The perfect combination of sweet and tart, key lime pie is quintessential dessert in the Florida Keys. The iconic pie is named for the small citrus fruits that are said to have been introduced in 1830 and is now considered a must-try local delicacy when visiting the Sunshine State. From Key West to Key Largo, here are the places to enjoy a slice of key lime pie in the Florida Keys.
Blue Heaven, Key West
Start your key lime pie tasting adventure at Blue Heaven in Key West. Sitting in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, this funky shop has been serving delightful slices of pie for over 20 years. Enjoy the live music and laid-back vibes, then sample the much-loved key lime pie. Made daily with fresh squeezed limes and a graham cracker crust, it is served with a heaping portion of meringue on top.
Key West Key Lime Pie Company, Key West
A Key West favorite, the Key West Key Lime Pie Company boasts award-winning pies that are made from scratch. They use natural ingredients such as real key lime juice, while the handmade graham cracker crust is hard to resist. Filling it with a light and smooth texture and the perfect amount of sweetness, they’ve got the winning recipe for the perfect ratio between creamy and crunchy.
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, Key West
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe serves some of the finest key lime pies in the state. Serving hungry patrons for more than two decades, it has gotten recognition from the likes of Food Network and National Geographic and has become a local institution. Grab a slice of the classic pie or try something new, as this shop also serves pies on a stick dipped in dark or white chocolate.
Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory, Tavernier
Featured in magazines like Southern Living and Coastal Living, the key lime pies at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory in Tavernier are worth sampling. Based on a recipe passed down by the co-owner’s grandmother, the shop serves key lime by the slice, whole, or frozen on a stick and dipped in chocolate. You’ll also find a whole array of other key lime products such as cookies, pretzels and candy.
Old Town Bakery, Key West
Exuding an Old Florida charm in Key West, the Old Town Bakery makes homemade key lime pies the old-fashioned way. Made by a longtime pastry chef, the combination of fresh lime juice and gingersnap crust creates a delightful burst of flavors. Topped with fresh whipped cream made in-house just before its served, you’ll be hard-pressed to not want to take a slice home as a souvenir.
Green Turtle Inn, Islamorada
An iconic piece of Key West’s history, the Green Turtle Inn, known locally as “The Turtle”, is beloved for its Southern-style cuisine and Old Florida charm. Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, its key lime pie is irresistible with its special crust made of macadamia nuts that pair well with the classic sweet-tart filling and dollop of whipped cream, berry syrup, and side of strawberries.
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, Key Largo
Noted by Cosmopolitan Magazine for their delectable key lime pies, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo has been operating for over 40 years. An iconic landmark in Key Largo, key lime pie fans flock to this destination to sample the winning combination of a freshly made graham cracker crust with whipped cream topping. They also serve a popular key lime freeze, which is a secret recipe and milkshake-like drink that is great for beating the heat.
Mangrove Mama’s, Sugarloaf Key
You’ll be lured in by the rustic ambiance of Mangrove Mama’s in Sugarloaf Key with its outdoor patio lined with palm trees, as it has been a landmark for over 30 years. Boasting a reputation for serving fresh seafood, the delectable desserts are hard to resist, particularly the key lime pie that has different variations such as blueberry. Make sure to visit during happy hour so you can also sip on a key lime martini.
The Fish House, Key Largo
You wouldn’t expect to find one of the tastiest slices of key lime pie at The Fish House in Key Largo, but many who frequent the area know how consistently good their slices are. Before you can indulge in the light and tangy filling of the pie you’ll first be introduced to their unique meringue topping. While many shops add a pile of fluff, this restaurant’s topping is whipped into curls and torched into a beautiful display of caramel brown.
Salute! on the Beach, Key West
A sister establishment to Blue Heaven in Key West, Salute! on the Beach boasts its own unique style, as this beachside cafe serves up some delicious key lime pies themselves. While the main menu is full of Caribbean-influenced cuisine, the key lime pie here is served traditionally with its creamy key lime custard that pairs well with a rich graham cracker crust, then topped with a generous portion of fluffy meringue.
Pepe’s Cafe, Key West
Dating back to 1909, Pepe’s Cafe in Key West is considered the oldest eating house in the area. It also serves some of the best traditional key lime pie around, as all of the desserts here are homemade. The pie is so creamy and light in texture that it’s served in a bowl, while the crunchy graham cracker crust and zingy filling complement the dollop of whipped cream that comes on top.
Key Lime Pie Bakery, Key West
Locally owned and operated, the Key Lime Pie Bakery in Key West makes a delicious array of key lime pies. It’s tarty lime flavor and thick crust is sure to satisfy your taste buds, while the chocolate covered key lime pie slice, cookies and fudge are great for sweet lovers. While waiting for your dessert to arrive you can browse the shop to find a large selection of souvenirs to take home.
Mattheessens, Key West
You’ll be overwhelmed with sugary choices at Mattheessens in Key West. Not only do they serve traditional slices of key lime pie that are homemade, they also serve slices dipped in chocolate on a stick in addition to giant cookies and delectable marble slab fudge. A firm favorite on Duval Street, if beating the heat is what you’re after, make sure to also sample the shop’s creamy key lime ice cream.
