The 8 Best Places To Try Key Lime Pie In Key West (Including Vegan and Gluten Free Pies)
When you’re headed to Key West, you need to make sure to grab a slice of Key Lime Pie (or two, or three, or more…).
I spent an entire summer living, working, and playing in Key West, Florida, eating my way across the island so I know all of the top places to try this amazing pie.
In this guide, I’ll give you my favorite places to try Key lime pie (where I’d take family and friends for a true local experience), plus I’ll let you know which of these places also offer vegan and/or gluten-free options!
If you’re looking to plan more of your trip to Key West, check out my Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List with 98 Amazing Things to Do, along with my guide to where to eat in Key West and my recommendations for 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Key West, Florida.
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WHERE TO STAY:
💰😍 The Palms Hotel: Hidden Gem!Apartment-style rooms with an outdoor pool in Old Town Key West! Has amazing reviews, cheap bike rentals and a very affordable price.
💰💰😍 Beachside Resort & Residences: Oceantfront rooms, outdoor pool, private beach and even units with a kitchen.
💰💰💰😍 Casa Marina Key West Curio Collection by Hilton: Recently renovated beautiful hotel with the largest private beach in Key West, plus 2 oceanfront pools and watersports available directly from the hotel.
KEY LIME PIE WALKING TOUR IN KEY WEST:
🍰 1.5 Hour Key Lime Pie Tasting Tour in Key West:Taste multiple slices of Key Lime pie with a local while learning about the history of Key West and Key lime pie (like a pub crawl but for pie!😍)
EXCURSIONS WE'VE BOOKED AND LOVED:
🚤 Full Day Key West Ultimate Watersports Adventure:Experience all of the watersports on this full-day trip like jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, sunbathing on a catamaran and more!
🚤 Jet Ski Tour of Key West:Experience a thrilling trip around the island of Key West on this Jet Ski tour- share a jet ski and the second rider is free!
🌴 Unique Key West Sandbar Adventure: Experience the backcountry of Key West on this cruise and play on a sandbar in crystal clear water. SUPs and lunch included!
⚓ 1.5 Hour Beautiful Sunset Sail with Drinks Included: Experience the majestic Key West sunsets from the water on a sunset sail!
🤿 Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Key West:Visit the best places to see dolphins in Key West plus visit the backcountry for snorkeling!
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Why is Key Lime Pie so Popular in Key West?
It’s rumored that Key West is the home of the first Key lime pie; however, no one can be sure. But whether that’s true or not, you’ll still find the best Key lime pie you’ve ever had when visiting Key West!
There was commercial growing of Key limes in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, although that is no longer.
These delicious pies are usually made with Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, and you can find slices and entire pies for sale all over the island.
Having spent a summer in Key West, I know all of the top spots to try this tasty pie, as I’ve basically eaten my way across the island, and this guide is to let you know where to go.
Map of Where to Find The Best Key Lime Pie in Key West:
**Some of these places have multiple locations but I have only mapped one of their locations on this map. How to use this interactive map of the best Key lime pies in Key West: to click on individual icons to learn more about that pin on the map or press the arrow in the top left corner to see a list of all pins on the map. If you want to see a larger version of the map, click on the rectangle in the top right corner.*
Ranking of The Best Places to try Key Lime Pie in Key West
All of these bakeries, restaurants, and cafes have their own unique twist on Key Lime pie, and you really should just try all of them.
A great way to try all of the tastiest Key Lime pies in Key West is on this Key lime pie walking tour in Key West!
But if you can’t do that, here is a quick rundown of my favorite places that serve Key lime pie in Key West.
Just because one is at the top of the list and one at the bottom, doesn’t mean the ones at the bottom aren’t good. If you have time- try them all!
- #1: Kermit’s Key Lime Shop (where Key Lime pie on a stick (and dipped in chocolate) originated! One of the all-time favorite go-to Key Lime shops in Key West)
- #2: Blue Heaven (mile-high meringue and an amazing breakfast with the roosters)
- #3: Key Lime Pie Co. (book a make-your-own Key Lime pie class!)
- #4: Key Lime Pie Bakery (another traditional Key Lime shop with various Key Lime souvenirs)
- #5: Old Town Bakery (delicious bakery also serving Key Lime pie)
- #6: Mattheessen’s (served on a stick or traditional + delicious cookies & ice cream!)
