MOORE’S STONE CRAB RESTAURANT SAYS GOODBYE

Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant on Longboat Key has been sold and closed its doors.  A piece of Manatee County history, it has been on the north end of LBK since 1967.  Family owned and operated, many of the employees had been with them for decades.

Once upon a time there was a dolphin named Jackie who resided at Moore’s back dock.  She became an instant tourist attraction and there were feeding times for Jackie that would bring kids and adults alike to watch Jackie put on her show.

Over the years, Moore’s had grown into the restaurant to go to at the beach.  People came from all around and pulled their boats up to the dock to get a window table on one of the best views of Sarasota Bay.  Famous for stone crabs but also for their fresh fish, hush puppies and the best lobster crab bisque around these parts.  Their Longboat Platter was a local favorite.

Some of the rich and famous visited Moore’s over the years too! Newsman Tom Brokaw and his family were regulars when visiting Anna Maria Island, comedian Tom Smothers, actor Chuck Norris and others who wanted to experience this island paradise the locals had already known about for years.

Stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15th through May 15th.  You had to make at least one trip to Moore’s during that time to eat some great fresh stone crabs or you were out of luck until next season.  The thought of not being able to go there next season is bittersweet. It is a now a place of great memories and Florida history. There are other places to go and eat seafood but there will never be another like Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant.