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Redhook is more than meets the eye.
And this spot will reveal the beauty and splendor of this neighborhood.
Grab yourself a swingle -- a frozen mini-keylime pie on a stick dipped in dark chocolate -- and bite into the goodness as you take in the view of the sun setting across the harbor from Pier 41.
If you're so lucky (and you frequently are at this spot), you'll get a picturesque summary of what encapsulates New York City: airplanes gliding through the ribbons of sunset-colored sky, sailboats settling into their docks to turn in for the night, the stretch of industrial scaffolding that appears to be reaching out of the horizon, the Verrazano bridge off to the left reminding you that you are on an island that is teeming with so much energy and delicious key-lime pies, the sounds of the crashing waves against the edge of the harbor complimented with the harmony of bells ringing from the buoys off in the near-distance, all framed within the assortment of flora planted along the pier...
What better way is there to enjoy your swingle?
I don't know about you, but sometimes in the middle of the winter.... or fall.... or spring... or summer... I start fantasizing about palm trees and what my life could be like if I was sitting on a piece in say, Key West, just chilling and relaxing instead of elbowing my way onto the subway. Now, sometimes certain obstacles (like money and time) prohibit me from instantly jumping in a cab to the airport and heading south.
However, when I really think about it, not much really prohibits me from getting to Red Hook. Granted there's no public transportation that goes there, but luckily, my mom lives here and has a car and I don't usually have to twist her arm to much to take a trip to Fairway. You know who's right around the corner from this cheap grocery mecca? Steve. Steve of Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies.
When you walk into Steve's, you just feel the love. You feel the love, the warmth, the stress-free lifestyle that comes from frequent fishing trips and a life of making people happy with frozen chocolate dipped key-lime pies.
Did you hear that?
Steve takes a key lime pie, affixes it to a stick, dips it in delicious chocolate and then freezes it in the freezer so that you can enjoy it. Ahh... blissful.
Driving up to Steve's, you'll see Florida Keys decor: signs, palm trees, green. It's really cool and quirky in the middle of Brooklyn.
Steve also has a web site where he updates you on his goings-on. I'd say check it out because sometimes Steve seems a little laid back and he may spontaneously decide to change his hours. It'd be a shame to high tail it to Red Hook only to see Steve's "gone fishin." (For real, he fishes. Check out the site).
mmmmmmmmmmm and wow.
A native Floridian, I have tasted authentic key lime pie on many occasions. In the past, I could be persuaded to make my own. No more. I will take the bus to Steve's and impress my company even more!
The store has a single mission: to provide real key lime pie. They succeed. Even better, they offer a Swingle. Think miniature tart and creamy key lime pie coated in RICH dark chocolate and frozen. I do love freezing my desserts since it makes me eat more slowly and enjoy them more. The contrast of lime and chocolate and the mix of textures is a true delight.
Well worth figuring out the busses.
Oh. My one star off? The owner was smoking in the store. While all foodstuffs were safely containered, it was gross to me!
I was too ambitious. You can not walk there if it's hot and you can not walk there from Red Hook Ball Fields after eating there. It didn't stop me from seeking out via foot where Steve's Key Lime Pie was.
A very nice woman that we bumped into and asked how to head towards Red Hook was the one who told us about this place. After it's mentioning, we couldn't get the notion out of our heads to have some.
It's far. Not a real walking option unless you're up for a hike (coming via train - maybe it's only bad for me because I don't exercise often). Drive there. There's parking.
I will not waste time with the regular key lime pie. I will skip ahead and just load up on swingle (choco covered on a stick). The lime tartness from the key lime melds beautifully w/the chocolate. Plus it's on a stick. Everything tastes better on a stick. It's a great on the go snack!
My husband and I were wandering around the Atlantic Antic this afternoon when we saw someone eating some kind of chocolate-covered dessert on a stick. It looked amazing so we decided we had to find the booth that sold this item and buy one immediately. And this is how we discovered Steve's.
The item in question turned out to be a "swingle" -- key lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate and frozen. Hands down the best key lime pie I have ever had, and the combination of the tart lime flavor with the dark chocolate is incredible. And only $5...a steal by NYC standards. I had never heard of Steve's before but after my experience today, I will definitely stop by the bakery in Red Hook soon.
mmm mmm yea! just returned from a lil family time at steve's authentic key lime... yummy pie! [15$ for a medium sized 4$ for a personal one]
like soo soo yummy... they don't have much else on the menu... swingle!!!!! gotta get those
the mother, who rarely enjoys anything that isn't organic raw vegetarian ayurvedic goodness.. dug in!
truly... she ate ... with a plastic non-biodegradable spoon!
aaamazing!
now for some zzz's before heading out for a wunnerful evening with out of town bestie.. maybe try out a new place to yelp tomorrow.. yes.. that sounds like a good idea!
p.s. there's arthur the adorable kitty.. give him some loving from me!
yummmmmmmmm! Pie!
