A man waving a fake key lime pie at a passing tour bus is not what most visitors expect to see on a Florida street corner. The pie was clearly not real, but the reaction it provoked was genuine. Stepping inside the lime-green building at 200 Elizabeth Street in Key West confirmed the gesture’s promise: this was no ordinary dessert stop. Inside, a slice of frozen key lime pie, dipped in chocolate, changed the course of a trip for many who walked through the door.
The shop’s bright exterior makes it impossible to miss. Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop sits at the intersection of Elizabeth and Greene, a landmark in Old Town’s waterfront district. Its green and yellow paint stands out against the rest of the block, drawing in crowds before they even step inside. Officially a bakery, the space is packed with more than just pie—slices, frozen bars on sticks, cookies, candy, drinks, sauces, and a wall of lime-themed gifts. For fans of key lime pie, this is the original location, the starting point of a decades-long obsession.
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The shop’s location plays a key role in its appeal. It is within walking distance of the boardwalk and harbor, making it a natural stop on a self-guided tour of Key West. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, grab a slice, and continue exploring without needing a car. For those driving down the Overseas Highway, a detour here feels like completing a long-standing bucket-list item. Key lime pie is Florida’s unofficial dessert, and this corner is where many come to taste it at its source.
A Small Smoothie Stand’s Big Legacy
The shop’s origins are modest. More than three decades ago, founder Kermit Carpenter ran a small smoothie stand in Key West. His love for key lime pie eventually took over the business, evolving into the shop now drawing lines of customers. In October 2023, Kermit’s celebrated its 30th anniversary, a milestone that stands out in a town where storefronts often come and go with the seasons. Thirty years of serving the same tangy dessert requires both a reliable recipe and a dedication that has not faded.
Recognition has followed, too. The shop has appeared on the Food Network and in National Geographic, and celebrity chef Paula Deen has praised it. It has even been referenced on Jeopardy, a rare distinction for a pie shop. Yet despite the attention, the place remains rooted in its island origins. The story is not about a corporate brand dropped onto a tourist corner—it’s about one local who loved pie and decided the world should taste it.
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Kermit’s Signature Sidewalk Stunts
Kermit Carpenter himself has become something of a local legend. He is known for standing outside, pretending to toss fake pies at passing tour buses. Riders laugh, wave, and often hop off later to see what the fuss is about. The goofy routine works because it is authentic. In a town packed with attractions competing for attention, a cheerful owner performing on the sidewalk gives people a reason to stop and smile. Children especially love the show.
That personal touch extends inside as well. Service is described as quick and friendly, with one regular calling it second to none. When the founder clearly enjoys his work, the energy spreads—through the counter, the courtyard, and anyone holding a fork.
The classic slice remains the main reason people walk through the door. Tart first, creamy second, gone in about five bites; that is the typical experience. The shop uses real Key lime juice, described as double strength or 100 percent, to give the filling its bright zing. Each slice sits on a graham cracker crust with a cloud of topping. Visitors call the flavor perfectly tart, though opinions vary. Some find the custard on the tart side, while others say it leans sweet. One traveler who tried five pies in a week ranked this one second, noting a thicker, less creamy texture than competitors.
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Beyond the Classic Slice
Customers do not have to commit to a whole pie. Single slices are available, making it easy to taste and decide. For something more portable, the shop offers frozen bars, slices of pie hand-dipped in dark or white chocolate, frozen, and served on a stick. These earn some of the loudest praise. 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 the menu 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 visitors return on a second day just to try another flavor. Practically speaking, a frozen bar makes sense in Key West’s heat; it holds up better than a plated slice while allowing visitors to stroll and cool 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.
