13 Florida Waterfront Restaurants Serving Stone Crab With A Side Of Sunshine
Florida’s stone crab season brings pure magic to waterfront dining across the Sunshine State. Picture yourself cracking open sweet, succulent claws while boats drift by and pelicans pose for photos.
These thirteen restaurants combine the best of both worlds: prime water views and the freshest stone crab you’ll find anywhere in America.
These are the places that will amaze both your eyes and your palate.
1. Billy’s Stone Crab – Hollywood
Sunset chasers flock to this Intracoastal gem where colossal stone crab claws steal the show. Billy’s serves up Florida’s finest crustaceans right from their waterfront perch, complete with that signature mustard sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
The dining room overlooks shimmering waters while boats glide past your table. You can even dock your own vessel and walk straight to dinner.
Their retail market lets you take home fresh claws for your own backyard feast.
2. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market – Miami
Family recipes and fresh catches have made this Miami River institution legendary since 1966. Garcia’s operates their own fishing boats, so you know those stone crab claws traveled mere hours from ocean to plate.
I remember watching their boats return with the day’s haul while enjoying lunch on their riverside patio. The Miami River provides endless entertainment as everything from luxury yachts to working vessels cruises by.
Their homemade mustard sauce pairs perfectly with claws sized from medium to jumbo.
3. Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill – Miami
Moroccan flair meets Florida seafood at this Miami River hotspot, where stone crabs take center stage during peak season. The restaurant sits right next to Casablanca Fish Market, guaranteeing the freshest possible selections daily.
Their outdoor deck practically floats on the water, creating an intimate setting for crab-cracking sessions. Boaters love the easy access that lets them tie up and walk straight to their table.
The riverfront location offers prime people-watching opportunities between courses.
4. Monty’s Raw Bar – Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove’s most beloved tiki paradise sits right on Biscayne Bay, where stone crab towers compete with spectacular marina views. This casual bayside icon captures that quintessential South Florida vibe with swaying palms and gentle bay breezes.
Their massive tiki patio buzzes with energy most evenings, especially when live bands take the stage. The raw bar showcases seasonal stone crab claws alongside other local seafood favorites.
Dinner Key Marina provides a constant parade of impressive yachts and sailboats.
5. 15th Street Fisheries – Fort Lauderdale
Two levels of waterfront dining overlook the bustling Lauderdale Marina, where tarpon feeding shows happen right off the dock. This Fort Lauderdale favorite announces stone crab season arrival with great fanfare each October.
Upstairs dining offers panoramic water views while the dockside level puts you right in the action. Valet parking and boat docking services make arrival effortless, whether you come by land or sea.
The restaurant’s tarpon feeding spectacle adds extra entertainment to your stone crab feast.
6. Star Fish Company Dockside – Cortez
Old Florida charm meets working waterfront authenticity at this weathered seafood shack perched on Cortez’s commercial docks. Local fishing boats deliver stone crabs directly to the kitchen, creating a true dock-to-plate experience.
Picnic tables scattered along the water’s edge provide front-row seats to Florida’s fishing industry in action. The casual, cash-friendly atmosphere feels refreshingly unpretentious compared to fancier establishments.
Their fried stone crab claws offer a unique twist on the traditional preparation method.
7. Keys Fisheries – Marathon
Marathon’s marina-side institution combines fresh seafood market vibes with spectacular Florida Bay sunsets. Their upstairs raw bar showcases stone crab claws with frequent seasonal specials that keep locals coming back for more.
Counter service keeps things casual while waterfront tables provide perfect sunset viewing spots. The working marina atmosphere gives you authentic Florida Keys character without tourist trap pricing.
I’ve watched manatees surface near their dock while cracking stone crab claws during several memorable visits here.
8. Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Café – Key Largo
Laid-back picnic dining meets working fish market authenticity at this harbor-side gem locals simply call “The Deck.” Their raw bar features seasonal stone crab claws, sometimes offering incredible happy hour specials like four-dollar claws.
Picnic-style seating overlooks the bustling marina where fishing boats unload daily catches. The no-frills atmosphere lets the fresh seafood quality speak for itself without fancy presentation.
Harbor views and reasonable prices make this spot a favorite among budget-conscious crab lovers.
9. Islamorada Fish Company – Islamorada
Tarpon activity at sunset creates magical moments at this bayside restaurant nestled within the famous World Wide Sportsman complex.
Seasonal stone crab claws appear during Florida’s Oct 15–May 1 season, ensuring peak freshness when available. Family-friendly atmosphere welcomes boaters who can tie up at the complex’s docks.
The scenic setting provides postcard-perfect views of Florida Bay’s clear waters. Watching massive tarpon cruise the basin while enjoying sweet stone crab meat creates unforgettable Florida Keys memories.
10. Sailfish Marina Restaurant – Palm Beach Shores
Resort-style dining meets serious stone crab appreciation at this Lake Worth Inlet institution. Their dinner menu proudly announces stone crab season dates, welcoming guests to join the October through May celebration of Florida’s sweetest crustacean.
Extensive marina docks accommodate vessels of all sizes, while the tiki bar provides casual waterfront refreshments. Sunday flea markets on the docks add extra entertainment to weekend stone crab brunches.
Seven-day-a-week service ensures you never miss prime crab season moments.
11. Half Shell Raw Bar – Key West
Key West’s Historic Seaport provides the perfect backdrop for this no-frills raw bar where stone crab claws appear on seafood towers during peak season. Open-air seating puts you right on the water, where Caribbean breezes keep you comfortable.
The Bight’s working waterfront atmosphere captures authentic Key West character without tourist trap gimmicks. Raw bar boats and towers showcase whatever the local boats brought in that morning.
Sunset cocktail hours pair perfectly with sweet stone crab meat and harbor views.
12. Alonzo’s Oyster Bar – Key West
Water surrounds you on three sides at this A&B Marina gem, where stone crab season brings special menu additions and social media celebrations. The oyster bar setting creates intimate waterfront dining with unbeatable boat-watching opportunities.
Daily happy hours make stone crab indulgence more affordable while maintaining premium quality standards. Adjacent to A&B Lobster House, this spot offers slightly more casual vibes with the same stunning water views.
Marina location provides endless entertainment as everything from fishing boats to mega-yachts parade past your table.
13. City Seafood – Everglades City
Florida’s stone crab capital delivers the ultimate authentic experience at this Barron River market and cafe. Located in the heart of stone crab country, City Seafood serves the freshest claws you’ll find anywhere in the state.
Casual outdoor tables provide wildlife viewing opportunities while you crack shells and watch the river flow by. The combination market and restaurant setup lets you enjoy fresh claws on-site or take them home for later.
Everglades City’s remote location ensures a true Old Florida experience away from crowded tourist areas.