This is absolutely the best key lime pie ever.
But is it worth the trip??? Via car it's easy and you can bang out your garden, grocery, and cheap furniture shopping at the same time (Chelsea Garden center, Ikea and Fairway right next door) then grab a personal sized chocolate covered pie and sit on the water and enjoy the skyline. Then take a bigger one home with you. Via public transportation it is an adventure.
Wow-ee!
I keep thinking if his place were in Manhattan, there would be a ridiculous line. We came here on a Saturday after checking out some custom planters at the nursery next door.
We had the mini key lime pie and sat outside enjoying the view of the historic building Steve's was housed in.
Pros:
Perfect consistency of tartness.
Cons:
$$$ for the capita offered.
Will def. come back again! Al Roker endorses Steve's, but I'm sure he doesn't order an entire pie now. =D
There is 1 thing you must know:
* This is the best key lime pie. Evar. You will never have better KLP.
There is 1 thing you should know:
* The factory is fun, beautiful, and peaceful. You will love being there.
There is 1 thing you may like to know:
* They have an adorable kitty.
End of review (or EOR for you computer science nerds.)
I love Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies! I look forward to trips to get this from Red Hook or make my coworker's order pies so we can do the pie pool.
Real key limes -- freshly made crust, and just the right balance of sweet and tart makes this the best key lime pie I have ever tried. All you need a little freshly whipped cream on top.
Sooo shifty. When we first pulled up to the storefront (by the pier, might I add) I had a slight suspicion that though I was expecting key lime pie, I would actually be brought into the back and handed a few kilos of, ahem, "key lime pie" ifyaknowwhatImean. Still, we rang the desk bell and a large man shuffled out. We put in our order for an 8", plain. A few brief moments later, we had our pie and I was in heaven. I don't know how it's done and I don't care. To you, Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies, I dedicate the following verses of the AFI classic, Key Lime Pie:
Key lime pie, infatuation that shouldn't exist,
Key lime pie, indulge and I am in your debt.
Key lime pie, inspire me with foolish love,
Key lime pie, your green filling makes me inept.
Flaky crust is what I lust,
your fresh lime scent is a must.
Take me with coffee, never with tea,
You're the pie that pleases me.
People gawk, "Is that pie green?"
Ask for a bite, "F*** you, I'm mean."
It's hard to write about this place without making it sound like a soft-core pie romance novel.
In short, it's worth the trip to get the pies, and it's worth hanging around the pier to eat them. It's such a different vibe than any other area of Brooklyn/Manhattan, and it's really great to buy some amazing local food from a guy who cares about the end result.
As far as I can see you only go to Red Hook for two reasons; Red Hook ball fields and the Mexican food or Steve's Key Lime Pies. Both are awesome.
Suffice to say, I have never had a key lime pie before, I will again, and hopefully from Steve's even though it is nearly 4,000 miles from where I live.
What can be better than drifting around the sea front in a NY summer sweating your ass off and munching one of these. Wonderful
I had a mini key lime pie purchased from their booth at the Ninth Ave Food Festival.
I'd always want to try one and I was not disappointed.
It was delicious with its crumbly graham cracker (I'm assuming) crust.
Not overly sweet as I feared. Natural limey flavor.
I didnt eat it until I got home, so it was a sort of pudding like texture.
Now I must HopStop their address as I'm now a fan :)
I was also saddened to learn that their dog has been missing since Nov. 08. I remember always being amused that the dog would just lay on top of the truck during the festival
A friend has been a fan of Key Lime pie forever and ever.
For her birthday I decided to buy a KLP instead of a cake.
I pulled in the lot and loved the exterior. Plus there was this cool dog running around. I like dogs.
I walk in and there are surfboards on the walls and fun decor. I was in KW!
I rang the bell to get attention but it was quite loud inside.
Rang again and the baker helped me out.
They do not accept debit or credit last time I was there. So I had to drive to some middle of nowhere bodega to get moola.
The pies are heaven. The scenery is way cool.
