For an upcoming trip to Miami, a friend of mine has just recommended (very highly) this restaurant as a must-do. He says it is very popular and that there is always a good 45 minute wait (minimum) but that it is worth the wait. Not that I do not trust him, but I figure it is good to get the thoughts of others who have also dined there. So, it is really all of that? The best crab and seafood in Miami?

Michelle,

There was a thread last week on this place, do a search in the text box under Joe's Stone Crabs. Basically, all of the locals slaughtered the place as over-priced with long lines, and you need to grease the MD to get a table; horrible service, and sub-par food.

We were there over New Year's, and our local friends wouldn't take us there. We went to Smith & Wellinsky across the street and had a great meal.

Have to agree with the locals - found the place overpriced, a bit seedy. Won't go again.

That's a great idea Dr Headshrinker but the search has not been working very well lately. There are posts regarding the poor maintenance of the search function. Good luck with that Michelle

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I have since done a review of the "Destinations" section of this site under Miami and restaurants and the majority of the reviews say that a typical wait is a long one (as much as 3 hours), the service is rushed once you get seated (no surprise there) but that the food is quite good, especially the crab. Am I willing to wait that long to eat dinner? I don't think I need the stress and certainly my husband would not be in the least bit amused. Especially when there are so many other dining options around. So we will probably give it a pass. Thanks again.

Trust me it is not worth it, and frankly I am furious the way the doorman shakes down people....real disgusting!

There is really nothing special...you even have to order patatoes because it is alacarte! As an Irish guy I strongly object to shelling out another fistfull of money for simple spuds!

If you really really want to try stone crabs, you can get them at Publix grocery store in the seafood section, or any seafood marked when they are in season.

Also, if you want to go to a restaurant you could go to Montes Seafood, which is a few blocks from Joes, at least they won't shake you down at Montes!