Immediately upon seating me, the waiter brought out a big bread basket with dazzling variety of fresh bread - raisin, sourdough, rye, and my favorite, onion bread. If the bread wasn’t enough to seduce a low-carb dieter, their hash browns would do the job. Joe’s hash browns were to die for – they were cooked well-done and crispy outside, but the potatoes inside were soft and almost melt-in-your-mouth.

Joe’s vinaigrette salad dressing was outstanding! The vinaigrette was a perfect mix of oil, vinegar, herbs, pimentos, garlic, and onions. The restaurant gave out its recipe, and I took one as a souvenir.

Joe’s offered four sizes of stone crab claws – jumbo, large, select, and medium. No matter which size diners choose, they would get about one pound of meat. I chose the large claws, as they were less work, and the meat was sweeter. The five claws I had were divine – they were fresh and succulent. Eating at Joe’s was a heavenly experience.

The Joe’s takeout café next door was simple and casual. It offered soup, salads, stone crab claws, sides, and desserts. Joe’s did not take reservations, and it was always packed. For those who hate to wait, the café could be an alternative.

I was in town for a football game and went to Joe's with some other people, including a native of Miami. Upon our arrival, the line to get in was stretched at least two blocks down the street (this was at Joe's old location). 'No problem,' our host said as he slipped the maitre d' a bill. Less than ten minutes later we were seated and I was ordering my first ever order of stone crabs. And as they say, once you try them you are hooked, although I had to wait almost 16 years before I was to try my second helping.

Joe's is expensive but it is an experience you will never forget. My suggestion is to go early and try to avoid the crowds.