Barking Crab: serving up seafood in an urban clam shack

Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2015/08/12/barking-crab-serving-up-seafood-in-a-coastal-clam-shack/

Patrons streamed into the Barking Crab this past Friday evening as they waited in excitement for mouthwatering seafood and drinks. Catering to all, the restaurant offers a unique atmosphere of coastal clam shack surrounded by the glittering new urban Seaport District.

Located on the waterfront in South Boston at 88 Sleeper St., the Barking Crab – a Boston institution since 1994 — serves up seafood in the perfect summertime shade. Recently, the restaurant added a new patio along the pedestrian plaza on the Boston Harbor Walk. Its sleek metal seats contrast with their long wooden family sized tables inside.

The Barking Crab began in the 1990s as a seasonal summer restaurant, but soon expanded into the adjoining Neptune Lobster & Seafood Market that features a wood burning stove for cold winter nights. Since the expansion, the Barking Crab has been a landmark seafood restaurant year-round.

The Barking Crab allows customers to step back from the busy downtown area and step into a casual summer shack with a seafood packed menu.

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Copyright: Beth Treffeisen

The pan-seared barking crab cakes may be small but they are chock full of flavor that make them well-worth the $13 price tag. The oysters are ocean fresh, and the peel-and-eat shrimp rubbed with crabby bay bouillon and beer-batter are excellent if you like your shrimp slightly spicy. The crab legs are large and succulent.

If you prefer to try a variety of shellfish, the seafood platter is truly amazing. Depending on the size, the platter may include boiled lobster, clams, crab legs, corn on the cob, potatoes, and more. Platters are easily shareable and pair nicely with Barking Crab’s award-winning clam chowder.

The seafood is paired nicely with the Barking Crab white ale from the nearby Harpoon Brewery. We recommend the Wachusett Blueberry beer that is light and perfect for a warm summer night and refreshing as an after dinner drink.

The restaurant has a full-bar, perfect for those waiting for a table on a busy night or for co-workers to relax after a busy day.

On Friday night, the restaurant was packed with people coming straight from work but the Barking Crab is, no doubt, a great place for families too, as the restaurant’s long wooden tables lend themselves to casual dining and large parties.

The seafood menu is not cheap, but prices are reasonable, considering the quality. The kids’ menu offers the basics such as fish n’ chips and mac & cheese, for around $6 – 7 dollars a plate.

Along with the great food, Barking Crab boasts a truly wonderful staff – courteous, quick, and helpful with suggestions.

Unfortunately, summer time is also crowd time at the Barking Crab, and the live music during some nights can be too loud for conversation. If you’re not into talking, however, the view is a killer for any date night.

Take a walk along the scenic Seaport Boulevard Bridge and step from the glitzy urban walkway into this casual seafood eatery to experience a true Boston study in contrasts.

Price Range:
Appetizers: $5-15
Entrees: $10 -49
Desserts: $7

Contact Beth Treffeisen at [email protected]

Also by Beth Treffeisen:

Lulu’s Allston: uniquely crafted eats and drinks

Strega Waterfront: summer cocktails

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