Where Is Key West
Key West is a key in the Florida Keys and also a US island city. It is not only Floridas southernmost point, but also the most southernmost city in the United States. Its just 90 miles north of Cuba.
People travel from all over the world to experience Key Wests beaches, delicious seafood, and overall laid back island vibe. Its a dream destination, unlike anywhere else Ive been in the US, and a must-visit when visiting Florida.
The Five Best Places To Get Key Lime Pie In Key West
Key Lime Pie
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The Florida Keys are iconic for many reasons: the Beach Boys wrote songs about the islands, while Ernest Hemingway fished off its waters and wrote along its piers. But perhaps the singular most important contribution that Key West has provided to American culture is Key Lime Pie: a distillation of those laid-back island vibes into one singular dessert, thatlike Key West itselfis difficult to resist.
sign in Key West
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You will be unsurprised to discover that, to this day, Key West remains the best place in the world to consume this local delicacy. The Florida town is the birthplace of the dessert, after allthough that has been hotly contested on the internet For foodies and local historians alike, the Curry Mansion on 511 Caroline Street, built in 1868, is hallowed ground. The one-time residence of Floridas first self-made millionaire, William Curry, is allegedly where the magic happened, when his Aunt Sally invented the soon-to-be-iconic recipe in the mansions kitchen.
Key Lime Pie
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Though Aunt Sally may have had the first inclination to mix cake batter with lime, her innovation has since been reworked and refined in the past century. Whether you prefer your Key Lime Pie served on a popsicle, or in a jar , here are the best haunts for devouring the iconic Floridian dessert in Key West.
El Mason de Pepe
El Mason De Pepe
Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe
What Youll Need To Make Key Lime Pie
- Youll need 8 to 10 limes total for this recipe. Choose plump limes that give a little when you squeeze them they will be easier to juice. You should get about 2 tablespoons of juice from each lime. Be sure to zest the limes before you squeeze the juice from them, as its near impossible to do afterward.
- Sweetened condensed milk is canned milk from which water has been removed, and sugar has been added. Be sure not to confuse it with evaporated milk, which is usually sold right alongside.
- With no eggs, it may be hard to believe that this pie will set, but have faith it will.
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What You Need To Know About Key Lime Pies
Basically, there are three parts to a key lime pie. The crust, the pie filling, and the topping. Here are the battleground issues: Graham cracker or pastry crust? Homemade or store-bought? Key limes, bottled juice, or regular limes? Whipped cream or meringue topping? Homemade or canned whipped cream? Cooked or uncooked? And the controversy goes on. Feuds have begun, alliances have dissolved, and friendships have ended over this simple pie. Its a battle of personal preference, family tradition, taste, and appearance, and no matter what your recipe, its important to know where you stand on the issue.
Key lime pie is the family favorite at our house. Always has been. We especially love it because it complements seafood and many of Floridas lighter dishes. Whenever we make a key lime pie, we have to make two as its consumed breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We also make it a point to sample key lime pies in every restaurant we visit. We are self-proclaimed semi-professional key lime pie tasters.
So we took a trip to the Florida Keys, the birthplace of the signature dish, and decided to do a sample tasting of key lime pies. From Mile Marker 112, the measured distance on the north end of the Florida Keys to the southernmost point of Mile Marker 0 in Key West. We tasted plenty and since this was work related research, Weight Watcher points need not apply.
Its such a hard job, but someone had to do it.
We have come to the conclusion there are three types of key lime pies:
Key West Key Lime Pie Company
If we dont make it, we dont sell it is the motto for Key West Key Lime Pie Company. Theyve also been voted a favorite from some big names, including Food Networks Throw Down With Bobby Flay and CNBCs The Profit with Marcus Lemonis.
Their traditional key lime pies are a favorite, but they also play around with a few other flavors, including mango, blueberry, toasted coconut, and extra tart flavors. Theyll even dip your slice of pie into a rich and decadent chocolate! They also have a gluten free crust, so really something for everyone.
