Seven Local Spots to Crack Open Stone Crab Claws in Naples
By Marco Island Naples News Staff | October 23, 2025

It’s that magical time of year again in Southwest Florida — stone crab season, running from October 15 through May 1— when locals and visitors alike grab a mallet, roll up their sleeves, and dive into one of the state’s most delicious (and sustainable) seafood traditions.

Naples, with its mix of waterfront dining and Old-Florida charm, is one of the best places to enjoy fresh, locally caught Florida stone crab claws — served chilled, cracked, and paired with mustard sauce or melted butter.

Here are seven of the top local spots to celebrate the season and satisfy that claw craving:

🦀 1. Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab

📍 698 4th Avenue South, Naples
Truluck’s sets the gold standard for stone crab dining in Naples. Their claws are sustainably harvested and arrive “from trap to table” within 24 hours. Pair them with a glass of wine and piano music in the upscale dining room — this is Naples elegance at its finest.

🦀 2. Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room

📍 1302 5th Avenue South, Naples
Naples’ oldest seafood restaurant, Kelly’s has been cracking claws since the 1950s. Sitting along the Gordon River, the restaurant oozes Old-Florida charm with wood-paneled walls, maritime décor, and no-frills, fresh-caught seafood. Their chilled stone crab claws are a seasonal staple — simple, classic, and authentic.

🦀 3. Swan River Seafood

📍 3741 Tamiami Trail North, Naples
Part seafood market, part restaurant, Swan River is a favorite for those who want to see where their meal comes from. The market’s claws are delivered daily, and you can order them by size — from medium to colossal — served cold with mustard sauce or warm with drawn butter.

🦀 4. Pinchers Crab Shack – Tin City

📍 1200 5th Avenue South, Naples
If you’re looking for casual waterfront fun, Tin City’s Pinchers delivers. The vibe is laid-back, the claws are fresh, and the drink specials are flowing. Their slogan says it all: “You Can’t Fake Fresh.” Bring friends, order a platter, and watch the boats go by.

🦀 5. The Bay House Restaurant

📍 799 Walkerbilt Road, North Naples
Overlooking the Cocohatchee River, The Bay House offers a more refined setting with one of Naples’ best waterfront views. The menu highlights local seafood — and when stone crab season hits, it’s front and center. Enjoy your claws on the outdoor deck with live music and a cocktail.

🦀 6. The Dock at Crayton Cove

📍 845 12th Avenue South, Naples
A longtime Naples landmark, The Dock serves up fresh seafood and unbeatable views of Naples Bay. During season, stone crab claws appear as a featured special — best enjoyed with a tropical drink and sunset backdrop.

🦀 7. Mr. Big Fish

📍 9115 Strada Place, Mercato, Naples
A local favorite tucked inside Mercato, Mr. Big Fish combines a relaxed, coastal atmosphere with consistently great seafood. Their chilled stone crab claws are fresh, meaty, and perfectly paired with their house mustard sauce.

🍋 Stone Crab 101: What to Know Before You Crack

• Season: October 15 – May 1

• How They’re Served: Typically chilled and pre-cracked

• Best Pairings: Mustard sauce, lemon wedges, cold Chardonnay

• Sustainability Tip: Only claws are harvested — crabs are returned to the sea to regrow them

Stone crab season is short but oh-so-sweet — and in Naples, it’s practically a local holiday. Whether you’re dressing up at Truluck’s or digging in dockside at Pinchers, there’s no wrong way to celebrate one of Florida’s finest seafood traditions.

So grab a bib, crack a claw, and savor the taste of Naples’ coastal bounty.