Follow the Bright Yellow and Green Building to One of Florida’s Best Key Lime Pie Stops
Spotting Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop on Elizabeth Street is easy thanks to its eye-catching yellow and green exterior that practically begs you to come inside. This beloved bakery has been serving up some of the most memorable key lime treats in the Florida Keys for over three decades, earning a stellar reputation among locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re craving the classic pie, frozen treats on a stick, or unique cookies you won’t find anywhere else, this colorful shop delivers an experience that goes way beyond just dessert.
The Iconic Chocolate-Covered Key Lime Pie on a Stick
Walking up to the counter at Kermit’s, you’ll notice something that looks almost too fun to eat. The chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick has become the signature item here, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why people come back for seconds.
The milk chocolate shell gives you that satisfying crack when you bite through it, revealing the smooth, tangy key lime filling that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
What makes this treat special is the contrast in textures. The graham cracker crust adds a nice crunch, while the chocolate coating keeps everything together without overpowering the star of the show.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the coconut version adds another layer of tropical flavor that complements the lime beautifully.
At six dollars, some might consider it a splurge, but the quality justifies the price tag. These aren’t your average frozen novelties from the grocery store.
Each pie on a stick is crafted with real key lime juice and premium ingredients that you can taste in every bite.
The white chocolate strawberry variation offers a sweeter alternative for those who prefer less tartness. Real strawberry gets infused right into the pie cream, creating a flavor combination that’s both unexpected and delicious.
The white chocolate coating is smoother and creamier than its milk chocolate counterpart.
Pro tip: grab your pie on a stick and head to the outdoor seating area out back. The covered patio provides shade while you enjoy your frozen treat, which is essential on hot Florida afternoons.
You’ll want to eat this fairly quickly since the Key West heat doesn’t play around, but that’s rarely a problem given how tasty these are.
The Original Key Lime Pie Slice That Started It All
Before all the creative variations and chocolate coatings, there was the original. Kermit’s classic key lime pie slice represents what this shop has been perfecting for more than thirty years, and it remains a customer favorite for good reason.
The filling is exceptionally creamy with a proper lime flavor that leans toward the tart side, exactly as authentic key lime pie should taste.
Unlike some versions you’ll find around town that are almost mousse-like, Kermit’s pie has a denser, more substantial texture. This isn’t a bad thing at all.
It means each forkful delivers a concentrated burst of that signature tangy sweetness that makes your taste buds wake up.
The graham cracker crust deserves its own mention because it includes a hint of cinnamon that some people adore and others find unexpected. This little twist sets Kermit’s apart from other key lime pies in the area.
The crust holds up well against the creamy filling without getting soggy, maintaining its structure from first bite to last.
Portion sizes run on the smaller side, which several reviewers have noted, especially considering the six-dollar price point. However, the richness of the pie means a little goes a long way.
You’re not going to finish a slice and feel unsatisfied, though you might want to share if you’re planning to try other treats during your visit.
The pie comes pre-sliced and refrigerated, ready to grab from the case. Some visitors prefer a more personalized experience, but the efficiency works well when there’s a line out the door.
You can take your slice to the spacious indoor-outdoor seating area where you’ll find plenty of tables and chairs under a covered roof, perfect for people-watching while you indulge.
Key Lime Cookies That Steal the Show
Here’s something unexpected: many visitors end up declaring the cookies, not the pie, as their favorite discovery at Kermit’s. The white chocolate chip key lime cookies have developed a cult following among those who’ve tried them, with several reviewers calling them the best thing in the shop.
These aren’t your standard bakery cookies with a hint of lime flavoring added as an afterthought.
Real key lime pulp gets mixed right into the dough, creating little bursts of intense citrus flavor throughout each cookie. The white chocolate chips provide sweetness that balances the tartness perfectly, and the texture hits that ideal spot between chewy and slightly crisp.
One reviewer couldn’t stop raving about them, saying they were “like nothing I’ve had anywhere before.”
The key lime cooler cookies offer another variation worth trying. These have a different texture and flavor profile, leaning more toward a traditional sugar cookie base with key lime essence.
Both varieties come in bags that make excellent gifts or travel snacks, assuming you don’t eat them all before leaving town.
What makes shopping for cookies here even better is the sample situation. Kermit’s sets out jars filled with cookie samples representing about six different varieties, letting you taste before committing to a full bag.
This generous sampling policy means you won’t end up with cookies you don’t enjoy, and it adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the shop.
The cookies also travel exceptionally well compared to the pies. If you’re flying home or driving back to another part of Florida, a few bags of cookies make perfect souvenirs that actually fit in your luggage.
They maintain their freshness for days, and everyone back home gets to experience a taste of Key West without the hassle of keeping frozen pies cold during transport.
Key Lime Dole Whip and Frozen Treats
Soft-serve lovers have something special waiting for them at Kermit’s. The key lime dole whip has quickly become a fan favorite, especially among visitors who’ve spent the day exploring Key West in the relentless Florida sun.
This frozen dessert delivers that signature tangy lime flavor in a light, airy format that feels incredibly refreshing when temperatures climb into the high eighties and beyond.
The texture mimics the famous pineapple dole whip you might know from theme parks, but the key lime version offers a more sophisticated flavor profile. It’s tart enough to wake up your palate but sweet enough to qualify as dessert.
The consistency is smooth and creamy without being heavy, making it the perfect treat when you want something cold but don’t want to feel weighed down.
Beyond the dole whip, Kermit’s offers key lime ice cream in various formats. The chocolate-covered version combines the best of both worlds, with a shell of quality chocolate encasing the tangy ice cream inside.
Some guests note that the ice cream shares a similar flavor profile with the pie, which makes sense given they’re using the same high-quality key lime base.
