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Florida’s stone crab season arrived Friday and runs through May 1.
Lovers of stone crab claws, take note: Even though the season started Friday, seafood restaurants and markets had claws available Saturday, Oct. 16.
Why? As the popular seafood restaurant and market Cod & Capers Seafood explains on the restaurant's Facebook page: "The fishermen are allowed to begin pulling traps at dawn on Friday. The claws then must be harvested, cooked, chilled, graded, and transported."
Fresh Florida stone crab claws, a mini-guide:
Where to dine for, pick up or order some fresh stone crab claws? You’ve got options – here are a few. (You may want to call for market prices and varieties before you go.)
In Palm Beach County:
Cod and Capers Seafood Marketplace and Café: Check the restaurant's website for more information on stone crab dinner specials. – 1201 US Hwy 1, North Palm Beach, 561-622-0963, CodandCapers.com
Outclaws (wholesale/retail seafood market): Currently taking pre-orders for pickup or shipping. According to the market's Facebook page, the first shipping date is Monday, Oct. 18. Get your order in soon as they tend to sell out. – 1335 Old Dixie Hwy, Lake Park, 561-596-7288, Outclaws LLC on Facebook
Captain Clay and Sons Seafood Market – 308 NE Fourth St., Delray Beach, 561-266-2068, CaptainClaysSeafood.com
Joe’s Stone Crab – In additon to the restaurant, the state's stone-crab titan offers takeaway market and delivery via FedEx overnight; 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-0365, JoesStoneCrab.com
In the Treasure Coast:
Adventure Seafood (seafood market selling only wild-caught seafood) – 2560 SE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, 772-225-5102, AdventureSeafood.com
Laura Lordi is the digital/food and dining editor for The Palm Beach Post. Contact Lordi at 561-542-6249 or . Instagram: @LauraDLordi
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Posted in Florida Food & Dining September 30, 2020
Florida stone crab is pretty incredible. Some people say it’s comparable to (or better than) lobster. They’re most often served cold (with mustard sauce), but can be enjoyed hot (with butter). Additionally, stone crab is actually harvested without killing the crab, by removing only the claw and returning the creature to the ocean where it (hopefully) can regrow the lost limb. How cool is that? The stone crab season runs from October 15 to May 15, so now is the perfect time to indulge in this classic dish. Ready to dig into the best stone crab in Florida? Here are the 11 places to go.
1. Joe's Stone Crab, Miami Beach
OK, so this is a given, but there's no way we could make this list without Joe's Stone Crab. Let's face it, this list might not even exist without this iconic restaurant (and the top buyer of stone crab in the industry). Joe's has been around in some form since 1913 and serving stone crab since 1921. That's lots of time to perfect the art. To learn more, visit the website for Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach.
2. Triad Seafood Cafe, Everglades CityIf you want the freshest stone crabs with a casual atmosphere and better prices (but stone crab is never cheap), head straight to the source. Everglades City is the small fishing town where Joe's gets its stone crab supply. Triad Seafood is one of several laid-back seafood shacks in the area, and it consistently gets rave reviews from visitors. Visit the Triad Seafood Cafe website to learn more.
You might spend most of your time trying to stay as far away from Northerners as possible this time of year, but let this be the exception. Kelly's Landing has all of the best New England seafood classics right here in Florida. So even if you're sick of snowbirds this time of year, Kelly's Landing will win you over with some seriously amazing seafood. To learn more, visit the website for Kelly's Landing New England Seafood.
4. Cod & Capers Seafood, North Palm BeachCod & Capers has been serving some of the best seafood in the area for 25 years. Visit on Wendesdays for stone crab specials, and don't leave without a piece of Key lime pie. For more information, check out the website for Cod & Capers Seafood.
5. Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, OrlandoA lot of people don't realize that Orlando has been developing an impressive food scene over the last several years. At Big Fin, stone crabs come in four sizes: large, jumbo, colossal and super colossal. We like the sound of that. Visit Big Fin Seafood Kitchen's website to learn more.
6. Frenchy's Cafe, ClearwaterFrenchy's is a Clearwater institution famous for its grouper sandwiches, but if you're in the area, it's also a great place to grab some stone crab. To learn more, visit the website for Frenchy's Cafe in Clearwater.
7. Key Largo FisheriesThis supplier serves up fresh, mostly local seafood to restaurants throughout South Florida, but they also serve fresh fish and stone crab in their backyard cafe. Visit the Key Largo Fisheries website for more information.
8. The Whale's Rib Raw Bar, Deerfield BeachThis laid-back raw bar was featured on The Food Network, and it's a must if you're in the neighborhood. To learn more, visit the website for Whale's Rib Raw Bar in Deerfield Beach.
9. Truluck's, Multiple LocationsThis swanky joint with locations in Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Miami and Boca Raton has its own fisheries, so the freshest of catches is always guaranteed. For special occasions, this place should be on your go-to list. Visit Truluck's website for more information.
10. My Ceviche, Coral GablesThis casual cevicheria has proven popular with both locals and tourists. Guests love the emphasis on fresh, healthy options in a laid-back setting. To learn more, visit the website for My Ceviche in Coral Gables.
11. Half Shell Raw Bar. Key WestSimple, fresh and delicious. What more could you ask for? For more information, visit the website for Half Shell Raw Bar in Key West.
Have you been to any of these restaurants? Who do you think serves the best stone crab in Florida? Are there any other Florida foods you think we should feature? Please share your thoughts with us below!
If you’re still hungry, check out this gorgeous ship restaurant in Florida.
Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Address: 401 W School Dr, Everglades City, FL 34139, USA
Address: 1305 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA
Address: 1201 US-1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408, USA
Address: 8046 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Address: 41 Baymont St, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA
Address: 1313 Ocean Bay Dr suite b, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Address: 2031 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, USA
Address: 777 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131, USA
Address: 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
Address: 231 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best stone crab in Florida
October 05, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What kind of food is Florida known for?
Food in Florida is fresh, delicious, and unique. In addition to key lime pie, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and Cuban sandwiches, Florida is known for its exceptional seafood. Us Floridians love stone crab, conch fritters, and Apalachicola oysters. There’s nothing more wonderful than enjoying fresh seafood by the shimmering waters while basking in the Florida sunshine. Want to learn more about Florida cuisine? Check out our list of the delicious foods that Florida is famous for.
What are the best seafood restaurants in Florida?
Star Fish Company Market, located in Cortez, is a scrumptious fish shack that shouldn’t be missed. This hidden gem is full of fresh eats and peaceful views. It’s definitely one of the best seafood restaurants in Florida!
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Florida?
There are so many wonderful waterfront restaurants in Florida that will blow you away. If you’re looking for a secluded dining destination, visit Capt. Hiram’s
Resort in Sebastian. Eating here feels like a mini vacation.
Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Address: 401 W School Dr, Everglades City, FL 34139, USA
Address: 1305 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA
Address: 1201 US-1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408, USA
Address: 8046 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Address: 41 Baymont St, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA
Address: 1313 Ocean Bay Dr suite b, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Address: 2031 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, USA
Address: 777 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131, USA
Address: 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
Address: 231 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040, USA