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    Barking Crab

    3.2 (2.9k reviews)
    PriceySeafood, Beer Bar
    Open 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Barking Crab Photos

    Business Info

    BARKING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Barking Crab

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    Hot Crab Dip
    Sandra W.

    It was very crowded. We had to wait in line for 15-20 min. It was our first time in Boston and we wanted to try local food. We ordered a dozen of oysters, crab dip, and clam chowder for appetizer. Crab dip was good, but I was disappointed at the chowder. I can only taste 1 clam and all the rest was potatoes. Oysters were fresh but very small. We also ordered seafood pasta, warm lobster roll and cold crab roll. Pasta was good with a white fish filet on top, but the lobster rolls (2) had very little filling for the price and the crab roll we also ordered was watery. Overall, I think this was not the best choice.

    New England Clam Chowder
    Katherine P.

    I read so many mixed reviews but their menu look like we'd have a lot of options as we only have one day in Boston and wanted to eat everything. Luckily, there were four of us so we did order a lot so we could taste a little bit of everything and we were not disappointed. Lobster roll , clam chowder , fish and chips , clam strips , crab cakes , oysters and more fried seafood . The only thing that was just OK with the crab cakes other than that everything was delicious. Service was very attentive and prompt. It's located in the Seaport area. A very casual atmosphere, love all the cool and funny signage.

    Lobster Roll - Cold with corn on the cob
    Samantha S.

    My lobster roll tasted so fresh and had a good amount of lobster meat. The corn on the cob was so warm and tasty. The atmosphere was unique in the tents! It tasted great overall!

    Fish & Chips
    Caroline E.

    Stopped here for lunch on our first day visiting Boston. Loved the vibe inside! We split the fish and chips and clam chowder, both were great and so glad we shared because we left stuffed. Would definitely go back again!

    Snow crabs: $64 Peel & Eat Shrimp: $22 NOT WORTH THE PRICE!
    Boston F.

    Extremely disappointing experience. The food was bland, the portions didn't justify the cost, and the prices felt excessive for the quality received. (Snow crabs: $64) The restaurant seems to rely heavily on its waterfront location and tourist traffic rather than delivering memorable seafood. Boston has many seafood restaurants that offer fresher, more flavorful dishes at more reasonable prices. I would not recommend Barking Crab and would encourage visitors to explore other local seafood options instead.

    Lobster Roll
    Fred K.

    Prob the best food I had when I visiting Boston. It ain't cheap at $47 for a lobster roll, but the meat was sweet, very filling, and really enjoyed every $ bite. The fried clams reminds of Hanks Oyster Bar in DC/NoVa. It was perfectly fried and plump and delicious. No complaints about the food :) Our waiter was good and came back often to see how we were doing. So good service and liked the view into the river and had a nice walk after lunch along the waterfront. It's what I imagined a good lobster shack would look like. The parking garages nearby ain't cheap either paying I think $44 for two hours. Yikes!

    Lily G.

    Their vegetarian options are EXTREMELY limited. I had a side of jasmine rice (mid, how can it really be messed up though. Unseasoned) and coleslaw (exceptionally heavy on the dressing). Atmosphere is circus meets ziplock bag. Fish smells all around. Part of the reason why I did not order the seafood... I will not be back soon. Signs everywhere are funny (the customer is always right except management decides who's a customer... requests to lower the music will not be listened to it's not your living room etc) but the restaurant doesn't back any of this up with service or food.

    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.

    Clam chowder
    Craig D.

    The Barking Crab is an iconic classic in Fort Point. The views, the vibes, the food, consistent service and sometimes the attitude all make for an amazing Boston experience. In the summer, it has beautiful views of the city. In the winter, the antique seating area heated by a wood stove create a tuly unique experience. I've been taking people from out of town for over 25 years, and it is always a highlight. It is a wonderful for a few drinks, appetizers and a light very casual meal. When we first starting going to the Barking Crab when the neighboring Moakley Courthouse was just being built, and the restaurant was an oasis in the middle of empy parking lots and semit abandoned buildings. It is now a quaint little place in canyon of gleaming buildings spanning high tech, financial, bio tech and consulting companies. For this past visit, we stopped by on a Thursday late afternoon (4 Sep 25) after dropping our daughter at Logan. Solid choice of draft beer including local favorites. Started with Harpoon IPA and my wife a glass - plastic cup - of wine. It's part of the zen of the crab. Had a dozen fresh clams that were served quickly followed by 3 nicely done crab cakes and an appetizer portion of friend clams that were sweet, fresh and crispy. A few beers or glasses of wine, fresh seafood and beautiful views of Boston on a warm end of summer day. Nothing better.

