I Traveled Florida’s Coast To Taste 11 Key Lime Pie Cafes (And 5 Were Absolute Sunshine)
There’s something about Florida’s coast that makes you want to kick off your flip-flops and dive into the sun, salt, and sweetness of it all.
For me, that meant a road trip along the state’s shoreline with one mission: to chase the tangy, creamy perfection of Key Lime Pie.
From the bustling sidewalks of Miami to the laid-back charm of Key West, I ate my way through 11 beloved pie-serving cafes. Spoiler: every slice I tried was worth the trip.
But if I had to narrow it down, five spots shone so brightly-even Florida’s own sunshine would probably take a backseat.
This isn’t just a list of desserts, it’s a love letter to the places where zesty key lime dreams meet buttery crusts and a whole lot of heart.
Come with me, and we’ll map the flavors that make Florida unforgettable-one slice at a time.
P.S. Don’t worry: I’ll tell you which ones made my “Absolute Sunshine” list.
No sunburn required.
1. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Walking into Kermit’s at 200 Elizabeth Street felt like stepping into a lime-scented wonderland where every surface gleamed with citrus promise.
This legendary shop has perfected the art of taking traditional Key lime pie and giving it a playful twist.
The chocolate-dipped frozen pie bars became my instant obsession, combining creamy filling with a satisfying crunch that made me forget about the Florida heat.
Classic slices here follow the authentic recipe that locals have sworn by for decades.
The graham cracker crust stays perfectly crisp even under that silky filling.
Every bite delivers that signature pucker-worthy tartness balanced with just enough sweetness.
Tourists line up out the door, but the staff keeps things moving with friendly efficiency.
I grabbed three frozen bars to take back to my hotel, but they mysteriously disappeared before sunset.
The shop also offers shipping nationwide, so your lime-loving friends back home can taste what makes this place special.
Kermit’s definitely earned its spot as one of the absolute sunshine winners on my list.
2. Key West Key Lime Pie Co.
Located at 511 Greene Street, this bakery proves that sometimes focusing on one thing and doing it incredibly well beats trying to be everything to everyone.
The pies here are noticeably thicker than most, with filling that reaches impressive heights in the pan.
Creaminess is the name of the game, and each forkful feels like velvet on your tongue.
The owners have built a business around perfecting their recipe until it reached dessert nirvana.
I watched bakers working in the back, carefully measuring ingredients with the precision of scientists.
What impressed me most was the consistency between slices.
Each piece tasted exactly like the last, which speaks volumes about quality control.
The retail shop vibe means you can grab a whole pie to share or just enjoy a generous slice at one of their small tables.
They ship nationwide, which explains why I saw customers placing large orders for family reunions and office parties.
The tartness here leans slightly milder than Kermit’s, making it perfect for folks who prefer their desserts on the sweeter side.
3. Blue Heaven
Finding Blue Heaven at 729 Thomas Street felt like stumbling upon a secret garden where roosters roam freely and Caribbean colors assault your senses in the best possible way.
This quirky spot serves up Key lime pie topped with fluffy meringue instead of whipped cream, and that choice makes all the difference.
The meringue gets torched until golden peaks form, adding a toasty flavor that complements the tart filling beautifully.
Locals packed the outdoor tables when I visited, always a promising sign.
The laid-back atmosphere means you might wait a bit for your slice, but watching chickens strut past your table provides free entertainment.
I ordered mine after a hearty breakfast, and the server recommended pairing it with strong Cuban espresso.
She was absolutely right.
The pie itself hits that perfect balance where you can taste real lime juice instead of artificial flavoring.
Blue Heaven earned its reputation through decades of consistent quality and refusing to change what works.
This one definitely belongs in my top five sunshine spots.
4. Pepe’s Café
Pepe’s Café sits at 806 Caroline Street and proudly claims the title of one of Key West’s oldest restaurants, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft.
The traditional recipe here hasn’t changed in generations, and regulars would probably riot if anyone suggested modifications.
What makes this pie special is its simplicity.
No fancy toppings, no creative twists, just honest-to-goodness Key lime pie made the way grandmothers taught their daughters to make it.
The filling tastes intensely of lime without being too sour.
A dollop of fresh whipped cream sits on top, light and barely sweetened so it doesn’t compete with the main event.
I chatted with an older gentleman at the next table who told me he’s been coming here since 1973.
He orders the same slice every single visit.
The restaurant itself has that comfortable, worn-in feeling of a place that’s seen countless celebrations and quiet moments.
Service feels unhurried, matching the island pace perfectly.
Pepe’s proves that sometimes sticking with tradition beats innovation every time.
5. Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
Driving up the Overseas Highway to Tavernier, I spotted the Blond Giraffe at 92220 and immediately understood why it’s become a must-stop tourist destination.
The bright yellow building practically screams for attention, and the awards displayed inside back up the bold exterior.
This bakery has won enough competitions to wallpaper a small room with certificates.
Their Key lime pie strikes a beautiful middle ground between tart and sweet, making converts out of people who claim they don’t like citrus desserts.
I watched a family pile back into their minivan with four whole pies stacked carefully in a cooler.
The Upper Keys location makes it convenient for folks heading down to Key West or back up to Miami.
What impressed me most was how the crust stayed crunchy even hours after purchase.
Many places struggle with soggy bottoms, but Blond Giraffe has clearly solved that problem.
The factory also offers samples, so you can taste before committing to a full slice.
Smart business move, because one taste had me buying a whole pie.
Absolute sunshine material right here.
6. Keys Fisheries
At 3502 Gulfview Avenue in Marathon, Keys Fisheries operates as both a seafood market and a casual waterfront restaurant where pelicans beg shamelessly for scraps.
