Cool atmosphere, love the outside seating. Food was good with reasonable prices. Only reason it's not a 5 start was due to service. They were slammed, so our sever was doing the best he could, but wait time for drinks & refills was longer than it should have been.
The food was great and they have lots of big platters to choose from. I just wish the restaurant had more space. It feels cramped and tight inside. I love the location though, on the harbor, right next to the Boston Children's Museum and across from the site of the Boston Tea Party
The Barking Crab is a must. The atmosphere is great. Very cozy place. The food is phenomenal. The clam chowder has such good flavor. I can say with certainty that it is the best clam chowder I've ever had. The fish & chips were also tasty. You get one generous piece of fried haddock. If they gave you anymore, I think you'd be too full to function.
7/20/19 The hottest day so far this summer 94* ATMOSPHERE- place was packed. An out door dock side tent with picnic table seating & out side table & chairs to accommodate small parties & patron's with canine companions. The music is loud & hanging in the tent is a sign that states" Don't ask us to turn down the music; this isn't your office, it's a bar! If you need quiet go back to your board room/ cubicle" It was loud& festive. Lots of laughter & talking over eachother.
SERVICE- Great. We were seated & a pail of water was immediately placed under our table for our canine companion.
Our waiter was friendly & new the menu well. He was present, made himself available even though they were packed & he was obviously busy. We didn't have to wait or ask for anything, refills were brought to our table before we asked. Since we were drinking Non- alcoholic bevys it was great. <Remember the temp! 94* thick, heavy, humid.> Slight refreshing breeze off the water, made eating outside comfortable.
FOOD- was fresh & delish. Mussels, lump crab salad & lobster rolls. All delish.
Portion size ridiculously minimal for non-appetizer's
COST- Reasonable for area $$$
DISLIKES -#1. The women's restroom is dark, small is understating the cubic ft. 2 stalls, small sink, [pet peeve; no hand drying materials.] A line into hallway most of the time.
Suggestions for outside eating area not under tent, industrial fans for thick humid days.
Very Casual place, very fresh food, the food was excellent! Shared a massive drink with the family and the plates are shareable! Emma was our waitress and gave us ideas for spots to visit and gave great service! Would recommend to anyone visiting Boston, nice view, I love to come again.
ANSOLUTELY FANTASTIC
.....BEST OF OUR 3 DAYS
Ok. So we didn't get to eat here because of where we were seated. However, we were asked first if we wanted to sit at a table with stools and we said yes. However, the table was so wobbly and I was with a kid that was big size so it made for an uncomfortable event. The waiter asked and when I told him, he quickly dismissed me and said to tell the hostess to be put on the list for a table. Priority was not going to be on our side. As we approached the hostess, she asked if we put our names on the list, trying to explain we were already seated, was irrelevant. It was only 12:30 and they were already filled. Too bad I'm not able to review the food, as coming in the door was drama. Being from New York, I was hoping to experience the food here.
Best Place to eat in Boston.
Not fancy at all but best food i had in a whole week and trying different restaurants in the area.
And great service. Even Thor (Sentino) can be you waiter.
Great fisherman's platter. And also had their excellent Boston cream pie.
Excellent Market Crab and Lobster. Fresh oysters were great. You can tell the seafood is fresh here. Great choice if your looking for a local place that isnt a chain. Food receives 5 star. Service was acceptable but lacking. I strongly suggest a cell phone policy for their servers!
Barking Crab certainly is worth a stop while exploring the town's waterfront. I enjoyed a New England Clam Chowder and a Naked Lobster Roll along with a cold one. Very delicious all in all, even though being on the pricier side.
There was a line, but went quick as some ordered to go. My waitress was very friendly and swift. Enjoyed my stay. Took home some crab cakes I will enjoy in the evening. I'm sure they're just as delicious as the food I had on site.
First...food was excellent. I would have given 5 stars but it was overpriced. I am willing to overlook that as it was right on the water and close to the Tea Party Museum that we had just come from. I highly recommend the crab dip for an appetizer. Our son got the lobster Mac and cheese, delicious! Daughter and I got snow crab legs and husband got king crab, all good.
This popular spot is packed for good reason. I found a spot at the bar and was able to order from the menu, instead of waiting an hour for a table. The clam chowder was thick and creamy with big pieces of clam. The fish and chips was light and not overdone.
Amazing food amazing atmosphere. Get there early fills in fast for dinner service
I'd you're looking for crab legs or lobster with flavor, this isn't the place to come to, everything is pretty bland, all you'll get is butter. The crab legs were really small and the price was certainly not worth it.
Although the staff was friendly it isn't a place I'll come back to, there isn't much value for the price they're asking.
Great food! One of the best places to get seafood in Boston. It's worth the money because you can sit right on the water.
