Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant in Miami Beach
Joe’s Stone Crab isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an institution. For over a century, this Miami Beach icon has been serving up its legendary stone crabs, delighting guests with fresh seafood, classic American dishes, and an atmosphere steeped in history.
The Best Crab Restaurant in Miami Beach
Joe’s Stone Crab is one of the oldest restaurants in America, and its specialty is right there in the name — stone crabs. Harvested from the local waters, only the largest and freshest claws make it to the table. Miami has its fair share of historic spots, but few are as legendary as this one. Want to dine where Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali once enjoyed a meal? Joe’s Stone Crab is the place.
Here, you must order the crabs. One of the signature dishes? Simply stone crab claws served with a spectacularly rich sauce. No unnecessary frills — just pure, fresh flavor. If you’re not from the Kamchatka Peninsula, prepare to be amazed. And if you're looking for variety, their signature crab claws paired with crispy fries and coleslaw are a must-try.
The restaurant's signature sauces have been perfected over nearly 100 years. Since they’re still a massive hit, the only logical thing to do is taste them and find out why.
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Features and prices
A meal at this luxurious establishment will set you back around $80+ per person — not bad for a true fine-dining experience in one of Miami Beach’s most prestigious restaurants.
Joe’s Stone Crab is as much about culture as it is about cuisine. Dress code matters — cocktail attire is the safe bet. Leave the designer outfits at home unless you're a pro at eating shellfish with style. No t-shirts, flip-flops, or shorts — no exceptions.
Want a reservation? Like many elite American restaurants, Joe’s operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with VIP privileges for select guests. Luckily, we have access to those privileges. American Butler can reserve your spot and ensure you get the best experience possible.
How the Legend Began
Joe’s Stone Crab has been a pillar of Miami’s culinary scene since 1913, making it one of the oldest and most respected restaurants in the city. Founded by Joe Weiss, what started as a humble seafood shack evolved into a dining landmark that has defined Miami Beach for over a century.
In 1920, when the Weiss family officially opened Joe’s, they had no idea they were creating a Miami Beach institution that would thrive for generations. But how did it all begin?
Why Miami Beach?
Joe Weiss didn’t come to Florida to open a restaurant — he came to breathe. In 1913, his doctor advised him to relocate due to his asthma. After spending a night in Miami, he wasn’t feeling much better. So, he took a ferry across the bay to check out the emerging city of Miami Beach. There, the fresh ocean air was a game-changer — he could finally breathe freely.
Feeling at home, Joe sent for his wife, Jennie, and their son. Together, they built a new life, unaware that their small family project would one day turn into one of the world’s most renowned seafood restaurants.
They began serving freshly caught crab claws, quickly gaining a reputation among locals and tourists alike for their unique preparation method and exceptional flavors.
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A Taste of History: The Early Days of Joe’s
Before opening his own restaurant, Joe worked in the dining room of Smith’s Casino, a popular Miami Beach beachfront establishment in the 1910s. His seafood dishes became a sensation, attracting regulars who couldn’t get enough of his cooking.
But Joe wasn’t one to work for someone else forever. In November 1920, when Smith’s Casino changed ownership, he seized the opportunity to start his own business.
The Birth of a Culinary Icon
On December 4, 1920, Joe opened his namesake restaurant at 213 Biscayne Street, directly across from Smith’s Casino. With Jennie by his side, they transformed their family home into an inviting restaurant, featuring a glass-enclosed porch, a brand-new kitchen, and a spacious dining room.
The customers followed. Not just because of Joe’s cooking, but because of his uncompromising commitment to quality. In 1921, Joe’s received the coveted Gold Sanitation Certificate, which he proudly displayed in the restaurant for all to see.
As the years passed, the restaurant grew, the menu expanded, but the crab dishes remained the star of the show. The Weiss family continued to run the business, passing it down through generations while preserving the flavors and traditions that have made Joe’s an enduring success.
Today, Joe’s Stone Crab isn’t just a place to eat — it’s an experience. A restaurant where history meets culinary excellence, attracting celebrities, politicians, and food lovers from around the globe.
Additional Information
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Address
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Telephone
+1-305-673-0365
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Mode of operation
Breakfast:
Daily from 07:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Lunch:
Tue – sat: 11:30 a.m. – 02:30 p.m.
Dinner:
Sun – thu: 05:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri – sat: 05:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.Bar:
Daily from 04:00 p.m.
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Web site and menu
| Address | |
| Telephone | +1-305-673-0365 |
| Mode of operation | Breakfast: Daily from 07:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Lunch: Tue – sat: 11:30 a.m. – 02:30 p.m. Dinner: Sun – thu: 05:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Bar: Daily from 04:00 p.m. |
| Web site and menu |
Over the years, Joe’s Restaurant transformed into Joe’s Stone Crab, becoming a true landmark of Miami Beach. But what happened next? How did a small family-owned eatery turn into a world-famous legend?
The answers await you in Miami Beach! Let American Butler take care of all the details, so you can savor the legendary dishes and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this iconic restaurant.
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