The Ultimate Guide to Florida Stone Crab
Here’s how to enjoy this seasonal delicacy in St. Pete-Clearwater.
Stone crab claws are delicious – and sustainably harvested.
Florida stone crab is a seasonal delicacy available in the St. Pete-Clearwater area. This guide provides information on the availability and consumption of this local seafood.
Think you’ve enjoyed some good crab before? Not like this! Delightfully simple yet deceptively rich, Florida stone crab is a seasonal delicacy that is not to be missed.
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled this definitive guide on prized Florida stone crab, including when, where, how and why to enjoy this fresh-from-the-sea catch around St. Pete-Clearwater.
What is Florida stone crab?
Tender and moist. Sweet and succulent. Unbelievably delicious. No wonder James Bond declares in Ian Fleming's 1959 novel "Goldfinger" that the best meal he ever had was “a heap of stone crabs accompanied by melted butter, toast and Champagne.” (Which 007 enjoyed in Florida, by the way.)
Stone crabs are crustaceans known for their reddish-brown shell and large, unequally sized claws marked by signature black tips. They are primarily found in shallow coastal waters stretching roughly from coastal North Carolina south to Belize. That said, about 90% of the world’s stone crabs come from Florida waters, so why would you even think about trying them anywhere else?
Florida stone crab is not only prized for its unique flavor, but also because there are few places you can find it – and then, only about half of the year. It's generally pricier than other seafood you’ll see on restaurant menus, too. Just remember that you’re on vacation, after all, and the splurge is worth it. Just one taste and you’ll be hooked!
When is stone crab season?
Stone crab season in Florida runs from Oct. 15 through May 1, making it the best time to enjoy this delicacy plucked fresh from the water.
During this period, harvesters roam Florida's shallow waters featuring sandy bottoms, rocky outcrops and seagrass or mangrove habitats to catch stone crabs and remove their claws. They return the crab to the water so the claws can regrow.
How is stone crab served?
There are many ways to enjoy Florida stone crab in the St. Pete-Clearwater area.
While some restaurants serve the meat already removed from the claw, you’ll most often find fresh stone crab delivered to your table on an impressive platter, shells and all, with everything you need to enjoy the “sweetest meat of the sea.” That usually means cracked and enjoyed with a simple squeeze of lemon or lime, served chilled with a light mustard dipping sauce or warmed with melted butter to enhance (and not hide) its delicate flavor.
To eat stone crab, simply grip the claw with the pincer pointing up to keep it steady and visible, then gently tap around the claw with the “cracker” provided until you see small breaks starting to form. Carefully remove the entire shell in pieces, use a small seafood fork to scoop out the meat and enjoy.
Where can I enjoy stone crab in St. Pete-Clearwater?
Many seafood restaurants in St. Pete-Clearwater offer traditional and creative plates during stone crab season.
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1
Frenchy’s
multiple locations
Frenchy's Stone Crab & Seafood Market in Dunedin is just one of the popular Frenchy's restaurants.
Explore Frenchy's (opens in new tab)With numerous locations throughout St. Pete-Clearwater, Frenchy’s not only offers plenty of places to enjoy fresh stone crab, they also ship fresh claws overnight for you to enjoy at home. Each year, in mid- to late October, Frenchy’s hosts a stone crab weekend, along with live music and lots of fun.
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2
The Tides Market
Safety HarborExplore The Tides MarketRecognized by MICHELIN for its exceptional food, this seafood market and restaurant in charming Safety Harbor usually rolls out its first catch of the season on Oct. 15, when owners Jon and Mary Kate drive to Tarpon Springs to pick up the first claws of the season from Lockhart's Seafood. Stone crab is available chilled both in the market and restaurant, accompanied by house-made mustard sauce.
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3
Billy's Stone Crab
Tierra Verde
Billy's Stone Crab RestaurantBilly's Stone Crab is a top choice for fresh seafood right on the water.
