This Florida Pie Shop Sells Out Of Its Signature Dessert Every Day
Follow the scent of citrus to a Florida corner where dessert becomes a daily mission.
On Elizabeth Street in Key West, Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop turns a simple slice into something people plan their day around.
Lines form with a promise, and by nightfall the famous pie is usually gone. That alone tells you everything.
Crisp crusts, creamy filling, and the perfect hit of tart Florida sunshine land exactly where you want them.
Free samples slow you down. Bright island colors make it easy to stay a little longer than planned.
This is one of those Florida stops where one slice never feels like enough.
Come hungry, leave happy, and seriously consider shipping a whole pie home before it sells out again.
Exact Location, How To Find It, And First Impressions
Set your map to 200 Elizabeth Street, Key West, FL 33040, and you will land at Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop a short stroll from the waterfront bustle. The cheerful green and yellow storefront stands out like a lime among palms, with a koi-accented courtyard tucked to the side.
Arriving mid morning, you beat the heat, catch friendly greetings, and spot the refrigerated case stacked with glossy pies.
First impressions lean bright and breezy. There is a grab-and-go rhythm at the counter, plus a relaxed pace outside where shade and fans make lingering easy.
The hum of Duval-adjacent streets floats by, while staff keep the line moving and the samples flowing.
Parking nearby can be limited, so walking or biking works best. Hours run daily from 10 AM to 9:30 PM, helpful for late sweet cravings or early dessert strategists.
A quick call to (305) 296-0806 confirms inventory before you commit.
Spot the mascot cutout, snap a photo, and follow the lime-hued arrows to the register. With seating inside and a courtyard beyond, you can savor a slice on site.
The whole scene says island casual, no fuss, just pie and sunshine.
History, Ownership, And A Community Staple
Ask around in Key West and you will hear stories about Kermit’s longevity and local roots. The brand traces back over three decades, growing from a small idea into a beloved bakery with a devoted following.
Mr. Kermit himself is occasionally spotted greeting visitors, sharing snippets about the shop’s beginnings and its steady rise.
Public records and on site details confirm authenticity without inflating legend. The Elizabeth Street location carries the spirit of a neighborhood fixture, equal parts bakery and friendly market.
Everything feels personal, with staff referencing recipes and traditions that keep regulars returning.
Specific ownership paperwork is not posted in the store, and the exact corporate structure is not publicly detailed on site. What you can verify is the consistent product and the pride that accompanies it.
The place radiates a maker’s mindset, where every batch matters.
Over the years, the menu expanded to include cookies, candies, and frozen treats that echo the original pie’s tart-sweet balance. Even with growth, the shop maintains its island-casual identity.
The result is a destination that anchors countless Key West itineraries, a reliable stop where history is tasted rather than framed, and where every slice carries a local story forward.
Decor, Ambiance, And The Courtyard Escape
Inside, the palette leans citrus bright, with lime-green accents, playful prints, and displays stacked with cookies, candies, and giftable tins. The counter line flows past a case of pies and cheesecakes, while staff offer friendly suggestions and hand you tastes of taffy or cookies.
It is cheerful, unmistakably island, and intentionally lighthearted.
Step outside to the courtyard, a breezy hideaway that quickly becomes your favorite seat. There is shade, the soft whirr of fans, and a sense of distance from Key West’s lively streets.
When it is busy, this nook turns into a relaxed picnic zone where slices vanish quickly.
The soundtrack is chatter, laughter, and the gentle clink of forks meeting graham crust. Tables are cleaned frequently, and turnover is quick enough that you will not wait long for a spot.
Everything supports a sip-and-savor pace rather than a drawn-out meal.
Decor doubles as wayfinding. Pops of lime guide you to samples and registers, while signage keeps decisions easy.
If you need a breather between bites, stroll the courtyard paths, peek at the koi accents, and come back refreshed. The ambiance lands firmly on joyful, vacation-friendly, and stress free.
Menu Overview And Notable Treats
The headliner is classic key lime pie, sold by the slice or whole, with that signature tart pop and creamy finish. Variations appear seasonally and regularly, including coconut key lime pie, chocolate-dipped frozen pie on a stick, and key lime pie cheesecake.
Beyond pie, expect cookies, taffy, jelly beans, and giftable mixes that all sing with citrus.