This review needs an update! Mainly because the IKEA comment doesn't even make sense anymore, as there now IS an IKEA in Red Hook, probably because of my review. But also because after writing the original, I got a PM from KEYLIME STEVE HIMSELF--a registered Yelper who's actually written a few reviews (and NOT of SAKLP, I might add)--giving me the 411 on the Swingle. As it turns out, the official scientific name of the key lime is Citrus Aurantifolia Swingle, so this is what they decided to call their frozen, chocolate-dipped mini key lime pies on a stick.
I finally got to experience the Swingle this past Saturday, in an attempt to induce cardiac arrest that began with the Red Hook Ball Field food vendors, moved on to SAKLP, and ended with a large Italian meal in Queens. I couldn't finish my Swingle, but it was so chocolatey and creamy and good and cold...definitely worth a trip to Red Hook, car or not.
Isn't it fun when friends have cars? Whenever I have a friend who has a car, the first place I make… Read more »
Chocolate covered key lime pie...on a stick!
need I say more?
Great key lime pie. Interesting location. Very cute feline outside.
I will definitely make it a point to return to try their key lime pies. The day I visited, I ordered a Swingle (chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick) for $5 which surprisingly, I did not enjoy. I'm hoping it was just the chocolate and maybe the weather (middle of Feb.) because I really do like key lime pies! The lady that helped me was friendly and the storefront made for some interesting photography.
I heard about the Key Lime Pie for at least a year or two but never had it. Visiting Red Hook by bike I come upon Steve's place with its big fun sign, "PIES HERE". Setting: Prime waterfront; nice garden with tables, cool on a hot day. A funky waterfall spills into a tankpond filled with "koi" and lilypads; a friendly grey cat strolls out of the shop seeking some attention. Great, funky atmosphere. My kind of place.
Someone near me's eating what looks like a big popsicle. I find out thats the "SWINGLE" - a 4" version of the famed Key Lime Pie, dipped in chocolate, frozen, and put on a stick; Sounds good, so I buy one although I did think 5 bucks was a bit of a splurge for a treat. One bite however and I'm saying "Oh my god"!
Good? That word does not suffice. I concur with the person here who said: "DROOLGASM". First of all IF you love chocolate (yes) This is a TRULY amazing flavor combination; very high quality of dark chocolate used (Valhrona?) The way the flavor of the chocolate mixes with the key lime filling and graham crust was to me, so perfect, I said 'oh my god' with the first, second, and even third bite. So good, I went back inside to tell the pretty girl behind the counter, "Whoever invented this should get the Nobel Prize"!
GO get thee to Red Hook; take the Ikea Ferry or bike (drive if you must)
If god were a pie, it would probably be a Steve's Key Lime pie.
4" was all I needed to feel completely satisfied, strangely enough haha! Sweet, tangy, creamy, rich - all in a mouth filling ginger biscuit crumb based.
Divine.
Let me start out by saying that I love key lime pie. It is my favorite dessert so I was looking forward to going here. I got a swingle because I had read how great they were, but I think for me personally, I should have just had the small tart (the swingle without the chocolate). We hung out on the pier and watched the boats go by. The environment is really cool and laid back.
If you're near Red Hook, you should definitely stop by here.
I am a little P.O'd at Steve's. Sure he makes a damn fine pie, but the recomendation from the woman selling the pie really should have pushed the Swingle.
I told her I loved Chocolate and I like Key Lime Pie, but she did not push the Swingle. Why? Think real hard! It was a perfect marketing ploy to get me to come back. If I tried the regular pie then I would surely come back for the Swingle. Well I will tell you one thing Steve, you are freaking right. My happy ass will be back on the Ikea Ferry to visit you.
Follow the wooden lime slices down Van Brunt Street, then down this cobble-stone lane, and then into the complex of warehouses that houses Steve's. It may or may not be open. If it is, there may or may not be twenty mutts running around (all Steve's.) There WILL be a sign bearing the words, "Red Hook: It's Not Just For Crackheads Anymore!"
The key lime pies are indeed authentic, and Steve is a native Floridian who takes pride in bringing the genuine article north. You can buy full-sized or individual pies, or the Steve's delicacy known as a "swingle": a frozen mini-pie on a stick, dipped in dark chocolate. All are yummy, with a loose, tart filling and a graham cracker crust.
My favorite part of the experience, though, is walking around the building to the little seating area. Suddenly, you're confronted with a breathtaking view of the water, the Verrazzano and the Statue of Liberty in the distance, a total 180 from the industrial landscape behind you. It's such a wonderful example of the contradiction that is Red Hook, and such a special experience!
The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle. The swingle.
Can Gordon Elliott, Al Roker and those kids on the NY 1 programs all be wrong?
Get the swingle. Get it?
