Joe's Stone Crabs

Joe's Stone Crab is the most legendary restaurant in South Beach, a Miami Beach institution that has been serving guests since 1913, before Miami Beach was even a city. It began when Joe Weiss, who moved south on doctor's orders to ease his asthma, opened a small lunch counter; by 1918 he and his wife Jennie had set up tables on the porch of their Biscayne Street bungalow and called it Joe's Restaurant. More than a century later, the family-run dining room remains a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike.

The star of the menu is, of course, the stone crab. Florida stone crab claws are sustainably harvested, the crabs returned to the sea to regrow their claws, and they are only served in season, from October 15 to May 1. The claws arrive cracked and chilled with Joe's famous mustard sauce, best followed by sides like creamed spinach, hash browns and the iconic Key lime pie. The restaurant earned a James Beard America's Classic award in 1998 and consistently ranks among the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the United States.

Visitor tip: Joe's does not take reservations for the main dining room, so expect a wait during peak season; arrive early or be ready to enjoy a drink at the bar. It is a must on any Miami food itinerary.