One of the best things about living in South Florida (aside from, well, everything) is our constant access to unbelievably fresh seafood. And this Thursday, March 9, we get to celebrate some of that seafood with National Crab Day.
Here are our favorite places to eat crab this Thursday:
Joe’s Stone Crab
Obviously, when you think of eating crab in Miami, there’s nowhere more iconic than Joe’s Stone Crab {11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.0365}. While the locale’s fresh and famous Florida Stone Crabs are the main draw, Joe’s also has Stone Crab Bisque ($9.95), Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($26.95), King Crab Claws ($69.95), King Crab Legs ($71.95), different Crab Cake-topped salads ($20.50+), a Crab Cake Sandwich ($15.50), a Crab Roll ($13.95), Crab & Onion Dip with house-made chips ($12.95), and a Cold Seafood Platter with Stone Crabs, shrimp, oysters, and a ½ cold lobster ($34.95). So yeah… there’s plenty of crab dishes to choose from at the famed Joe’s Stone Crab. Joe’s Stone Crab will be open on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
NAKED CRAB
At Fort Lauderdale’s NAKED CRAB, in B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale, guests can celebrate the food holiday in style… with champagne! All day long, guests who order any crab dish will get a complimentary split of Piper-Heidsieck Brut champagne, and those who order the restaurant’s popular Crabster–a 2 lb. Dutch Harbor Red King Crab stuffed with shrimp, crab, and lobster for three–will get a full bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Brut. NAKED CRAB is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
A Fish Called Avalon
In the mood for an elegant feast? Look no further than one of Ocean Drive’s classic spots, A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727}. For the straightforward real deal, get Jumbo Stone Crab Claws served over crushed ice ($20). For a twist on the traditional crab dish, opt for the Crab Crusted Grouper with steamed spinach, giant white beans, teardrop heirloom tomatoes, and madeira beurre blanc ($40), or the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with haricot verts, microgreens, and spicy sriracha rémoulade ($18).
Coya Miami
Coya Miami {999 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.415.9990} is our favorite Peruvian spot in South Florida. If you’re in the Brickell area, stop for a couple crab dishes. The Causa Tradicional with snow crab, yukon gold potato, apple, and Peruvian olives is a restaurant favorite, as is the Rollo de Cangrejo with snow crab, yuzu rocoto aioli, and avocado. Coya Miami will be open on Thursday for lunch and dinner, from Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
River Seafood Oyster Bar
If crab is what you’re craving, take your pick. River Seafood Oyster Bar {650 S. Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915} has plenty of crab dishes to choose from: like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with horseradish aioli, corn relish, and mache ($18); Gnocchi & Jumbo Lump Blue Crab with shaved black truffle, Parmesan, and basil ($30); and Crab Fried Brown Rice ($15). River Seafood Oyster Bar will be open on Thursday from Noon to 10:30 p.m.  
LT Steak & Seafood
The Betsy Hotel is as adorable as its in-house restaurant, Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}, is delicious. While there, celebrate the crab-filled day with Crunchy Curried Lump Crab sushi with mango and cilantro ($16), a starter of Grilled Alaskan King Crab poached in yuzu butter ($26), or a Seafood Platter from the raw bar ($47). The latter comes with three oysters, three clams, two tiger shrimp, one King crab leg, and two Taylor Bay scallops. LT Steak & Seafood will be open on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor