Stone crab season is not a suggestion—it’s a celebration.
Across Florida, claws are cracking, mustard sauce is flowing, and seafood lovers are rolling up their sleeves with zero hesitation. When stone crab season hits its stride, there’s only one move: find a table, grab a mallet, and get messy.
These 13 seafood spots know the ritual by heart. Chilled claws arrive piled high, shells pre-cracked just enough to tempt you.
The meat is sweet, briny, and wildly satisfying—the kind of flavor that makes conversation stop mid-sentence. Add a squeeze of lemon, a dip in creamy sauce, and suddenly it feels like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
This is Florida at its most indulgent. No shortcuts.
No substitutes. Just fresh claws pulled from local waters and served with pride.
If you can hear the crack before you even sit down, you’re in the right place.
Joe’s Stone Crab — Miami Beach, FL
When stone crab season hits, Joe’s Stone Crab becomes the epicenter. Claws arrive fresh, are cracked to order, and land at your table chilled with mustard sauce and lemon.
Expect a lively dining room, crisp white linens, and veteran servers who guide you through sizes, sides, and pacing.
Arrive early or embrace the wait with a drink because this institution draws everyone. You can keep it classic with coleslaw and hash browns, then finish with key lime pie.
The vibe mixes old Miami glam with a focused respect for the daily catch.
Prices track the market, so plan accordingly and order by size. Mediums are great for value, while jumbos make a splashy treat.
Ask about the day’s availability because popular sizes can sell out quickly during peak hours.
Parking and crowds can be intense, but the payoff is that perfect snap of sweet claw meat. If you prefer a quieter approach, go for lunch.
Either way, Joe’s delivers a definitive Florida stone crab experience you will talk about long after.
Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant — Hollywood, FL
Billy’s sits right on the water, so you can practically wave to the boats bringing in fresh claws. The menu leans into Florida flavors with classic mustard sauce, citrus accents, and crisp sides.
If you want stone crab with a view, tables by the windows deliver a postcard scene.
Ask about same day landings because Billy’s markets their boat to table advantage. Claws are cracked cleanly, keeping the delicate meat intact.
Pair half orders with peel and eat shrimp to sample the full range of Gulf freshness.
Service is brisk and knowledgeable, happy to explain sizes and portions. Market pricing applies, so consider sharing a large platter for value.
Happy hour can be a smart time to snag a seat and a lighter bill.
Parking fills fast on weekends, so arrive early. Take home options from the market let you extend the feast later.
When the breeze kicks up and platters land, you will understand why locals make Billy’s a seasonal ritual.
George Stone Crab — Miami, FL
George Stone Crab is the move when you want pristine claws at home. The operation is streamlined for freshness, moving from boats to chilled boxes fast.
You can pick up at the market or schedule delivery for a dinner party without the fuss.
Ordering sizes is straightforward and the packaging keeps meat ultra cold. Mustard sauce, mallets, and bibs can be added so you have everything you need.
It is perfect for apartment gatherings or balcony spreads when dining out feels too hectic.
Ask about same day options during peak season because availability changes quickly. Mediums give great yield for cost, while select and large satisfy big appetites.
If you like variety, add coleslaw and key lime pie to round out the spread.
Customer service is responsive and tracking is reliable. You will crack, dip, and eat at your own pace with zero table pressure.
For an at home feast that tastes boat fresh, George makes stone crab easy and celebratory.
Truluck’s — Multiple Florida Locations
Truluck’s leans into refinement, plating chilled, pre cracked stone crab claws with sharp mustard sauce. Servers know the sourcing story and will guide you to the freshest selections of the night.
The vibe is celebratory without feeling stiff, ideal for a big night out.
Expect thoughtful touches like warm towels and crumb scrapes between courses. Claws come cleanly cracked so you can focus on the sweet meat.
Add a crisp white wine or a dry martini and let the pacing set the tone.
Miami and Naples locations are especially reliable during peak weeks. Call ahead to confirm availability and sizes because market swings happen fast.
If you are into surf and turf, a petite steak plus a half order of claws is a winning combo.
Prices reflect the season, so consider sharing larger sizes for impact. Service is polished, desserts are classic, and the mood feels special.
When you want stone crab with the trimmings, Truluck’s nails the details beautifully.
City Seafood — Everglades City, FL
City Seafood is boat to table in the most literal way. Fishing vessels tie up just steps from the counter, and claws hit the ice quickly.
You order at the window, grab a picnic table, and watch the river bustle as you crack into the catch.
Claws are chilled, neatly cracked, and portioned by size. The mustard sauce is bright, but a squeeze of lemon might be all you need.
Add gator bites or hush puppies if you want a little extra crunch.
It runs on fisherman time, so availability can change by the hour. Ask staff what is freshest and lean into that.
Prices track the market yet feel fair when you see the boats drift in.
Parking is easy, and the vibe is come as you are. Bring napkins, patience, and an appetite.
If your perfect day includes sun, river air, and sweet crab meat, City Seafood delivers simply and directly.
Triad Seafood Market & Café — Everglades City, FL
Triad Seafood is famous for all you can eat stone crab during peak season. It is a festive scene, with trays landing fast and the deck buzzing.
You will get your claws cracked and ready so the only job is dip, bite, repeat.
The market side sells fresh seafood to take home, keeping the feast going. Portions are generous and the staff is quick with refills.
Bring a group if you love the energy of a rolling seafood party.
Ask about time limits and sizes included in the special because terms vary. If you prefer to order a la carte, they handle that smoothly too.
Either path gets you sweet meat and river breezes.
Prices make sense for volume, and tipping the hard working crew feels right. Expect rustic comfort, not polish, and you will be delighted.
For big appetites and classic Florida flavor, Triad is a must.
Frenchy’s Stone Crab and Seafood Market — Dunedin, FL
Frenchy’s market keeps the Clearwater Dunedin tradition strong with seasonal stone crab. Cases brim with claws on ice, and staff happily walk you through sizes.
You can take them home or eat nearby at one of Frenchy’s restaurants.
The market feel means quick service and a steady stream of locals. Mustard sauce is available, but you can also grab lemons and butter for DIY.
If you are stocking up for a game day spread, this place is efficient.
Ask about pre cracked options to save effort at home. Prices swing with the catch, so calling ahead helps.
Pair your claws with a six pack and a sunset at the marina for peak vibes.
Parking can be tight on weekends, so plan a morning run. Quality control is solid and turnover is high, keeping product fresh.
For Gulf Coast convenience with authentic flavor, Frenchy’s market is a sure bet.
Carvor’s Fish House — Dunedin, FL
Carvor’s Fish House is a locals’ favorite for fresh Gulf seafood and seasonal stone crab. The vibe is unfussy, with chalkboard specials and a steady hum of regulars.
You can grab claws to go or settle in for a simple, satisfying plate.
They excel at straightforward prep that lets sweetness shine. Mustard sauce is tangy, and lemons are plentiful.
If you are new to stone crab, the staff will happily size and portion for you.
Prices are competitive for the area, making a half order an easy add on. Check daily availability because deliveries determine the board.
For variety, add smoked fish spread or a cup of chowder.
Parking is manageable and service is quick. It is an easy stop on a beach day or after a harbor walk.
Carvor’s proves that you do not need frills to eat very well during stone crab season.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill — Longboat Key, FL
Dry Dock pairs polished service with bay views that make stone crab feel celebratory. Claws appear when local supply allows, cracked and plated with finesse.
It is the kind of place where a chilled platter and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc sing.
Reservations help, especially at sunset when the deck glows. The menu offers broader seafood and a few land options, but claws steal the show.
Ask your server about sizes and same day sourcing.
Market pricing applies, and portions are thoughtfully scaled for sharing. A side of roasted vegetables or light salad keeps things balanced.
If you are marking an occasion, this setting rises to it naturally.
Parking can tighten on weekends, so arrive a bit early. Service is attentive without hovering, letting the meal breathe.
For a refined Gulf Coast stone crab moment, Dry Dock delivers with style.
Billy’s Stone Crab — Tierra Verde, FL
This Billy’s outpost brings the same dockside energy to the Gulf side. Stone crab arrives fresh, cracked clean, and presented with the classic mustard dip.
Views stretch wide, making every platter feel like a celebration.
Go for a mix of sizes if you want value and drama. Staff can steer you toward the sweet spot based on that day’s haul.
Pair claws with grilled fish or a light salad to keep the focus on freshness.
Happy hour and early dinners help dodge crowds. Prices move with the season, so share larger portions to keep costs in check.
The atmosphere is upbeat, perfect for groups and family outings.
Parking and dockside seating can fill quickly on sunny days. Arrive early, settle in, and let the kitchen pace your meal.
If stone crab plus water views is your goal, this Billy’s nails it.
The Stoned Crab — Key West, FL
The Stoned Crab captures Key West’s laid back mood with a sharp focus on seasonal claws. Expect chilled platters, bright sauces, and island sides that let the crab shine.
The setting is colorful and relaxed, perfect for a slow afternoon feast.
Servers know the drill and will talk you through sizes. Jumbos feel festive, but mediums make sharing easy and affordable.
Cocktails lean tropical, which suits the sunshine and sea air.
Supply can ebb with the boats, so timing matters. Call ahead on busy weekends to confirm availability.
Prices are market based and fair for island logistics.
Walk or rideshare because parking can be tight. Settle into the patio, crack a few claws, and let the day linger.
For a Key West snapshot in one meal, The Stoned Crab delivers the flavor and the vibe.
Keys Fisheries — Marathon, FL
At Keys Fisheries, the soundtrack is gulls, clinking claws, and splashing tarpon beneath the dock. Stone crab arrives chilled on crushed ice, shells pre-cracked so you can focus on that sweet, briny snap.
The mustard sauce hits creamy and sharp, with just enough heat to wake the palate.
Order at the counter, claim a bayside table, and let the sunset do the rest. Portions are straightforward, sizes are clearly labeled, and staff will nudge you toward freshest batches.
Sides lean simple and satisfying, from slaw to fries, always secondary to the claws.
You can watch boats unload traps when timing lines up, reinforcing the dock-to-plate feel. Expect paper-lined trays, a roll of paper towels, and zero pretension.
That laid-back rhythm makes lingering with a second round easy.
Prices reflect the season, but transparency helps you pick your size without surprises. Weeknights feel local, weekends buzz with visitors.
Come early, since the best batches can sell out with the tide.
Sailfish Marina — Palm Beach Shores, FL
Sailfish Marina pairs chilled stone crab with postcard-worthy Intracoastal views. Claws arrive bright and glossy, cleanly cracked, and neatly fanned beside lemon wedges.
The house mustard sauce leans tangy with a whisper of horseradish, balancing the meat’s natural sweetness.
Arrive by boat or foot, and settle under palms where breezes keep the deck comfortable. Service is polished but friendly, with guidance on size grades and pacing.
Start with claws, then a light salad or peel-and-eat shrimp if you are sharing.
As the sun drops, the marina glows and yachts shuffle in for fuel and photos. Live music many evenings heightens the vacation energy without drowning conversation.
Families, anglers, and celebratory groups mix easily.
Stone crab pricing updates with supply, and market boards help you decide quickly. Expect efficient cracking and refills of napkins before you ask.
For the freshest haul, target midweek lunches when crowds thin and boats turn product fastest.