Restaurant Review: Barking Crab - Boston

Barking Crab - Boston

88 Sleeper St.
Boston, MA 02210

617-426-CRAB

A work colleague traveled to Boston from India for two weeks. 

On his last trip, we went to We also went to , where the food was declared fabulous (although there was a debate on the correct temperature for serving Jalebi – with Wikipedia saying warm or cold).

The next request was a bit intimidating, "I would like to spend a Saturday with you, for the entire day, and meet your entire family." 

It often takes a holiday for my family to get together unless one of the kids needs something. "Hey, I'd like you to meet this work mate of mine on a Saturday," wasn't going to cut it. I'd have to buy lunch. Bribe them with food and beverage.

We set off on a walking tour provided by Lorraine Giargiari of . 

Lorraine has opened a small Boston tour business were you get to see Boston the best way: walking. We met at the PO Square Garage, and spent the morning walking through Boston and in/out of many buildings. Lorraine does a great job picking up on the cues from the people on the tour, like, "You want to see churches? Let's go this way. (She can be reached at 508-333-6582 to arrange a personal or group tour.)

As 1 p.m. approached, we had worked up a pretty good hunger, and other coworkers and my son and his wife were on their way.

We met at the Barking Crab in Boston. 

According to its website, "Opened in May of 1994 as an outdoor summer restaurant, we were known for our first three years as Venus — Seafood in the Rough. After a successful second season, the restaurant expanded into the adjoining Neptune Lobster and Seafood Market, adding a wood-burning stove and becoming a year-round operation."

What I like about the Barking Crab is it is just comfortable. It has a feel of an ocean side clam shack, with the Fort Point channel on one side. Paid parking is easy in front of the restaurant, although you can save $5 if you park two lots over. Dress code? Wear something. No pretenses here.

The hostess was pleased to greet us, and took our names and sent us over to the outside bar where our coaster was indicating seating after one beverage.

Our entire group was seated at an inside picnic table. What could be more natural at a clam shack?

The menu was wide and varied, with a large number of specials. Frankly, most in our group either went with a special, or quickly decided on a standard summer preference (for example, I went with an (overly buttered) Lobster Roll.

What a great place for getting a group together. 

Our day was beautiful with temperatures in the 80s. Sitting at a picnic table under a cover was very natural. I've been to the Barking Crab in foul winter weather, when chowder is more interesting, and always have a great time.

So we had a few spontaneous discussions going around the table when Marcus Thompson, the general manager, came by. What a gracious host! He chatted about the food, including his favorites, and subtly adjusted the size of an order for us when he determined we wouldn't have had enough food for the size of the party.

Overall, all the people at the Barking Crab seemed to be having a nice time.  From the hostess, to the bartender (very efficient), to the wait staff, to Marcus, to a person they all were smiling, and more than happy to help us with group pictures, etc. 

So when you find yourself looking for something easy to do on the waterfront, the Barking Crab is worth a visit.

Note – There is now a Barking Crab in Newport, too.

Hours

Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. kitchen, Bar until 11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. kitchen, Bar until 12 a.m.

Barking Crab - Boston gets a

       Green Light – Go and enjoy

About the RAG scale:

       Green Light – Go and enjoy

       Amber Light – Use caution

       Red Light – Save your time and money

The Author

Gary Kelley has lived in Westborough since 1994. His reviews are what he would tell friends, and are not an academic analysis. You can follow him @glkelley or www.garylkelley.com.