- #7: Moondog Cafe & Bakery (vegan/gf options + traditional options served alongside a cafe that offers delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options in a cozy atmosphere)
- #8: Porky’s Bayside BBQ (fried Key Lime pie on the Overseas Highway!)
We haven’t had the chance to do this Key lime pie walking tour, but I know they stop at multiple places on this list while getting to learn the history behind the pie and Key West as well!
Where to Find Key Lime Pie in Key West Florida (my favorites)
#1: Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
- What makes it special: Kermit’s has been a Key West staple for over 30 years and offers up SO MANY Key lime-flavored goodies along with their delicious Key lime pie variations including pie on a stick dipped in chocolate. I love their Key lime concentrate to make pies at home.
- Gluten Free Options?: Yes
- Vegan Options?: No
- Address: 3 locations in Key West: Two locations on Duval Street and one on the corner of Elizabeth Street
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop is the quintessential Key lime pie experience in Key West. It’s my favorite place to visit as it has some of the best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys.
Kermit’s serves up traditional Key Lime Pie with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping in an entire pie or by the slice.
Along with pies, you can purchase SO MANY other Key lime flavoured goodies at Kermit’s like taffy, fudge, cookies, honey, and more!
Plus, you can also find popsicle-style Key lime Pie on a stick and Key lime pie on a stick DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE (which is so fun to try).
We love the Key lime juice concentrate from Kermit’s and are always sure to bring some home. This juice is the guaranteed way to make amazing Key lime pie once you are home from vacation.
It makes the perfect gift for family and friends! I brought home multiple bottles with me after my summer in Key West and always loved pulling it out to whip up a Key lime pie to feel like I was back in the Florida Keys.
🍰 ✨ Click here to learn more about the Key Lime Pie walking tour in Key West! ✨🍰
#2: Blue Heaven
- What makes it special: The Key lime pie has a MASSIVE topping of meringue- plus the vibe at Blue Heaven is amazing.
- Gluten Free Available?: No
- Vegan Available?: No
- Address: 729 Thomas Street in Key West
Blue Heaven Restaurant is a must-stop destination in Key West, whether you are getting Key lime pie or not.
Their quaint outdoor courtyard at Blue Heaven is complete with overhanging trees, cute signage and friendly roosters roaming the grounds. Plus, if you time it right, you’ll be able to enjoy live music while you eat. Its vibe is amazing, and it’s a favorite amongst locals.
The Key lime pie at Blue Heaven is one of the more unique ones in Key West.
It’s topped with the most meringue you’ve ever seen in your life (we are talking like 6 inches of meringue 😮).
As I said, I highly recommend visiting Blue Heaven, whether or not getting Key lime pie is involved.
Reservations are not accepted for breakfast or lunch, so I recommend showing up early to get a seat in the outside courtyard.
#3: Key Lime Pie Co.
- What makes it special: Traditional pie + Key Lime pie-making classes & Key Lime pie served in a cup and slices served on a stick dipped in chocolate.
- Gluten Free Available?: Yes
- Vegan Available?: No
- Address: 511 Greene Street, Key West, Florida
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Key West, try the pie-making class at Key Lime Pie Co! For $45, you get to go behind-the-scenes to make your very own personal-sized Key lime pie. Kids 5 years old and older can attend.
Key Lime Pie co also has various pie variations that you will find at other Key lime pie shops, but they also sell Key lime pie in a cup! A fun new twist on the classic pie (which may be easier to eat while on the go!).
#4: Key Lime Pie Bakery
- What makes it special: Various Key lime flavoured pies (including slices on a stick dipped in chocolate) treats, and souvenirs located on a common route cruise ship passengers take to reach Duval St.
- Gluten Free Available?: Yes
- Vegan Available?: No
- Address: 412 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040
The Key Lime Pie Bakery is a very photogenic shop located just one block off Duval Street on a road that is common for cruise ship passengers to walk on their way to Old Town.
Here you’ll find great Key Lime Pie in various forms similar to what you can find at Kermit’s (whole pies, slices, on a stick, dipped in chocolate), plus loads of other yummy Key lime-flavoured snacks to enjoy.
