The long-awaited beginning of stone crab season is Oct. 15, and we’re celebrating by getting our claws on the best of these Floridian crustaceans. Sweet and tender, stone crabs are known for their distinct taste and meaty texture, a delicacy for seafood lovers. We take our stone crabs very seriously here in South Florida, home to the Florida Keys where they are harvested and kept fresh from sea to plate. Here’s where to find the top contenders.
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1787 Purdy Ave. / Website
As always, Stiltsville is going all out this stone crab season. Claws are served on a bed of ice and paired with Stiltsville’s signature champagne mustard sauce, available by the claw or accompanied by additional seafood offerings in the Tacklebox. Hit happy hour on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. to score some stone crab specials.
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3391 Pan American Drive / Website
To feast on stone crabs at an iconic historical waterfront destination in Coconut Grove, head to none other than Bayshore Club for fresh claws served on ice, paired with a classic mustard sauce. Go all out with the Crab & Shrimp Cocktail Cooler, which also stores jumbo Florida stone crabs for an additional $15.
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9700 Collins Ave. #135 / Website
At this elegant French spot in Miami’s luxe Bal Harbour shops, you can find fresh seafood all year long. During stone crab season, find Le Zoo’s fresh pick of stone crabs served on a bed of ice and topped with a classic mustard sauce.
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9700 Collins Ave. / Website
Another Bal Harbour shops mainstay, Makoto presents a Japanese take on stone crabs by serving its claws in a bed of ice with ponzu aioli and a hot wasabi cocktail sauce for some fire and ice action.
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2820 McFarlane Rd. / Website
This outdoor oasis in lush Coconut Grove offers an assortment of dishes ranging from Sunday brunch to a full-on European-style seafood spread. Now on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m., you’ll want to book it to Glass & Vine for the fresh claws, accompanied by a complimentary glass of bubbles for the ladies.
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11 Washington Ave. / Website
Joe’s is the O.G. in Miami when it comes to stone crabs, but you most likely didn’t need that reminder. Joe’s has its own fisheries and is well seasoned in sourcing the best of the best. Be prepared to work hard for a reservation, though.
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730 1st St. / Website
This Greek fine dining spot in South of Fifth is known for its reign over seafood, and its stone crab offerings are no exception. Its proximity to Joe’s Stone Crabs just further solidifies its standing as a worthy destination for claws, albeit at an exorbitant price.
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1 Washington Ave. / Website
Enjoy a seafood tower with an additional stone crabs treat while gazing out at Biscayne Bay at Smith & Wollensky’s ritzy waterfront Miami spot.
Photography by: Courtesy of Grove Bay Hospitality Group
