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13 Florida restaurants serving key lime pie so good locals argue over who does it best

David Coleman 7 min read
13 Florida restaurants serving key lime pie so good locals argue over who does it best
13 Florida restaurants serving key lime pie so good locals argue over who does it best

Florida is famous for a lot of things, but few treats spark as much local pride as a perfectly made key lime pie. That creamy, tangy filling in a buttery graham cracker crust has been a staple of the Sunshine State for generations.

From the Florida Keys all the way up to Orlando, restaurants across the state have put their own spin on this beloved dessert. Here are 13 spots where the key lime pie is so good, even the regulars can’t agree on who tops the list.

Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop – Key West, Florida

Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop - Key West, Florida
© Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop – Elizabeth Street

Walk into Kermit’s and you’ll immediately understand why this place has a cult following. The shop has been a Key West landmark for decades, drawing visitors and locals alike with its signature frozen key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate.

Everything here is made fresh, using real Key limes for that sharp, authentic tang. The staff is cheerful, the portions are generous, and the variety of key lime products will genuinely surprise you.

Blue Heaven – Key West, Florida

Blue Heaven - Key West, Florida
© Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in a hurry. Roosters wander the yard, trees provide natural shade, and the whole vibe feels like a lazy afternoon dream.

But the key lime pie here is anything but sleepy.

Rich, creamy, and topped with a cloud of fresh whipped cream, it’s consistently ranked among the best in the Keys. The outdoor setting makes every bite taste even better.

Pepe’s Cafe – Key West, Florida

Pepe's Cafe - Key West, Florida
© Pepe’s Cafe

Pepe’s holds the title of the oldest restaurant in Key West, open since 1909, and it wears that history proudly. The menu is straightforward and satisfying, with a key lime pie that feels like it belongs to another, more delicious era.

Old-school charm fills every corner of this spot. The pie has a firm, dense filling with a crust that crumbles just right, and regulars swear nothing in town comes close to matching it.

Old Town Bakery – Key West, Florida

Old Town Bakery - Key West, Florida
© Old Town Bakery

Tucked into the charming streets of Old Town Key West, this bakery punches well above its size when it comes to desserts. The key lime pie here has a silky smooth filling and a homemade crust that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love.

Morning or afternoon, you’ll likely find locals grabbing a slice alongside their coffee. It’s the kind of casual, no-fuss quality that keeps people coming back week after week.

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory – Tavernier, Florida

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory - Tavernier, Florida
© Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory ®

The name alone is enough to make you curious, and the pie is more than enough to make you stay. Located in Tavernier on the Upper Keys, the Blond Giraffe has built a serious reputation for producing key lime pies that are tart, creamy, and absolutely unforgettable.

Their frozen key lime pie on a stick has become a roadside legend among Keys travelers. Stop here on a road trip and you’ll understand why so many people plan their drives around it.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen – Key Largo, Florida

Mrs. Mac's Kitchen - Key Largo, Florida
© Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (Big)

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is the kind of roadside gem that reminds you why diners are so special. License plates cover the walls, the staff knows regulars by name, and the food is honest and satisfying.

The key lime pie here is no exception.

Tart without being overwhelming and sweet without being cloying, it hits that perfect balance that pie fans argue about endlessly. A stop at Mrs. Mac’s is basically a Florida Keys rite of passage.

Lazy Days Restaurant – Islamorada, Florida

Lazy Days Restaurant - Islamorada, Florida
© Lazy Days Restaurant

Few things in life beat eating a slice of key lime pie while looking out at the turquoise waters of Islamorada. Lazy Days Restaurant gives you exactly that experience, pairing stunning waterfront views with a dessert menu that earns its reputation.

The key lime pie is classic in the best possible way, with a bright citrus flavor that feels like sunshine in every bite. It’s the perfect way to end a seafood feast at this beloved local spot.

Marker 88 – Islamorada, Florida

Marker 88 - Islamorada, Florida
© Marker 88

Marker 88 has been a fine dining institution in Islamorada since 1967, and its key lime pie has had just as long to be perfected. The presentation here is polished, the atmosphere is relaxed but refined, and every dish reflects genuine culinary care.

The pie carries a smooth, well-balanced filling that lets the citrus shine without overwhelming the palate. Locals who grew up celebrating birthdays here will tell you the dessert menu alone is worth the reservation.

The Fish House – Miami, Florida

The Fish House - Miami, Florida
© The Fish House

Miami is packed with bold flavors and big personalities, and The Fish House fits right in. Known primarily for its fresh seafood, this restaurant also earns serious praise for its desserts, especially the key lime pie that regulars quietly rave about.

The filling is dense and tangy, with a graham cracker crust that holds together beautifully. After a plate of stone crab or grilled fish, that cool, creamy slice feels like the ideal Miami finale.

Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami Beach, Florida

Joe's Stone Crab - Miami Beach, Florida
© Joe’s Stone Crab

Joe’s Stone Crab has been a Miami Beach institution since 1913, and the key lime pie here is as legendary as the crab claws. This is not a spot that cuts corners, and the dessert program reflects that same commitment to excellence.

The pie arrives perfectly chilled, with a silky filling and a crust that has just the right amount of crunch. People wait in long lines for the full Joe’s experience, and the key lime pie is a huge part of why.

Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop – Miami, Florida

Fireman Derek's Bake Shop - Miami, Florida
© Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop

Started by an actual Miami firefighter with a serious passion for baking, Fireman Derek’s has grown into one of the city’s most talked-about dessert destinations. The key lime pie here has a playful, almost indulgent quality that sets it apart from more traditional versions.

Expect a thicker, richer filling and creative variations that keep things exciting. Whether you go classic or try one of their seasonal twists, the quality never wavers and the portions are wonderfully generous.

Publix Super Market – Orlando, Florida

Publix Super Market - Orlando, Florida
© Publix Super Market at Plaza at Millenia

Before you scroll past, hear this out: Publix key lime pie has sparked more passionate debates among Floridians than almost any restaurant dessert. The grocery chain’s bakery produces a pie that is shockingly good for a supermarket product, and loyal fans are fiercely protective of that opinion.

Creamy, tangy, and affordable, it’s the pie that shows up at Florida potlucks, birthday parties, and beach days. Sometimes the most beloved things come from the most unexpected places.

Hogfish Bar & Grill – Stock Island, Florida

Hogfish Bar & Grill - Stock Island, Florida
© Hogfish Bar & Grill

Stock Island sits just a bridge away from Key West, and Hogfish Bar and Grill feels like the secret locals keep to themselves. The atmosphere is rough around the edges in the best way possible, with fishing boats docked nearby and cold drinks flowing freely.

The key lime pie here is no-nonsense and deeply satisfying, with a crust that tastes handmade and a filling that’s properly tart. Regulars argue it beats anything the more touristy spots serve down the road.

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