Address: 511 Greene Street, Key West, Florida
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Best Key Lime Pie In Key West
Looking for the best key lime pie in Key West?
Key lime pie is an absolutely must-try dessert when youre visiting the Florida Keys. Like a poboy in New Orleans or a dish of real pasta in Italy, your trip just wont be complete without it.
There are a lot of places selling key lime pies in Key West A traveler could easily get overwhelmed by all this choice, but that wont be a problem for you. Ive chosen the cream of the crop so that youll have nothing but great experiences when youre hankering for a dessert on your vacation. Lets go!
The pie might be the main attraction, but it certainly doesnt end there for Kermits. Key lime pie lovers can also treat themselves to key lime cookies, key lime juice, key lime jelly, and much more there.
About that pie though first off, its amazing. Anyone who would like to try some less traditional variants will also be happy with Kermits the coconut key lime pie is absolutely to die for.
You will definitely want some more even after youve left Key West.
Normally, thatd be a problem. Not so, however! Kermits is happy to deliver frozen key lime pies anywhere within the continental United States. This is one your family and friends back home can experience, not just have to hear you talk about.
Mattheessens has a pretty strong claim to the best key lime pie on the island. The secret is their thick, homemade graham cracker crust, which holds the tight filling.
Why Is Key Lime Pie Famous In Key West
Key Lime Pie is very famous and popular in Key West. So, why is that? It is all about the climate! Key limes only grow well in areas where the temperatures stay very warm and never dip below freezing.
Simply put, Key West has the perfect tropical environment for key limes to thrive and ripen beautifully. Key limes are quite tart and almost bitter if you eat them alone, but they truly shine as the super star ingredient for Floridas most beloved pie.
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Where To Get The Best Key Lime Food In Key West
We admit it. Were key lime obsessed here. And although we know that youre scouring the internet searching where to find the best key lime pie in Key West, theres a lot more than just pie. This famous tropical fruit of the Florida Keys is getting upgraded in the most delicious way. Let us enlighten you on where to find the lime of your dreams. #keylimeeverything
What Makes A Key Lime Pie Great
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For such a debatable dish, key lime pie is really quite simplistic in its composition. Much like any pie, there are three basic elements to consider: the crust, the filling, and the topping. That’s about as far as it goes in terms of what we all agree on. Some Conchs insist that a graham cracker crust is the way to go, while others opt for a more flaky, pastry-like pie crust. As far as toppings – well, the list of possibilities are really endless, but many folks just keep it simple and rely on a good old fashioned whipped cream or meringue topping. Even still, those choices can yield some pretty strong opinions. Just about anyone will agree though – fresh key limes are the one essential ingredient. Don’t trust anyone who’s skimping with the bottled juices, or plain old, ordinary Persian limes!
Some of the best modern-day examples you’ll find of this delectable dessert will come in the form of a basic slice of key lime pie, but some creative twists have become fast favorites. Ultimately, there is no wrong way to do key lime pie. Dipped in chocolate, topped with flavorful fruits or a scoop of ice cream, spread across a bed of crushed Oreos or ginger snaps, or just plain and simple… find your favorite!
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Take A Conch Tour Train
Its not very hard to get around Key West but one of the best ways to get familiar with it is with a ride on the Conch Tour Train. Operating since 1958, this tour is rated one of the best things to do in Key West. Along the way, youll see stunning views, learn about the history of the region and pass by more than 100 of the islands attractions.
- Tip: Listen closely to the commentary that includes fascinating tales of pirates, hauntings, treasure and artists.
- Price: $50.60 for a 90-minute tour.
Matts Stock Island Kitchen
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7001 Shrimp Road Suite 200, Key West, FL 33040
Tucked away from the thick of the crowds within The Perry Hotel, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen serves up a few inventive versions of the key lime pie, including a deconstructed key lime pie in a jar, the key lime flavor popsicle, and a key lime martini.
