Deep in the Everglades
Joanie's
Blue Crab Cafe
Fresh blue crabs, fried swamp critters, and a slice of old Florida we feared had been lost. On the Tamiami Trail in Ochopee — the only restaurant for 44 miles in either direction.
"If you want fast food, keep traveling.
44 miles west or 66 miles east. Happy Trails, y'all. Watch out for gators!"
Hours
Mon–Tue, Thu–Sun: 11am–4pm · Wed: Closed
Location
39395 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Phone
(239) 695-2682Fresh from the Everglades
Signature Dishes
Fried Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
A whole crispy crab on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato. Worth the trip from anywhere.
$21.99
Fried Shrimp Salad
Crispy fried shrimp over fresh greens with tomato and a wedge of lemon.
$20.99
Fried Fish Basket
Golden-fried grouper, catfish, or gator with fries, coleslaw, and lemon.
$20.99
Fresh Blue Crabs
Sourced fresh from nearby Everglades City. Served at market price — always worth it.
Market Price
A One-of-a-Kind Place
The Oldest Building
in the Everglades
Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe is housed in the oldest standing building in the Everglades, right on the Tamiami Trail in Ochopee, Florida. Founded by Joanie Griffin, this beloved roadside shack has been serving fresh blue crabs and fried Everglades favorites for over 38 years.
Every inch of wall space tells a story — taxidermied alligator heads, deer antlers, old photographs, and a blue crab statue that greets you at the door. Live music on weekends. Bears at the back door occasionally.
Come Find Us
Deep in the Heart of
the Everglades
39395 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Open Mon–Tue & Thu–Sun, 11am–4pm