Observations and thoughts on various pies
Das Ice Cream Café in Helen Georgia features award wining ice cream. Voted Best of Georgia 4 years in a row, we offer many flavors. One of my favorites is our Key Lime ice cream. During our travels we try different Key Lime pies in many places but whenever in Key West there are a multitude of shops offering my favorites.
The best key lime pie in Key West is subjective; many are quite tart while I personally like the less tart maybe sweeter version. Either way they are all wonderful to enjoy and give inspiration to my ice cream making.
History of Key Lime Pie
Indulging in a slice of Key Lime Pie is like taking a bite of sunshine. The zesty, tangy flavor paired with a luscious graham cracker crust has made this iconic dessert a favorite among many. However, the history of Key Lime Pie is as layered as its delightful taste, with a debate swirling around its true place of origin – Florida or New York?
To trace the roots of Key Lime Pie, we must first explore the origins of its star ingredient – the key lime. Key limes, smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, were cultivated in the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean. Florida locals argue that the dessert’s name is a nod to the small, tart key limes that were abundant in the area. The most widely accepted theory attributes the creation of Key Lime Pie to the shores of Florida, specifically the Key West region.
Additionally, the story goes that those early settlers in the region lacked access to refrigeration, leading them to create a simple yet delicious no-bake pie using the readily available ingredients of sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and key lime juice. The first known recipe for Lime Pie appeared in a 1931 cookbook by Mrs. H. Griner, a Key West resident.
There was no written recipe for key lime pie until the 1930s. However, many people believe this dessert dates back as far as the 1800s, when a woman by the name of Aunt Sally was thought to have made the first Key Lime Pie. Historians disagree about whether Aunt Sally created the pie herself, or if she perfected a dessert that Florida fishermen had already been making.
A second theory about Key Lime Pie is that sponge fishermen of the Florida Keys created the first pie. These fishermen spent long periods of time out at sea because sponge fishing was a prosperous new industry in South Florida. Using ingredients they had on the boat, including sugar, eggs, canned milk, soda crackers, nuts, and citrus fruit, the fishermen created an early version of Key Lime Pie.
A popular anecdote in support of Florida’s claim involves the legendary writer, Ernest Hemingway. It is said that his chef at the time, Aunt Sally, perfected the Key Lime Pie recipe and served it at his home in Key West. The Hemingway House in Key West continues to serve a version of the pie, further cementing its ties to the Sunshine State.
Contrary to the Floridian narrative, some believe that Key Lime Pie originated in the kitchens of New York. This argument suggests that the pie was the creation of the Borden Company, a New York-based condensed milk manufacturer. The company allegedly popularized the recipe by printing it on cans of sweetened condensed milk, helping the dessert gain widespread popularity.
Critics of the Floridian claim often point to the fact that early versions of Key Lime Pie were referred to as “icebox pies.” This terminology, they argue, aligns more closely with Northern traditions of making chilled, no-bake pies, adding weight to the argument that the pie has its roots in New York.
The history of Key Lime Pie is a tantalizing blend of flavor and controversy. Whether you believe it was born in the sweltering heat of Florida or the bustling kitchens of New York, one thing is certain – Key Lime Pie has become a beloved dessert. So, the next time you savor a slice, take a moment to appreciate the sweet mystery that surrounds this iconic treat, as its true origin remains as elusive as the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness in every bite.
My Top Picks:
The 9 Best Places To Try Key Lime Pie In Key West* (Including Vegan and Gluten Free Pies)
When you’re headed to Key West, you need to make sure to grab a slice of Key Lime Pie (or two, or three, or more…).
I spent two weeks playing in Key West, Florida, this winter, eating my way across the island so I know all the top places to try this amazing pie. There may be more but these are the ones found so far that hit the spot for an amazing dessert.
In this guide, I’ll give you my favorite places to try Key lime pie (for a true local experience), plus I’ll try to let you know which of these places also offer vegan and/or gluten-free options!
These are in no particular order, just because one is at the top of the list and one at the bottom doesn’t mean the ones at the bottom aren’t good. If you have time- try them all!
#1: Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
#2: Blue Heaven
#3: Key Lime Pie Co.
#4: Key Lime Pie Bakery
#5: Old Town Bakery
#6: Mattheessen’s
#7: The Café
#8: Limes and Pies
#9: Porky’s Bayside BBQ*
Where to Find Key Lime Pie in Key West Florida (my favorites)
#1: Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
Maria’s Favorite - What makes it special: Kermit’s has been a Key West staple for over 30 years and offers up SO MANY Key lime-flavored goodies along with their delicious Key lime pie variations including pie on a stick dipped in chocolate. I plan to use their Key lime concentrate to pair with my ice cream making at home.
Gluten Free Options?: Yes
Vegan Options?: No
Address: 3 locations in Key West: Two locations on Duval Street and one on the corner of Elizabeth Street
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop is the quintessential Key lime pie experience in Key West. It’s Maria’s favorite place to visit as it has some of the best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys. Kermit’s serves up traditional Key Lime Pie with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping in an entire pie or by the slice.
Along with pies, you can also purchase so many other Key lime flavored goodies at Kermit’s like taffy, fudge, cookies, honey, and more!
Plus, you can also find popsicle-style Key lime Pie on a stick and Key lime pie on a stick DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE (which is so fun to try).
Single slice price $ 6.00 Whole Pie price $ 30.00
#2: Blue Heaven
Breakfast and Brunch served daily
What makes it special: The Key lime pie has a MASSIVE topping of meringue- plus the vibe at Blue Heaven is amazing.