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Kermits Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe
Kermits Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe features a very traditional key lime pie a bit on the limey side and tart. While this pie doesnt have a crazy unique twist or spin, if youre looking for a traditional key lime pie, this would be a great choice! Kermits pies have been featured on the Food Network, Today Show, Good Morning America, Travel Channel, and a host of other media outlets!
Hotels In Key West That Serve A Great Key Lime Pie
What could be better than staying in the best neighborhoods of Key West and that you know serves a great slice of key lime pie? That means pie for breakfast, pie for tea, pie for dessertor just because, any time of day!
Here are a few hotels in Key West that serve delicious key lime pie:
- Pier House Resort and Spa their version includes a lovely, toasted meringue topping.
- Oceans Edge Key West Hotel & Marina they break away from tradition with a buttery chocolate cookie and almond crust, with white chocolate whipped cream and a heavy drizzle of raspberry sauce on top.
- Opal Key West Resort & Marina their traditional key lime pie is served with a trio of fruit sauces.
- Sunset Key Cottages another delicious version of meringue topped pie.
We hope that your tastebuds are salivating and youre ready to head straight to Key West to try out some of the best key lime pie in America! And, while youre thinking about Key West, check out our post featuring the best beaches in Key West.
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Best Key Lime Pie In The Florida Keys
It’s as iconic as the swaying palms when the Florida Keys come to mind, and some may say it’s worth a visit to The Sunshine State just to try the genuine article. It’s the key lime pie, of course – and it’s the official pie of Florida!
A tasty balance of sweetness and tartness, the key lime pie is a signature staple in The Keys, and an item that the locals take extreme pride in. You’ll be hard-pressed to uncover a unanimous answer on where to find the best version of the dish – or even what actually constitutes the perfect example of it – but you’ll certainly have a fun time researching the age-old question yourself!
And that is precisely what we suggest you do! From the start of the Upper Keys in Key Largo to the Lower Keys pinnacle at Key West, we’re going to help you find the most worthy samples of key lime pie to sink your teeth into.
Moondog Cafe & Bakery
The Moondog Cafe & Bakery is a really Instagrammable spot. The place is covered in murals, including ones featuring their cute French Bulldog mascot. The decor is on point, and theyve created a welcoming and lively space to eat.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you guessed it, they also have some of the tastiest Key Lime Pies. They have a good selection of food to choose from too. Try the Quiche Lorraine, Breakfast Burritos, burgers, pizza, and treats from the bakery. The bakery sells croissants, Key Lime Pie, eclairs, muffins, and zucchini bread. There are also a lot of gluten-free and vegan options. There really is something for everyone.
It is a great spot to grab a seat in their cozy outdoor seating area for the best atmosphere. Its lovely at night with the hanging lights and chattering guests.
- Address: 823 Whitehead St., Key West
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Your Key Lime Pie: Tips
- We suppose we dont need to say this but we will just say it: Fresh is better. For ingredients, use key limes if you can get them, otherwise use fresh limes, but many use bottled juice, or in a pinch, a combination of key limes and limes. If you like your pie tart, fresh is the way to go.
- Also, homemade is better especially the crust. But if you dont have time, dont fret, its the filling that really makes the difference.
- One tip we learned on our sampling tour, by increasing the egg yolks or juice, makes the pie lighter. But, it is all about personal preference.
- Use the zest from the limes it will make the pie tarter.
- A hand press works best for squeezing the limes.
- Use a glass pan, not aluminum. Key limes react to aluminum.
So whats the best key lime pie we have ever tasted? We humbly tell you that it is the one the original creator of AuthenticFlorida.com, Robin Draper, makes. She has perfected it and its simply delicious. Its homemade, light, and very tart. Whats the secret? Try it and youll find out! Heres the link:
We would love to hear how you make your key lime pie. How about sharing your recipe? If you have a good one, we may make it and feature it on our website or our . Post it in the comments below or email it to us:
Wed also love to know where is your favorite place to get key lime pie, especially if we didnt cover that establishment in this article.