Where to find the freshest stone crabs in Miami

This is the most famous crab shack in Miami—and possibly the entire state of Florida. Joe’s is an institution. Reservations are limited and only available online one week out, though walk-ins can always grease someone’s palm to get in before the usual three-hour wait time. And the food—from the reasonably priced fried chicken to the very pricey stone crabs—is all delicious. Joe’s is a time machine of Miami decadence and hospitality, where old-school servers in coattails dash back and forth and you leave full, dazzled and happy.

Get claws of all sizes from this Little Havana seafood institution, around since 1976. The best thing about going to La Camaronera for stone crabs is that you’ll get to pair it with other favorites from the sea, like its famous minuta sandwich (fried snapper—tail and all!—on a lightly toasted Cuban roll) and the fried lobster tail, which absolutely no one can ever turn down. Looking to feast? Preorders for large quantities can be placed over the (305-642-3322).

Garcia’s is a no-fuss riverfront restaurant that is basically a Miami landmark at this point. This is one of those places that have enough regulars and loyal customers to fill a stadium. Why? Because the product is fresh as can be, occasionally coming off the owners’ own fishing boats. Its delivery-only counterpart, Garcia Brothers, offers same-day drop-off in Miami and will ship juicy claws anywhere in the continental U.S. 

Golden Rule is a family-run joint that dates back to 1943. Unlike some of the fancier options above, there is no dress code at this neighborhood favorite. Come in a bathing suit and flip-flops. Just make sure you’re hungry. On a nice night, Golden Rule’s impressive backyard tiki hut is the perfect place to crack open some claws, a cold beer and pretend you’re on vacation somewhere tropical.

Sustainably sourced daily from the Florida Keys, this Coral Gables pop-up (find it inside MKT Kitchen) medium, large, jumbo and colossal stone crabs by the pound for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Holy Crab’s homemade mustard sauce and butter for dipping are always in abundance and served complimentary with every order.

This North Miami staple is selling stone crabs of all sizes (hello, jumbo!) at standard market prices. Not ready to dine in? Pick up your super-fresh claws to enjoy at home. While you’re there, take a look around Captain Jim’s seafood market and see what else inspires you. Shrimp? Oysters? Grouper? They’ve got it all. Captain Jim's is run by David Garcia, who also owns La Camaronera: seafood lovers, you're in good hands.

Monty’s is a Coconut Grove happy hour tradition but during stone crab season there’s more reason to come down to the waterfront tiki restaurant than just strong frozen drinks. Monty’s offers stone crab claws priced per piece, depending on their size. We can see it play out already: The sun is setting, you’ve got a rum runner in your hand and your server just plopped a pile of stone crab claws down on the table. This could be you.

Head north a few miles to Fort Lauderdale to eat stone crabs al fresco with the Intracoastal as the backdrop to your meal. Shooters Waterfront serves theirs simply, pre-cracked, over ice and with a side of sweet and mild mustard sauce.

Around since the early 1970s, Captain’s Tavern is an institution in Miami’s Pinecrest neighborhood and a hidden gem you’ll be glad you found. If it’s stone crabs you’re after, you’ll find them as a starter cocktail or sold by the claw at market price during the season. Looking to double-down on seafood? Stop in on Tuesdays for two-for-one Maine lobster night. Stone crabs and lobster—sounds good, huh?

If it starts with the word “Prime” in Miami, it’s going to be bougie. Prime Fish is no different. At this eat-and-be-seen spot, you’ll find luxury up and down the menu and—during stone crab season—plenty of market-priced colossal claws. Prime is where you go for a fancy night out; it’s a buzzy place that hasn’t forgotten that the food is supposed to be the main event.

One of the country’s largest stone crab distributors started as a mighty side-hustle right here in Key Biscayne. Miami-based entrepreneur Roger Duarte founded George Stone Crab, which now delivers across the U.S. as well as to folks right here at home. Orders can be placed online and include the option to throw in some sides like Fireman Derek’s key lime pie and organic Russian Osetra Caviar.