Stone Crabs Are Here

Valerie Nahmad

'Tis finally the season - Joe's Stone Crab opens Its doors at 5 p.m. tonight (lunch service begins noon on Tuesday). Let the crab eating, crowd ogling and table angling begin. Joe & Jennie Weiss opened the iconic restaurant in 1913. Ninety- four years later, it thrives as the unofficial heart and soul of South Beach, feeding locals, tourists and celebrities from October through July. We’ve got everything you need to know.

Know before you go

• Reservations are not accepted, except of for a select few, who will never reveal their secrets (rest assured greased palms and a whole lot of history are involved). Befriend a regular and never wait again.
• Otherwise, come prepared to wait – high season lines can last up to two hours. The good news? The spacious bar makes a mean martini.
• Food comes fast and fresh - lingering is not encouraged.
• Come as you are – dine on a Saturday night and you’ll see shorts, skin-tight jeans, guayaberas and gowns.
• Grab and go. If you don’t have the time or inclination to battle the crowds, hit the neighboring take-out shop. Order your favorites (most everything from the main menu is available), grab utensils and head to South Pointe Park for a picnic.

The big event

• Be strategic: Odds are you’ll be starving by the time you sit down (see above). The bread basket will on your table in minutes. Be discriminating - we like the onion pockets and raisin bread.
• Appetizers: Cole slaw is the house specialty. Purists will be shocked – it’s more vinegar than mayonnaise, health nuts will be delighted
• The main event: It's crabs, crabs, crabs. We prefer the selects – heartier than the mediums and tastier than the large or jumbos.
• Side dishes: One word: potatoes. Orders your spuds crispy (cottage fries), hashed (onion-laced lyonnaise are a house specialty) or French fried.
• Sweet ending: The key lime pie is equal parts local legend and dessert.

Joe’s Stone Crab: 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305-673-4611; joesstonecrab.com.