Best of Miami

The Ten Best Key Lime Pies in Miami

Deep-dish key lime pie.
Deep-dish key lime pie. Courtesy of Icebox
The key to happiness comes in different forms and flavors. For many, it’s circular in shape, delightfully sweet in taste, but tart enough to make you pucker. It’s a major key DJ Khaled has yet to mention: key lime pie.

As Florida’s official state pie, the heavenly dessert uses the tiny, tangy marble-shaped citrus fruit of the key lime tree, famously grown in the Florida Keys and even in our own backyards. Good news is we don’t always need to take a trek down Overseas Highway to get our hands on some of the best.

Those craving key lime pie can find various pleasant versions at restaurants throughout the 305. But the following ten spots know exactly how to make this always-sunny dish shine.
1. Joe’s Stone Crab
At Miami Beach’s beloved institution known for its savory namesake, you’ll also find Joe’s famous key lime pie, arguably the benchmark for Florida’s favorite dessert. A perfect graham cracker crust sets the foundation for this classic version that’s equal parts sweet and sour with just the right amount of zest. A slice sets you back $8.95, but call to order ahead for a whole pie — it’ll last longer.
2. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop & Cafe
Wynwood’s best pie shop offers a huge range of pies, from the legendary crack pie to chocolate pecan and apple variations. Although all of firefighter Derek Kaplan’s pies are showstoppers, his key lime pie ($5) — the one that started it all — remains the star. The recipe is entirely his own, using condensed milk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, a buttery graham crust, and other, undisclosed ingredients. The result: a slice of heaven.
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Meghan Perkins' key lime pie.
Courtesy of Blue Collar
3. Blue Collar
Meghan Perkins, wife of Cocaine Cowboys director Billy Corben, adds her homemade touch to the key lime pie ($8) at the Upper Eastside comfort-food emporium Blue Collar. Her recipe is made from scratch, calls for hand-squeezed key limes, and is best served chilled. After some braised brisket and three-cheese mac, there’s no reason to hold back when you can end your comforting meal on a sweet note.
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Deep-dish key lime pie.
Courtesy of Icebox
4. Icebox
Whether you’re enjoying a weekday dinner at Icebox or a weekend brunch, the most brilliant thing to do is order the deep-dish key lime pie, priced at $8.50. Yes, you read that correctly: deep-dish key lime pie. As with anything deep-dish, Icebox bakers spend a lot of time prepping and then refrigerating their version, and it shows. It’s a thing of beauty, made with a robust graham cracker crust filled to the brim with key lime custard and topped with a generous serving of whipped cream. On a sweltering day, it’s a surefire hit.
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Key lime pie featuring a graham cracker crust with a pecan twist.
Courtesy of Kush
5. Kush
Over in Wynwood, Kush is known for its craft beer, standout burgers, and killer key lime pie ($8). Past the chopped nuts and generous pile of fresh whipped cream, you’ll discover a smooth and creamy tart center dressed in locally sourced key lime juice, set on a graham cracker and pecan-infused crust. One bite is an experience for the senses, from the aromatic taste of lime goodness to the beautiful texture variation of the extra-crunchy crust. Prepare to be mind-blown.
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Maureen Aimee Mariano is a freelance food writer for Miami New Times. She earned a bachelor of science in journalism from the University of Florida before making her way back to the 305, the city that first fueled her insatiable appetite.

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