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The 14 Best Key Lime Pies in the Florida Keys

Last Updated on March 14, 2024

Are you looking for the best key lime pie in Florida? There are few topics in Florida that create as much controversy as the art of making Key Lime Pie. We are very opinionated about how this delicious pie is made.

There are countless recipes and family favorites that pass through generations. Whether you are a resident, frequent visitor or just passing through, you’re bound to have an opinion regarding this tart pie.

Key lime pie on a plate with limes.

We believe this is the perfect time to go on a road trip close to home. What better road trip than to go on a hunt for the best key lime pie across the state?

What You Need to Know About Key Lime Pies

The Great Key Lime Debate pie debate graphic that reads The Great Key Lime Pie Debate
Graham cracker or pastry crust? 
Homemade or store-bought? 
Key limes, bottled juice, or regular limes? 
Whipped cream or meringue topping? 
Homemade or canned whipped cream? 
Cooked or uncooked?

Basically, there are three parts to a key lime pie. The crust, the pie filling, and the topping.

Here are the battleground issues:

  • Graham cracker or pastry crust?
  • Homemade or store-bought?
  • Key limes, bottled juice, or regular limes?
  • Whipped cream or meringue topping?
  • Homemade or canned whipped cream?
  • Cooked or uncooked?

And the controversy goes on. Feuds have begun, alliances have dissolved, and friendships have ended over this simple pie.

It’s a battle of personal preference, family tradition, taste, and appearance, and no matter what your recipe is, it’s important to know where you stand on the issue.

Key lime pie in a dish on a table.

Key lime pie is a personal family favorite at many houses, including our home.

We especially love it because it complements seafood and many of Florida’s lighter dishes. Whenever we make a key lime pie, we have to make two as it’s consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We also make it a point to sample key lime pies in every restaurant we visit. We are self-proclaimed semi-professional key lime pie tasters.

Castaway Waterfront Restaurant Key Lime Pie, Marathon Key.
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant Key Lime Pie, Marathon Key

So … we took a trip to the Florida Keys, the birthplace of the signature dish, and decided to do a sample tasting of key lime pies.

From Mile Marker 112, the measured distance on the north end of the Florida Keys to the southernmost point of Mile Marker 0 in Key West.

What is “real” key lime pie?

Greetings from Key West Florida Sign.

We tasted a wide variety beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West. We were curious about how the Florida Key natives, or Conchs, like their pies.

The first thing we learned was that Conchs assert that “real” key limes are a specific species of fruit – specifically Citrus Aurantiifolia, that grow in the Florida Keys although they are found all over the Western Hemisphere.

The fruit is yellow, the size of a golf ball, and certainly not green (unless they haven’t ripened). We also learned that Conchs let key limes fall off their trees when ripened, as opposed to picking – indicating they are ripe and ready to use.

Where are key limes found?

Key lime tree with key limes on it.
Key lime tree

Most Florida Keys key lime trees grow in family compounds and backyards.

In fact, in 1935 a hurricane wiped out the last Florida key lime commercial crop, so if you didn’t have a tree, you’d have to beg, borrow, or be nice to your neighbor.

Key limes are very tart – much more so than regular limes. That’s why people love them.

Through the years, key lime pie has become one of America’s favorite desserts.

The pie is a simple recipe composed of simple ingredients, but traditions and fiercely held opinions of the many nuances of making it continue to create a clash over what constitutes the perfect pie.

Who invented key lime pie?

Florida Key limes in a store with a sign that reads Key Limes 10 for $1.00.
Florida Key limes

There is plenty of debate about who invented the pie and exactly when. But back in the early 19th century, the lack of refrigeration meant that people used canned, sweetened condensed milk.

Most everyone had chickens, thus eggs, are an important pie ingredient.

Add to that the lime juice, which contained citric acid, and the combination caused a thickening reaction. Thus, to this day, some choose to eat their pies without baking (using pasteurized eggs).

Key lime pie ingredients.
Key lime pie ingredients

Key lime pie filling usually consists of three basic ingredients – egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and key lime juice.

But the range of choices as to how many eggs, how much sweetened condensed milk, and whether you use fresh, real key limes versus bottled juice varies and is likely to be discussed and debated until the end of time.

Key limes on a tree.

If you don’t have a key lime tree, you may find it difficult to locate a source, and usually, the ones you can find are from commercial groves in Mexico, unless in season in your area (of Florida).

Of course, Conchs will argue they are inferior if not from the Florida Keys.

What is the best key lime pie topping?

Palm tree in The Florida Keys.
The Florida Keys

The pie topping also creates an all-out war among connoisseurs regarding the best way to complete the pie. It’s an age-old controversy: whipped cream or meringue topping?

If you choose whipped cream, some will send out the cow rustlers for you – especially if you use anything but fresh homemade whipped cream. If you do use it — how much will do? Should you cover the outer edge with a border, or cover the full pie?

Key lime pie on a platter.

As for our preference? We’re Team Meringue, preferring to use the unused egg whites from the pie ingredients. Many, however, will insist that meringue is not the real deal. We choose to disagree but honor those who protest.

We have come to the conclusion there are three types of key lime pies.

Three types of Key Lime Pies:

Key Lime Pie Classic: Little Effort

Slice of key lime pie with a curly lime peel.

These are ones consisting of a store-bought graham cracker crust, usually, a filling that is heavier and denser than most pies — as a result of more condensed milk and less lime juice, making it sweeter and less tart.

The key lime juice generally comes from a bottle (make sure it is key lime juice and not Persian lime juice or a blend. Also, check the date.) Whipped cream may come from a can.

Key Lime Pie Classic: Going the Mile Marker

Cafe Sole Key Lime Pie, Key West.
Cafe Sole Key Lime Pie, Key West

Usually, this one uses all fresh ingredients – fresh limes, fresh eggs, fresh cream or meringue, and freshly made crust.

It’s generally very light-tasting, almost fluffy in appearance. The tartness of the key lime comes through unmistakably.

Key Lime Pie Variations

Man holding a piece of key lime pie covered in chocoalte.
Photo Credit: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

We’ve seen it all … Frozen. Dipped in chocolate. We have tasted vegan key lime pies using sour cream, vegan cream cheese, and additions such as mango, peanut butter, Nutella, avocados, and ice cream.

Some crusts are made of all kinds of nuts, oreo cookies, cheerios, ginger snaps, pretzels, and animal crackers. We have seen elaborate toppings using fruit – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and everything in between.

We’ve seen sauces made of honey, caramel, blueberry, fudge, or just cream Anglaise sauce.

Whatever your fancy, you can usually do it with key lime pie.

Best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys

Key lime pie restaurant.

Based on our tastings, here are our findings as we searched for the best key lime pie in the Florida Keys:

Mrs. Macs Kitchen, MM 99.4

Sign outside reading Mrs. Mac's Kitchen.
Mrs. Macs Kitchen, Key Largo

Key Largo’s Mrs. Macs Kitchen is our first stop when we reach the Keys.

Lights made from license plates.
Source: Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

You’ll love the vibe of tourists and locals, surrounded by the down-home décor of license plates hanging on the walls along with historical mementos and pictures.

Mrs. Macs, which boasts “world-famous key lime pie” has a secret recipe.

Key Lime pie and slices of key lime pie.
Source: Mrs. Macs Kitchen

Everything is homemade – graham cracker crust and a good balance of tart and sweet filling, except the whipped cream.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen Address: 99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

The Green Turtle Inn, MM 81.2

Turtle Chairs at Green Turtle Inn Restaurant.
Source: Green Turtle Inn Restaurant

The Green Turtle, a long-time Islamorada landmark, is a restaurant where turtle soup and steaks were legendary before the endangered species was banned from commercial fishing.

