The Ultimate Guide to the Best Key Lime Pies in the Florida Keys

Map of Where to Find The Best Key Lime Pie in

1. Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop (Key West)

Kermit's Key Lime Pie

Kermit’s Key Lime Shop began more than 30 years ago when founder Kermit Carpenter started selling smoothies outside Papa’s Restaurant in Key West.

A sudden turn of events sparked a new idea: create high-quality products that captured the spirit of Key West, starting with authentic Key lime flavors.

Alongside his sister Anita and her husband John, Kermit opened the first shop at Elizabeth and Greene Streets and began dreaming up every possible way to use Key lime.

As demand grew, the business expanded to a DeLand production facility in 2003 and a second Key West location on Duval Street in 2011. 

2. Key West Key Lime Pie Company (Key West)

Key Lime Pie Company

Key Lime Pie Co. is a Key West classic known for its icebox-style Key lime pie—no baking, no eggs, and meant to be enjoyed frozen or semi-frozen.

Made daily with real Key lime juice and a handmade graham cracker crust, the century-old recipe has earned national pie championships, a Guinness World Record, and a devoted local following.

It’s a must-try slice of Key West tradition with a refreshingly modern twist.

3. Key Lime Pie Bakery (Key West)

Key Lime Pie Bakery

Key Lime Pie Bakery centers its menu around classic Key lime pie flavors, offering a range of Key lime–forward desserts designed to capture the taste of the Florida Keys.

In addition to pie-inspired treats and cakes, the bakery is also well known for its Tortuga Caribbean rum cakes, a longtime island favorite available in several flavors, including coconut and golden original.

Together, the lineup blends bright citrus and rich rum for a well-rounded take on Keys-style desserts that go beyond the traditional slice.

4. Blue Heaven (Key West)

Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven is one of those places locals send you when they want you to experience the real Key West.

Tucked into Bahama Village, this open-air spot is known for its roaming chickens, live music, Caribbean-leaning comfort food, and an easygoing, anything-goes atmosphere.

The brunch is legendary, and the towering Key lime pie is a rite of passage — the kind of place where you show up for a meal and end up staying way longer than planned.

5. Moondog Cafe and Bakery (Key West)

Moondog Cafe and Bakery

Moondog Cafe & Bakery is a beloved Key West staple just steps from the Hemingway House that’s been delighting locals and visitors since it opened as a dedicated café and bakery in 2017.

It’s not just a bakery — it’s a full-service spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an eclectic, creative menu that ranges from hearty omelets and tacos to inventive sandwiches and vegan/gluten-free options, all served in a funky, art-filled cottage-style space with outdoor seating.

While guests come for the breakfast and lunch favorites, the cafe’s Key lime pie has developed a bit of a cult following.

It’s often praised as one of Key West’s best, with a perfect tart-sweet balance and dramatic torched meringue topping that keeps visitors coming back 

6. Kiki’s Sandbar (Torch Key)

Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille is a laid-back waterfront favorite in the Lower Keys, known for its toes-in-the-sand vibe, nightly live music, and sunset views over Newfound and Marsch Harbors.

What started as a casual beach hangout has grown into a lively island hub with a tiki bar, raw bar, fresh seafood, and classic Keys comfort food.

While Kiki’s is best known for its atmosphere and music rather than dessert, it’s the kind of place that perfectly rounds out a day of exploring the Keys, where a slice of Key lime pie feels like a natural next stop on the island itinerary.

7. The Trading Post w/ Key Lime Pie Lady

Key Lime Pie Lady is a true Islamorada comeback story. After running a beloved local restaurant from 2009 to 2017, Barbara and Mike lost their business to Hurricane Irma — but the Keys weren’t done with their pie.

Locals kept calling, asking for that Key lime pie, so in 2018, they perfected their now-famous recipe: a thick homemade graham cracker crust, bright-tart filling, and fluffy whipped topping.

