Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Table at Joe’s Stone Crab

What should diners know about getting a reservation at Joe’s?

Weekends are always hot nights, especially between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., so if you’re looking to score a reservation for a Friday or Saturday, it’s always best to hop on about two weeks ahead of time for parties no larger than eight. If you’re planning on coming on a weeknight, you can probably wait until three to five days out. Same-day reservations may also be available, keeping in mind that they are only available one hour ahead of arrival.

If, for some reason, the reservations are all taken, you can still walk in and see the Maître D’. You’ll likely have to go grab a drink at the bar and do some people-watching, but that’s a pretty great way to spend time at Joe’s.

What are your tips for walk-ins? 

If you’re going to walk in, and you want to avoid a long wait, come early — the bar opens at 4:30 p.m.; first seating is at 5 p.m. — and come during a weeknight. Lunch is also a fantastic option.

That said, there may be no better people-watching spot on South Beach than the bar at Joe’s. Friday and Saturday nights are hopping, and you never know who you might run into. Joe’s is a favorite hangout of celebrities, politicos, and powerbrokers. If you get your name on the Maître D’’s list at prime time on a weekend, you may get to spend an hour or even two at the bar. Relax, be patient, and enjoy a classic Old Fashioned or our world-famous Key Lime or Lychee Martini. If you’re into souvenirs, order a Joe’s Mule and take the mug home with you.

Are there any other tips or tricks you have for getting a table?

There are no tricks to getting a table at Joe’s. Make your reservation on Resy or walk in and see one of our Maître D’s, Ed, Evan, or Niksa. Don’t be shy. If it’s your first time joining us or you’re new to the city, please introduce yourself. We love meeting new guests and welcoming them home. Gratuities are always a welcome reflection of your satisfaction for the great service rendered. They should not be considered a prelude to your expectations.

Of all the places to sit in the restaurant, what is your favorite seat in the house?

The Chef’s Table in the kitchen is the coolest place to have dinner. You can’t get that, though. That one is by invitation from the family only. Other than that, every table at Joe’s is special. Anywhere you sit is replete with the history of presidents and celebrities, the famous and infamous, who’ve been dining at Joe’s for the past 110 years.

What’s the perfect order for someone visiting Joe’s for the first time?

The classic Joe’s order is Joe’s stone crabs with sides of hashed browns, slaw or chopped salad, grilled tomatoes, and creamed spinach. Save room for our legendary Key Lime pie and cup of coffee.

If, on the other hand, you want to order like a regular, go with Joe’s stone crabs as your appetizer, then try Alaskan king crab or fried lobster tail – paired with any of our sides and any of our fantastic desserts. If you’re a meat lover, go with any of our steaks. Our prime beef is aged and butchered in-house and cooked to perfection. (Just don’t tell anyone that you had one of the best steaks you’ve ever eaten at a seafood house).

It’s Friday night at 7 p.m. Can you set the scene for us?

On any given weekend at Joe’s, as has been the case for more than a century, Joe’s Stone Crab is the place where regular people come to be treated like celebrities, and celebrities come to be treated like regular people. From the moment you step into the bar, the buzz is palpable. “Who’s here tonight?” One scan around the bar lets you know that the best answer to that question is, “You are.”

The tuxedo-clad Maître D’ is effortlessly fielding walk-ins and fulfilling reservations while the bartenders ensure no wait is too long or too short.

Once seated at your table, the impeccably dressed wait staff helps you navigate a menu like few others. Glancing around, you’ll see a room full of grins and bibs. Whether they are a weekly regular or a first-in-a-lifetime guest, every table is celebrating. The special occasion may be a birthday or anniversary, a well-deserved vacation, or just a random Friday night. Occasion or not, Joe’s is always special.

And then there’s the food. For that, you’re just going to have to come in and try it for yourself.

Anything to add about summer season at Joe’s?

Summer at Joe’s may be the best time of year for those who are adventurous. The number of tables gets smaller but the options on the menu expand. Summer is when the chefs try new dishes and visitors don’t have to feel guilty for ordering something other than – or in addition to – stone crabs.