Stone Crab season is upon us! From October 25 to May 1 each year, Stone Crab claws are harvested, and for any seafood lover, this is one of the best seasons!
What makes stone crab so special?
If you're visiting from out of state, boy, are you in for a treat! Stone Crab claws are harvested from mature Stone Crabs, and the claws must measure a certain size in order to be legally harvested.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Once the claws are harvested, the crabs are returned to the water, and this process is sustainable due to the Stone Crabs being able to regenerate their claws! And don't worry, no claws are allowed to be harvested from egg-bearing females.
They're typically served pre-cracked, over a bed of ice with lemon and the occasional dipping sauce, but truth be told, these claws taste great all on their own. Having access to delicious seafood like this is definitely a perk of living in Florida!
Where to Find Stone Crab on the Menu in Tampa Bay
To help you get your grub on, we've collected a quick and easy guide to restaurants in the area offering delectable Stone Crab claws so you can feast until your heart is content!
Berns Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa
(813) 251-2421
Billy's Stone Crab
1 Collany Road, Tierra Verde
(727) 866-2115
Charley's Steak House
4444 West Cypress Street, Tampa
(813) 353-9706
Frenchy's Restaurants
Frenchy's Original Cafe
Fenchy's Saltwater Cafe
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
Frenchy's South Beach Cafe
Frenchy's Outpost Bar & Grill
Harpoon Harry's Crab House
225 S. Franklin St., Tampa
(813) 321-4040
Jackson's Bistro
601 S Harbour Island Blvd. Ste. 100, Tampa
(813) 227-0112
Meat Market
1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa
(813) 280-1113
Oystercatchers
2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa
(813) 207-6815
Trophy Fish
5901 N Florida Ave., Tampa
2060 Central Ave., St. Pete
Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa
(813) 999-4952
Something totally unique:
Sculley's Seafood Restaurant out in Johns Pass on Madeira Beach is serving up some absolutely out-of-this-world seafood Bloody Marys!
Check out that Category 5 in the middle with 2 grilled cheeses, bacon, one pound of jumbo shrimp, 2 twin lobster tails, and two pounds of snow crab!
Looking for more seafood? There's no shortage of it in Florida! Check out our list of amazing seafood festivals throughout the year, and our top picks for seafood restaurants.