Today, you can find their pies to-go at The Trading Post w/Key Lime Pie Lady on the Overseas Highway, where whole pies, slices, and even chocolate-dipped minis are stocked right on the shelf.

It’s one of the most authentic, locally made Key lime pies you can take home from the Keys.

8. Lazy Days Restaurant

Lazy Days Restaurant is one of those Islamorada spots locals keep coming back to — casual, welcoming, and perfectly situated right on the water.

With sandy floors, open-air seating, and sunset views over the bay, it feels Keys in the best way, effortlessly.

The seafood is classic and comforting, but don’t skip dessert: Lazy Days’ Key lime pie is often talked about as one of the best in the Keys, with a bright, balanced tartness that regulars swear by.

It’s the kind of place where dinner stretches into sunset, and a slice of pie feels like part of the ritual.

9. Keys Chocolates & Ice Cream

Key Largo Chocolates & Ice Cream is a family-owned Keys favorite serving up handcrafted sweets since 2010.

With locations in Key Largo and Islamorada, it’s known for rich Belgian chocolates, house-made ice cream, and some of the most crowd-pleasing Key lime pie treats in the Keys — including frozen chocolate-dipped pie bars.

It’s the kind of place locals stop “just for one thing,” and visitors stumble into, then immediately plan a second visit.

10. Our Favorite: Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory (Marathon)

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory is a Florida Keys icon and our favorite Key lime pie stop at Shaka Guide.

Known for its bold yellow buildings and playful island vibe, this longtime local favorite specializes in classic and creative takes on Key lime pie — from traditional slices to frozen pies dipped in chocolate that fans swear by.

It’s an easy and unforgettable stop for anyone chasing the best Key lime pie in the Keys, whether you’re grabbing a slice to-go or stocking up for the road.

FAQs About Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys 

What makes Key Lime pie in the Florida Keys authentic? 

A Key lime is a small, highly aromatic citrus fruit native to the Florida Keys, prized for its bold tartness and intense flavor. Authentic Florida Keys Key lime pie is made with real Key lime juice and a simple, time-honored recipe that balances bright acidity with creamy sweetness. What truly sets it apart is tradition: small-batch, locally made pies rooted in family history and local pride, not mass production.

Is Key Lime pie supposed to be tart or sweet? 

Both! Authentic Key lime pie is meant to be tart first, sweet second. Made with real Key lime juice, it has a bright, sharp citrus bite balanced by creamy sweetness rather than a sugary finish. In the Florida Keys, the best pies lean into that natural tang — a reflection of the Key lime itself — with sweetness added just enough to round it out, not overpower it.

Where did Key Lime pie originate? 

Key lime pie originated in the Florida Keys, most likely in the late 1800s to early 1900s. It’s widely believed to have been created by Key West cooks, using ingredients they had on hand: local Key limes, canned sweetened condensed milk (fresh milk spoiled quickly before refrigeration), and eggs. Over time, the pie became a regional staple and a symbol of the Keys’ resourceful, island-style cooking — eventually earning its place as Florida’s iconic dessert

Can you buy Key Lime pie to take home or ship? 

Yes! Key lime pie is one of the easiest desserts to take home or ship, and many local bakeries are set up specifically for it. Across the Keys, you’ll find whole frozen pies, vacuum-sealed slices, and chocolate-dipped frozen pie bars designed to travel well. Some shops sell pies to-go for road trips or flights, while others offer nationwide shipping, letting you bring a true taste of the Keys home long after your trip ends.

How many Key Lime pie stops should you try in one trip? 

Ideally, all of them! But realistically? Two to four Key lime pie stops are the sweet spot on one Florida Keys trip. That’s enough to taste different styles — tart vs. creamy, baked vs. icebox, whipped topping vs. meringue — without burning out your palate. Locals will tell you there’s no single “best” pie, only favorites, and trying a few is part of the fun. Consider it dessert research.

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