Stone Crab Season – Best Restaurants to Enjoy Stone Crab in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are known for their stunning coastal beauty, vibrant marine life, and exceptional seafood, but one event that truly stands out is stone crab season. Every year, from mid-October to mid-May, the waters surrounding the Florida Keys teem with one of the most prized delicacies: stone crab claws. This seasonal treasure draws food lovers from around the world, eager to taste the fresh, sweet meat that stone crabs offer. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking for a unique culinary experience, stone crab season in the Florida Keys is an occasion not to be missed.

Ultimate Guide to Stone Crab Season in the Florida Keys

In this guide, we’ll explore the best restaurants in the Florida Keys where you can enjoy stone crab season, and we’ll also share why Ocean Pointe Suites in Key Largo is the perfect place to stay while indulging in this culinary delight.

About The Florida Keys’ Stone Crab Season

Florida Keys' stone crab season is an eagerly awaited event that celebrates one of the region's most unique and sustainable seafood offerings. During this season, stone crabs are harvested in a humane manner, where only their claws are taken, and the crabs are returned to the ocean to regrow them. The succulent, tender claws are served chilled with mustard sauce or melted butter and are widely regarded as one of the finest seafood dishes available.

The sweet, rich flavor of stone crab claws, paired with the breathtaking backdrop of the Florida Keys, creates a dining experience like no other. Stone crab season in the Florida Keys provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood at some of the region's finest establishments.

 

5 Best Restaurants in the Florida Keys for Stone Crab Season

During Florida Keys’ stone crab season, several restaurants specialize in serving this sought-after delicacy. Here are some of the best places to enjoy fresh stone crab claws in the Florida Keys:

1. The Stoned Crab (Key West)

The Stoned Crab is a must-visit for anyone craving fresh seafood in Key West. Located right on the waterfront, this restaurant is known for its commitment to serving sustainable, locally sourced seafood. Their stone crab claws are harvested fresh during the season, ensuring that you experience the best of what Florida Keys’ stone crab season has to offer. The casual yet upscale setting makes The Stoned Crab a perfect spot for a memorable meal.

2. Keys Fisheries (Marathon)

Keys Fisheries is one of the most iconic restaurants in the Florida Keys, located in Marathon. It’s well-known for its laid-back atmosphere and a menu brimming with fresh seafood. During stone crab season, they serve some of the freshest stone crab claws, straight from the waters surrounding the Keys. You can enjoy them in their outdoor dining area with stunning views of the marina, or order stone crabs to go if you prefer a beachside picnic.

3. Islamorada Fish Company (Islamorada)

Located in the heart of the Keys, Islamorada Fish Company is an excellent place to experience the bounty of the local waters. This waterfront restaurant is a local favorite, particularly during stone crab season. Their stone crab claws are harvested fresh and served with traditional mustard sauce, allowing the natural flavors to shine. With beautiful ocean views and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, Islamorada Fish Company is a top choice for stone crab lovers.

4. Key Largo Fisheries (Key Largo)

Key Largo Fisheries is a family-owned seafood market and restaurant that has been serving the Key Largo area for decades. Known for its fresh catch and friendly service, Key Largo Fisheries offers some of the best stone crab claws in the region during the season. Their Island Oasis Jumbo stone crab claws are particularly popular, offering a meaty and sweet taste that pairs perfectly with their house-made sauces. Whether dining in or picking up to enjoy back at your suite, Key Largo Fisheries is a must-visit for stone crab during the season.

5. Conch Republic Seafood Company (Key West)

Conch Republic Seafood Company is another top spot in Key West to enjoy stone crab season. Located on the historic Key West Bight Marina, this bustling restaurant serves up a variety of fresh seafood dishes with a focus on local catches. Their stone crab claws are a highlight during the season, served with traditional mustard sauce for a true taste of the Florida Keys. The lively atmosphere, live music, and unbeatable waterfront views make this a perfect destination for indulging in stone crab while soaking in the Key West vibes.

What Makes Stone Crab Season So Special?

Stone crab season is more than just a time to enjoy fresh seafood—it's a celebration of sustainable fishing practices and local traditions. Florida is the only state with a stone crab industry of this magnitude, making the stone crab claws a true regional delicacy. Fishermen throughout the Florida Keys work hard to harvest the claws sustainably, ensuring the stone crab population remains healthy for future seasons.

The unique texture and flavor of stone crab claws set them apart from other seafood options. Unlike many other types of crabs, stone crabs are harvested for their claws alone, and they regenerate new claws once they're returned to the ocean. This sustainable practice allows for stone crab season to continue thriving year after year.

 

Experience Stone Crab Season at Ocean Pointe Suites in Key Largo

After indulging in some of the best stone crab season offerings in the Florida Keys, what better way to enhance your stay than booking accommodations at Ocean Pointe Suites? Located in Key Largo, Ocean Pointe Suites offers the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation. With spacious, condo-style accommodations, you can unwind in comfort after a day of exploring the local culinary scene.

 

Why Stay at Ocean Pointe Suites?

• Waterfront Location: Ocean Pointe Suites is situated directly on the water, providing breathtaking ocean views that perfectly complement your Florida Keys adventure.
• Spacious Accommodations: Offering 1- and 2-bedroom suites, this resort is ideal for couples, families, and groups. Each suite is fully equipped with a kitchen, living area, and private balcony, making it easy to relax after a day of enjoying stone crab season.
• Amenities: Guests at Ocean Pointe Suites can enjoy a range of amenities, including a private beach, outdoor pool, marina, tennis courts, and more. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, you'll find everything you need at this resort.
• Proximity to Stone Crab Restaurants: Located in Key Largo, Ocean Pointe Suites puts you in close proximity to some of the best restaurants in the Florida Keys for stone crab season, including The Fish House. Enjoy your meal and return to the comforts of your suite within minutes.

Plan Your Stone Crab Season Getaway Today

There’s no better time than stone crab season in the Florida Keys to plan your next culinary adventure. From the freshest stone crab claws at Joe's Stone Crab to the relaxed atmosphere at Burdines Waterfront, the Florida Keys offers a variety of incredible dining experiences during this special time of year. And with Ocean Pointe Suites in Key Largo as your home base, you can enjoy both the delicious seafood and the stunning surroundings that make the Florida Keys such a sought-after destination.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, stone crab season in the Florida Keys offers something for everyone. Be sure to book your stay at Ocean Pointe Suites today, and get ready to savor the best of what the Florida Keys have to offer.

Come Experience Stone Crab Season in the Florida Keys

Stone crab season is a must-experience event for any seafood lover. The rich, sweet flavors of freshly harvested stone crab claws paired with the gorgeous views of the Florida Keys create an unforgettable dining experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy this seasonal delicacy at some of the best restaurants in the Florida Keys while staying at the luxurious Ocean Pointe Suites in Key Largo.

Book your stay today and experience the best of stone crab season firsthand!