The biggest disappointment was the amount of single use plastic cups and straws they were using.
Been once before and had a good meal. However 7 years on we visited at lunchtime to ask about dinner that evening. No mention that they had a private party in the outside section so wouldn't be able to dine. When tried the inside section but were informed in a rather rude manner that it would be a 2 hour wait. Needless to say, we didn't bother. They told us to go to James Hook & Co right across the river, but they clearly didn't know it doesn't open in the evenings. Safe to say, our experience of the staff was not good. A shame as I remember it was good last time.
We are in town for business trip in this place was highly recommended by several people and they were absolutely correct. The location is very nice right on the water and easy to get to from downtown. The calamari was perfect and my naked Lobster always delicious. The seafood platters also looked amazing and range from small to massive. Definitely recommend if you're in the area and in the mood for seafood.
I m obsessed with this place. Coconut shrimp is to die for and the lobster rolls kill me. It s the best place for fresh seafood in Boston and I personally think it s better than legal seafood.
One of the best lobster rolls in Boston if you get it hot with butter! Love this place in the summertime.
Service is HORRIBLE. My waitress Jessica was rude from the get go! Do yourself the favor and AVOID. The environment is inviting but the staff will ruin your experience. Take your money elsewhere.
So much fun and a beautiful view of the water. Great food.
Really laid back place. Warm wood stove makes it feel like your in a seaside lodge. Staff is really friendly and work hard to make sure you have a nice meal and experience. Will be going back here soon.
Love this place! You feel like you're on vacation when you come here. Beachy and happy vibes. There is always a wait so maybe eat a snack beforehand. The food is delicious. The drinks are good. A bit pricey but worth it
Very rude server. Shouldn't be working a customer facing job. Will not be returning to this place.
Service is great, prompt and friendly. The food is delicious and the cocktails are awesome.
Very good was very crowded stopped in from a stop with our cruise nice day
Great food. Great service. Will definitely go back!
Tourist trap. A little grungy, service is what you can expect at a tourist trap, overpriced mediocre quality food. As an example the $15 fried clams come in a skimpy little paper tray, the kind in which small fries are served at low end burger places. The slice of lemon that took up about 1/4 of the tray was completely dried out. It can get cold and windy too inside the restaurant.
Didn't quite like it. The seats are uncomfortable, and you share tables with strangers. Also, they allow dogs inside, near the food. I don't care much for what people do with their dogs in their own home, but in a restaurant, not everyone wants to eat where dogs are. I like dogs, but I wouldn't allow my dogs near somebody else's plate.
I loved this place so much. The lobster was amazing, but the service was...eh. They could do better in that dept!
Food was delicious. Atmosphere is cute and casual. Lovely seaside view of downtown. The wait was 1.5 hours on a Thursday and they only had 3 servers running the whole floor so it was almost impossible to get any kind of service. Waiter was friendly enough the few times we saw him. Definitely would reccomend if you're not looking for an intimate, personalized dining experience but just want some good seafood.
Great food and friendly staff. A bit pricey, but most things in this area are.
The Best Lobster from Boston, good beers and beautiful people. After the lobster, it is worth visiting the ground of the building next door
One of the best bars in Boston as far as atmosphere is concerned. Good beer options. Food is generally good also. Gets very crowded at popular times, but you can't beat being right in the water and outside.
Nice atmosphere, great location, good food but Super expensive for such a casual atmosphere. With that said you're in the heart of Boston, and this is capitalism so I applaud them on their success and hope they can continue to get the prices people are willing to pay. As for me, I am too frugal to eat there frequently, but it's a good New England Crabshack experience for sure.
This is a Boston institution, and kinda the last man standing in terms of the gross old boston waterfront district, now successfully colonized by high concept eateries and office buildings. Usually draws a crowd, prices are expensive but just regular boston expensive. You can just walk in and sit down at the bar. My advice is to order at the low end of the menu and focus on the charm/ambiance of the environment.
The food was good. The service was great. The pricing on the menu is very deceptive. Ask a lot of questions especially around the cost of the platters and what is included.
Communal style dining experience inside a tent. Don t let the atmosphere fool you! Tried the Barking Crab at the recommendation of my cousin. Would definitely return on my next trip to Boston!
Clam Chowder...one of the best that I tried.
Crab Cakes...small yet full of flavor and would order again.
Crab dip with chips...on point.
Spicy Lobster Roll...not overly spicy, but great flavor and well worth the price.
Stop in and give it a try!
It is a nice place to go. Excellent neighborhood for walking around and see the beauty of the city.. Does not seem the best option in the area. Food is ok. The vibe is special will only go again if someone out of state visit me. There are bunch of cheaper same and better quality option just in other neighborhoods.