Green Turtle Key Lime Pie, Islamorada.
Green Turtle Key Lime Pie, Islamorada

Still a well-known island hangout, the Green Turtle has a key lime pie that we consider a “chef’s special” on the fancier side.

Steak and potatoes at Green Turtle inn Restaurant.
Source: Green Turtle Inn Restaurant

The macadamia nut crust is covered with a denser style filling topped with coconut whipped cream, and berry syrup, and sprinkled with fruit.

The Green Turtle Inn Address: 81219 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Lazy Days Restaurant MM 79.9

Stuffed Florida Lobster at Lazy Days.
Source: Lazy Days

Considered one of the best restaurants in the Keys, Lazy Days is known especially for fresh fish. This Islamorada oceanfront restaurant specializes in cooking your “catch of the day” if you have been out fishing or diving for lobster.

Lazy Days Restaurant Key Lime Pie, Islamorada.
Lazy Days Restaurant Key Lime Pie, Islamorada, (courtesy Lazy Days)

The key lime pies are all made on the property, serving a huge slice with graham cracker crust topped with creamy, sweet, filling, and medium tartness. It makes an ideal dessert after fresh seafood.

Lazy Days Restaurant Address: 79867 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Mangrove Mamas, MM 20

Drinks in cups that read Mangrove Mama's.
Source: Mangrove Mamas

Another favorite, Mangrove Mama’s on Sugarloaf Key serves quite a tasty pie. The crust is homemade. (The chef uses vanilla and cinnamon in the crust.) The pie filling is creamy, thick, sweet, and medium tart.

Mangrove Mamas key lime pie.
Source: Mangrove Mamas

The chef told us he also uses honey and vanilla in the pie filling. The whipped cream is not homemade.

Mangrove Mamas Address: 19991 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key, FL 33042

Blue Heaven, Key West

Blue Heaven Key West front of building.
Source: Blue Heaven

Found in Key West’s Bahamian Village, Blue Heaven was recommended to us more than any single eatery, especially for the key lime pie.

Blue Heaven's Key Lime Pie, Key West.
Source: Aphelix Langston

It’s 100% homemade with a graham cracker crust, the filling is light and piled high with fresh meringue, not an easy topping to find in Key West where it seems most pies have whipped cream.

Blue Heaven Address: 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040

Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop, Key West

Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop, Key West.
Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop, Key West (courtesy, Kermit’s)

Owned by Kermit Carpenter, Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop, is a Key West institution.

Baker at a Key West Key Lime shop.
Source: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

He is known to stand outside his brightly painted yellow and green store (which has key lime products such as pies, jellies, salsas, and soaps) throwing pies at people for fun.

His pies are light, fluffy, and creamy.

The recipe is heavy on egg yolks, which makes it very light. He tries to source fresh key limes from throughout the state and while the crust is not homemade, the whipped cream is.

Key lime on a stick.
Source: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

He also features key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate.

(NOTE: There are two Kermit locations in Key West: the “Original” is in Old Town at the corner of Greene & Elizabeth and the other is on Duval Street near Mallory Square at the corner of Front & Duval.)

BONUS: there is Kermit’s Production Facility and Showroom in DeLand, Florida in West Volusia County – 30 minutes northeast of Orlando.

Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop Address: 200 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040

Hog Fish Grill, Stock Island

Hogfish Bar & Grill Key Lime Pie, Stock Island.
Hogfish Bar & Grill Key Lime Pie, Stock Island

The Hogfish Bar & Grill is a funky tiki-hut restaurant found just north of Key West on Stock Island. Situated near the boat docks, they have very fresh fish and outdoor dining.


Jimmy Buffett at Hogfish Bar and Grill near Key West.
Photo Credit: Jimmy Buffett

It’s a favorite of the locals. In fact, Jimmy Buffett was a regular customer.

They get their pies from the Key West Key Lime Pie Company. The pie is huge and the filling stands several inches tall.