Shoppers appreciate free samples, which help you choose between lemon cookies, key lime shortbread, or a white chocolate key lime cookie that inspires repeat purchases. Prices land in the mid range for Key West, with slices hovering around six dollars and whole pies priced as premium souvenirs.
It is easy to build a tasting flight, sharing bites at the courtyard tables.
Gluten free options appear periodically, including a gluten free key lime pie. Ask staff for the day’s availability before you commit, as stock moves fast.
For heat-prone travelers, frozen pies and insulated shipping solutions keep desserts safe.
There is no pressure to overthink. Pick a slice, grab a limeade, and add a cookie bag for later.
The menu manages breadth without confusion, staying anchored to the iconic tang that made the shop famous in the first place.
Signature Classic Slice: Taste, Texture, And Portion
The classic slice delivers the archetype: pale yellow filling, tight citrus aroma, and a graham crust that holds its shape. First bite is tart enough to wake the palate, then creaminess rounds the edges.
Sweetness stays restrained, letting the lime do the talking.
Texture runs smooth and custardy, cut cleanly with a fork. The graham crust is firm and slightly sandy, offering a gentle crunch that contrasts the filling.
Portion size feels modest, which actually helps you consider a second slice or a cookie chaser.
Freshness matters here. Slices from the case taste their best on site in the courtyard, where cool shade keeps the structure intact.
Take-home pies travel well with proper chilling, though the filling always shines brightest the day you buy it.
Toppings are minimal, sometimes a whipped flourish, but the pie does not need help. The finish is zesty, lingering just long enough to make you smile.
If you came for an emblematic Key West bite, this is the one to start with.
Coconut Key Lime, Chocolate-Dipped, And Cheesecake Variations
If variety calls your name, the coconut key lime pie answers with tropical richness. The filling balances citrus tang and coconut creaminess, while flecks of coconut add chew and aroma.
It is vacation in a forkful and a local favorite for good reason.
The chocolate-dipped frozen pie on a stick is pure fun. Think frosty key lime core coated in a crisp chocolate shell that crackles like a candy bar.
Perfect for hot afternoons, it eats neatly and travels well for a short stroll.
Key lime pie cheesecake leans denser and silkier. The tang threads through a rich base, creating a slow, satisfying finish.
Some call it the most indulgent option, especially when a classic slice feels too light.
Rotating flavors and occasional limited runs keep repeat visits interesting. Ask what is fresh, and consider a two-slice strategy to compare textures.
With variations this dialed in, the menu feels like a curated tasting rather than a novelty shelf.
Service, Tips, And Best Times To Visit
Service is counter style, efficient, and welcoming, with staff ready to guide first timers through slices and sweets. Samples appear generously, which eases decision fatigue and adds a bit of fun.
Even when lines appear, they move briskly thanks to clear registers and practiced hands.
Best times to visit are mid morning after opening or late afternoon before dinner rush. Crowds spike on weekends and during cruise ship windows, so weekdays feel calmer.
If you plan to buy whole pies, call ahead or arrive early because signature items can sell out.
For courtyard seating, send one person to scout a table while another orders. Keep desserts shaded, especially frozen treats, and ask for a chilled bag if you are wandering.
Staff offer packing tips for flights and road trips, which takes the stress out of transporting delicate crusts.
Patience pays off. Let slices warm a touch from fridge cold to unlock fuller flavor, then dive in.
Between the smiles at the counter and the breezy patio, you will feel unhurried and looked after.
Prices, Value, Shipping, And Practical Details
Expect a mid range spend for Key West: slices hover around six dollars, with whole pies at a premium that reflects handmade production and island logistics. Value comes from consistency, freshness, and the reliable tart pop that defines the brand.
Cookies, taffy, and gift packs make easy add ons without breaking the budget.
Hours run daily from 10 AM to 9:30 PM, which makes dessert planning painless. The official site, keylimeshop.com, lists shipping options, including insulated packaging to keep pies cool.
When temperatures soar, takeout bags with ice packs or frozen options are smart for strolls.
Gluten free key lime pie appears when available, and staff will check the case on request. If certain ingredients matter, ask to read labels on packaged goods.
The phone line at (305) 296-0806 offers quick confirmation on stock and timing.
For travelers, consider eating a slice on site and shipping a whole pie home. It preserves the crust and saves suitcase space.
With address locked to 200 Elizabeth Street, you will find it easily, enjoy the courtyard, and leave with a bright, unforgettable souvenir.