Great restaurant for sea food, service was terrific and prices were reasonable.
Love this place, some of the best new England seafood for its price and an awesome chill vibe!
Great atmosphere rught next to the bay. Fresh crabs and libster rolls!
Very good spot for some seafood on the water with a low key atmosphere. The drinks were great, the food was even better. The house Bloody Mary is phenomenal. Was here for lunch on a Saturday and the line was out of the door, so I d suggest getting here as it opens. Would definitely come back!
Great seafood shack with good service and awesome food. The crab cakes and oysters were good, the lobster and crab platter was spectacular. Desserts are just ok.
Second time around and it was great again. The oysters, clam chowder, crab and lobster were all amazing.
This place has had its ups and down over the years but they ve definitely been in an upswing. The food is great and it s a fun experience. Also, they have a nice divey bar with water views. They are a little overpriced considering the venue and the fact you can t make a reservation. If there s not a long wait, then hop on in.
Great seafood food came out hot and quick waitress was very friendly and checked on us very often I would definitely recommend eating here
The smallest most expensive crab cakes in Boston. But they were delicious.
This place came highly recommended. Was on my way to a brewery so I stopped for a lobster roll. It was busy, the staff was decent and the food as WAY overpriced. $28 for a lobster roll is not acceptable. Small, too. Glad I came, but won t be back and couldn t recommend this place to others for the price point alone. A tourist trap that pulled me in!
Love this place! The Naked Lobster Roll is fantastic. No frills just great food. A bit pricey however which costs them a star.
Found on google and based off of the number of reviews and stars we decided it was a place we should visit. Upon arrival we noticed signs saying that they are a restaurant and not a bar and that each guest must order a entree with an alcoholic drink. Because my boyfriend and I typically share an entree (not because we are cheap but because portions are always big) we decided against ordering cocktails and just order one entree. Then we noticed another sign that said this is a bar, not a library or your living room. I can understand that you want people to order food and not hang out and drink all day but then I feel that a bar area should be created. We would have easily ordered at least two $18 cocktails each with one entree or a few starters and you would have made a lot more money. Service and food was good but we felt very unwelcome. If you are tying to complete with dick s last resort, you nailed it!! Definitely a tourist trap!
- Don t get the burger there...
It was awful...
- In general its a nice place to sit in
- It is expensive and not worth the money...
Food was great as expected. Service was lacking. Forgot parts of my order and took a long time to check on the table. Maybe they were short staffed. Still worth the wait food wise.
This place is always packed but the food alone is worth the visit. Staffs were not the kindest people but we definitely enjoyed our lobster roll and fish taco, and the view of the harbor was just lovely.
It's always special time to be at Barking Crabs with the environmental sound, magnificent view of both the old bridge and financial center. Trying those tap beer with steamers and barking crab cakes.
Delicious lobster bisque, lots of chunky lobster. Ahi tuna tacos were also good. The spicy mayo was yummy on them. I had the naked lobster roll, it did not disappoint. Served with the most delicious pickle slice My husband had the fish and chips, the batter on the fish fell off easily.
Awesome fried fish sandwich with fries. Crab cakes were very good.
The Barking Crab is as good as it gets. Get a lobster roll and oysters there, then to the lookout after for the Snapper. Don't forget to hit up the rooftop for a martini or whatever cheers! If yiu liked this post please like my review and follow me.
Great food, exciting place, large eating area, price was right and enough drama to talk about.
Had the crab at the Barking Crab!
Great food atmosphere and view
Listening to 60,s music over looking the canal doesn t get much better!
Best place to grab drinks with friends. Always a fun atmosphere, and perfect wind down after work spot. Could be considered a "dive" but really only because everything else in the area is bougie. Bartenders are always friendly and quick, and food is great too. The last of the spots to hold onto what having a drink on the water should be! The bar is always first come first served and usually all the customers are willing to cooperate and coordinate so everyone can have a good time.
You want some authentic Boston seafood in an atmosphere that is fun and a little chaotic? This is the place to go for some brews, music and seafood near the water. Take in a little Boston fun and get the Lobster Roll and fries with a beer.
Cool location and patio. The restaurant wasn't open when I went by sadly. Great for sunny days.
Nice restaurant great atmosphere good food over priced.
Was there yesterday (13.04.2018) and I'm fully-satisfied. Fresh seafood and good prepared. Back there whenever I will be in Boston again.
Great food. Great drinks. Bring great people to enjoy the great view too.
Good for fried food, waterfront scenery, and the old-school atmosphere. I've been coming here since 1993, and it hasn't changed hardly at all. There is a transient dock if you're arriving by boat, but it fills up quickly on summer weekends (the picture is mid-week).
Good seafood for the price the place isn't super professional which is fine it is clean and generally a nice place to be it's good enough for a first date or catching up with a friend
The food, vibe and staff were all amazing! Loved it.