It has a homemade crust with a good balance of sweet and tart … loaded with whipped cream on top.

Hog Fish Grill Address: 6810 Front St, Stock Island, FL 33040

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory, Tavernier, MM 92

Key lime pie at Blonde Giraffe.
Source: Blonde Giraffe

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory has won many awards for its key lime pie recipe.

Some of the awards include “Best in Key West” by Key Lime Festival, “2016 Best in Miami” by Miami New Times, and “Best in Florida” by Florida Monthly Magazine.

Plus, they have been featured in Food Network and Travel Channel shows.

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory pie.
Source: Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

Enjoy a slice of amazing key lime pie in the Serenity Garden, a calm and romantic outdoor space located on the factory’s property.

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory Address: 92220 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070

El Meson de Pepe, Key West

El Meson de Pepe Cuban food.
Source: El Meson de Pepe

El Meson de Pepe is an authentic Cuban restaurant in Key West. The restaurant has many delicious options on the menu, including tapas, salads, soups, sandwiches, and sides. Try classic Cuban entrees like Ropa Vieja or Lechon Asado.

Key Lime Pie on a plate.
Source: El Meson

There are some great choices for dessert, but you’ll want to try the Torta de Limon, El Meson’s homemade key lime pie. 

El Meson de Pepe Address: 410 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040

The Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, Islamorada, MM 82

Key lime pie.
Source: Keys Weekly

The Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar is a restaurant known for its fresh seafood and nightly live entertainment with waterfront views. This a one of the best spots to watch the sunset in the area.

On the dessert menu, there are two different options for key lime pie. One is a Traditional Key Lime Pie that is custard-based with whipped cream.

Frozen Key Lime Pie.

The other is Lorelei’s World Famous “Frozen” Key Lime Pie, a staff favorite that consists of a less tart, creamy, and whipped filling that is topped with mango sauce and whipped cream.

Try them both for a delicious taste test comparison!

The Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar Address: 96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036

Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, Key West

Desserts at a bake shop.
Source: Forbes

Located within the Perry Hotel & Marina is Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, a restaurant on the marina that serves American coastal comfort food.

Matts Stock Island Kitchen and Bar Key Lime Pie.
Source; Matts Stock Island Kitchen and Bar

Their dessert menu includes a delicious key lime pie that is made with a cinnamon graham cracker and Marcona almond crust that gives the pie a unique and complementary flavor. 

Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar Address: 7001 Shrimp Rd Suite 200, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040

Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys, Marathon, MM 51

Key lime pie on a plate.
Source: Sweet Savannah’s

Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys is a bake shop that sells cupcakes, baked goods, ice cream, and of course, award-winning key lime pie.

Indulge your sweet tooth here with a multitude of options.

Sweet Savannahs Bake Shop Key Lime Pies
Source: Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

For key lime pie, Sweet Savannah’s sells their classic Key Lime Pie, and they also have Key Lime Bars, Chocolate Covered Key Lime Pie, Key Lime ice cream, and Key Lime cupcakes. 

Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys Address: 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Southernmost Key Lime Shop, Key West

Key Lime Shop Building exterior.
Source: Key Lime Shop

Southernmost Key Lime Shop is the perfect place to stop for lots of key lime flavored options. The shop sells key-lime-flavored cookies, candies, and even nuts!

Key Lime Pies in containers.
Source: Southernmost Key Lime Shop Facebook page

Their key lime pies are sold by the slice and feature a graham cracker crust and are topped with whipped cream.

Southernmost Key Lime Shop Address: 910 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

The Stoned Crab, Key West

The Stoned Crab waterfront restaurant.
Source: The Stoned Crab

The Stoned Crab is a top-rated restaurant in Key West known for its fresh and local seafood selections. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner and have a full bar to enjoy by the water.

Key lime pie on a plate.
Source: Stoned Crab Facebook page

Try their homemade key lime pie, freshly baked daily with a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream, graham cracker, and key lime drizzle. 

