The summer days are beginning to make their mark on every aspect of our lives – from how we spend our leisure time to where we eat with friends. It is impossible to talk about summer in Boston, especially as a foodie, without discussing the full New England experience of the Barking Crab. Located in the newly revived Boston Seaport on the edge of Boston’s historic Fort Point Channel and in sight of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, this busy, open-air seafood shack embodies the Bostonian culture with its focus on fresh seafood in a traditional yet urban coastal clam shack.
The Barking Crab has been in business for over twenty-four years. This is a place that speaks to the needs of the locals and the cravings of visitors. With access to the marina and within walking distance to the bustling streets of Boston, The Barking Crab offers a captivating experience that leads visitors to wait in long lines during the summer months without a hint of complaint.
On any given day, the patio tables are lined with patrons enjoying the summer breeze and the distinct smell of the sea as they order signature items like the Crabby Coolers – a 32 oz drink of choice, usually with alcohol – or admire the King Platter – a 10lb lobster and mixed crab bowl as it is served to a nearby table. The outdoor seating offers both a buffer for wait times and a breathtaking view that only a city can provide but much of the magic that happens inside the Barking Crab is on account of its communal seating. Shared seating was originally popularized by European cafe Le Pain Quotidien and has allowed restaurants to provide more seating for customers while creating an authentic and subtle social experience. This seating style has become an integrated part of the dining experience at the Barking Crab, as strangers – both local residents and tourists – come together to share their common interests and their love of seafood.
Based on the big city backdrop, the easily accessible marina, and the live reenactments sometimes viewed from the windows seats in the direction of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, the Barking Crab is a destination full of #SundayFunday material but it is the extensive menu that truly makes the Barking Crab more than worthy of our seal of approval. Starting with the Ahi tuna tacos – topped with spicy mayo and avocado – or the fresh mussels – cooked in white wine, garlic, herbs and dressed with crostini – eating at the Barking Crab is an easy way to grab the attention of any appetite and prepare it for a true New England indulgence.
Famous coastal flavors and recipes like lobster rolls, the fisherman’s platter – a dish filled with fried clam strips, scallops, shrimp and haddock – and king crabs line the menu at Barking Crab in hopes of appealing to the inner seafood lover but that is only accomplished when the dishes are paired with one of the signature cocktails like the inevitably named, Tea Party – made of deep Eddy peach Vodka, lemonade and iced tea. Adding to the social atmosphere and communal dining style, the cocktail and food pairings raise the bar of what it means to be a #SundayFunday destination.