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The Barking Crab

4.0

About this business

Key West meets Boston at Barking Crab Restaurant. Boaters relaxing on the Boston Harbor Cruises can dock out here while land lovers can use the front entrance. Have a hankering for a real New England clambake? You can get a lobster, steamed mussels, clams, corn-on-the-cob, cole slaw and sweet watermelon at this casual eatery. Try the house specialties, a crabcake sandwich or softshell crabs, if you are looking for something a bit lighter. The restaurant, which serves beer and wine, features live music on the weekends. Starts... read more

Location details

88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA, 02210, United States

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WeekdayScheduleStatus
Mon9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tue9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wed9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thu9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fri9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SatClosed
SunClosed
4.0562 reviews
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lsyoga's profile image
17 years ago

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE – Horrible Horrible Horrible. We made reservations for Friday night earlier in the Week and when we showed up they told us they don't take reservations for Friday nights (not what they said on the phone the day before!!) We and 10 of our friends had to wait over an hour in the stinky dirty parking lot because they wouldn't even let us in to the bar (they were already at max capacity at 8pm!!!) After over an hour we were told the table we were waiting on was just paying their bill and we'd be seating soon ... read more

insiderinfo25's profile image
insiderinfo25 
17 years ago

Rumor Has It... – I've seen quite a few horrible reviews about the Barking Crab posted over the last couple years, but rumor has it that management is about to change again. Let's hope that the old crab comes back! 

moutarded's profile image
moutarded 
17 years ago

What happened to the good 'ol Barking Crab days?? – Notice how all the good reviews are from years ago?? I used to LOVE this place. But on my last visit I also had the worst experience. I got served a sauteed spicy Tilapia sandwich after I ordered a Grilled Swordfish. Of course, I didn't realize until halfway through since the bun was so big and I had already drank 2 margarita's. I also got fries on the side instead of a goat cheese and spinach salad. My friend got the wrong beer. And when we complained the waitress rolled h... read more

r_latta's profile image
17 years ago

No redeeming qualities under new management – I must preface this review by saying I am a former Barking Crab devotee. They had one of my favorite lobster rolls--lots of flavor with very little mayo--and the outdoor atmosphere and proximity to my home were bonuses. This is not a place I have ever gone for the service, but now there is no reason at all to go. No one around me was enjoying his/her food. I'm not even exaggerating when I say that the amount of lobster salad from our THREE rolls would have made one respectable on... read more

jankelly's profile image
jankelly 
17 years ago

What happened here? Save your money... – ...I'd sooner eat a microwaved Gordon Fisherman's meal than eat here again. We too had to split a table with a bunch of other people, after waiting an hour past our designated reservation time. How can anyone enjoy a cup of chowder when it's missing seafood - and Mrs. Wiseman sitting next to you has perfume to choke a french horse. Very poor service, but I feel it's due to management and not the good old crew that seems to be hanging on for only nostalgia (no offense guys and gals). S... read more

realneonlady's profile image
realneonlady 
18 years ago

Fresh, fun seafood! – I'm not sure what the pp chose from the menu, however my friends and I found the Barking Crab to be a welcome change from the stuffy seafood restaurants that plague Boston. As we waited for our table, ever plate that passed us looked amazing. Three of us shared the crab bowl -- 4 pounds of the sweetest, freshest crab we've ever had, steamed and seasoned (very lightly) to perfection. Sure it wasn't pretty -- they give you a bib, a bucket for your shells, and three paper plates each (they do get soggy), b... read more

maniacally's profile image
maniacally 
18 years ago

Disapointing at best. It looks like a trend lately. – Overpriced small portions served in an unfriendly environment. If you go out because you enjoy sharing a bench seat with an over perfumed loud mouth stranger then come here... or pack a lunch and eat on the T. 

shoes7000's profile image
shoes7000 
18 years ago

Location is the only thing saving this establishment!!! – Yes, its true. The food is average, the cleanliness is lacking and the service is about as terrible as it gets. Try to get a drink at the bar before dinner, bartenders will have you wait. The food is average and menu has items on it that can be found in just about every seafood restaurant. I have had a couple poor experiences here( one of which we had a 40 person party and the waitress complained about a 20% tip on a $3000 bill, yes I couldn't believe it either) and c... read more

hocknod's profile image
18 years ago

Overpriced, poor food, mediocre service – I went there for lunch with a group of co-workers. I ordered a $5 thing of chowder and a plate of steamers to share. Well $5 gets you a small cup of relatively watery chowder (which I wasn't expecting - for $5 I figured I'd at least get a big cup or a bowl), and the steamers were tasteless and expensive. $18 for a small bowl of them. I thought the check was a mistake. I left $20 poorer and still hungry. Never again. 

Frequently asked questions about The Barking Crab

How is The Barking Crab rated?

The Barking Crab has a 4 star rating with 562 reviews. 

When is The Barking Crab open?

The Barking Crab is open now. It will close at 6:00 p.m.  

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