The Stoned Crab Address: 3101 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Tips for making your own key lime pie

Key Lime Pie ingredients.
Use fresh ingredients for the best pies
  • Fresh is better. For ingredients, use key limes if you can get them, otherwise use fresh limes, but many use bottled juice, or in a pinch, a combination of key limes and limes. If you like your pie tart, fresh is the way to go.
  • Homemade is better – especially the crust. But if you don’t have time, don’t fret; it’s the filling that really makes the difference.
  • This tip will make a lighter pie. We learned on our sampling tour, that increasing the egg yolks or juice, makes the pie lighter. But, it is all about personal preference.
  • Use the zest from the limes (before juicing.) It will make the pie tarter.
  • A hand press works best. We use a lemon press for squeezing the limes.
  • Use a glass pan, not aluminum. Key limes react to aluminum.

So what’s the best key lime pie we have ever tasted?

We humbly tell you that it is the one the original creator of AuthenticFlorida.com, Robin Draper, makes. She has perfected it and it’s simply delicious. It’s homemade, light, and very tart.

What’s the secret? Try it and you’ll find out! Here’s the link: https://authenticflorida.com/articles/what-to-eat/authentic-florida-s-key-lime-pie/

Authentic Florida's Key Lime Pie Recipe.
Authentic Florida’s Key Lime Pie Recipe

We would love to hear how you make your key lime pie. How about sharing your recipe? If you have a good one, we may make it and feature it on our website or our Authentic Florida Facebook page. Post it in the comments below or email it to us: [email protected]

We’d also love to know where is your favorite place to get key lime pie, especially if we didn’t cover that establishment in this article.

Interested in more Authentic Florida “Travel Through the Keys” stories? Enjoy these:

10 thoughts on “The 14 Best Key Lime Pies in the Florida Keys”

  1. Special place in my heart. We lived in Gainesville when my dad was in grad school UF and my mom started making key lime pie. Nice and tart, Ever since, it’s what I’ve asked for on my birthday instead of cake.

    Reply
  2. I understand that the article references the Florida keys. But Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach has one of the best keylime pies around. There also was a little shop on the side of US1 in Naranga just north of Florida City which had great pies not sure if still there. Secondly you missed the boat on the importance of the crust. It should be course graham cracker thick and Caramelized that it’s hard to break. Also if it’s not tart what’s the point. It’s like ordering Thai food that isn’t spicy.

    Reply
  3. I’m an old islamorada part time resident. My family had a large great lakes boat. We spent a lot of weekends in thr keys untill after hurricane Dona when we bought a house and dad became a partner on building the Holiday Isle, I was the teenage steel man. It was later renamed the Post Card Inn after I went into the Army. I’m in my late seventies. I worked as the dish washer, lisenced pool and general maintence. I loved key lime pie and ate it at places like Bud and Mary’s, and the Green Turtle Inn. Most of the others are no longer in business as restaurans. It was always a merengue. I never had a cheese cake Winter Park version down there. I guess due to the popularity and commonest of the cheese cake version, even the green turtle gave in and serves the Winter Park cheese cake with wip cream version.

    Reply
  4. There used to be a place in Islamorada, an Inn and restaurant that had the best key lime pie ever, they even had frozen ones that you could purchase to bring home. Does anyone know the name of this place now??? And do they still do the key lime pies???

    Reply
    • I believe it was owned by Ms. Lawrence. She was a live-in nanny for many years, first in England, then and mostly in south Florida before buying the Inn and Restaurant in key Islamorada. I and my five siblings were her last children wards. I visited Her at that Inn/restaurant in 1971 and had my very first taste of her mile high key lime pie. It was utterly the most delicious and pleasing bite of dessert I have ever experienced before nor since!!! Sorry, I don’t recall the name of the establishment, and regrettably Ms. Lawrence dwells these days with the angels. I recall it was white clapboard with blue trim on the south side of the main road facing NW slightly.

      Reply

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