MomSkoop
Florida’s signature dessert has captured hearts and taste buds for generations, and finding the perfect slice of key lime pie is practically a rite of passage in the Sunshine State. From the tropical Keys to the Gulf Coast, talented bakers have perfected this tangy-sweet treat that balances graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fluffy meringue in every bite.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, these eight spots serve up key lime pie so delicious that it lives up to every bit of buzz surrounding it.
1. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe – Key West
Walking into this iconic shoppe feels like stepping into key lime heaven, where every product celebrates Florida’s most famous citrus fruit. The pie here features a silky-smooth filling made from authentic key lime juice, creating that perfect balance between tart and sweet that keeps customers coming back year after year.
What makes this place truly special is the frozen key lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate—a portable version of the classic dessert. You can watch them make fresh pies daily while browsing through dozens of key lime-flavored products, from cookies to salsa.
2. Blue Heaven – Key West
Roosters strut freely around the outdoor dining area at this quirky restaurant, adding to the laid-back island atmosphere that makes eating here feel like a true Key West experience. The key lime pie arrives at your table with a towering meringue topping, browned to perfection and hiding a tangy filling underneath.
The restaurant sits in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, where brightly painted buildings and tropical plants create an unforgettable setting for your dessert adventure. Order early because this beloved spot fills up fast, especially during breakfast and brunch hours.
3. Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory – Tavernier
Tucked away in the Upper Keys, this unassuming factory produces some of the most talked-about key lime pies in all of Florida. Their secret recipe has won countless awards and devoted fans who make special trips just to pick up a whole pie for celebrations or weekend treats.
The graham cracker crust provides the perfect crunchy foundation for the creamy filling that tastes like sunshine in dessert form. Unlike some tourist traps, this family-run business focuses purely on quality, using real key lime juice and never cutting corners with artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Call ahead to ensure they have pies available, as they frequently sell out by afternoon.
4. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen – Key Largo
Since 1976, this no-frills diner has been serving up honest, home-style cooking that locals swear by, and their key lime pie definitely doesn’t disappoint hungry visitors. The generous slice comes topped with real whipped cream rather than meringue, letting the bright lime flavor shine through without any competition.
Everything about Mrs. Mac’s screams authentic Florida Keys dining—from the weathered wood paneling to the friendly servers who treat everyone like family. The pie’s filling strikes that ideal consistency, firm enough to hold its shape but still creamy and smooth on your tongue.
Be prepared for a wait during peak hours because word has definitely gotten out about this beloved local treasure.
5. Lazy Days Restaurant – Islamorada
Oceanfront dining reaches new heights when you finish your fresh seafood meal with a slice of their legendary key lime pie.
Watching the sunset over the water while savoring each tangy-sweet bite makes this dessert taste even better than usual. The restaurant’s relaxed vibe perfectly matches the Florida Keys lifestyle, where nobody rushes through anything, especially not a slice of perfectly crafted pie.
Reservations are highly recommended, particularly if you want a waterfront table during the busy winter season.
6. Fish Shack – Lighthouse Point
This casual seafood spot north of Fort Lauderdale surprises diners with a key lime pie that rivals anything you’ll find further south in the Keys. The filling achieves that perfect pale yellow color that signals real key lime juice rather than the artificial bright green stuff some places try to pass off.
What started as a simple fish market has evolved into a full restaurant where the focus remains on fresh, quality ingredients prepared without unnecessary fuss. Their pie features a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles just right, complementing the creamy filling’s smooth texture.
The portions here are substantial, so consider sharing if you’ve already enjoyed their famous fish tacos or grouper sandwich.
7. Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami Beach
For over a century, this legendary restaurant has been serving Miami’s elite and tourists alike, and their key lime pie has become just as famous as their stone crabs. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of the Weiss family who still run this iconic establishment today.
Unlike casual Keys joints, Joe’s presents their pie with refined elegance, though the taste is pure Florida sunshine. The filling’s texture is impossibly smooth, almost like a key lime custard, while the crust provides just enough crunch to contrast beautifully.
8. The Bubble Room – Captiva Island
Step into this wonderfully weird restaurant and you’ll find yourself surrounded by vintage toys, Christmas lights, and nostalgic memorabilia covering every available surface. The key lime pie here is equally over-the-top, arriving as a slice that looks almost too pretty to eat—almost.
Their version leans sweeter than traditional recipes, appealing to those who prefer desserts with less pucker power. Kids absolutely love the whimsical atmosphere, making this spot perfect for families seeking both delicious desserts and entertaining surroundings during their island vacation.