US-1 ends in Key West, and plenty of travelers make that long run south with one dessert on their minds. Key lime pie is the official sweet of the island, and nearly every corner shop claims to make the best slice.
One small bakery near the waterfront has built a loyal crowd with pie by the slice, pie on a stick, and jars of free cookie samples. Prices start low, the doors open every morning, and the lime green theme is hard to miss.
This guide walks through where the shop sits, what to order, where to sit, and when to go. By the end, you will know whether the drive is worth it for your own sweet tooth.
A Lime Green Stop Near the Key West Waterfront
The road south ends at a shop that takes its fruit very seriously. Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop sits at 200 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, in the United States.
The bakery is close to the boardwalk in downtown Key West. That makes it an easy add-on during a walk around the historic waterfront.
The shop is listed as a bakery, but it works more like a key lime headquarters. Pie, cookies, candy, drinks, and souvenirs all share the same citrus theme.
Many Key West travel guides point people here, so expectations tend to run high. The good news is that the place has earned a 4.6 star standing from more than 3,200 people.
The Elizabeth Street branch is often called the favorite location. Its biggest advantage is a relaxed seating area out back, which comes up later in this story.
Getting here means finding the waterfront side of Old Town and following the lime green signs. Once the green wallpaper comes into view, the mission is basically complete.
Why Key Lime Pie Rules the Island
Ask almost anyone heading to Key West about their must-do list, and pie usually lands near the top. Key lime pie is the signature dessert of the island.
That reputation brings a lot of competition. Some travelers make a game of it and try five or more shops in one week.
Kermit’s regularly lands near the top of those personal contests. Plenty of people call it the best key lime pie in Key West, while others place it a close second.
The shop calls itself a key lime destination, and the name fits. Everything inside revolves around one small, tart citrus fruit.
For first-timers, it can also be the very first slice of key lime pie ever. Many people walk out and head straight back to the counter for a second piece.
That kind of loyalty explains why families treat it as a must-stop on every trip. Some come back year after year, and the shop seems to welcome that habit with open arms and full pie cases.
The Classic Slice Under the Spotlight
Here is the slice that justifies the miles. The original key lime pie at Kermit’s is sold by the slice, so nobody has to commit to a whole pie.
The custard leans tart, which is exactly how many fans say key lime pie should be. Others find it simple and not too tart, so the balance seems to suit a wide range of preferences.
The filling is described as rich and creamy. Some find it thicker than other versions on the island, with a strong lime flavor.
A few details split opinion. The crust runs on the thicker side, and the meringue has its fans and its skeptics.
Sweetness is another talking point. Some find the pie quite sweet, so sharing a slice can be a smart move.
Slices come pre-cut from a refrigerated case, which keeps the line moving on busy days. A single slice runs around $6.
Whole pies are also available for anyone ready to go all in. Fans call them absolutely worth it, and they make the trip home a lot more delicious.
Pie on a Stick, Dressed in Chocolate
Some desserts need a plate. Others just need a stick and a sunny sidewalk.
The frozen key lime pie on a stick is one of the most talked-about items at Kermit’s. It comes dipped in chocolate and is often called a must-try.
The chocolate dipped version gets mentioned again and again. The shell adds a crunch while letting the key lime cream stay in the lead.
Flavor options keep things interesting. The chocolate covered coconut key lime pie on a stick pairs a milk chocolate shell with coconut.
There is also a white chocolate strawberry version. Its pie cream is infused with real strawberry, and fans call it equally good.
Each one costs about $6, the same as a single slice. Some couples order one of each and argue happily about the winner.
The stick format is handy for anyone exploring Old Town on foot. It is portable, frozen, and very easy to finish before the next stop on the list.
Coconut, Strawberry, and Other Twists
Purists can stop reading here. Everyone else, the flavor list keeps going.
Kermit’s offers several takes on its famous pie. Coconut key lime pie and strawberry key lime pie are two of the most popular choices.
A coconut key lime bar is another option for anyone wanting a smaller, simpler treat. It earns praise for being satisfying without being too tart.
