We'll be in Miami May 7-10 and want to eat at Joes Stone Crab on either Sun or Mon. It opens at 4 on Sunday, and 5 on Monday - if we get there right at opening time on either of these days, any guesstimate on how long we might have to wait for a table?
Also, on weather.com it looks like rain in Mia on Sunday. Any rainy day suggestions? We will be staying at the Eden Roc. Thanks.

There's always Bal Habour with lunch at Cafe Raggazi (the best italian food in Miami, and if you have to wait they give complimentry wine) or Adventura Mall.

The last I knew to avoid a wait at Joe's you either need a good name (like DeNiro or Winfrey, for example) or else a good crisp $100 bill.
Sorry, not sure how it works at opening time -- except we tried years ago after a matinee at Miami Beach, and when we got to the restaurant (before 5 I'm sure) they were lined up like crazy, so we bypassed it rather than go ahead and park.

Eat at Monty's instead of Joe's Stone Crabs.

Rain usually passes through quickly.

My husband really wants to eat at Joe's but I think I will have a backup plan in mind, because once he sees the long lines I'm sure I will be able to convince him to go elsewhere. I will see if Montys has a website and if they take reservatiosn.

Monty's is a casual wood-planked "bar" atmosphere. I'm pretty sure they don't take reservations, but you really don't need them--if you see an open table grab it. I love Monty's for their happy hour--2 for 1 drinks and cash raw bar, but it doesn't have the atmosphere or the great side dishes like Joe's does.

I love Joe's, so I can understand why you'd want to put up with the wait. A couple years ago, my husband and I went after the opening hour and didn't have to wait. A year later, we did the same thing and the wait would have been HOURS. I would think if you get there at or before opening time, you shouldn't have to wait too long. It's a big place. Call the restaurant and see what they recommend. For a back up, try Smith & Wolensky across the street. You'll have a totally different meal than at Joe's, but we used it for our backup that night and had a really great time. Check out the outdoor seating if you end up there.

P.S. Sunday might be a tough day to get in--it's mothers' day.

Thanks, cherie. Yes, we figured Sunday would be tough due to mothers day so we will give Joe's a shot on Monday for dinner. Wish us luck!

Yum, good luck!!! Huge stone crab claws, hash browns, and key lime pie. I'm jealous.

Unfortunately, our key lime pie days are over as hubby recently diagnosed with diabetes. And key lime pie is his favorite thing in the world. Heavy sigh...