    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.

    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!

    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.

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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, they do! $9 per kid meal. Mac and Cheese, chicken tenders, etc.

    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.

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    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden

    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden

    3.9
    (12 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    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!

    I went to Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden recently and I wasn't impressed. They have a limited…read moreselection of draft beer and they add gratuity automatically to each order. The beer was served in 12 oz cups. I thought the price of $25.00 for two 12 oz beers was a bit steep. My girlfriend asked one of the servers if she could have a sample of one of their pilsners and the server denied her request and said that they don't give samples. We ordered our beer and sat near the back. The seating and view of the city was nice though. Two of the servers came by and announced that it was last call. The beer garden is opened till 9:00 PM on Saturday and it was about 8:25 PM so I ordered two more beers and thought I had at least a half an hour to finish them. At 8:40 PM the servers told us they were closing at 8:45 PM. My girlfriend politely asked the two servers if we could finish our beer. One of the servers bluntly said no and the other server told us to either chug our beer or leave it. We left immediately. I found the servers to be very rude and they had no class. They shouldn't have been dealing with the public. I would not recommend this beer garden. There are better beer gardens within this area that have a better beer selection and a much more professional staff.

    Photos
    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden
    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden
    Menu

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    Menu
    Bricco

    Bricco

    4.0
    (1.6k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    Up there with one of the best meals I've ever had. The steak was seasoned perfectly and cooked to…read moreperfection. One of the best steaks I've ever had. 24-oz Bone In Cowboy Ribeye. It truly blew away my expectations and was incredible. The espresso martini was superb. My wife got a pasta dish and loved it. Excellent place and I would highly recommend if you're in the area. Most restaurants get a line shortly after 5:00. So even though it was an early dinner we got there about 4:30.

    I went to Bricco with some friends during a short trip to Boston. We were seated upstairs and we…read morestarted our meal with cocktails. I ordered the Espresso Martini, which I learned the restaurant is famous for and after tasting it I understand while. I want to put the disclaimer that I am allergic to nuts, so I didn't have it how the restaurant traditionally prepares it (using Amaretto) but it still tasted excellent. The Espresso Martini was perfectly balanced between bitter and sweet and the had the perfect amount of foam on top. For my meal I got the Shrimp pasta with Zucchini. The shrimp was tender and the noodles were cooked to a perfect al dente. The zucchini added a nice contrast to the rich tomato sauce and helped make the dish feel light even though it was a bowl of pasta. My only complaint that the restaurant is very dim especially upstairs. Some people at our table joked that they might need to use their phone flashlight to read the menu, so if you are someone who struggles to see in dimly lit places keep that in mind.

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    Bricco
    Bricco
    Bricco

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    Boston Sail Loft

    Boston Sail Loft

    4.4
    (2.1k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    During our whale watch boat ride, a local family recommended Boston Sail Loft. The place is on the…read morewater, smaller, but has better prices than the competition. First come, first served poilcy. We first came on a Sunday afternoon, but were met with an hour and 45 minutes wait for a table of two. The following rainy Tuesday, we tried again and were able to get seated immediately, next to a window overseeing the water. I had the seafood platter and a cup of chowder. My wife had whole lobster for $40. TONS of delicious food. Four days prior, Union Oyster House had whole lobster for about twice the cost. All of the food was delicious. Boston Sail Loft was a great send-off restaurant to end our Boston trip. Thanks again to our new friends from Boston for the recommendation.

    Busy restaurant on the water and one of my favorite lobster rolls on this trip. Huge portions and…read morevery lively in here. Server was a bit slow but due to the influx from the FIFA fans. Started with the cup of clam chowder that comes dripping from the cup. They use a lot of dill here and come out hot. A bit on the salty side but oyster cracker helps with that. The lobster mac and cheese came with a salad. The lobster mac had a nice broiled cheese top and a creamy inside. Nice lobster and cheesy flavor to it. I got the warm lobster roll and changed it to come with onion rings for $1. The onion rings tasted homemade. Slight crisp to it and thick onions. The lobster roll was massive and the amount of lobster it came with was incredible. Poured the hot butter and squeeze lemon on it for an amazing bite. Would come back here for a larger party to share the plates and order more stuff from here. The lobster bisque is only on the weekends. They have daily menus as well.

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    Inside
    Inside
    New England Clam Chowder
    New England Clam Chowder
    Clam Chowder

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    Clam Chowder

    Barking Crab - seafood - Updated July 2026

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