Stone crab season is finally here (Oct. 15 to May 1) which means that it’s time to roll our sleeves up and get crackin’ on some fresh claws. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best spots in the city to grab stone crab so that you’re ready to dig in. Bon appetit!
1. Joe’s Stone Crab, South Beach
A total institution of stone crab season, Joe’s has been serving hungry Floridians its fresh claws for over a hundred years since it discovered the delectable crustacean — or at least so they claim! This traditional spot in South Beach offers fine dining and decadence where you can enjoy your claws with a side of their classic hashbrowns or creamed spinach. Beware though, it can be really difficult to snag a reservation!
P.S.: If you’d rather not wait, you can always get Joe’s claws to-go from their takeaway spot right next door!
Find it at 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
2. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, East Little Havana
This laid-back spot is another absolute classic of the 305 and one of our favorite ones when it comes to waterfront dining. Grab a spot on their patio and enjoy some of the freshest claws and seafood in town with some gorgeous views of the Miami River.
Find it at 398 NW N River Dr, Miami, FL 33128.
3. Stiltsville Fish Bar, Miami Beach
‘Tis the season for stone crab claws at this Sunset Harbor restaurant! They’re served on a bed of ice with a side of Stiltsville’s signature champagne mustard sauce. There’s no better place to be especially on Thursdays, where happy hour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. for stone crab specials.
Find it at 1787 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
4. Truluck’s, Brickell
This lovely surf and turf spot in Brickell is also great for those looking to enjoy their claws over a nice dinner. They take pride in serving their crab claws uber-fresh — never frozen. Once crabs are caught, they’re removed and cooked directly after harvest. Then, they’re packed in ice and delivered to the restaurant within hours!
Find it at 777 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131.
5. Golden Rule Seafood Market & Restaurant, Palmetto Bay
This Palmetto Bay spot has been feeding Miamians fresh seafood since 1943. Enjoy your claws under a fun tiki hut and pair them with other dishes like conch fritters, smoked fish dip and key lime pie for full on Floridian experience.
Find it at 17505 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33157.
6. Bayshore Club, Coconut Grove
If you’re looking to enjoy your claws alfresco with a view, Regatta Harbour’s waterfront bar and grill is one of the best choices. The Bayshore Club is offering stone crab claws on ice with a classic mustard sauce all season long! Don’t forget to indulge in their Crab & Shrimp Cocktail Cooler, which will feature jumbo FL stone crab claws for a bang for your buck.
Find it at 3391 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133.
7. Rusty Pelican, Key Biscayne
We thought we’d let you know that this iconic restaurant is celebrating stone crab season this year with two specials: a Stone Crab Special (three large stone crabs, confit vegetable and leche de Tigre with Rocoto pepper) for $75; and a Stone Crab Spider Roll (Stone Crab, Tobiko, Eel Truffle Sauce and Lotus Root) for $35.
Find it at 3201, Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149.
8. Glass & Vine, Coconut Grove
Fresh claws AND ladies night is certainly hard to beat. At Glass & Vine, you can celebrate the start of Miami’s favorite season with stone crab claws on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m., which falls right in line with ladies night. So grab your gals and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles to pair!
Find it at 2820 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33133.
9. Michael’s Genuine, Miami Design District
Get it crackin’ at this wildly popular eatery, which receives about 100 pounds of stone crabs a week. For the last 10 years, James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Scwhartz has been teaming up with local fisherman Captain J. Bruns to serve the best stone crabs in town. Unlike otherss, Captain J. removes the middleman by boiling the shellfish directly on the dock after they’re caught and then brought straight to Michael’s Genuine. Here, the crabs are simply served in ice with a homemade mustard sauce and a green sambal sauce for a kick!
Find it at 130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137.
10. Le Zoo, Bal Harbour
Known for their “Fruits de Mer”, the French brasserie offers an exceptional variety of fresh seafood all year. But this stone crab season, take advantage of their crab claws served fresh on a bed of ice and topped gracefully with a classic mustard sauce!
Find it at 9700 Collins Ave #135, Miami Beach, FL 33154.
11. Estiatorio Milos, Miami Beach
Savor this seasonal delicacy at this acclaimed Greek restaurant. You’ll find colossal stone crab claws, exclusively sourced from the Bahamas, where the season runs a full month longer than in the Florida Keys. These crabs are not only prized for their succulent flavor, but also for their impressive size and blemish-free appearance. Milos serves them simply with a house-made mustard sauce to enhance their natural sweetness, and they are available at market price.
Find it at 730 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
12. George Stone Crab, Brickell
A total Miami staple when it comes to stone crabs, George’s ships its crab claws (available in medium, large, jumbo and colossal sizes) all around the country. You can also choose to add on their homemade butter or mustard sauces, Russian caviar and even a freshly baked key lime pie to round off your meal!
Order online through their website.
13. Fresh Florida Fisheries, West Dade
This laid-back market in West Dade is best known for its fried fish, but during stone crab season you can also find some pretty good claws at this spot that offers them at a much more affordable price than a lot of its competitors!
Find it at 2238 SW 57th Ave #2235, Miami, FL 33155.