Also, the location could not be more picturesque and charming, with even a waterfall by the little patio outside where you can suck down your pie while your dog looks on in envy. Water bowl out for the pooches, too, while your pooch grows with every limey bite of pie.
See photos.
Dear Eight-Pound Six-Ounce Newborn Infant Jesus, this place is great.
The 4" individual key lime pie on a stick, dipped into dark chocolate, and served frozen, is quite possibly the world's greatest dessert.
Red Hook is an interesting place and worth a visit, what with the Ikea, a waterfront that actually smells like the ocean, the BWAC, the Fairway, etc.
But there are only two things which warrant a trip in and of themselves: the food trucks at the ball fields, and Steve's key lime pie on a stick.
My friends and I found Steve's while jogging in the area and returned when with wallets a few days later. We got a swingle to share and 2 large pies to take to our families. The swingle was delicious but I liked the pie without chocolate covering better. For once Key Lime Pie actually tastes like limes! Everyone that we shared it with loved it. Plus take a walk around the area while you eat your swingle. If you hop the fence to the left of Steve's you can access the waterfront walk/park which connects to Fairway's walkway. Great area to spend a nice day.
It is cash only so make sure you have enough $
Swingle $5
Large Pie $25
Worst idea of the year: Spend 4th of July 2007 in Red Hook - it was crummy out, foggy and raining... Red Hook should enjoyed on a nice sunny day!
Best idea of the century: The Swingle - a frozen, chocolate dipped mini key lime pie on a stick.... Hello, droolgasm! Not to mention the fresh key limes they gave us to squeeze on the Swingle as we ate... ohhh I want one right now!
I was so sure when we arrived to a very dead and half closed Red Hook that Steve's Key Lime Pies would be closed as well. Alas, this little gem of a pie stand was open, and hopping! The Swingle made my day, and it will make yours too. Do not fear a 10-15 min walk from the subway! Red Hook is worth it!
What a total Red Hook gem! Really artsy space right on the water that does nothing but key lime pies (small, large, or covered in chocolate on a stick). Nice people, prices are a bit high but good tasty value. I'm not a big fan of the possibly uncooked crumbly crust. It would be a lot better if it was a moist cohesive crust. Definitely a big fan of the Swingle (chocolate covered chilled key lime pie on a stick) though.
The swingle is pretty insane. I just had a bite of one and felt full...in a good way...as in fulfilled. I would like to try a slice of a full size pie sometime. Just a little pricey. I don't blame them, I'm sure they've earned it and aren't reeling it in on pie sales...I just haven't gotten there yet myself.
The approach to this establishment is somewhat mysterious. Try not to get bell-happy at the counter. They hear ya.
Key lime pie! Dipped in chocolate! On a stick! These pies are delicious, but their hours are insanely erratic. And sometimes the people working there seem befuddled by your presence (you sell pies! and I want one!). It's worth it, though. Eat your pie (conveniently, on a stick) while strolling through the garden center next door and all along the waterfront. The number of exclamation points in this review should indicate how tasty they are. Swipe some napkins, though, because you've got chocolate all over your face.
I have not been to the actual Red Hook location as of yet. Tonight I sampled my very first Steve's Key Lime Pie (a mini one) from Union Market-this is living up to the hype and then some. YUM.
Was in a strange mood today, and had a craving for Key Lime Pie. Did a search for NYC best keylime pie and found the website for Steve's Authentic key Lime Pies. A quick hop and a jump and I was there with Cory in tow.
First off, it's a little hard to find, but when you find the right street, look for wooden signs marked Key Lime Pies!! It's on the south side of the Pier.
I loved the look of the area... very original!
Cory and I had a bit of trepidation going in, but as we went in there were 3 families going out... they all seemed happy and comfortable in the unusual surroundings, and they all had pie boxes in hand.
Cory and I chose an 8" pie, and shamefully, I admit, we finished it off in about... 3 minutes? This pie is AMAZING!!!
I went back in, bought a large pie and we are off to entertain and meet some friends for the holidays with it. I KNOW they will be impressed.
