WAIT! Before you read on, please know that these are MY personal Top 3 for best Key Lime Pie in Key Largo. I know three doesn’t seem like many, since its nearly impossible for any key lime pie to be bad. I mean even the one’s frozen on a stick are hard to beat. But I’m narrowing it down to Key Largo on purpose. Granted, if I could…I’d tell you my favorite Key Lime Pie in all the Florida Keys is actually in Grassy Key. But that one’s for another time (post).
For key lime pie lovers, and even those who’ve yet to try, I’m slightly *extra* biased when it comes to key lime pie because I’m tired of seeing the same old *popular* places seemingly and automatically getting the pick (when, truthfully, there’s *more/*better yonder). I love nothing more than a good classic (creamy, custardy), but I admire places that want to establish their own twist.
What I mean is…you’ll notice Kermit’s almost everywhere you go. And, look, listen: if you’re one of those who thinks key lime pie is just key lime pie – doesn’t matter where you get it – then have at it. Newcomers will flock to places where names are recognizable, and that’s OK.
Nonetheless, everyone WILL have their own preference to key lime pie. Some like it more pudding-like, others want it thicker like cheesecake. Some want more lime or thicker crust, some less or thinner crust. You get my drift.
This post on key lime pie, specifically, explores a more beaten path…or the path less traveled, if you will. Frankly, this is what the travel AND tourist industry needs. We need more bloggers (food and travel bloggers) to stop the click bait by utilizing popular key word places and names that ensure a post to go viral. People want something NEW, at some point!
Upon a quick research on key lime pie in the Florida Keys, I’m constantly force fed the Been There Done That…as if nothing else exists. New places (small businesses) already have a tough time sticking their neck out against their Big Brother establishments, like Caribbean Club, Lazy Lobster, and The Blond Giraffe (Key Lime Pie Factory). Therefore, I’m bringing the *new* and even the underrated into the well-deserved spotlight!
Let’s gooooo! OH, and these really aren’t in any particular pecking order (because they’re ALL good in their own unique way that I can’t rank them).
[Top 3] BEST key lime pie in Key Largo
Bayside Grill
She’s a beaut, ain’t she? That’s because not only is she sky high like a stiletto, it’s the creamiest yet fluffiest Key Lime Pie I’ve encountered. I’m still in the debate as to whether or not it’s bake or no-bake, but it doesn’t matter that much.
The crust, too, is *Chef’s Kiss*. It’s super buttery and thick, yet there’s something to it that keeps it from all crumbling each bite.
Alas, Bayside Grill is one of the more expensive pies ($8) compared to the other places….but highly worth it, especially since the pie is big enough to share between two.
Krust
Okkkkkk, so *technically* this is in Tavernier…like a mile outside of Key Largo. Close enough, I say, because it’s closer to Key Largo than it is Islamorada. ANYWHO, I really can’t say enough about Krust with it being brand spanking new AND YET having hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life. Seriously. And this is not your typical Za, to say the least.
But we’re not here to relish over pizza, it’s about pie! Oh, wait, but pizza is pie…
Krust is a husband and wife duo from Miami – he makes the pizza and his wife makes the pies. Hence the name…Krust. Aside from the fact her Key Lime Pie so closely resembles that classic take (custard-like), it’s still very light and tangy! And I’m a big fan of tangy.
Many Key Lime Pies, you can usually tell use either fake lime “flavor”, or you hardly get any at all. This pie really is the perfect balance and, like I said, strongly resembles the classic (that you would get from the popular Blond Giraffe, literally across the way, actually) but I KNOW this one’s homemade so it’s got some competition.
FYI, she doesn’t just make key lime pie but also an array of others such as a coconut (to die for), burnt cheesecake (again, to die for), Nutella, cookies and creme, as well as banana pudding. We’ve had them all, and they’re all approved! There’s not one we don’t like.
Besides, I’m all about supporting small biz at this point so if I have to choose Krust is where I’m goin’.
Doc’s Diner
Certainly, Doc’s has gained legitimate traction in terms of breakfast and brunch in Key Largo, alongside the well-known Harriettes. If you like Harriettes for her muffins, then you ought to try Doc’s for her cinnamon roll. Mm-hmm.
Anyway, there was one morning my husband and I were having breakfast at Doc’s when I watched the owner’s daughter (who works there) hand a couple a whole Key Lime Pie as they left. Throughout some mumbling, I heard the daughter pitch in a few words like, “..I made it last night“, “..It’s my last one of the day!” So, obviously, at 10am I was bewildered by this and, nonetheless, planned a piece of breakfast pie the next time we came in.
First off, it’s definitely homemade (by the owner’s daughter, I’m assuming). And the taste and texture is fairly unique – a mixture between custard and cheesecake! Whatever the case, it’s a dang good pie since she only makes a limited amount, and it’s truly unlike other key lime pies I’ve had in Key Largo so it fought super hard to be a Top 3 contender.
Other *REALLY GOOD* Key Lime Pie in Key Largo
Fernandez The Bull
GOTCHA THERE, didn’t I?! Not expecting a Cuban joint to be on this list but here. we. are! And we’re going there because while, yes, I understand this may not be a PIE, per say, but hold up, hold up….
…Key Lime Pie EMPANADA. Do I need to repeat myself? Nah, honestly, the pictures speak for themselves.
If you haven’t made it here because you likely drive on by on US 1 without even seeing it or because ultimately you were only there for a trip to Publix, you’re missing out.
I think my husband and I have dined here roughly…10-12 times now? Too many times where we have made the mistake of not ordering this dessert first, because it easily feeds two, and because, um…the price is just TOO GOOD to beat!
Does it taste anything like Key Lime Pie, though? YES! And truthfully the ice cream is what makes this dessert elite, because the empanadas are served warm. *Mouth drooling* as I speak! Also, yes, warm key lime pie works. So do yourself a favor and step outside the box on this one because it’s key lime pie goodness wrapped in empanada pastry.
I meannnn LOOK AT IT.
Hideout Restaurant
I’m convinced that the dinkiest, shack of a restaurant are some of the best. And the Hideout is no different. Plus, this place is right on the water and tucked back behind neighboring houses near John Pennekamp.
They serve a mean breakfast, but as always, we’re down with a good pie as well. Inexpensive, too.
What’s to like about this pie (even though it still doesn’t make Top 3)? It’s super tangy, limey and tart! You aren’t really expecting that, since the texture is very cheesecake-like. But I thoroughly enjoy a Key Lime pie that actually packs a punch of Key Lime. Another thing – you can definitely tell it’s homemade simply because it doesn’t compare texture or taste-wise to others. Nope, it’s not a Kermits.
Tell me! If you’ve visited the Florida Keys, or Key Largo, where’s your favorite key lime pie??
