Stone cold classic

Joe’s Stone Crab (South of Fifth)

RESTAURANTS • FOUND Table 

No restaurant in Miami has survived time and passing trends quite like Joe’s Stone Crab. Established in 1913 — two years before Miami Beach was even incorporated — it’s the epitome of a classic. 

With stone crab season officially in full swing, I recently made my annual pilgrimage to the South Beach institution. After a brief stint on Resy, Joe’s has returned to its original first-come, first-served seating method, which includes charming the maître d' and all. (You can also get on the Maître d' List “to help minimize your wait” up to two weeks in advance.) Joe’s Takeaway, with all the signature dishes (if not the white tablecloth atmosphere) is an option, as is walk-in seating at the bar.  

Of course, a meal at Joe’s should revolve around the fresh stone crab claws available by the pound in jumbo, large, and medium, served with that terrific sweet mustard sauce. Classic accompaniments include their famous hashbrowns, creamed spinach, and coleslaw. And the fried chicken has a cult following all its own.

A worthy new entree this season is the grilled snapper in a shrimp Creole sauce, topped with crispy leeks. The blackened grouper Oscar with grilled asparagus, lump crab meat, and hollandaise was also delicious. And the crab, spinach, and artichoke dip is a crowd pleaser. For dessert, there’s silky-smooth, tart key lime pie in a graham cracker crust, which beats any you’ll find in the Keys.

While a cold martini always feels right at Joe’s, 15 new cocktails were recently added to the menu (along with new glassware and upgraded ice). Highlights include a strawberry basil smash (Tanqueray, aperitivo Rosato, strawberry, lemon, basil, and Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic) and a Mexican martini with Don Julio Reposado and olive brine.

Service remains top notch, thanks to the career waiters and staff who have made this restaurant their home for decades, and treat regulars like family. As much as the stone crab themselves, they're a reminder of the delightful timelessness and sacred ritual of a meal at Joe’s. –Melissa Puppo

→ Joe’s Stone Crab (South of Fifth) • 11 Washington Ave • Wed-Sun 1130a-230p, Sun-Thurs 5-10p, Fri-Sat 5-11p • Maître d' List.