A man waving a pie at a passing tour bus was the last thing I expected to see on a sunny Florida street corner. The pie was fake, but the hunger it sparked was very real.
One step inside a lime green building later, I was holding a frozen slice dipped in chocolate and wondering why nobody had told me sooner. Some dessert stops are quick, but this one turned into the part of the trip I still talk about.
A Lime Green Landmark at Elizabeth and Greene
Look for the brightest building on the block. Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop sits at 200 Elizabeth Street, right where Elizabeth meets Greene in the heart of Key West, and its green and yellow paint makes it nearly impossible to miss.
Officially, the shop is a bakery, but that label barely covers it. Inside you’ll find slices of key lime pie, frozen pie bars on sticks, cookies, candy, drinks, sauces, and a whole wall of lime-themed gifts.
The Elizabeth Street spot is the original location, which gives it a special status among fans who want the real starting point.
Its position is handy too. Visitors mention that it sits close to the boardwalk and the waterfront area of Old Town, so it slips easily into a walking day around the island.
You can wander the harbor, grab a slice, and keep exploring without ever needing a car.
For many travelers driving down the Overseas Highway, a stop here feels like checking a box that has been on the list for years. Key lime pie is the official dessert story of the Florida Keys, and this corner is where plenty of people come to taste it at the source.
From Smoothie Stand to Island Icon
Big dreams sometimes start with a blender. More than three decades ago, founder Kermit Carpenter ran a small smoothie stand in Key West, and his love for key lime pie slowly took over the whole operation.
That passion grew into the shop people line up for today. In October 2023, Kermit’s celebrated its 30th anniversary, a milestone that says a lot in a town where storefronts come and go with the seasons.
Thirty years of serving the same tangy dessert takes steady hands and a recipe people trust.
Fame followed along the way. The shop has been featured by Food Network and National Geographic, and celebrity chef Paula Deen has given it a nod as well.
It has even shown up as a reference on the quiz show Jeopardy, which is a pretty fun claim for a pie shop.
Here’s the charming part, though. Despite the attention, the place still feels rooted in its island beginnings.
The story isn’t about a corporate brand dropped onto a tourist corner. It’s about one local guy who really liked pie and decided the rest of the world should taste it too.
Kermit Himself, Pie in Hand
One visitor admitted she thought Kermit was a statue. Then he moved, and it turned out he was the guy who runs the place.
That surprise sums up the playful spirit that makes this shop feel different.
Kermit Carpenter is something of a local legend in Key West. He’s known for standing out front and pretending to toss pies at passing tour buses, using fake pies, of course.
Riders laugh, wave, and often hop off later to find out what all the fuss is about.
It’s goofy, and that’s exactly why it works. In a town packed with things competing for your attention, a cheerful owner hamming it up on the sidewalk gives people a reason to stop and smile.
Kids especially seem to love the show.
That personal touch carries inside as well. Guests often describe the service as quick and friendly, and one regular said it was second to none at this branch.
When the founder clearly enjoys his job this much, the energy spreads to the counter, the courtyard, and pretty much everyone holding a fork.
The Classic Slice That Started It All
Tart first, creamy second, gone in about five bites. That’s the usual arc of a slice of traditional key lime pie at Kermit’s, and it’s the reason most people walk through the door.
The shop leans on real Key lime juice, described as double strength or 100 percent Key lime, to give the filling its bright zing. Each slice sits on a graham cracker crust with a cloud of topping on top.
Visitors call the flavor perfectly tart, with a really nice lime punch.
Opinions do vary, and that’s part of the fun. Some guests find the custard on the tart side, just as it should be, while others say it leans quite sweet.
One traveler who tried five pies in a week ranked this one second, noting a thicker, less creamy texture than some competitors.
A few folks mentioned they would prefer a thinner crust. Still, many say the filling alone makes the trip worthwhile.
You don’t have to commit to a whole pie either, since single slices are available, which makes it easy to taste and decide for yourself.
Frozen Pie on a Stick
Imagine a popsicle that went to culinary school. Kermit’s takes slices of its famous pie, hand-dips them in dark or white chocolate, freezes them, and pops them on a stick for a treat you can carry down Duval or along the harbor.