Explore Billy's Stone CrabTrue to its name, this Key West-style restaurant offers several options to satisfy your stone crab cravings, from an appetizer of three medium claws to a portion of two colossal claws. Enjoy them hot with butter or cold with Billy’s house-made stone sauce. Or try the stone crab dinner special, featuring three medium claws served hot or cold, four shrimp cooked your way and a choice of one side.
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4
Rusty Bellies
Tarpon SpringsExplore Rusty BelliesWith family roots in the local fishing industry dating back more than 40 years, Rusty Bellies opened in 2005, offering fresh, locally caught seafood in a waterfront setting at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. The restaurant’s stone crab menu specials, featuring both hot and cold preparations, begin on Oct. 15 and run through springtime, with fresh claws caught in local waters.
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5
Salt Rock Grill
Indian Shores
Salt Rock GrillSalt Rock Grill is a fine dining establishment with views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Explore Salt Rock GrillKnown for top-quality food and water views, Salt Rock Grill is a popular dining choice for locals and visitors year-round in Indian Shores, tucked about midway between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. A bountiful first catch has brought large, jumbo and colossal stone crab claws to the dinner menu in one- and two-pound portions—so bring your appetite!
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6
Hog Island Fish Camp
Dunedin
Hog Island Fish CampHog Island Fish Camp is a rustic and laid-back spot to enjoy locally caught seafood.
Explore Hog Island Fish CampChef-operated Hog Island Fish Camp sits in downtown Dunedin, serving fresh Gulf seafood in relaxed, rustic surroundings. Each October, the restaurant joins local favorites at the Dunedin Seafood & Music Festival. Beyond the festival, enjoy stone crab throughout the season at the restaurant, where claws of all sizes are served hot or cold, just how you like them.
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7
Olde Bay Cafe
Dunedin
Olde Bay CafeDunedin is full of scenic "Old Florida" places, such as the Olde Bay Cafe.
Explore Olde Bay CafeNearby at Dunedin Marina, Olde Bay Cafe also celebrates the start of stone crab season at the same festival, with seasonal offerings to enjoy through the winter months. But we’re talking Florida winter, which means outdoor dining with gorgeous marina views. Choose from stone crab claws of all sizes, served hot with drawn butter or cold with their Dijonnaise mustard sauce. Dig in!
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8
Crabby's Beachside Pavilion
Clearwater Beach
Crabby's Beachside PavilionCrabby's Beachside Pavilion has been serving happy diners right on the beach since 1926.
Explore Crabby's Beachside PavilionA casual beachside bar and grill offering Gulf views, beach access and a no-worries kind of vibe? Yes, please! Crabby’s Beachside Pavilion carries on a Clearwater Beach tradition dating to 1926, pairing live music with a seafood-focused menu and a front-row seat to sunset. Fresh Florida stone crab claws are now available in medium size, served hot or cold. Try them chilled with house-made stone crab mustard—and get them while you can!
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9
The Original Crabby Bill's
Indian Rocks Beach
The Original Crabby Bill'sThe Original Crabby Bill's has been a favorite of seafood lovers for decades.
Explore Crabby Bill'sServing fresh, no-frills seafood for more than 40 years, The Original Crabby Bill’s is an Indian Rocks Beach favorite. Join the fun at Rock the Rocks on the second Saturday of every month for music and fresh seafood. Crack into fresh stone crab claws in medium, large and jumbo sizes while supplies last—a seasonal treat worth getting your hands messy for!
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10
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
St. Pete
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille St. Pete PierDoc Ford's is a popular waterfront spot in the St. Pete Pier District.
Explore Doc Ford'sWith recognition from Tripadvisor, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille at the St. Pete Pier pairs Caribbean-inspired seafood with waterfront views. Once stone crab arrives for the season, pull up a seat and dig into fresh claws with Tampa Bay as your backdrop.
The Best Waterfront Restaurants
There are plenty of St. Pete-Clearwater waterfront restaurants ready to offer you a beautiful view along with a delicious meal.
