Joe's Stone Crab

Joe's Stone Crab at 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 is a legendary, high-grossing seafood restaurant known for its iconic stone crab claws served chilled with a signature mustard sauce. Established in 1913, it has become a South Beach institution that attracts locals, tourists, celebrities, and politicians.

Key Information

1. Cuisine: Seafood, American, Shellfish.
2. Atmosphere: Upscale, historic, bustling, and described as "casual elegant".
3. Reservations: Joe's now accepts reservations through OpenTable, but a waitlist/first-come, first-served system at the door is also still used.
4. Attire: Smart casual is the requested dress code; beachwear/sportswear is not permitted.
5. Dining Options: Dine-in, takeout via Joe's Take Away next door, and nationwide shipping are available.
6. Hours (Restaurant):
7. Lunch: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM.
8. Dinner: Monday–Thursday & Sunday, 5 PM–10 PM; Friday & Saturday, 5 PM–11 PM.
9. Parking: Valet parking is offered for a fee. Limited complimentary self-parking is available across the street on a first-come, first-served basis for patrons.

Signature Dishes

While the stone crabs are the main attraction, Joe's is also celebrated for its sides and desserts:

1. Stone Crabs: The signature item, served chilled with a famous mustard sauce. Available in medium, select, large, and jumbo sizes, priced at market value.
2. Sides: Popular choices include creamed spinach, hash browns (especially Lyonnaise style with caramelized onions), and grilled tomatoes.
3. Fried Chicken: A surprisingly popular and highly recommended item that is known for its value.
4. Desserts: The Joe's Famous Key Lime Pie is a must-try, as is the apple pie with a pecan crumble topping.

Visiting Tips

1. Expect a lively, bustling atmosphere.
2. Service is often noted as impeccable and professional.
3. The restaurant can be very busy, so consider making a reservation in advance or be prepared for a wait.
4. Portion sizes can be generous, so sharing sides is a good way to sample more dishes.

Facts & History

1. Discovery: Joe and Jennie Weiss opened a small lunch counter in 1913, but the stone crab was only discovered as an edible delicacy in the 1920s when a Harvard ichthyologist brought an unknown crustacean to Joe to cook.
2. Sustainability: Only one claw is harvested from each crab, and they are returned to the water where the claw can regenerate three to four times, making them a renewable resource.