These bars earn some of the loudest praise in the shop. One husband declared the chocolate-covered version better than the plain slice, calling it very creamy with the perfect lime flavor.
Another guest loved how the crunchy crust played against the milk chocolate shell without the coating drowning out the lime.
Variations keep things interesting. The chocolate-covered coconut key lime bar adds a chewy texture, while the white chocolate strawberry version uses real strawberry blended into the cream.
Some people come back on a second day just to try another flavor.
Practically speaking, a frozen bar makes sense in Key West heat. It holds up better than a plated slice while you stroll, and it cools you down at the same time.
Visitors have mentioned a price of around six dollars, roughly the same as a single slice, so picking one is really about mood.
Coconut, Strawberry, and Gluten-Free Twists
Plain is great, but curiosity is better. Kermit’s offers several takes on its signature dessert, so you can wander off the classic path without leaving the lime behind.
Coconut key lime pie gets mentioned often, adding a soft island texture to the citrus filling. One guest described the coconut key lime bar as simple, not too tart, and very satisfying.
Strawberry key lime pie brings a fruity sweetness that softens the sharp edges of the lime.
Good news for anyone avoiding wheat, too. Gluten-free key lime pie is available, which means everyone in your group can share the experience instead of watching from the side.
That kind of option isn’t always easy to find in a busy tourist area.
Not every flavor wins every palate. One visitor found both the classic and the coconut versions a bit too sugary after the first few bites.
If you lean toward tart desserts, start with the original, and if you love sweet treats, the strawberry or coconut slices might hit the spot. Splitting a couple of flavors with friends is probably the smartest strategy of all.
Cookie Samples Worth the Detour
Surprisingly, some visitors leave talking more about cookies than pie. Kermit’s keeps sample jars stocked with mini cookies, and guests mention trying around six different kinds before deciding what to buy.
The key lime cookies stand out. One fan noticed they actually contain bits of pulp, which gives them a fresh, zippy bite unlike anything she had tried elsewhere.
The key lime cooler cookies also get high marks, and there are lemon cookies for anyone who wants a slightly different citrus note.
Free tastings make browsing feel like a game. Families pass samples around, compare favorites, and then stand at the shelf trying to choose just one bag.
One group admitted they couldn’t agree and ended up circling the cookie display for quite a while.
Cookies also travel well, which is a big plus if you’re driving back up through the Keys or flying home. A bag tucked into your luggage keeps the island flavor going for days.
For some travelers, these little bites turned out to be the true standout of the visit, quietly stealing the spotlight from the shop’s more famous dessert.
Taffy, Jelly Beans, and Pound Cake
Lime shows up in places you might not expect. Beyond pie and cookies, the shelves at Kermit’s hold key lime salt water taffy, key lime jelly beans, toffee, and loaves of key lime pound cake.
That pound cake has its own fan club. One visitor confessed she simply could not stop eating it, which might be the most honest praise a baked good can get.
The taffy and jelly beans are popular picks for kids and anyone wanting a small, colorful souvenir.
Shoppers also find bottles of key lime juice for baking at home, plus sauces and other lime-themed products. If you’ve ever wanted to try making your own pie back in Orlando or Tampa, grabbing real juice here is a good start.
Toffee rounds out the sweet lineup, and guests describe it as very good. Browsing these shelves can easily take longer than eating your slice, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
It’s a fun place to pick up gifts for friends who couldn’t make the trip, and nearly everything packs neatly into a bag for the ride home.
Cool Sips and Soft-Serve Refreshers
After hours of island sunshine, something frosty starts sounding like a necessity. Kermit’s has you covered with drinks and frozen treats that go well beyond pie.
Key lime dole whip is a favorite cooler, with one guest calling it tasty and refreshing after a long day outdoors. Ice cream is available too, and a member of one traveling party described it as a really special flavor.
If you need a break from the heat, these make a perfect excuse to sit for a bit.
