3 Florida Key Lime Pies You Can Skip & 3 Worth Every Bite

As a self-proclaimed dessert detective, I’ve made it my mission to track down the best key lime pies across Florida.
This tangy, creamy treat is the Sunshine State’s official dessert, and locals take their pie seriously!
After countless tastings (tough job, I know), I’ve identified three spots you can skip and three that are absolutely worth the calories.
Here’s my honest guide to navigating the key lime scene in Florida.
1. Skip: Hogfish Bar & Grill’s Underwhelming Citrus Creation

My taste buds were primed for that signature key lime zing when I visited this popular spot, but what arrived at my table left me wondering if they’d forgotten the ‘key’ part of key lime pie. The tartness was so mild I had to double-check my order!
The texture hit the mark – smooth and creamy with a decent graham cracker crust – but without that distinctive citrus punch, it might as well have been vanilla pudding in disguise. I even squeezed the decorative lime wedge over a bite, hoping to salvage some zing.
Fellow diners at my table seemed perfectly content, which made me wonder if my taste buds were broken that day. But no – key lime pie should make your mouth pucker just a little before melting into sweet satisfaction. This version played it too safe.
The presentation looked promising, with a generous dollop of whipped cream and that lime wedge perched jauntily on top. Sadly, looks can be deceiving. While Hogfish excels at seafood (their namesake hogfish sandwich is legitimately amazing), their dessert game needs work.
If you find yourself at this establishment, stick to their savory specialties and save your dessert calories for elsewhere. Your key lime craving deserves better than this bland interpretation that misses the essential character of Florida’s signature dessert.
2. Skip: Schooner Wharf’s Too-Sweet Sugar Overload

Sugar rush alert! My fork barely made it through the first bite of Schooner Wharf’s key lime pie before my sweet tooth waved a white flag. While the creamy texture initially impressed me, the overwhelming sweetness quickly overpowered any hint of lime.
Located in a charming waterfront setting with boats bobbing nearby, I wanted to love this place’s dessert offering. The atmosphere was perfect for enjoying Florida’s signature treat – salty air, live music, cold drinks. What better finale than a perfect slice of key lime pie?
Unfortunately, the balance was all wrong. Key lime pie should be a harmonious dance between sweet and tart, but this version was like watching a dance where one partner completely dominates the floor.
The graham cracker crust suffered too – soggy in spots and overly sweet, as if trying to compete with the filling. Even the whipped cream topping had been sweetened to the point where it lost its light, complementary purpose.
“Best pie in the Keys!” proclaimed a sign near the bar. I’ve found that when restaurants boldly advertise their desserts this way, disappointment often follows. Save your calories and your $8.95 for a more authentic experience. If you must order dessert here, perhaps try something else – their chocolate cake looked promising as it passed by on a server’s tray.
3. Skip: Lorelei Restaurant’s Frozen Mousse Mishap

My sunset dinner at Lorelei came with high expectations – locals had raved about their seafood and waterfront views. When dessert time rolled around, I couldn’t resist ordering their key lime pie, despite being already satisfied from an excellent mahi-mahi dish.
The slice arrived looking picture-perfect: tall, pale yellow, artfully garnished. But one bite revealed this wasn’t traditional key lime pie at all – it was closer to a frozen mousse! The texture was airy and light, almost like ice cream that had slightly melted then refrozen.
True key lime pie should have a certain density and creaminess that comes from the condensed milk-egg yolk base. This version seemed to incorporate whipped cream into the filling itself, creating something entirely different.
The flavor wasn’t bad, mind you. There was definitely lime present, though whether it came from actual key limes seemed questionable. The graham cracker crust had a pleasant butteriness, but it couldn’t save the identity crisis happening above it.
What bothered me most was the misleading menu description that simply read “Homemade Key Lime Pie.” This dessert might please tourists who don’t know what they’re missing, but pie purists should steer clear. If you’re after an authentic Florida experience, this mousse-like creation won’t deliver the traditional taste you’re seeking.
4. Worth It: Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe’s Classic Champion

