the day! Their main entrees are a little spendy ($23.90-$36.90), but I love their mahi & grouper tacos ($15.40 & $16.40, respectively)."