Gluten Free Available?: No
Vegan Available?: No
Address: 729 Thomas Street in Key West
Blue Heaven Restaurant is a must-stop destination in Key West, whether you are getting Key lime pie or not. Their quaint outdoor courtyard at Blue Heaven is complete with overhanging trees, cute signage and friendly roosters roaming the grounds. Plus, before 1 pm, you’ll be able to enjoy live music while you eat. Its vibe is amazing, and it’s a favorite among locals. (Added bonus – Rooster Cemetery in the courtyard with one of Hemmingway’s roosters buried there)
The Key lime pie at Blue Heaven is one of the more unique ones in Key West. It’s topped with the most meringue you’ve ever seen (we are talking like 6 inches of meringue). If you like meringue more than pie filling, this one is for you.
Single slice price $ 17.00 Whole Pie price: unknown
Reservations are not accepted for breakfast or lunch, so I recommend showing up early to get a seat in the outside courtyard. Wait times – typically 30 minutes – 1 hour
#3: Key Lime Pie Co.
What makes it special: Traditional pie plus Key lime pie-making classes & Key lime pie served in a cup and slices served on a stick dipped in chocolate.
Gluten Free Available?: Yes
Vegan Available?: No
Address: 511 Greene Street, Key West, Florida
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Key West, try the pie-making class at Key Lime Pie Co! For $45, you get to go behind-the-scenes to make your very own personal-sized Key lime pie. Kids 5 years old and older can attend.
Key Lime Pie Co also has various pie variations that you will not find at other Key lime pie shops, but they also sell Key lime pie in a round cup! A fun new twist on the classic pie (which may be easier to eat while on the go!).
Single slice price $ 8.95 Whole Pie price: $24.99
#4: Key Lime Pie Bakery
What makes it special: Various Key lime-flavored pies (including slices on a stick dipped in chocolate) treats, and souvenirs.
Gluten Free Available?: Yes
Vegan Available?: No
Address: 412 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040
The Key Lime Pie Bakery is a very photogenic shop located just one block off Duval Street on a road this is common for cruise ship passengers to walk on their way to Old Town. Here you’ll find great Key Lime Pie in various forms like what you can find at Kermit’s (whole pies, slices, on a stick, dipped in chocolate), plus loads of other yummy Key lime-flavored snacks to enjoy.
Single slice price $ 8.00-$10.00 Whole Pie price: $25.00-$30.00
#5: Old Town Bakery
What makes it special: So many amazing, tasty pastries and sandwiches along with their delicious Key Lime pie.
Gluten free options?: No
Vegan options?: No
Address: 930 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
Swing by Old Town Bakery to pick up a sandwich and a slice of Key lime to-go and enjoy a picnic somewhere on the island (like Fort Zachary Taylor or Mallory Square overlooking the water).
Be sure to visit early as this bakery is only open from 7 am to 3 pm each day.
Single slice price $ 5.50 Whole Pie price: $25.00
#6: Mattheessen’s
What makes it special: Delicious Key lime pie along with homemade cookies, ice cream and fudge! They also serve slices on a stick dipped in chocolate here.
Gluten free options?: No
Vegan options?: No
Address: 3 locations in Key West including 2, on Duval Street:
Mattheessen’s is a family-run business that serves up homemade pie, ice cream, cookies and fudge. And when I say cookies, I mean GIANT cookies. I tried this one on the last trip, it was great and the cookies were tasty and massive. They offer traditional pie slices but also the Key West favorite is a slice dipped in chocolate on a stick. Since Mattheessen’s offers so many different sweets, this makes a great stop if you’re also looking for some non-Key lime goodies.
Mattheessen’s is open every day from 8 am to midnight.
Single slice price $ 7.00-$10.00 Whole Pie price: $35.00-$45.00
#7: The Cafe (vegan Pie)
What makes it special: The only vegan Key Lime pie on the island, plus a large menu of healthy food
Gluten free options?: Yes
Vegan options?: Yes
The only vegan Key lime pie in Key West (that I know of) is at a relaxed vegan, vegetarian & pescetarian restaurant called The Cafe. Monika would love this one.
The Cafe’s motto is ‘rock the veg’ with an extensive breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menu with full vegan, vegetarian and pescetarian dishes.
Located just 1/2 block off Duval Street, you’re sure to be glad you swung by The Cafe to try some of the best Key lime pie in Key West along with a delicious, healthy meal.
Single slice price $ 12.00-$13.00 Whole Pie price: unknown
#8 Limes and Pies
What makes it special: Located on Duvall Street, great tasting pie, not too tart, nice flavor. One of my favorites!
Gluten Free Available?:
Vegan Available?: ?
Address: 802 Duvall Street, Key West FL 33040
Single slice price $ 8.99 to $9.99 Whole Pie price: unknown
#9 Porky’s Bayside*
What makes it special: Located on the overseas highway in Marathon, which is a gorgeous drive from Key West and the Key Lime pie is FRIED!
Gluten Free Available?:
Vegan Available?: Yes
Okay, okay, Porky’s Bayside isn’t technically in Key West, however, it’s worth the drive up the Florida Keys to visit if you came here by airplane.
You can’t leave Key West without experiencing the breathtaking Overseas Highway. Anyway, a visit to Porky’s gives you a great excuse to take a day trip from Key West.
Single slice price $ 8.99 to $9.99 Whole Pie price: unknown
There you have it, a Key Lime adventure that you can walk, a journey for your taste buds to enjoy and above all, a toast to life everyone! ENJOY!