The Best Key Lime Pie In Florida, According To Our Readers

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Texas has their sheet cake and Mississippi has their mud pie, but in Florida dessert revolves around the tiny but mighty Key lime. Smaller and slightly sweeter than a traditional or Persian lime, Key limes are the star of Florida's favorite sweet treat, the Key lime pie. While the Florida Keys are most commonly associated with Key lime pie (for obvious reasons!), the entire state embraces the dish. Here are the 10 best places in Florida to get a slice, according to our readers.

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

Photo: Graciela Cattarossi
Photo: Graciela Cattarossi

Key West

While there’s plenty of debate about who made Key lime pie first and who makes it best, Kermit’s has something that many other pie shops don’t. In addition to selling sliced and whole pies (and a bevy of other key lime-infused products like jams, oils, sauces, and more), they’re famous for their frozen chocolate-covered key lime bars. Take your pick from slices dipped in Belgian-style dark chocolate or white chocolate. With two Key West locations, plus nationwide overnight shipping, Kermit’s will have you on island time faster than you can say “Key lime."

Joe’s Stone Crab

<p>Joe’s Stone Crab</p>

Joe’s Stone Crab

Miami Beach

Joe Weiss opened Joe’s Stone Crab as a tiny lunch counter on Miami Beach back in 1913. In the century since, Miami and Joe’s have both changed quite a bit. One thing that hasn’t changed is the restaurant's commitment to excellent food and friendly service. You can still count on getting the freshest seafood (including famous stone crab claws), and of course, an unforgettable slice of Key lime pie.

Blue Heaven

<p>Courtesy of Blue Heaven</p>

Courtesy of Blue Heaven

Key West

An island oasis awaits on the whimsical patio at Blue Heaven. Snag a seat underneath a canopy of palm fronds, where you’ll be surrounded by eclectic art and the sound of live music. Then, settle in for a gourmet meal. Whether you visit for a hearty breakfast of Eggs Benedict, a refreshing lunch of Yellowtail Snapper Salad, or flavorful dinner of Caribbean “BBQ” Shrimp, all meals should end with a slice of Blue Heaven’s famous Key lime pie. The recipe is utter perfection: a buttery, graham cracker crust, a creamy filling made with sweetened condensed milk and tart fresh-squeezed lime juice, and plenty of meringue on top.

The Fish House

<p>Courtesy of Fish House</p>

Courtesy of Fish House

Key Largo

The Fish House has collected its fair share of accolades over the years, including people’s choice awards for being the Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Overall Restaurant in the Upper Keys. It was also named as having the Best Key Lime Pie by Florida Living Magazine. The beloved restaurant makes its classic Key lime pie in-house daily, so you’re guaranteed to get a fresh slice no matter what day of the week you visit.

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar

<p>Courtesy of Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar</p>

Courtesy of Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar

Islamorada

There’s no better view than watching the sunset over the water at Lorelei. You’ll know you’ve reached the bayside restaurant when you see the giant mermaid at Mile Marker 82 on Highway 1. Order three things when you go: 1) Lorelai’s World Famous Fish Sandwich, 2) A Lorelei Sunset (a fruity tipple made with tangerine-infused vodka), and 3) Lorelei’s World Famous “Frozen” Key Lime Pie. The restaurant serves a traditional version, as well, but the "frozen" is a must-try. The variation promises a whipped and creamy base that’s less tart than traditional Key lime pie. The dessert is topped with mango sauce and whipped cream.

Pepe’s Café

<p>Courtesy of Pepe's Cafe</p>

Courtesy of Pepe's Cafe

Key West

As the oldest restaurant in the Florida Keys and the second oldest in the state, it’s clear that Pepe’s is doing something right. If you go for breakfast or brunch, you can expect fresh-squeezed juice in your screwdriver or mimosa. If you get a salad, the dressing is made in-house. And if you order a slice of Key lime pie, you can bet it’s the same recipe that was used when the restaurant opened in 1909. The filling is light and creamy, the crust is perfectly crumbly, and the whipped cream is the perfect complement.

Sister Honey’s Bakery

<p>Courtesy of Sister Honey's Bakery</p>

Courtesy of Sister Honey's Bakery

Orlando

While most people assume Key lime pie originated in The Florida Keys, there are several other places that lay claim to the recipe. So, it’s fitting that locations outside of that magical stretch of Highway 1 are pros at making the dessert, too. At Sister Honey’s in Orlando, you can try a version made by a National Pie Championship winner. The pie varieties at Sister Honey’s range from coconut cream and lemon icebox to orange creamsicle and peanut butter satin. Each is a work of art. The Key lime pie features 100% Key lime juice, graham cracker crust, fresh whipped cream, and berries to garnish.

Mixed Fillings Pie Shop

<p>Courtesy of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop</p>

Courtesy of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop

Jacksonville

This woman-owned bakery does one thing and one thing only: make delicious pies. Helmed by Chef Natasha Burton, who underwent classic French culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu, Mixed Fillings promises perfection in every single bite. The pie shop’s slices and whole pies sell out nearly every day, so go early if you want to snag a slice of the Key lime pie. And if you’re a fan of that one, maybe grab a second slice of the Lemon Lavender Pure Bliss.

Palm Beach Grill

<p>Courtesy of Palm Beach Grill</p>

Courtesy of Palm Beach Grill

Palm Beach

Online reviewers wax poetic about the Key lime pie at Palm Beach Grill. The classic American restaurant serves a simple menu—but everything is done to the nines, including the Silver Service Kosher Hot Dog. Topped with lime zest and a luscious dollop of whipped cream, their version of Key lime pie is the type of dessert you fight over.

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

<p>Courtesy of Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory</p>

Courtesy of Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

Tavernier

Key lime lovers may not be able to contain their excitement over all the Key lime treats at Blond Giraffe. There are Key lime pie cookies, Key lime pecans, Key lime rum cake, Key lime taffy, Key lime meringues, and of course the legendary Key lime pie. Blond Giraffe's Key lime pie has long been a contender for the title of “Best Key Lime Pie.” In fact, they even beat out another of our readers’ favorite spots, Blue Heaven, for the title during an episode of Travel Channel’s “Food Wars” competition.

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