Our Quest to find the Best Key Lime Pie (and foods) in the Florida Keys

I love everything key lime! Honestly, key lime is part of what motivated me to plan a trip to the Florida Keys, so while we were there, I had to eat as much key lime pie and key lime flavored food items as possible. I didn’t know key lime pie could come in so many variations, but I enjoyed trying them and hearing everyone insist that they had the “best key lime pie.”

Key Largo

After sitting in a lot of traffic on our drive from Miami to the Keys, we were ready for a stop as we entered Key Largo, so we stopped at Sundowners Key Largo for a quick drink and bathroom break. I was excited to see a key lime drink on the menu, and so my journey began. I had also decided that in addition to eating as much key lime as possible, I would also experience and taste a variety of rum and rum cocktails, limiting myself to only rum drinks while in the Keys. This first drink was the perfect combination of both; it was called Hemingway and was a mix of rum, cane syrup, and key lime juice served on ice. Simple and refreshing.

We tried one piece of key lime pie in Key Largo, but it wasn’t until we were leaving so I saved it for last. To read more, skip to the end of this post.

Key West

The first key lime pie I had was at First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery, and it wasn’t a traditional key lime pie; it had a chocolate crust and was drizzled with chocolate. While I typically enjoy a chocolate dessert, I didn’t love it on my key lime pie. However, I imagine if you love chocolate and aren’t a big fan of tart desserts, you might enjoy the chocolate and key lime combo. Several places even sell key lime pie on a stick and dipped in chocolate. I couldn’t bring myself to try it, but people love it. It didn’t take me long to wander off the “rum-only” path when I spotted a Key Lime cocktail on First Flight’s menu. This vodka cocktail came with a graham cracker rim and was flavored with key lime liqueur, vanilla cream, and chocolate sauce. If you like a creamy key lime drink, I recommend it!

 A&B Lobster House was the location for my second key lime experience. Our waiter said it was the best key lime pie you’d find at a restaurant, implying that local homemade key lime pie would far surpass anything a restaurant made. Since I didn’t know any locals and was itching for my pie fix, I tried it. This slice was more traditional key lime pie than the previous one, but the crust was a bit too buttery for me. If you eat here, I recommend the pie; it was delicious, but I was searching for the best, and for me, this wasn’t it.

The following day we headed to breakfast at Blue Heaven, but I had read about their key lime pie, so I had to get it. Key lime pie for breakfast? Why not?! I had seen pictures of the mile-high meringue and wanted to try it. I had never had key lime pie with meringue, so this was new for me. It was delicious and beautiful! I loved the meringue and the pie. I wish the pie were a little more tart, but other than that, it was terrific.

I read online that Kermit’s had great key lime pie, so I stopped by to get a piece to go for dessert that night. I was excited to try this one since it had whipped cream, which is the type of key lime pie I know and love. Unfortunately, I only ate a bite because Mark devoured the rest. I thought it was a great key lime pie from the little I had, and I would definitely return for more. Kermit’s is a key lime shop with a variety of key lime products, from sauces to cookies.

I was so excited to try the key lime donut at Glazed Donuts, but the morning we went, they were closed. If you ever try it, let me know how it is.

Islamorada

Our quest to find the best key lime pie continued in Islamorada. The first stop was Lazy Days.  Like Kermits, they had a whipped cream topping. It was the perfect balance of sweet and tart. I appreciate the more classic approach without the extra toppings, and this one hit the spot.

Even though I had just had a piece at dinner, I wanted to try the key lime pie at our hotel, so I ordered one to go from the bar at Cheeca Lodge. This one was a unique take on the more traditional key lime pie. It included a coconut cream topping and was served with fruit. Coconut lovers, this may be the pie for you! I’m not a big coconut fan, so it was my least favorite slice.

Key Largo

The last key lime pie I had was on our way out of the keys, and it was my favorite. I finally found my perfect slice of pie! We stopped at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory for one last piece of pie. The crust, the tartness, and the meringue topping were the perfect combination. They had several options, but I asked for their best, and they said the meringue was the classic version. I also purchased key lime pie cookies to go. I waited until we got home to try them, and they were amazing!! They remind me of the old lemon Girl Scout cookies, which were my favorites and sadly discontinued, but with lime instead of lemon.

Although I enjoyed some slices more than others, you can’t go wrong with key lime pie in the keys. Do you have a favorite?