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    Barking Crab

    3.2 (2.9k reviews)
    PriceySeafood, Beer Bar
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Barking Crab Photos

    Business Info

    BARKING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Barking Crab

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    Lobster Roll and Clam Chowder
    Sophie O.

    Too expensive to be so average. I would not get the lobster roll again, would only come for soup Naked Lobster Roll 6.9/10 (Warm, butter poached lobster meat, served on a toasted bun with coleslaw, fries, and a pickle) Cup Of Chowder 8.8/10 (Traditional creamy New England Clam Chowder with clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon.)

    Elizabeth N.

    First time in Boston since I was in HS and I didn't want to leave. One reason? The seafood. The Barking Crab is set on the harbor and is seen as a "must stop spot". With fresh seafood and an unassuming look this waterfront spot was the perfect stop to eat some viddles and catch up with family. The staff was sub par and the roll itself stale but the lobster was on point. I'd go again but this time I'd be a bit more vocal about my needs ;)

    Pan-Seared Jumbo Scallops, Shrimp & Lobster Tail dish
    Genevieve V.

    We were looking for a place to have a good lobster roll while spending the night in Boston for a flight the next day. The Barking Crab fit the bill with great views, bar vibes, delicious food, and personal service. I could see how this would be a packed place in the summer as locals look to sit outdoors by the water and soak up the sun. The 4 stars is purely because it was SO expensive. We ordered the Pan-Seared Jumbo Scallops, Shrimp & Lobster Tail dish which came with a lemon buerre blanc sauce, asparagus, and roasted fingerling potatoes. It was $55 for each dish. My friend got the lobster roll with french fries and it was $42, so we felt like this was a deal. We stopped by fairly late on a Monday night and were seated right away. There were enough people still there that we felt like the food would be good, and it was. Started with a Sam Adams beer and pinot grigio, both served in plastic cups. And a bowl of lobster bisque. My biggest complaint is that the silverware was plastic...when i'm paying $200 for a meal for 3, I would like to eat of of some kind of stronger material...instead we had to use our fingers. Note that there was not street parking nearby and 1 hour in the nearest garage was $42, which was absolutely astronomical and would make it hard for me to justify returning if I needed to park. Overall, the food was worth the hassle and we chalked it up to an experience while in Boston.

    Gabi Y.

    This spot was packed and had a line out the door for lunch. I've never had a lobster roll so of course we had to get one on the last day of this trip. We really wanted to sit by the water but got seated in the front area. We asked Bryan if we could move by the water and he made it work!! Thank you!! We had such a fun time, the lobster was amazinggg and we loved the ambiance. Great service!

    exterior
    Amanda Z.

    I visited barking crab on a Friday evening. My friend's mom from New Hampshire recommended this spot so I could try a lobster roll for the first time. There weren't many other customers when we arrived, so we were seated promptly. I also appreciated the festive decorations they had up for the holiday season. I ordered the cold, Maine-style lobster roll, while my friend got the hot, Connecticut-style lobster roll. She let me try hers, & both were delicious. I'd love to visit again!

    Jill G.

    Cute bar atmosphere place. Sam Adams beer was yummy. The clam chowder was great. French fries were perfection. Lobster roll was pretty good. I've had better in Chicago. Maybe my expectations were high because I heard great things. Service was ok, in & out kinda place.

    Tracy Y.

    A classic tourist favorite--fun atmosphere, but you're definitely paying for the location and vibe rather than top-tier food. We came on a Monday around 5:30pm and luckily didn't have to wait, but it gets very busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly if you hate long lines. The vibe is great--a lively, casual spot right by the water with a "dining-on-a-boat" feel, which adds to the experience. That said, the food is getting more pricey and just okay. You can definitely find better and cheaper seafood around Boston if you're here for the food rather than the fun.

    Stephanie A.

    I ordered the shrimp platter and it was soooo good. Shrimp was super crispy and flavorful. Service was great and loved the view of the water. Will go back for sure!

    Samuel Adams beer
    Larry H.

    The bar had a good selection of draft beers. Since we were in Boston, I felt like I had to get a Samuel Adams. Beer was fresh and cold. We ordered lobster rolls. The lobster rolls were just OK. The ambience is sort of dive bar-ish. Service was good felt a little rushed. If you want a better lobster roll for the same price go to the Saltie Girl. Lobster rolls at the bar crab do not have a lot of lobster in the bun. It's mostly on top of the bun.

    Dining area
    Madison K.

    What a great spot for a meal in Boston! First of all, the location is top tier. Situated over the water between seaport (where you can access it) and downtown, it's hard to imagine a better spot for a New England seafood joint. It's busy, it's loud, it has garish decor, and it's a whole lotta fun. I also quite enjoyed my food! The clam strip roll was delicious. Pricey, sure. But you're in Boston so you can't get around it. The sweet potato fries were a killer, too. I'd go back just for those. Service was also super quick, which was surprising given how busy it was. Now once the food was dropped off we didn't really see much of our waitress, but other than water we didn't need much more.

    Barking Crab Cakes
    Elizabeth S.

