Key lime pie is a tricky subject, because while a lot of places make poor neon-green versions of it, very few people make it up to the standards of real aficionados – particularly those born in the south. I’m a northeasterner myself, but I’ve had some great key lime pies in my life. Sadly, I haven’t had a lot of them here in Las Vegas. But there are a few places I feel confident sending you to make sure you’ll have a happy anniversary.
My first choice would be my good friend Rick Moonen’s rm seafood in Mandalay Place. Rick’s from New York, but you wouldn’t know it after tasting his single-serve key lime pies ($9) with perfect graham cracker crusts, delicious filling, and Swiss meringue. Then, for that celebrity chef touch we all expect from him, there’s a swirl of cilantro syrup around the outside. If you’re looking for a cocktail to wash it down, ask the bartender for a "Three C's": a light summery concoction made with muddled cucumbers and cilantro, cucumber-infused vodka and club soda.
If you’re downtown on the big day, I feel pretty confident sending you to Du-Par’s in the Golden Gate Casino, even though I haven’t actually tried their key lime pie. This southern California chain of diners is almost as famous for its pies as it is for its pancakes. And if you ask me, the pies really deserve top billing. While the selection rotates, key lime is their pie of the month for March ($4.50/slice, $12.75 for a whole pie).
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab, located in the Forum Shops at Caesars, is also famed for its Key Lime Pie, which goes for $6.95 a slice.
Finally, if you’re south of The Strip, swing by Tommy Bahamas in Town Square. They offer an authentic Key West-style key lime pie, served with whipped cream ($8.50). The place also has what’s probably the best selection of rum in town if you want to wet your whistle.
I hope that helps. And happy anniversary.
Al is one of the city's top three food critics and, along with the other two, co-authored Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants, in the back of which you'll also find some useful lists of "Best Ofs" in town, including "Best Desserts."
