Joe's Stone Crab Kicks Off 113th Season, Signaling Start of South Florida's High Season

The Oct. 16 opening of Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach was more than just a dinner reservation — it signaled the official start of South Florida's high season.

The 113-year-old tradition marks the beginning of Florida's stone crab harvest, a renewable industry worth approximately $30 million annually to the state's economy. As the largest buyer of the prized delicacy, Joe's plays a pivotal role in financing local crabbers and setting market expectations for the season ahead.

Opening night didn't disappoint: the restaurant served more than 1,000 pounds of stone crabs to eager diners. At the helm this season is new executive chef Jim Pastor, who previously served as corporate chef for Specialty Restaurants, the group behind the Rusty Pelican on Biscayne Bay.

The numbers speak to Joe's enduring legacy. In 2024, the iconic restaurant served 382,000 guests, with an average check of $120 per person — a testament to the timeless appeal of this uniquely South Florida culinary tradition.

Stone crab season runs through May 15, giving locals and visitors alike plenty of time to crack into the beloved crustacean at the restaurant that helped make it famous.