    This place was packed! But we did t wait too long to be seated. Very very loud. Our server was awesome. Crab cakes were good and fried shrimp platter was also good. However whomever thinks one little lemon wedge for 8 big shrimp is sufficient is mistaken. And $35 for a fried shrimp platter is a bit overpriced, especially when I couldn't substitute the slaw for corn. Food came out super fast.

    Lobster roll!
    Leslie D.

    I really liked the Barking Crab (went twice during our trip) but I'm always partial to a crab / lobster shacks located next to the water. If you happen to go during peak hours, the line can be daunting but it moves really fast. In the heat of the summer, the heat can be a little overwhelming so warning you now. For drinks we stuck to beers and for food, the lobster roll of course and crab cakes!

    Ambiance
    Vrinda M.

    This place is filled with racist. I would never go back here. The service was very sad because of which I did not want to tip, and that apparently was not okay with the servers like what rights did they have to tell me anything about tipping they should learn their job first. Apart from this, the ambience was really good, but the food sucked. It's very bland.

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    Barking Crab Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Barking Crab

    Do they have dock space for those arriving by boat? Thank you.

    I didn't see space there but space was available nearby.

    Are reservations accepted?

    Yes. https://blog.thewake.io/experiences-barking-crab-reservations/… Read more

    Are dogs allowed?

    Don't think so, but not sure. I don't think it will be the most dog friendly environment. Packed pretty tight with not much room for our friends to be comfy. I suggest giving the store a call.

    Do they have parking nearby?

    Yes, there is a garage within minutes of restaurant.

    Do they take reservations?

    They do, but you have to book on the not user-friendly link they ask you to use on their website. The link hardly has availability even one month out, which often seems like there's a glitch. Well, don't waste your time, because they don't answer… Read more

    Tv for sports?

    I didn't see any TVs in their covered patio section.

    I called and they said they don't take same day reservations do they take walkins?

    They do take walk ins. There are 2 different host stations depending on whether you want to sit on the outdoor patio or inside. They're not super organized to be honest. But there's usually space at the bar as well!

    Do they have a kids menu?

    yes. I believe so for kids <12 yo

    Are you pet friendly in the outdoor area?

    I am not 100% certain by my opinion would be to try not to bring your pet because it is so crowded that It might be unfair and uncomfortable for the pet. Just saying.

    View All 10 Questions

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    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden

    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden

    (11 reviews)

    Loved this Beer Garden. We noticed it around while walking around the area - Government Center and…read moreFaneuil Hall. After checking out the famed Feneuil Hall and Quincy Market, my husband was ready to go on a sightseeing strike if I wouldn't have gotten him a beer! The Sam Adams tap room was there, but too crowded and popular. We love indie places so we went back to Distraction & Democracy and it was the wisest decision! The space is big, wide, the ladies working the counter are super helpful and friendly, we tried their Amber Ale, it was great, so we ordered a couple of cold ones. Lots of cool seating options, we got some in the shade at a table facing Faneuil Hall. Hard to beat that view! The beer was amazing, the place relaxing, some friendly folks around chilling, taking a break in action like us! They have clean portable toilets with water sinks and soap. Lots of them! Great experience! Enjoyed our well deserved beer break here! Fun and relaxing, cherished a cold one surrounded by the city's history! Cheers!

    Wanted to check out a market that was supposed to be in this space, but when we arrived it was dead…read moreand empty. The bartender told us the market folks rescheduled at the last minute, then offered beers on the house for our trouble. It's a great location with views of the Sam Adams brewery and Faneuil Hall. Super affordable drinks if you were to pay for them, and a great chill place to sit down with friends or enjoy on your own. Staff was incredible. Big props to those ladies holding it down!

    Wicked Craft - Showdown in Little Tokyo

    Wicked Craft

    (173 reviews)

    North End

    Every year my fiancé and I try a new restaurant for our anniversary and this year we went to Wicked…read moreCraft Co. From the moment we stepped in, we felt the brunch vibes. The music, the atmosphere and staff were amazing. The owner, Steve, was attentive as well. He came over, congratulated us on our anniversary and spoke about his vision for the restaurant. The drinks have fun, catchy names but are absolutely delicious. We ordered shots and the presentation with the smoke was fantastic. The food portions on the brunch menu were just right. Overall, this is a great restaurant with fun vibes. We will definitely be back to try the dinner menu.

    Did not realize we were walking into a club scene, for lunch at noon. Wow, just really taken back…read moreon the entire experience. Sat directly under the speaker, was deaf 10 minutes in. Staff were extremely friendly, but just a weird experience (for North End IN Boston). People walking around in sunglasses, loud poppers being shot with confetti in the air, lots of yelling- just a loud, rambunctious scene. Food on the menu wasn't bad (although they were out of certain items); I tried the chicken sliders, the chicken tacos (with mango and pineapple), and the champagne strawberry pop-tarts. Fun (and wide) selection of food; and lots of cocktails (all for show- little alcohol but all had a "fun" presentation). Not my vibe so would not return- but if you're looking for a Miami club vibe, this restaurant is for you. Maybe drink before you get there, if you actually want to feel the alcohol.

    Barking Crab - seafood - Updated May 2026

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