#5: Old Town Bakery
- What makes it special: So many amazing tasty pastries and sandwiches along with their delicious Key lime pie.
- Gluten free options?: No
- Vegan options?: No
- Address: 930 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Swing by Old Town Bakery to pick up a sandwich and a slice of Key lime pie to-go and enjoy a picnic somewhere on the island (like Fort Zachary Taylor or Mallory Square overlooking the water).
Be sure to visit early as this bakery is only open from 7 am to 3 pm each day.
#6: Mattheessen’s
- What makes it special: Delicious Key lime pie along with homemade cookies, ice cream and fudge! They also serve slices on a stick dipped in chocolate here.
- Gluten-free options?: No
- Vegan options?: No
- Address: 3 locations in Key West including 2 on Duval Street:
Mattheessen’s is a family-run business that serves up homemade pie, ice cream, cookies and fudge. And when I say cookies, I mean GIANT cookies.
They offer traditional pie slices but also the Key West favorite of a slice dipped in chocolate on a stick (I love these).
Since Mattheessen’s offers so many different sweets, this makes a great stop if you’re also looking for some non-Key lime goodies.
Matthessen’s is open every day from 8 am to midnight.
#7: Moondog Cafe & Bakery (vegan/gf + traditional options)
- What makes it special: One of the only vegan Key lime pies on the island! Plus lots of other delicious meals on their menu.
- Gluten-free options?: Yes
- Vegan options?: Yes
- Address: 823 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040
Moondog Cafe & Bakery is one of the only (if not the only?) options for vegan Key Lime pie in Key West (plus they also have traditional Key Lime pie!).
It’s an adorable cafe with an amazing menu offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with many different vegan and gluten-free options.
The vegan/gf Key Lime pie is made with key lime coconut curd, toasted “meringue”, graham cracker crumb, and an almond tart shell.
Located just one block from Duval, it’s easy to get to but has a bit more of a laid-back atmosphere. Definitely the right choice for your vegan pie!
#8 Porky’s Bayside
- What makes it special: Located on the overseas highway (a gorgeous drive from Key West) and the Key lime pie is FRIED!
- Gluten Free Available?:
- Vegan Available?: Yes
- Address: 1400 Overseas Hwy MM47.5, Marathon, FL 33050
Okay, okay, Porky’s Bayside isn’t technically in Key West; however, it’s worth the drive up the Florida Keys to visit.
You can’t leave Key West without experiencing the breathtaking Overseas Highway anyway, so a visit to Porky’s gives you a great excuse to take a day trip from Key West.
Porky’s Bayside restaurant is located just one hour north of Key West in Marathon in a super fun, eclectic open-air eatery right on a marina.
And the Key lime pie you can get at Porky’s is FRIED (yes, fried pie) and drized with a lime and raspberrry sauce.
Is frying a pie necessary? Probably not. But it makes for a fun experience and as I said, I highly recommend making the drive up the Overseas Highway while in Key West… it’s unlike any road you’ve ever traveled before.
🌴🐚 LOOKING FOR MORE ABOUT KEY WEST?
🍰 Key West Food Guide | 19 Places You Must Try
🌴 The Ultimate Itinerary for a Day Trip to Key West
🐚 The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do
❗ 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Key West, Florida
🚤 8 Key West Excursions Definitely Worth the Money
🤿 10 Best Things to do at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West Florida
☀️ The 7 Most Beautiful Places You Need Watch the Sunset in Key West
🚤 5 Reasons You Need to Rent Jet Skis in Key West + How to Rent
And those are my favorite places to eat Key lime pie in Key West Florda, ranked! Let me know if you have any questions about the top Key Lime pie in Key West in the comments below and I’ll be sure to get back to you.
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Kristina Endo
Years (and years) ago, my husband and I purchased key lime pie from a place along that long stretch of Hwy 1 that runs over the water. Instead of the creamy version, it was a see-thru green, kind of like a lemon meringue pie, only green instead of yellow.
I can’t seem to find one anywhere. Can you help ?
jenessa
Kristina EndoHey Kristina! Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the specific pie you are looking for. I tried doing a Google Search of restaurants along HWY 1 and wasn’t able to find any pictures that match your description. Best of luck!