Stone Crab Season Brings Fresh Catches to Tampa Bay Restaurants Through May

Stone crab season kicked off Oct. 15 and wraps up May 1. Restaurants across Tampa Bay now dish out chilled claws with mustard sauce. Fishermen yank one claw off each crab, then toss it back in the water. The crab? It sprouts a new claw. Here are some places you can grab some stone crab in the area.

Billy's Stone Crab in Tierra Verde threw Crab Fest Weekend through Nov. 2. This waterfront spot on Collany Road pairs claws with sunset views that stretch across the bay.

Tampa steakhouses have stocked their menus with stone crabs. Bern's Steak House at 1208 S. Howard Ave. matches claws with picks from its wine cellar. Charley's Steak House at 4444 W. Cypress St. serves huge Florida claws dunked in mustard sauce.

Ocean Prime sits at 2205 N. Westshore Blvd. Steak and seafood share the menu with chilled claws. The West Shore spot has a lounge plus cocktails.

Harpoon Harry's Crab House anchors downtown Tampa at 225 S. Franklin St., right across from the Convention Center. Claws arrive on ice next to sushi.

Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi perches at 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. Waterfront views frame the skyline while diners crack claws dipped in melted butter.

Rusty Pelican at 2425 N. Rocky Point Dr. has windows that stare out at the water. Trophy Fish at 5901 N. Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights pulls Gulf catch and pours what they call "boat drinks" when happy hour hits.

Ulele on the Riverwalk at 1810 N. Highland Ave. brews beer on site. The restaurant weaves Florida history into its menu while serving claws during harvest months.

Crabby Bill's St. Pete Beach plants itself at 5100 Gulf Blvd., right on the sand with Gulf views. Frenchy's Original Cafe at 41 Baymont St. in Clearwater Beach cracks claws in a beachfront setup. 

Salt Rock Grill runs at 19325 Gulf Blvd. in Indian Shores. Seafood and steak fill the menu, plus a wine list and what they market as day-boat seafood.

Hookin' Ain't Easy Seafood at 3660 22nd Ave. S. in South St. Pete catches its own crabs, then serves them up with live music and picnic tables under a tiki bar.

Trophy Fish also operates at 2060 Central Ave. in downtown St. Pete's Grand Central district. The place rocks what they call "bait-shop chic" decor with cocktails and chilled claws.

Claws show up at restaurants pre-cracked and chilled. Dip them in butter or mustard sauce. Jumbo claws cost more at most places across the region, with prices jumping based on size.