Ordering frozen treats near closing time can be tricky, as one reviewer discovered. The staff seemed rushed and less enthusiastic about serving ice cream when they were clearly ready to wrap up for the day.
If you’re planning to try the frozen options, aim for mid-afternoon when the team is fully engaged and you won’t feel hurried through your decision.
These frozen treats work wonderfully as a palate cleanser if you’re planning to sample multiple items during your visit. Start with a cookie, move on to a pie slice, and finish with something frozen.
The outdoor seating area provides the perfect setting to enjoy these treats while watching the steady stream of tourists discovering this bright yellow and green landmark for themselves.
The Bright Yellow and Green Building Experience
You can’t miss this place even if you tried. The exterior of Kermit’s on Elizabeth Street features such vibrant yellow and green paint that it practically glows in the Florida sunshine.
This bold color choice isn’t just for show—it perfectly captures the playful, tropical spirit that defines both the shop and Key West itself.
Step inside and the visual experience continues. Every wall showcases vibrant colors, playful prints, and signature lime-themed designs that reflect the joyful personality behind the brand.
The wallpaper alone has earned mentions in multiple reviews, with visitors describing it as “iconic” and worth seeing even if you somehow weren’t hungry.
The interior space feels cozy despite the constant flow of customers. It’s not a huge shop, but the layout maximizes every square foot without feeling cramped or cluttered.
Shelves display various key lime products ranging from soaps and lip balms to bottles of key lime juice and specialty gift items, all organized in a way that’s easy to browse.
The decorations throughout the shop create an Instagram-worthy backdrop that guests love. Lime green accents appear everywhere you look, from the signage to the smallest details.
This cohesive design approach transforms a simple bakery visit into a memorable visual experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of your treats.
What really sets the building apart is the outdoor area accessible through the back of the shop. This spacious courtyard features covered seating with plenty of tables and chairs, creating a pleasant oasis where you can relax and enjoy your purchases.
The roof provides essential shade, and the open-air design lets you soak in the Key West atmosphere while indulging in your key lime treats.
The location itself is convenient, situated near the boardwalk and within walking distance of many downtown Key West attractions. After finishing your snorkeling trip or walking tour, you can easily swing by for a quick dessert stop that doesn’t require driving or complicated navigation.
Meeting the Original Mr. Kermit and the Story Behind the Shop
Some visitors get extraordinarily lucky and meet the man who started it all. The original Mr. Kermit still makes appearances at the Elizabeth Street location, sometimes greeting customers outside in his full signature attire.
These encounters turn a simple dessert stop into something much more meaningful, as he shares the incredible journey of how this shop came to be.
More than thirty years ago, Mr. Kermit opened this location with a vision of celebrating the key lime in every possible way. What began as a small local idea has since expanded to eight additional locations, yet the original shop maintains its authentic charm and personal touch.
Hearing this history directly from the founder creates a connection that you simply can’t get at chain establishments.
Mr. Kermit doesn’t just talk about the business—he shares fascinating details about the building itself and the surrounding area. He explains what occupied the space before his shop existed and how the neighborhood has evolved over the decades.
This insider perspective adds layers of depth to your visit, transforming it from a tourist stop into a genuine cultural experience.
The pride and passion Mr. Kermit shows when discussing his creation is infectious. You can tell this isn’t just a business to him—it’s a labor of love that has become deeply rooted in the Key West community.
The care and intention behind every detail, from the recipes to the decor, reflects his commitment to quality and authenticity.
Not everyone will have the chance to meet Mr. Kermit during their visit, as his appearances aren’t scheduled or guaranteed. However, knowing that the founder still actively participates in welcoming guests speaks volumes about the shop’s values.
This isn’t some corporate operation where the original vision has been lost through expansion.
The staff, including standouts like Ms. Traci mentioned in reviews, carry forward this tradition of exceptional hospitality. They take time to ensure your purchases are carefully wrapped, especially if you’re buying gifts to take home.
This attention to detail and genuine care for customer satisfaction creates an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than rushed or transactional.
Key Lime Everything: Beyond Just Pie
Kermit’s lives up to its description as a store specializing in “all things key lime,” and they’re not exaggerating. Walk through the shop and you’ll find an impressive array of products that go far beyond traditional desserts.
Key lime taffy, for instance, surprised one visitor so much with its quality that they bought two bags despite later discovering the corn syrup and palm oil ingredients they typically avoid.
The selection includes practical items like bottles of authentic key lime juice, perfect for home bakers who want to recreate that Florida Keys flavor in their own kitchens. These bottles make excellent gifts for cooking enthusiasts, and they’re much easier to transport than frozen pies.
The juice captures that distinctive tart flavor that’s impossible to replicate with regular Persian limes.
Personal care products round out the inventory with key lime soaps, lip balms, and other bath items. While these might seem gimmicky at first glance, they’re actually well-made products that capture the refreshing citrus scent without being overpowering.
They make fun stocking stuffers or small gifts for friends back home who appreciate unique, locally-inspired items.
The gift item selection caters to different budgets and preferences. You’ll find everything from small impulse purchases to more substantial souvenirs that showcase Key West’s signature flavor.
The packaging often features the same bright, cheerful design elements that make the shop itself so visually appealing, ensuring your gifts look as good as they taste or smell.
Coffee lovers should note that while the shop doesn’t serve coffee on-site, several coffee places operate nearby. This is worth knowing if you’re someone who enjoys pairing your pie with a hot beverage.
The lack of coffee service keeps the shop focused on what they do best while keeping lines moving efficiently.
Prices throughout the shop lean toward the higher end, as several reviewers mentioned, but you’re paying for quality ingredients and a prime Key West location. The value becomes clearer when you taste the products and realize they’re made with real key lime and premium components rather than artificial flavoring and cheap substitutes.
