Everyone in these parts eagerly awaits the Florida stone crab season, which runs from October through May. As soon as it starts, they flock to Joe’s Stone Crab, a South Beach institution that’s been cracking the sweet crustaceans for more than 100 years. Tuxedo-clad waiters serve claws ranging from medium to colossal, best eaten with a side of mustard sauce (while wearing a bib). Joe’s tangy Key lime pie is the way to end your meal. While the crab, sold at market price, never comes cheap, the fried chicken is a steal at $6.95.
Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s Stone Crab, stone crab claws CREDIT: Joe’s Stone Crab
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Miami's Most Famous Seafood Spot
Joe’s Stone Crab is one of Miami‘s most famous and oldest restaurants. Although getting in the door may be a little tough because they do not take reservations, and the lines are long. The restaurant serves top-quality stone crab from the Gulf. The eatery is a fine-dining facility with servers in tuxedos that have served tables there for more than 30 years. The crabs are brought in fresh, boiled on-site, and stored in a James Bond–style compartment. Order a round of creamed spinach and hash browns to go with the chilled stone crabs with creamy mustard sauce. Joe’s Stone Crab is a signature experience in Miami that has stood the test of time. Most go for special occasions or when out-of-towners come to visit and seek a quintessential Miami experience. Upon arrival, you’re elevated into Joe’s sense to tradition. The restaurant doesn’t come cheap and only stays open during stone crab season, but the meal will be one that you’ll never forget.
Yes it's touristy, Yes it's expensive and YES it's worth it...
Joe’s is as Historic as Miami Beach gets (they are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2012). Open only in “season” - any seafood lover cannot miss the sweet, sweet stone crab meat on offer here. MY TIP is to skip the restaurant and go to the take out counter (lunch at the beach - are you with me?), as the dining room is a tad stuffy and actually kinda looks 100 years old.
