Fresh Stone Crab Claws, whose got them on the menu?

I am addicted to these claws, and am feeling the need to have some this weekend. Other than Joe's downtown who is serving these? I really dont want to pay to park downtown @ Joe's, so I am looking for other places that people have seen them on the menu. I am also not looking for them to be a part of any dish where a person may get one with an order, I am looking for plates of stone crabs only.

Thanks for any help.

Bob Chinn's Crabhouse
393 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling, IL 60090
847-520-3633

stevez wrote:Bob Chinn's Crabhouse
393 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling, IL 60090
847-520-3633

thanks steve,

I was thinking them as well, might fit well into my planned day of eating @ Kuma's, Toons, & perhaps the Shanty or somewhere else up north, with a finish @ Bob Chinns.

stevez wrote:Bob Chinn's Crabhouse
393 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling, IL 60090
847-520-3633

In addition to the Florida Stone Crabs, Bob Chinn's tends to have Jonah Stone Crab claws, which are from Massachusetts. These are the lower-cost brother of the Florida variety.

thanks,

Ive had the Jonah's @ Bob Chinns and elsewhere, and while tasty, not quite on the level of the Florida variety that I crave.

jimswside wrote:thanks,

Ive had the Jonah's @ Bob Chinns and elsewhere, and while tasty, not quite on the level of the Florida variety that I crave.

Definitely not. And that's why they are cheaper.

I purchased a lb and a half from dirk's fish last week. Although they are not a restaurant, their stone crab and mustard sauce are just as good as Joe's.

Dirk's Fish
2070 N. Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL. 60614
773.404.3475

pacent wrote:I purchased a lb and a half from dirk's fish last week. Although they are not a restaurant, their stone crab and mustard sauce are just as good as Joe's.

Dirk's Fish
2070 N. Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL. 60614
773.404.3475

looking for restaurants but thanks for the tip.

Had them and Nantucket Bay scollops at Tinfish in Tinley on Friday. Very Tastey!! Also, purchased 10#'s @ Costco in Orland on Saturday. They were medium claws and were $10 a pound. Very Very good. Although, much more work than at Tinfish!!

looks like Gibsons has them(I am not a big fan of Gibsons, but perhaps its time I give them another try)

Current prices @ Joe's

Medium claws (7) pieces $29.95
select claws (6) pieces $34.95
Large claws (5) pieces $42.95

I am probably leaning towards Joes(and not treking north), and using the valet to offset the parking issue.

mrbrowncanmoo wrote:Had them and Nantucket Bay scollops at Tinfish in Tinley on Friday. Very Tastey!! Also, purchased 10#'s @ Costco in Orland on Saturday. They were medium claws and were $10 a pound. Very Very good. Although, much more work than at Tinfish!!

good tips, thanks,.

Ate at Sullivan's last week. Which was ok. They had them on the menu at the downtown one. I'm sure they have them at the others too though.

Go to Joe's. They have the direct line from the Joe's mothership in Miami and you'll be assured of getting the freshest ones in the city albeit at a bit of a premium. Don't miss the garlic creamed spinach and imo the best fried chicken in the city.

I picked some up at Dirk's today. On special at $20/ lb plus when you sign up for their email, they send you several $5 off coupons, so they turn out to be $15 a lb for the mediums.

He got them in this morning, fresh NEVER FROZEN. This makes a HUGE difference.

The first time I had stone crab was at Crabby Bills in St. Petersburg, FL. Fresh off the boat a few hours before, and at $32 per lb., they were one of the best seafood items I'd ever had.
I haven't had such delicious stone crab since then until I steamed these claws up today.

YUM!

chefmcone76 wrote:Go to Joe's. They have the direct line from the Joe's mothership in Miami and you'll be assured of getting the freshest ones in the city albeit at a bit of a premium. Don't miss the garlic creamed spinach and imo the best fried chicken in the city.

Thats probably going to be the choice, I made a reservation @ Gibsons as a back up, and am going to call Joe's today to see if I can get a table there(Open Table shows them booked when I want to eat). Otherwise I will eat @ the bar.

I have been to Joe's about a half dozen times, so I am leaning that way, As for creamed spinach, no thanks, and I want a prime steak some claws, and some crab bisque, I can get the best fried chicken in the area out where I live. thanks for the tip though.


Looking forward to my Saturday "free day"... lunch @ Kuma's, drinks @ Toons, and Dinner @ Joe's, or Gibsons, or perhaps a darkhorse(d. burkes)

jimswside I applaud you on biting the bullet and going valet, because really why should $10 or whatever, keep you from what you really enjoy, appreciate and not be disappointed. It seems you have your menu planned out, but I will add a side that I have craved ever since I had it the first time, mac and cheese. I split it with someone and I can't forget how good it was. I've always had luck in the bar without a reservation, in fact, I prefer it now.

nicinchic wrote:jimswside I applaud you on biting the bullet and going valet, because really why should $10 or whatever, keep you from what you really enjoy, appreciate and not be disappointed. It seems you have your menu planned out, but I will add a side that I have craved ever since I had it the first time, mac and cheese. I split it with someone and I can't forget how good it was. I've always had luck in the bar without a reservation, in fact, I prefer it now.

thanks, the valet is convenient, and makes it possible.

perhaps some mac-n-cheese will be in the cards based on your recommendation. I like the bar area as well, and I can watch some of the football games to. win-win.

chefmcone76 wrote:Go to Joe's. They have the direct line from the Joe's mothership in Miami and you'll be assured of getting the freshest ones in the city albeit at a bit of a premium. Don't miss the garlic creamed spinach and imo the best fried chicken in the city.

I had this exact meal - lots of stone crabs, fried chicken, and creamed spinach - at Joe's in Miami last week. It was one of the top ten meals of my life.

still up in the air as to where I am going, called Bob Chinn's last night and they have frsh stone crabs.

appetizer size:

Medium claws: $15.99
Large claws: $19.99.

I also like the Kona crab they offer, and alot of other things they do, plus free parking.

Jim-

Just wondering if its worth the gas money to drive all the way up to Wheeling when you already know the quality at Joe's. I say this knowing your willingness to drive pretty much anywhere for good grub.

-Mary

The GP wrote:Jim-

Just wondering if its worth the gas money to drive all the way up to Wheeling when you already know the quality at Joe's. I say this knowing your willingness to drive pretty much anywhere for good grub.

-Mary

I have thought of that, and I am really torn.

I know I am in somewhat of a minority of folks who like Bob Chinns, but for crab, which I love, I have never been disappointed. However Joe's does have some of the best stone crabs around. I guess it comes down to $10 +/- for the valet, vs $10 +/- in fuel, and if I am going to have a steak or not.

Looking @ the menus I think I could try a few more things @ Chinn's than @ Joe's for about the same $$$. (1-3/4 #Lobster, stone crabs, & the crabstraviganza appetzier @ Chinn's) vs (Medium stone crabs & a T-bone @ Joe's)

gonna be a last minute decision I think.

jimswside wrote:I know I am in somewhat of a minority of folks who like Bob Chinns, but for crab, which I love, I have never been disappointed.

Jim,

Count me a fan of Bob Chinn's, in particular king crab legs. Yes, they serve on beer trays, yes it's crowded noisy and, for the end result price, can seem expensive for the boisterous atmosphere, but what goes on the plate is pristinely fresh, well prepared and good value for one's dining dollar.

I'm also keen on Chinn's oysters, sashimi and shrimp in lobster sauce. Shrimp in lobster sauce is no longer on the menu, and they may have called it shrimp and eggs, uses nice size shell on shrimp in a heartier then typical Cantonese preparation, eggy with black beans (fermented), and ground pork.

This not to say I don't appreciate Joe's, dry age steaks, fresh as a daisy seafood, terrific bar, upscale big city atmosphere, but if your stone crab claw quest is mainly about what's on the plate, in particular if cost is a consideration, Bob Chinn's would be my suggestion.

Enjoy,
Gary

G Wiv wrote:

jimswside wrote:I know I am in somewhat of a minority of folks who like Bob Chinns, but for crab, which I love, I have never been disappointed.

Jim,

Count me a fan of Bob Chinn's, in particular king crab legs. Yes, they serve on beer trays, yes it's crowded noisy and, for the end result price, can seem expensive for the boisterous atmosphere, but what goes on the plate is pristinely fresh, well prepared and good value for one's dining dollar.

I'm also keen on Chinn's oysters, sashimi and shrimp in lobster sauce. Shrimp in lobster sauce is no longer on the menu, and they may have called it shrimp and eggs, uses nice size shell on shrimp in a heartier then typical Cantonese preparation, eggy with black beans (fermented), and ground pork.

This not to say I don't appreciate Joe's, dry age steaks, fresh as a daisy seafood, terrific bar, upscale big city atmosphere, but if your stone crab claw quest is mainly about what's on the plate, in particular if cost is a consideration, Bob Chinn's would be my suggestion.

Enjoy,
Gary

thanks Gary,

I agree with all your points.

For me the biggest cosideration is bang for the buck, I want to eat as much crab as I can, and perhaps a lobster, and not have my wife kick my ass when I get home.

I could use some company if you are free for an early dinner Saturday.

jimswside wrote:I could use some company if you are free for an early dinner Saturday.

Jim,

Thanks for the invite, unfortunately not available Sat, crunch a claw for me.

Enjoy,
Gary

Had a great meal of stone crab claws, prime aged steak and fried chicken last night at Joe's. The crab claws were absolutely terrific. Joe's is a good choice IMHO.

Ended up @ Bob Chinn's, good claws, I posted more about it on the Bob Chinn's thread.