Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami

Steeped in tradition and reputed as South Florida’s most famous restaurant, the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab has been around since 1913. It started off as a small lunch counter (seven/eight tables) set up on the front porch of the house overlooking the beach, before Miami Beach was even a city.

Initially, they served snapper, pompano, mackerel, and some meat dishes, and it wasn't until 1921 that the stone crabs came into play. Prior to that, no one even knew that this local crustacean was edible. The bay was full of them, so when they started serving the crabs chilled and cracked with hash brown potatoes, cole slaw, and mayonnaise, they were an instant success.

Right from its inception, the place established itself as an iconic part of Miami’s culinary landscape, delivering the now famous seasonal stone crabs with a “secret” garlic sauce. Complemented by dedication of Joe’s owners and top-notch staff, some of whom have worked here for decades, the place ensures a welcoming, warm atmosphere that has kept locals, tourists, and celebrities alike coming back again and again in their numbers.

In fact, anyone who is well known and ever set foot in Miami Beach, regardless of where they come from, would stop in at Joe's. The list of Joe's guests, several of whom became lifelong close friends, forms a veritable Who's Who of the 20th century. Among them are the likes of The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and J. Edgar Hoover. Al Capone, too, under the alias of Al Brown, used to come here regularly, whilst in town.

Joe’s is currently owned and run by the 3rd and 4th generations of the original family. The restaurant has its own fisheries, full-time butcher and commitment to consistent, premium ingredients, ensuring all their dishes are prepared and served with the utmost in quality and freshness. In order to get in, you might have to wait a bit, but rest assured that it is well worth your while.