5 places
Where to Find the Best Stone Crabs in Miami
Miami may not have crisp air or changing leaves in fall, but we get something just as exciting: stone crab season. Starting October 15, it’s officially time to crack into buttery, sweet claws that make seafood lovers giddy.
The season runs through May 1, and since about 90 percent of stone crabs come from Florida waters, Miami is one of the best places to indulge. They’re usually served simply: boiled or steamed, then chilled, cracked, and piled on ice with dipping sauce on the side. The classic pairing? A creamy, tangy mustard sauce that perfectly complements the rich crab meat.
For me, nothing compares to bibbing up and digging into a platter of stone crab claws—usually with a bottle of chilled Champagne on the side. It’s messy, indulgent, and hands-down one of Miami’s most magical food traditions. Whenever stone crab season arrives, I always make it a point to indulge.
About the list
Joe's Stone Crab
It’s no surprise Joe’s Stone Crab tops my list—they’re the reason we eat stone crabs in the first place. In the 1920s, a Harvard ichthyologist introduced Joe Weiss to the crabs and asked him to find a way to cook them. After some experimenting, Joe boiled the claws and served them chilled with mustard sauce. That combo became the standard everywhere. At Joe’s, the wait for a table can stretch for hours, but it’s worth it. Yes, it’s a splurge, but also a Miami rite of passage. Pro tip: grab claws from Joe’s Take Away next door (plus fried chicken) and head to the beach for a picnic.
Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Garcia’s is another classic. This family-owned waterfront spot delivers that Old Miami feel. I love sitting on the patio overlooking the Miami River with a plate of stone crab claws, watching the fishing boats unload the day’s catch. Sometimes the owners themselves are the ones doing the fishing. Few seafood experiences feel this fresh or this authentic. And while we’re here for stone crabs, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
George Stone Crab
When I want a stone crab feast at home, George Stone Crab makes it easy. They don’t have a restaurant, but deliver freshly caught claws straight to your door in Miami—or nationwide. Choose from medium, large, jumbo, or even colossal claws, and add extras like caviar or mustard sauce. I always recommend throwing in a Key lime pie from Fireman Derek’s for the full Florida experience.
Michael's Genuine
For a more elevated take, I head to Michael’s Genuine in the Design District. For more than a decade, James Beard Award–winning chef Michael Schwartz has worked with local fisherman Captain J. Bruns to source stone crabs. They’re caught and delivered the same day—what Schwartz calls trap-to-table style. During the season, the restaurant goes through about 100 pounds of claws each week, available at lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Blue Runner Seafood
When I want something more casual (and affordable), I head to one of the Blue Runner Seafood trucks. This family-owned operation runs two: one at 109th and Biscayne, the other a block off Biscayne at 36th Street. They’re my go-to for fresh, no-frills stone crabs at prices that beat almost anyone in town. The only catch? Get there early—once they’re gone, they’re gone. The claws pair perfectly with fresh ceviche and other seafood favorites.
