Stone crab claws

Question

We will be in Key West next month for a few days. What are some of the best places to get stone crab claws when there.

Thank you,

Kathy

Answer

Stone crab claws in Key West are a real treat — if you’re visiting, you’ll want to hit up some of the best local spots to enjoy this sweet, seasonal delicacy. Keep in mind: stone crab season traditionally runs from October 15 to May 15 in Florida. Since you’ll be there “next month,” double-check whether stone crab claws are still on the menu (some restaurants may serve frozen or off-season offerings, but fresh local claws may be less available depending on timing).

Here are some of the top places in Key West (or nearby) to get stone crab claws — plus what makes each one special:

The Stoned Crab (at Ibis Bay Resort) — This is probably your best bet. It’s a waterfront, open-air restaurant with a strong focus on fresh, local seafood — including stone crab delivered daily by their own fishing boats. Their menu explicitly features stone crab claws, and they take reservations, so you can plan ahead.
Martin’s Key West — Known for raw bar-style seafood favorites, the place serves stone crab claws “cracked or in the shell,” with traditional mustard sauce or drawn butter, which is exactly how you want to enjoy the sweet meat.
The Docks Restaurant & Raw Bar / Keys Fresh Fish (Stock Island) — While not always a “fancy dining” spot, this is a local favorite for super fresh seafood. According to recent visitor reports, they offer chilled stone crab claws, often by the pound, and sometimes will crack them for you. This could be a more laid-back, authentic Keys experience.

A few tips for enjoying stone crab claws in Key West:

Ask for them pre-cracked if you don’t want to wrestle with the shell. Many restaurants will do this so you can dig right in.
Enjoy them chilled on ice — this is often how they are served, with a classic tangy mustard dipping sauce or melted butter.
If local availability is limited (depending on season), call ahead. For example, The Stoned Crab has daily catches brought in by boat, but you’ll want to make sure they’ll have stone crab during your visit.
Consider a fish market option: even if you don’t eat in a restaurant, some local markets (or seafood shacks) may sell freshly cooked claws you can take to go.

Enjoy your time in Key West — and I hope you get to crack into some amazing stone crab claws!