It’s hard to believe that one of the most prominent restaurants in Key West doesn’t serve breakfast, lunch or dinner — just dessert. And in true Key West fashion, the restaurant is very risqué.

Len and Dani Johnson wanted to create an after-dinner dessert experience, an extension of an evening in a romantic, sophisticated, and sexy atmosphere. And so in 2008, they introduced Key West to Better Than Sex, a full-service dessert restaurant offering sexy sweets in an intimately themed setting.

After much success over the past 11 years, Better Than Sex’s fifth outpost is coming soon to Downtown St Pete’s EDGE District. The exact address hasn’t been announced yet, but owner Joshua Brush revealed to St. Pete Rising that the EDGE District location will be about 2,500 square feet.

If you have ever visited Key West, you’ll know that the Conch Republic is all about letting loose. The town has a “leave your inhibitions at the door and hit the reset button on life” type of vibe. It’s about taking a trip down Duval Street to grab a colorful blender drink, experience a drag show, and indulge in a slice of the island’s famous key lime pie.

Residents and tourists alike quickly learn to lean in to the unfamiliar and embrace the weird. The secluded paradise on the southern tip of Florida can definitely throw a party. And the desserts know how to have a good time too. 

The unequivocal queen of confections in Key West is Better Than Sex, where all of the menu items have sexual innuendos. How can you go wrong with a name like Double Stuffed, which is Oreo bread pudding, sweet white chocolate, vanilla bean love custard and cheesecake ice cream? 

Or would you rather have Man Flowers? A description on their website describes it as a “proud and erect chocolate stout cake with tart dark chocolate frosting, chocolate stout ganache served with Irish cream ice cream and salted caramel.”

Better Than Sex also offers beer, wine, and coffee. The signature drink menu is just as fun as the dessert menu. One of the most popular beverage items is the Gang Bang, which is a four-way of candy-inspired shooters — Honey Bunny, Fiery Fornicator, Cotton Panties and Key Lime Krack.

The interior will match the other locations — elegant, classy, and intimate. Most tables are surrounded on three sides to provide privacy to the diners. Framed black and white pictures of tastefully sexy men and women adorn the walls.

Opening Better Than Sex in St Pete was a no-brainer for Brush. Key West and St Pete have a lot in common. Both cities are walkable, laid-back, beachy, and accepting of all people. “I grew up in Tampa, but I love St Pete,” says Brush. “Whenever we’re looking for something to do, we go to St Pete.”

Brush is hoping to sign a lease any day now and begin designing the space. The goal is to be open by Valentine’s Day 2020.