Florida Stone Crabs in Southern California
 

Just curious if anyone has a recommended spot, other than Truluck's in San Diego, for Florida stone crabs anywhere in Southern California?

Serious question. What is the different between Florida stone crab claws, which I know and love, and Pacific stone crab claws which I have yet to taste.

I've seen some companies in Santa Barbara that sell the west coast variety.

https://www.sbfish.com/
https://shellfishco.com/

My chef neighbor occasionally has them on his meal delivery menus. I'm sure that they will be able to accommodate a special order.

The Santa Barbara version looks similar to a different kind of hard shell crab I used to have at the casino buffet back in Pompano Beach - I can't remember the name, but those shells were almost impossible to open and I have the scars to prove it. The shells are rough and bumpy, while the Florida crab claws are smooth and glassy and there is a difference in taste.

Truluck's had the all you can eat in pre-virus years, but this year they want $7.50 per each medium claw, so if I go by my usual 15-18 AYCE total, that would be $135 for the dinner, or about $40 more than what they charged before. Not the end of the world, but their location is a long haul from Riverside.

Bumping this thread for 2024 as unfortunately Truluck's in San Diego closed due to their property being purchased and that cut off my erstwhile only access to real Florida stone crabs in Southern California.

A google search came up empty - has anyone seen the claws in any area restaurants? Or even a seafood market?

I just posted your question in the San Diego Foodies Facebook group. I got a quick response from someone who wants to know if a large amount are sought or is it for a small number of people.

I also found these restaurants identified on Yelp as having stone crab.

https://www.yelp.com/search?find_des...an+Diego%2C+CA

Just a small amount for 1-2 people at dinner. Usually about 18-24 medium claws. I think I might be able to find them in a Whole Foods or local seafood market, but I prefer a restaurant as I don't want to be at home hammering at them to crack the shells.

Take a look at Water Grill. Have had them here in Santa Monica. Just looked at San Diego location’s menu - they are listed.

Thank you, I will check tomorrow, we're closer to their Costa Mesa location. The only drawback with WG is I don't think I've ever seen seafood that expensive in a chain restaurant, they made Truluck's look cheap in comparison.