“Holy tartness!” These words involuntarily escaped my lips after my first bite at Kermit’s. This is the real deal – the pie that ruins you for all other key lime pies. My three-day Key West vacation turned into a daily pilgrimage to this lime-green shop on Elizabeth Street.
Kermit’s has perfected the balance that defines great key lime pie. The filling delivers that distinctive pucker-worthy tartness followed by a mellow sweetness that doesn’t overpower. Their secret? Actually using real key limes! You’d be surprised how many places substitute regular limes or bottled juice.
The texture deserves special mention – silky smooth yet firm enough to hold its shape when sliced. No artificial thickeners here, just the natural reaction between lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk. And that crust! Perfectly buttery graham cracker base that complements rather than competes with the filling.
I chatted with a staff member who mentioned they squeeze thousands of tiny key limes weekly. That labor-intensive process explains the authentic flavor that keeps people coming back. They also offer chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick – frozen and dipped in dark chocolate – which sounds bizarre but tastes like a sophisticated creamsicle.
Yes, you’ll pay a premium ($6.95 per slice when I visited), and yes, you’ll likely wait in line. But this is the standard-bearer against which all other key lime pies should be judged. If you try only one key lime pie in Florida, make it Kermit’s.
5. Worth It: S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill’s Cheesecake-Style Revelation

Hidden away from the main tourist drag, S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill doesn’t look like much from the outside. The weathered exterior had me questioning my friend’s recommendation until that first magnificent bite of their key lime pie changed everything.
Unlike traditional versions, their take leans toward a cheesecake-style creation – slightly denser and richer, with a subtle cream cheese undertone that complements the lime perfectly. The chef later confirmed they use a blend of cream cheese and condensed milk, creating a unique texture that’s become their signature.
The tartness hits just right – present but not overwhelming, allowing you to enjoy a whole slice without fatigue. Their homemade graham cracker crust includes crushed pecans, adding a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor that elevates the entire experience.
What really sets this pie apart is the presentation. Instead of the typical whipped cream topping, they torch a thin layer of meringue on top, giving it a marshmallow-like finish that adds another dimension of flavor and texture. This detail shows how much thought goes into their dessert program.
The restaurant itself has a charming nautical theme with fishing nets and buoys decorating the walls. Prices are reasonable at $5.95 per slice, especially considering the generous portions. I’ve since returned three times, dragging different friends along to witness their expressions after that first bite. If you appreciate creative twists on classics, this cheesecake-style version might become your new standard for key lime excellence.
6. Worth It: Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory’s Award-Winning Wonder

The smell of freshly baked graham cracker crusts greeted me before I even opened the door to Blond Giraffe. This family-owned operation has won the Key Lime Festival’s competition five years running – and after one bite, I understood why.
Their pie achieves the perfect consistency – not too firm, not too soft, just a beautiful custard-like texture that melts on your tongue. The lime flavor comes through clearly without being aggressive, followed by a gentle sweetness that never becomes cloying. You can taste the craftsmanship in every bite.
What makes Blond Giraffe special is their commitment to traditional methods. Watching through the viewing window, I saw staff hand-squeezing those tiny key limes – a labor-intensive process many establishments skip. That dedication to authenticity makes all the difference.
The crust deserves special mention – it’s thicker than most, with a perfect balance of butter, honey, and graham cracker that could stand alone as a delicious cookie. They also nail the ratio of crust to filling, ensuring you get both in every bite.
Beyond the classic slice, they offer creative variations including key lime pie milkshakes and chocolate-dipped mini pies that make perfect souvenirs (if they survive the trip home). The owners happily chat with customers, sharing stories about their 30-year history perfecting their recipe. At $6.50 per slice it’s not cheap, but the portion is generous enough to share – though you probably won’t want to! This is destination-worthy pie that justifies a special trip.