Gluten free key lime pie is on the menu too. That is good news for travelers who usually skip the dessert stop.
The pie variety also helps groups. One person can stick with the original while another tries a fruity or tropical version.
Comparing flavors at the outdoor tables has become a small tradition for some families. It is a delicious debate with no wrong answers, only extra napkins.
Free Cookie Samples and Sweet Surprises
Free samples are a bold strategy, and Kermit’s commits to it. Jars of cookie samples sit out so guests can try the flavors before buying a bag.
There are often around six different cookies to sample. The selection includes mini cookies in many flavors, plus lemon cookies.
The key lime cookies stand out because some contain real lime pulp. The key lime cooler cookies have their own fan club as well.
For some groups, the cookies even steal the show from the pie. Many leave with bags to take home to family.
Choosing just one bag is the hard part. Whole parties have stood at the shelves, torn between flavors.
Samples go beyond cookies too. Many items in the store offer tastings, so browsing becomes part of the fun.
There was even a little snack offered for a dog on one visit. Four-legged travelers apparently deserve a treat as well.
Taffy, Jelly Beans, and Shelves of Lime
Leaving with only pie would be a missed opportunity. The shelves at Kermit’s hold a huge range of key lime products.
Key lime salt water taffy and key lime jelly beans are favorites for souvenir bags. Toffee also earns solid praise.
Key lime juice is sold for anyone planning to bake at home. There are various other lime-based products as well.
Key lime pound cake comes as a full loaf. Some admit they cannot stop eating it once they start.
The store also carries a large selection of lime-themed gifts. Souvenirs fill the space between the treats.
Some feel the setup is a bit commercial, with plenty of merchandise and a quick checkout counter. Still, the variety makes it easy to shop for friends back home.
A short browse can turn into a long one. Wallets should be warned that the jelly beans are very persuasive.
Cool Drinks and Frozen Extras
Key West afternoons can wear anyone out. Kermit’s has a few cool answers for that.
Key lime dole whip is one of them. It is called tasty and refreshing after a long day in the sun.
Ice cream is also on offer. One group that sampled it called it a really special ice cream.
Strawberry lemonade has its own followers. It is described as a winner by people who expected to focus only on pie.
Coffee is available too, which helps balance all that sugar. Key lime pie popsicles round out the frozen choices.
These extras make the shop more than a quick slice stop. A group can split pie, drinks, and something frozen, then take a well-earned break before heading back out.
The Courtyard Out Back
Here is the secret weapon of the Elizabeth Street location. A relaxed seating area sits out back.
The outdoor courtyard has tables and chairs under a roof. That shade is a big deal on hot island days.
The patio is part of a large indoor and outdoor seating area. It helps handle crowds on busy afternoons.
Friendly doves are known to hang around the courtyard. They seem to enjoy the setting as much as everyone else.
Inside, the decor is all lime green. The wallpaper is called iconic, and the decorations give the building a cheerful look.
A statue-like figure of Kermit himself has fooled at least one newcomer. It is one of those small quirks that make the shop memorable.
The location near the boardwalk adds to the appeal. Pie with a view of the waterfront area is a fine way to spend a slow half hour.
Families, couples, and groups of friends all fit comfortably here. The courtyard turns a quick purchase into a proper break.
Hours, Costs, and a Sweet Final Verdict
Good planning makes every slice better. Kermit’s on Elizabeth Street is open every day from 10 AM to 9:30 PM.
The price range sits around $1 to $10. A slice or a pie on a stick costs about $6, which some consider a fair price for downtown Key West.
Others find it a little pricey. Most agree the taste makes up for the cost.
Late visits can come with a short checkout line. One group felt rushed near closing time, and the shop responded by promising to address it with the team.
Most of the time, the counter is described as quick and friendly. Arriving earlier in the day may give more time to browse and sample.
So is it worth the drive down US-1? For anyone who wants the classic key lime experience, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
The pie, the samples, and the shady courtyard make a strong team. Bring a friend, order two flavors, and let the lime green adventure settle the debate.
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