Florida's favorite crustacean is back on menus starting October 15, marking the end of the summer lull that gives fishermen — and the crab population — a much-needed break. If you're anything like us, you might be wondering where you can crack those claws as October stone crab season begins anew.
According to the Crustacean Fisheries group at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the organization responsible for monitoring commercial stone crab fishing and stone crab populations in Florida, the crab claws can only be harvested from October through May 1, making the start to stone crab season one of the most anticipated times of the year.
No matter how you crack it, rest assured: Each crab that gave up its claw is still roaming nearby waters. Stone crabs lose their claws defending themselves (or when fishermen forcibly remove them) and regrow when the joint that attaches the claw to its body is left intact.
This season, whether you're looking for delivery straight to your door or a local restaurant where you can crack a few claws, here are the best spots serving fresh stone crabs in Miami.
Bayshore Club
3391 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove305-921-0571
bayshoreclubmiami.comThis seafood-centric restaurant is built at the historic sits Dinner Key in the heart of one of Miami's oldest neighborhoods. Today, the newly renovated and remodeled space is home to Bayshore Club where you can find stone crab claws served on ice with a classic mustard sauce all season long. Try them via the crab and shrimp cocktail cooler, a menu option that gets you jumbo Florida stone crab claws alongside shrimp cocktail for an additional $15 apiece. Market price.
Billy's Stone Crab
400 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood954-923-2300
crabs.comWith stone crab in the name, you can't go wrong with Billy's. Whether you sit inside the restaurant's dining room or take in the sunset views as boats cruise along the waterway, there's no better way to enjoy stone crabs. Over the years, the establishment has built relationships with local fishermen as part of its mission to serve only local or domestic fish and shellfish. That includes wild shrimp caught in the Florida Keys, fresh oysters from Apalachicola, and clams from the Indian River. And — of course — stone crabs. During the season, they're available in a plethora of sizes for delivery from the Hollywood market or dine-in at the restaurant. Priced $35-$75 per pound.
Fresh Stone Crabs
Delivery only305-989-1969
freshstonecrabs.comWhen stone crabs are in season, one of Miami's best sources will deliver them right to your home. When Fresh Stone Crabs launched, its mission was to fill the void by offering some of the freshest stone crabs all season. How? Owner Shelly Abramowitz decided to create a boutique company, buying directly from the fisherman and offering a fresh, never-frozen product. Free delivery is available to the Miami and Broward County area, and they ship overnight to all 50 states. Priced $39-$89 per pound.
George Stone Crab
Delivery only888-705-3923
georgestonecrab.comThis time of year, the George Stone Crab team of more than 80 fishermen heads out to catch stone crab. Caught in the Florida Keys, they're cooked in the company's production facility the same day, boiled for up to eight minutes before they're dipped in ice water, packaged, and shipped fresh from Miami. When they arrive at your door, all you have to do is crack 'em and dip 'em in the housemade mustard sauce, a creamy combination of mustard and mayo jazzed up with a few secret ingredients. Claws are offered in all four sizes: medium, large, jumbo, and colossal. Priced $40-$105 per pound.
Holy Crab Stone Crab Delivery offers next-day local delivery within the Coral Gables area.
Holy Crab photo
Holy Crab Delivery at MKT Kitchen
1831 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables786-882-9963
holycrabdelivery.comLooking for stone crab claw delivery? Try Holy Crab. If you live in Miami (or the surrounding area), you can place your order for next-day delivery — or pick up in person. Holy Crab's fresh (never frozen) claws can be delivered within ten miles of the company's Coral Gables location, and local orders are prepared just before pickup or delivery, packed into specially designed fish boxes to ensure everything stays chilled. The online marketplace offers every size,e from medium to colossal. The best part: There's no need to crack a sweat over cracking your claws. Do it yourself with the included mallet, or have them do it for you with the "cracked" option. Market price.
Joe's Stone Crab
11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach305-673-4611
joesstonecrab.comThe word iconic gets tossed around a lot, but Joe's has earned the title. Now entering its 110th year, Joe's Stone Crab opened in 1913 as a small counter restaurant serving fish sandwiches and fries. Joe's is still owned and operated by the descendants of the original owner, Joe Weiss, and has served celebrities, presidents, and Miamians for more than a century. Joe's sources its crabs directly from its team of fishermen, ensuring your claws are high quality. Market price.
Le Zoo
9700 Collins Ave., Miami Beach305-602-9663
lezoo.comAlready known for its exceptional variety of fresh seafood available all year long, those searching for this crave-worthy crustacean can find them this season at Le Zoo, located in Bal Harbour Shops. The menu offers stone crab claws of all sizes served fresh on a bed of ice and paired with a classic mustard sauce. Market price.
Makoto
9700 Collins Ave., Miami Beach305-864-8600
makoto-restaurant.comThis luxurious restaurant in the Bal Harbour Shops serves up Japanese cuisine for the 21st Century. But come stone crab season, it becomes a bastion for some of the state's freshest local catch. Here, stone crab claws are served on a bed of ice alongside the chef's ponzu aioli and wasabi cocktail sauce. Stone Crab claws will be released the week of October 15 and offered throughout the season. Market price.
Stiltsville Fish Bar
1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach786-655-4365
stiltsvillefishbar.comThis Sunset Harbour restaurant is everything a quality neighborhood seafood restaurant should be: a touch of Old Florida with a Key West-inspired atmosphere. Stiltsville's stone crab claws are served on ice with the restaurant's classic mustard dipping sauce and a Champagne mustard aioli. Find them sold by the claw or accompanied by a variety of other seafood options via the restaurant's "tackle box." Looking for a deal? Don't forget to stop by on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. during happy hour for stone crab specials. Market price.
Truluck's
777 Brickell Ave., Miami305-579-0035
trulucks.comTruluck's proudly proclaims they serve only uber-fresh — never frozen — stone crab. The restaurant works exclusively with its team of dedicated fisheries and crabbing professionals in South Florida to make their stone crab season extra fresh. Boats head out to the Gulf of Mexico daily to set their traps. Crabs are caught, and claws are removed and cooked on the boat directly after harvest. From there, claws are packed on ice and jet-fresh delivered to the restaurant within hours of serving. Served chilled and pre-cracked with a specialty mustard sauce. Size options range from two to eight ounces. Market price.