Great guy, Steve is... I really enjoyed looking at his blog... and he makes the BEST key lime pie I have ever had. A great find in the brooklyn area.
i'll be the first to admit i don't know what makes one key lime pie authentic and another not, so let's focus on the things i do know:
the swingle was my choice, a key lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate. i was surprised at how great it was, because i didn't think i would like key lime and chocolate together. i was surprised at how the crust of the pie retained such a nice consistency, despite being mostly frozen. i also liked that they don't use food coloring to make the key lime part appear more green. whenever i make key lime pies, they're kind of yellow-green, and that's how the inside of the swingle looked. nice!
a huge part of the charm of steve's is the setting and location. yes, it's out of the way, that's been covered. is it worth the trek? absolutely. outside, you're surrounded by an outdoor garden with several small tables spread throughout. you start to wonder whether you're still in ny. it really is a little oasis.
outside, and along the pier, on the day we went, a small army of jack russell terriers were running around playing ball; lots of barbecues were happening; and there were more plants, unusual plants you might not expect to see in this area, like the one with a baby pineapple growing on it. what *was* that?
it's just a nice laid back to sit in the garden or walk over and look out on the water while eating your portable snack. you can even see staten island and wave hello to the snarkys.
YUMMMMY FILLING!!!!!!!!!!
Steve's is located at the water's edge in Red Hook. It's quite a distance (15-20 minutes walk) from the Smith/9th Street subway station or you can take a bus. However it does make a very enjoyable walk on a nice day.
You buy the pie(s) from a counter inside a large warehouse-like building (I suspect is factory/abode for Steve). There's a small table and some chairs and benches outside for sitting. On a nice day, it's kinda nice to hang out there for a while as it's got lots of plants, a small waterfall and a really chill atmosphere.
Key lime pie filling is incredible, it's the best part of the pie - not too sweet, not too sour, perfect gel-like texture instead of those lesser runny gloppy versions. The distinct taste of key lime is there, you can tell it's totally "freshly squeezed." The crust is classic graham cracker; a bit too much crust to filling in the 4 inch version but will probably be perfect for the larger pies.
The swingle was just alright in my opinion. I think the use of dark chocolate is brilliant but I felt the coating was too thick for the small 4 inch pie....a bit out of balance.
Steve himself could come across a bit gruff at first but he's actually really nice and chatty.
Have a pie, walk to the water side, check out Fairway, sit by the benches next to the Hudson for a little bit, take a water taxi back to Manhattan and you've gotten yourself a rather perfect day.
$5 for a 4 inch pie.
BEST KEY LIME PIES EVER!
I really don't know what to add to this review. They grow the key limes there and make the pies fresh... and they have a gaggle of small dogs that are insatiably cute.
What are you waiting for? Get a key lime pie!
This place is hidden away, tucked behind some factories located at the water's edge, off of cobble stone streets and just passed some old docks. Finding it is half the fun.
The space itself is has a rustic vibe including a great little outdoor spot that resembles a greenhouse. I don't believe there are any tables inside, just a spot to order and dudes making pies in the back.
Definitely worth a visit and a must if you are already in the nabe.
As for the pies, they are off the hook!!! I wasn't even a fan of key lime pie until i had one here. Keep in mind that this is a pie factory of sorts. They only sell key lime pies in a few different forms. They have chocolate covered mini pies which rule and the last time I was there, they were testing out new variations and let me have a taste of a spicy slice which was made with tabasco. Interesting, but I like the plain old fashioned ones. They are ridiculously fresh, are not overpoweringly sweet and the crust is flakey. Like me. I like.
According to Al Roker, Steve Tarpin's tarts are the "last genuine key lime pies in the US!" I'm not sure if I'd go that far, and next time I go, I'm skipping the not-very-good limeade, but for $4, the 4-inch tart is refreshing and share-able.
Disclaimer: I have yet to try the swingle (chocolate-covered lime pie), and admittedly (after reading everyone else's rave reviews), this may be affecting my overall opinion/star rating. Please don't hate me.
Next time I go to Steve's, it's swingle or bust. And if said swingle changes my life (I expect it will), I'll report back and up my stars. I promise.
Steves keylime pies are really good... and he has a super cool pie delivery truck.
I worked for over a decade at various restaurants in the cobble hill/carroll gardens area - I think they call it Bococa, or some dumb shit now - most of which couldn't turn away from steve's keylime pie because they were popular items.. however, i have never worked for a single restaurant/bar owner who actually liked Steve (the man, not the pie). Steve is kind of a creep (in the surly attitude way, not the weird, dangerous way).
anyway, don't let that dissuade you, the pies are awesome, and you probably wont have to even talk to Steve, or who knows, maybe he has gotten friendlier with age (my experiences with him are almost a decade old now).
The pies are fantastic, but the best reason to go is the previously mentioned pie on a stick, aka the swingle. As a pod of perfect deliciousness, the swingle is probably the best stick based food ever. The fact that the store is relatively hidden in an already out of the way part of Brooklyn means it's still relatively laid back, best kept secret sort of place.
Hmmm... pie on a stick.
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