Key West: Looking for Conch Fritters and Key Lime Pie

[Philly Ray]

Hello Key West Hounds!

We will be on a cruise in late March and we stop in Key West on Saturday, March 31. We are looking to try conch fritters and key lime pie. We will most likely be walking off of the ship and around Duval St.

Are we doomed to tourist traps or can we find good versions of these items in this area? Also, I read about Garbo's Grill in another thread. Should we be stopping there as well?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks

[Glutton4Grub]

The absolute Best is from Key West Key Lime Pie Co., although on Big Pine Key, they have won numrous Blue Ribbons. They have been named for many years "the Country's Best"!

[kennyr]

A very long walk from the cruise line dock. (10 miles?)

[Glutton4Grub]

With their awards and being named "countrys best"...could be worth the Journey!
Also a cab would probably be ideal ; )
They were just featured on Food Network too.

[kennyr]

I agree, B.O.'s Fish wagon has some of the best conch fritters in KW. Try the square grouper sandwich while you are there as well. About 1/2 mile walk from the cruise ship dock is Blue Heaven. They have great key lime pies with a browned merangue topping, imho the best in the keys. Great breakfasts as well. That said, I usually have a Publix key lime pie in the fridge when I stay in Key West. Really pretty good for a supermarket pie.

[kempshark]

I've heard that the Key-Lime Pie Outlet on Greene Street next to Capt. Tony's (extremely close to where you'll be getting off the cruise ship) has very good Key Lime Pie.....I haven't tried this one yet myself, but I've seen many rave reviews. Unfortunately I probably won't be back down until the beginning of June, or else I'd offer to stop by and give you a review!!! Haven't been since September and it's killing me. I might have to sneak in a trip prior to my trips scheduled for June and November!! :)

[juli5122]

I like Hogs Breath Saloon for conch fritters, I know it may be a chain but for the fritters it is great and close to where you get off the ship. I am not a key lime pie afficionado, I like the one from our local grocery store Publix. :) My favorite used to be the restaurant at the Pier House, but haven't been in a while. Have a great time.

[Veggo]

The Publix key lime pies are surprisingly good, similarly their mango key lime pies.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I like the publix key lime pies but you can get there many places, not just Key West. They sell them up in Orlando. I would rather check out one of the local places in town.

I know there is Kermits, and Key lime pie factory, among others.

[Veggo]

Conch from Florida is no longer available, so nearly all comes from the conch farm in Providenciales. It has been frozen, but still is pretty good in most preparations. I had nice cracked conch last week in St. Pete.

[cflynn]

do tell Veggo!

[Veggo]

Mid Peninsula Seafood is the only restaurant I am aware of that sells cracked conch in the greater St. Pete area. Joan buys it from Providenciales. It is in 5 pound boxes mostly for commercial accounts, although Star Fish in Cortez sometimes has the boxes in their retail store freezer.

[seminole phil]

alabama jacks on card sound road north of key largo serves the best conch fritter , about 8 inches in diameter and you will never go anywhere else for one again

[kennyr]

Kind of a long walk from the docks near Duval Street don't ya' think?

[cflynn]

BO's fish wagon - great cracked conch and fritters within walking distance (5 streets) of Mallory. Have a blast!

[dining with doc]

Definitely 2nd B O Fishwagon which also may have the best fried grouper sandwich anywhere. although commercial, you can get a iconic key lime pie at the key west key lime pie store.

[Sandwich_Sister]

Yes, go to Garbo's Grill. They should be around the area where your ship lands.

I'm not sure if you are looking for quick bites or a sit down meal.
Conch fritters can be found on lots of menus and you can get Key Lime pie at one of the good sit down restaurants as well.

Here are some ideas

Dante's - It's a pool bar with bar food, conch fritters. Fun atmosphere but not serious foodie food.

There is a place called the Conch Shop, I've never been but obviously serves conch.

Sit Down Restaurants

Blue Heaven - I've heard they have a delicious Key Lime Pie on the menu

Caroline's - Conch Fritters are on the menu and I remember this place being very good.