Very greasy calamari and just barely a handful I would say eight pieces for 16 bucks best thing about this place is the beer. Crowded for distancing purposes every table is used. Overrated expensive
Tourist spot...the clam chowder was so thick you could stand a spoon up in it. I don't know if chowder is supposed to be that thick? It is right on the water in the financial district which is a nice view.
Had oysters, lobster sandwich, fish tacos. All were fantastic. Beer selection was good too.
This is nice spot for good seafood. We had a lobster roll and it was really good. The restaurant was packed so it was a little hectic and messy but I honestly don t think that s how the keep the restaurant 24/7 l. Plus it was St. Patty s day. But definitely worth a stop. Drinks were really good as well.
This place is pricey. The parking, the food, all of that. But it was still awesome. The restaurant by the river is awesome. And the vibe of the place is so chill. It was packed on a cloudy, Wednesday afternoon. We had the lobster roll, some lobster dumplings, crab cakes, and bacon wrapped scallops. It was all delicious. I'm sure people think it's overpriced because barking crab doesn't look like a fine dining restaurant and you're served on plastic dinnerware, but I just loved it. Hope you do too.
Food is good, location is original. Just don t take bottled water - they have none and will just fill a glass bottle with tap water
Overall a most go for anyone visiting Boston. Staff are great and food is much better than you would expect at a tourist place. I would go back in the future.
This can be a fun place for drinks and the view but that is all I'd go back for. The food is rather overpriced for the amount you actually get for any of the dishes. For example, the salmon is one small fillet that really looks like a half. You can get over a pound at the store for $8 fresh instead of paying the nearly $20 there.
I had the mussels which huge and really tasty. Lots of other selections but don't go that are for the beer
I had the lobster bisque and crab cakes and they were both crazy good. The service was excellent. Nice atmosphere. One of a kind place. Cant wait to travel to Boston again so I can eat here.
My boyfriend and I had a great experience at the Barking Crab last week. We had the lobster roll, crab dip, and oysters. All were very good but the reason we came to the Barking Crab was for their reputation for their lobster rolls. They had 3 different options which was nice. We tried the Naked Lobster Roll which was very good! The drinks were also good and our server was very friendly. I'd love to come back when the weather is nice to enjoy the views in the open air part of the restaurant. I highly recommend if you are in the area.
I don't eat seafood, I took my girl there who is from Arizona, said it was the best crab she had ever had. I ordered the steak tips. They were amazing and tender.. Place is expensive but excellent .
Had a great lobster roll and clam chowder. First time there.
A staple in the downtown / sea port area. Can get rather crowded on the weekends or when the weather is nice, but so do most places in this area. I ve been several times, although I ve never had the food. Great place for a casual drink, the prices aren t too expensive for Boston waterfront and it s a fun young vibe.
Fun to have a margarita outside with convivial compatriots and tourists alike.
Great location with a beautiful view of Boston and the harbor. Cozy atmosphere. Communal (picnic) tables. Friendly service. Sadly, with all this going for it...Food is just ok. And there is some rather annoying live entertainment. Too bad. But i would recommend for stopping to have a drink. It is comfortable.
The place is called Barking Crab but the Dungeness Crab I ate there is probably the worst crab I have ever had. I might be a little spoiled though since I live in San Francisco. The lobster roll is also tasteless and not good but yet expensive. I are at Yankee Lobster two days ago which is only a few minutes away and both the crabs and the lobster were much much better, and cheaper. However, we had great service here and the ambience was nice.
TOURIST TRAP. TERRIBLE SERVICE. Our waitress, SHARI, yelled at us. She had a "not my problem" attitude and was incredibly rude. We left before ever ordering food to get away from her. I understand she was upset I had some food with me (the wait was supposed to be an hour and 15 minutes and our table was ready in ~20 so I didn't have time to finish the snack I bought) but when she asked me to put it away, I did. we tried to order apps and she refused to take our order if we didn't order a main dish. she berated us. One girl tried to order a lobster roll just to get rid of the waitress and she still wouldn't take it. I tried to order something and she said it didn't count..? so when I asked her to explain what exactly she was asking us for, she left in a huff and said "I'll give you 1 minute to decide" and said she would kick us out of our table if we didn't order what she deemed appropriate. (it was so weird! I didn't know any of these rules!) so, we were fed-up with the attitude, asked for the check and left. We made a point to mention to the manager on our way out how unbelievably rude the waitress was and the manager actually just stood there and let the waitress yell at us! it was crazy. I used to work in food service and it sucked, but I was never that rude to a customer.
Picked every morsel of lobster meat. Perfect hang out spot with friends and to meet new friends.
barkingcrab.com
