Joe's Stone Crabs

[WiscCruiser]

Our tradition has been to enjoy a pre-cruise dinner at Joe's Stone Crabs in Miami the night before we sail.

 

Our next cruise sails out of Ft Lauderdale, February '07. I realize it's certainly not out of the question to travel down to Miami, but for this cruise we're a group of 5 couples, so transportation to Miami could be an issue.

 

Can anyone recommend a similar Ft Lauderdale restaurant that serves those wonderful stone crabs.

[Cruising89143]

http://www.15streetfisheries.com/

 

This place is very good and is close to the port.

[signman]

Try Billy's Stone Crab in Hollywood. Or Catfish Dewey's on Andrews Ave. for all you can eat.

[Hollyhawk]

I just pulled up Billy's; http://www.stone-crabs.com in Hollywood and it's Joe's son-in-law, no joke. Make sure to read the review, it's a big article by the Miami Herald about the family and how Billy got started.

I think you'll feel right at home in your tradition at this restaurant.

We are steeped in family vacation traditions also.

 

Bon appitite

[Bequia]

Joe's is great, Billy's in Hollywood is excellent. Another local institution in Ft Lauderdale for crab is the Rustic Inn. http://www.rusticinn.com/

 

Known for their garlic crabs, when the Stone Crabs are in season they are soooo fresh at the Rustic Inn. They sell out nightly and bring in a fresh catch daily.

You have to arrive early, otherwise you'll be waiting awhile to get in (it's well worth the wait.)

[beachlovergirl]

Bequia - So when are stone crabs "in season" or does Billy's have them year round??

[signman]

Stone crab season is Oct 15 - May 15.

[Bequia]

In order to assure the continued survival of the species: Only one claw may be removed so the crab can defend itself. Egg bearing females are not allowed to be declawed.The crabs are captured in baited traps. No spears or hooks are allowed. Four inches from the first joint to the tip is the minimum legal size, that's about two ounces. A colossal can weigh 25 ounces or more. The large crusher claw can exert extreme pressure. As much as 19000 lbs. per square inch. Although their massive claws serve as deterrents to most predators, fishermen have reported the stone crab falls prey to the octopus. Stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15th to May 15. The claws make up half the weight of the whole crab, they are removed by carefully grabbing from the rear and twisting. The crab is returned to water and the claw regenerates. It takes between 12 to 24 months to reach legal size again. In 1963 stone crabs cost 30 cents a dozen wholesale.

[beachlovergirl]

Thanks! Very interesting info. I guess I'll get to try them since we'll be in Ft. Lauderdale pre-cruise on Oct 27th! Yeah!

 

Dee