Most people come here for the fresh fish, but the Key lime pie has quietly built its own devoted following.
The island-style approach means a thicker crust and slightly looser filling that wobbles enticingly on the plate.
I ordered mine after demolishing a grouper sandwich, wondering if I had room for dessert.
One bite answered that question with a resounding yes.
The lime flavor here tastes bright and fresh, like someone just squeezed the fruit moments before mixing the filling.
Eating outdoors with the marina view adds to the experience.
Boats bobbing in the background, warm breeze ruffling your napkin, and that perfect slice of pie make for a memory worth keeping.
The portions run generous, so sharing makes sense unless you’re really hungry.
Keys Fisheries proves that seafood joints can excel at dessert too.
The combination of fresh fish and fantastic pie earned this spot high marks on my journey.
7. S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill
You might not expect a sports bar at 58835 Overseas Highway on Grassy Key to serve award-winning Key lime pie, but S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill loves defying expectations.
The scratch-made pie here tastes nothing like the frozen desserts many casual restaurants serve.
Someone in that kitchen takes serious pride in baking, and it shows in every carefully crafted slice.
The Middle Keys location makes it a convenient stop between Marathon and Islamorada.
I visited on a Sunday afternoon when football games played on multiple screens and locals filled the bar.
My server recommended the pie with such enthusiasm that I couldn’t refuse.
She wasn’t overselling it.
The filling achieved that difficult balance where tartness and sweetness dance together without either partner leading too strongly.
The graham cracker crust tasted buttery and held together perfectly, no crumbling or falling apart.
Awards from local publications decorated one wall, and the pie’s trophy collection rivaled the sports memorabilia.
S.S. Wreck proved that you can enjoy great pie while watching the game, a combination I deeply appreciate.
8. The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market
Pulling into The Fish House at 102401 Overseas Highway in Key Largo, I joined a long line of cars that suggested this longtime Keys establishment knows what it’s doing.
The restaurant has served hungry travelers for decades, building a reputation on fresh seafood and reliable quality.
Key lime pie here falls into the consistently well-liked category, which sounds less exciting than award-winning but matters more in the long run.
Consistency means you’ll get the same great slice whether you visit in January or July.
The pie follows a traditional recipe without trying to reinvent the wheel.
Sometimes that’s exactly what you want after a day of snorkeling or fishing.
The crust tastes slightly sweeter than others on my list, with extra graham cracker flavor coming through.
Portions run large enough to satisfy without leaving you uncomfortably full.
I appreciated how the filling set properly, slicing cleanly instead of running all over the plate.
The Fish House might not have the flashiest presentation or the most creative twist, but solid execution counts for a lot.
This is the kind of place locals bring out-of-town guests because they know it won’t disappoint.
9. Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar
Lorelei sits bayside at Mile Marker 82 on Madeira Road in Islamorada, where sunset views compete with the dessert menu for your attention.
This hangout takes a creative approach to Key lime pie, offering a frozen version that’s perfect for hot Florida afternoons.
The frozen treatment transforms the traditional dessert into something between pie and ice cream, maintaining that signature lime tang while adding refreshing coolness.
I grabbed a table right at the water’s edge and watched boats drift by while working on my slice.
The casual atmosphere means flip-flops and swimsuit cover-ups count as acceptable attire.
Live music often fills the air, adding to the laid-back Keys vibe.
The frozen pie melts slowly in the heat, so eating at a leisurely pace works perfectly with the setting.
Lorelei’s version won’t satisfy purists who insist on traditional preparation, but innovation has its place.
The combination of creative dessert and stunning sunset views earned this spot a mention on my journey.
I returned the next evening just to watch the sun sink into the ocean while enjoying another frozen slice.
Some experiences deserve repeating.
10. Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s Stone Crab at 11 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach represents old-school glamour and classic Miami dining at its finest.
This iconic restaurant has served celebrities, politicians, and regular folks since 1913, and the Key lime pie has been pleasing crowds for decades.
The classic preparation here follows time-tested methods that have created generations of loyal fans.
Walking into Joe’s feels like stepping back to when dining out meant dressing up and taking your time.
The pie arrives at your table looking picture-perfect, with a golden crust and pale green filling that practically glows under the lights.
First bite delivers intense lime flavor without crossing into sour territory.
The texture sits somewhere between creamy and firm, holding its shape beautifully.
I overheard an older couple at the next table discussing how they’ve been ordering this exact dessert for thirty years.
That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.
Joe’s prices run higher than casual Keys spots, but the quality and experience justify the splurge.
This pie earned its place among my top five sunshine winners through decades of consistent excellence.
11. Caribbean Pie Company
Way up in Sarasota at 2245 Bee Ridge Road, Caribbean Pie Company proves that excellent Key lime pie isn’t limited to the Keys themselves.
This bakery and pie shop has won local awards repeatedly, beating out countless competitors to claim top honors.
The owners clearly understand that great pie starts with quality ingredients and careful technique.
Walking in feels like entering a friend’s kitchen rather than a commercial bakery.
Display cases show off dozens of pie varieties, but the Key lime version remains the star attraction.
I watched a steady stream of customers specifically request that flavor, and many bought whole pies instead of single slices.
The filling here achieves remarkable smoothness, almost like custard, with lime flavor that builds gradually rather than hitting you all at once.
The crust tastes buttery and substantial, providing excellent contrast to the creamy filling.
Caribbean Pie Company’s version won’t transport you to the Keys geographically, but flavor-wise it absolutely delivers that tropical paradise experience.
Making the drive to Sarasota for pie might sound extreme, but one taste explains why locals voted this among the best.