Welcome to Barking Crab
At the Barking Crab, a beloved seafood destination in Boston's vibrant Seaport District, diners experience the charm of a classic crab shack combined with the freshness of coastal cuisine. Nestled by the water, this casual eatery captivates with its relaxed atmosphere and mouthwatering menu. Signature dishes like the buttery lobster rolls and the award-winning New England clam chowder showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality seafood. The vibrant ambiance and friendly service create an inviting space for families and friends, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors. Enjoy a memorable meal with a view at Barking Crab!
- 88 Sleeper St Boston, MA 02210 United States Hotline: (617) 426-2722
Welcome to the vibrant world of Barking Crab, a beloved seafood haven nestled in the heart of Boston's Seaport District. This casual crab shack captures the essence of seaside dining, offering an authentic culinary experience by the water.
Located at 88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA, Barking Crab is renowned for its warm atmosphere and fresh, delectable seafood. As a seafood lover's paradise, it takes reservations, provides takeout options, and boasts ample outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. The restaurant's layout—the absence of steps and stairs—ensures accessibility for all guests. With a full bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and even a pool table, there's something to entertain everyone.
But what truly sets Barking Crab apart is its mouthwatering menu. Diners can indulge in an array of starters, from the rich Hot Crab Dip with house-made chips to the flavorful Barking Crab Cakes, which have garnered a loyal following. The New England Clam Chowder, lauded for its creamy, rich flavor, exemplifies that this establishment is not just about casual dining; it's about presenting food that resonates with local culture.
- Starters:
- Barking Crab Cakes: Our famous pan-seared crab cakes for $13.
- Fried Rhode Island Calamari: Crisp and delectable with banana peppers for only $9.
- Raw Bar:
- Chilled Shellfish Platter: A treasure trove of Maine lobster, littleneck clams, and more.
- Local Oysters: Priced at $2.75, a must-have for shellfish lovers.
Guests often rave about the lobster rolls, which are generously stuffed and served warm, making them a signature dish for those looking to savor classic New England flavors. Although some have noted a slightly higher price point, the quality of the seafood—always fresh and juicy—justifies the indulgence in the eyes of many patrons.
Fun and lively, Barking Crab perfectly balances a bustling atmosphere with attentive service. The restaurant embraces a casual dining experience, where you might find yourself delving into a plate of succulent steamers or sharing a platter of fried clams with friends while kicking back with a local craft beer. As a food reviewer, I’ve marveled at how the ingredients shine with each dish, allowing the fresh flavors to take center stage.
For guests looking to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a casual dinner out, Barking Crab delivers a welcoming ambience that feels both laid-back and festive, creating an ideal setting for family gatherings or lively outings with friends.
Whether you're a local or visiting from afar, this seafood sanctuary brings the ocean's bounty to your table, ensuring memorable meals that bring everyone together for laughter, good times, and the freshest seafood Boston has to offer.
In conclusion, if you're in Boston and craving seafood, make your way to Barking Crab. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that encapsulates the spirit of New England dining.

Cute little "crab shack" next to the water! The warm buttered lobster rolls were fantastic, albeit a little overpriced. We enjoyed our time here and the staff were attentive and friendly.

Fun seafood place by the water. Not bougie, solid food options and choices for local draft beer. Long lines at the weekend so we go for lunch during the week. Fish sandwich and a lager for me everytime.

I've been to Barking Crab a few times and certainly never had a bad experience. Their staff is always very attentive and extremely nice, the ambiance is one of the best in the city with a "crab shack" vibe throughout the entire place, and their lobster and other seafood options are always juicy and fresh. I will say, they're a little overpriced compared to some other Boston spots, but can be due to their location. Bonus, I weirdly love the cut of fries they have! Overall - Love the atmosphere and the food! A little pricey, but a fun place to take visitors in town!

The Barking Crab is tucked in a corner near the Envoy Hotel by the pier + harbor in Seaport! Located in an area with lots of great eats, they stand out since they are the only place that offers fried seafood in Seaport. Pricing: Their menu is a bit on the pricy side, but as expected given the location. Sandwiches range from $20-$40, with the lobster rolls being the most expensive for sandwiches. I went here with my friend and we ended up spending $200+, however, we do tend to over ordering in general whenever it's just the two of us haha. What we ordered: -2 clam chowders -2 dozen oysters -2 lobster rolls -fried calamari -mussels -fried clams platter Overall: It's a nice spot to go in the summer and if you're in the area + looking for a place to get some fried seafood, but would not go out of my way to visit.

If you're at Snowport this holiday season and need a bite afterwards, take a ten minute stroll down the street to the Barking Crab. I was seated at the bar quickly after arriving, and my dinner selection arrived shortly after. A queue was beginning to form as I left. Despite being 1600 miles away, the interior of the Barkjng Crab somehow makes you feel like you're in Key West.

The Barking Crab at Seaport is a good touristy place to visit. Is it a fancy sit down place? NOPE - you get paper plates and plastic utensils. Does it have some delicious seafood? YES! Do you get good service? YES! Hubs and I wanted seafood. It was misty/rainy day so we caught an Uber to the Barking Crab. Our driver was so sweet. She dropped us off right next to the entrance and probably because we got there shortly around 12:15, it wasn't packed yet and we got seated right away. We sat at the upright bar table which was comfy & right in front of the bar giving us a view to the restaurant. We started with oysters and clam chowder. The oysters were plump and sweet, cold and fresh as expected. The chowers were both filled with clams and potatoes. Had a nice subtle kick to it. I ordered the naked lobster roll and hubs ordered the New England clambake. Neither disappointed us! My lobster roll was packed with lobster on a soft, toasted roll slathered in butter and warm. There was plenty of lobster! Hubby's clambake was 1.5 lb of steamed lobster filled with large chunks of meat, ample clams & mussels, a potato and an ear of sweet corn! Everything was cooked to perfection and surprisingly the clams & mussels weren't sandy! The corn was crispy crunchy and super sweet! Our lunch was really filling! It was on the expensive side, but we knew what we were getting into so it wasn't a big deal. It was worth the experience and the quality of seafood! I'm with that being said, I'm not sure I'd return again since there's other places similar to the Barking Crab that we need to try. The service was good and quick so if you're hungry and in the area, this could be a nice lunch! OH! The bathrooms were weirdly lit with a red nautical light so it was hard making it a little weird wondering what I'd be stepping on.

After walking around the Seaport District, I ended up at The Barking Crab. I was able to get seated right away, which was a pleasant surprise given how busy the place was. I ordered the scallops, shrimp, and lobster tail, which gave me the chance to try a little bit of everything. This meal was delicious. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was cooked well and very tasty. The service was friendly, the staff were quite busy. It's a great spot to sit by the water and enjoy a bite to eat.