On the drink side, the strawberry lemonade gets a shout-out as a winner. Coffee is also on hand and earned solid praise from visitors who wanted a little pick-me-up with their sweets.
Pairing a warm cup with a tart slice is a surprisingly nice combination.
These extras make the shop a good stop even for people who aren’t huge pie fans. Someone in your group can grab a lemonade while another goes straight for the frozen bar.
Everybody walks out happy, and nobody has to argue about where to stop for a snack on a hot afternoon.
Wallpaper, Doves, and a Shady Courtyard
Step past the counter and the shop opens into one of its best features. A covered outdoor area with tables and chairs sits out back, giving you a calm place to enjoy your treat away from the busy sidewalk.
Guests describe it as a nice, lazy seating area, and one called it a pleasant courtyard. The Elizabeth Street location also has a koi pond garden, adding a peaceful touch.
Friendly doves often wander around the tables, which delights kids and bird lovers alike.
Inside, the decor is all in on the theme. Lime green colors fill the room, and visitors rave about the iconic wallpaper and playful decorations.
People call the building cute again and again, and it’s easy to see why once you’re standing in it.
Space is generous too, with indoor and outdoor seating that helps on busy days. Shade matters a lot in the Keys, and the roof over the patio keeps things comfortable.
It turns a quick pie grab into a relaxed pause, the kind of moment that makes a vacation feel slow in the best possible way.
Who Will Love a Stop Here
Families top the list. With free samples, bright colors, candy shelves, and a founder who jokes with tour buses, this shop keeps kids entertained from start to finish.
First-timers are another great match. One guest had never tasted key lime pie before her visit and called it probably the best dessert she ever had.
If you’ve never tried the real thing, starting at the original Key West shop makes a lot of sense.
Pet owners will appreciate a sweet detail as well. One visitor mentioned staff offered a little snack for their dog, a thoughtful gesture that made the stop feel welcoming.
Groups looking for an easy activity during a walking day also seem to enjoy it.
Serious pie hunters might approach it differently. Some travelers sample several shops during their trip and compare notes, and Kermit’s often lands near the top, though tastes differ.
A few people found the experience a bit commercial since slices come pre-cut from a case. If you want a quick, cheerful taste of island tradition, though, this spot delivers it with plenty of personality and very little fuss.
Hours, Prices, and Getting There
Planning is refreshingly simple. The Elizabeth Street shop is open every day of the week from 10 AM to 9:30 PM, so you can stop by after breakfast or swing in for a late dessert after sunset.
Expect to pay around six dollars for a single slice or a chocolate-covered pie bar, based on what recent visitors shared. Some people feel prices run a little high, while others say the flavor justifies the cost, especially for downtown Key West.
Whole pies are available but cost more.
A practical tip from one guest: the pie tastes best eaten in the shop. Freezing a whole pie to take home can leave the crust a bit soggy.
If you want to enjoy it later, the shop also ships pies nationwide.
Getting there is easy on foot. The shop sits at 200 Elizabeth Street near Greene, close to the boardwalk in Old Town.
Lines can form on busy days, so mornings may be calmer. Visiting during cooler winter months makes the walk even nicer, and a weekend drive down from Miami turns into an easy sweet escape.
A Sweet Verdict on the Pilgrimage
So, is it worth the trip? For most people who make it to the southern tip of Florida, the answer leans toward a happy yes.
Kermit’s isn’t trying to be a quiet, fancy patisserie. It’s bright, playful, and full of samples, souvenirs, and lime in every possible form.
The classic slice brings real Key lime tang, the frozen chocolate bars win hearts, and the cookies quietly steal the show for some guests.
Sure, not everything will suit everyone. Some find the pie too sweet, others wish the crust were thinner, and a few feel the prices are a touch high.
Yet even those visitors usually say it’s worth stopping at least once for the classic Key West experience.
What makes it a pilgrimage is the whole package. You get thirty years of history, a founder who still clowns around out front, and a shady courtyard where doves wander between tables.
Plan a weekend down the Overseas Highway, grab a slice on Elizabeth Street, and see which flavor becomes your own favorite. The lime will probably stick with you long after the drive home.