As summer returns to Boston, many eyes turn towards the sea. And while the view may be more and more blocked by more and more development, there are still some standards that seem to have always been. One of these is the Barking Crab, a local spot for seafood and nightlife that has been a seaside staple since 1994.
With its porthole-d doors, worn wooden floors and tables, and rigging, nautical flags and buoys hanging from the rafters, a meal at The Crab feels very much like being on a ship (but without any potential seasickness). And when the fresh fish and other fixings arrive at your table, you would swear they had been pulled up just moments before – and they probably were! It may not be an elegant place, but there is clearly care taken in every presentation and every bite, and that’s what matters! And with its great views and live music starting in March on the large tent-topped deck, The Crab is a great place for dinner, drinks, dancing, or all of it…and more!
Though The Crab has been around for nearly 20 years, there are some changes afoot. Top among these is new top chef Allesandro Da Silva, a Brazilian import who claims to not eat much fish but to “love to work with it”. That love and sense of adventure are evident in every bite of his South American-meets-New England fare and the chef brings his international flair even to such Boston staples as cod, homemade clam chowder, “Barking” crab cakes and his personal favorite, calamari. He also offers such savory specialties as a Crab Louie with egg remoulade and tomato, an oyster po’boy sandwich, and a lobster roll that is literally overflowing with over four ounces of sweet meat. Speaking of lobsters and their titular crustaceans, The Crab offers them up in a wide array of ways, including “lonely”(boiled with drawn butter and lemon), fire grilled, baked stuffed, scampi, plated with mac n’ cheese, crabs or clams, or as part of a crab bowl or even a complete New England clambake, complete with mussels, red bliss potatoes and corn on the cob. For landlubbers, The Crab offers its “Barking” burger and also a succulent 16-ounce ribeye steak, grilled half chicken or BBQ spare ribs. In addition to the famed chowder and a massive raw bar, starter sets include a fresh Caesar salad, and others with spinach and walnuts or tomato, mozzarella and red onion. Sides include fresh coleslaw, seasonal veggies and amazing sweet potato wedges.
From March through late fall (which in Boston can be late or not-so-late), The Crab opens its award-winning tented patio and kicks up the live music and fun. This season, Sunday afternoons are especially hot as The Crab introduces “Reggae Sundays.” When the tent is closed, Chef Da Silva opens up another special treat- his incomparable brunch menu. From beignets and breakfast tacos to Boston Coffee Cake French toast and trios of fresh crepes and crab cake Benedict to either the customizable “Crab Shack” or the overstuffed lobster and spinach omelet, The Crab is a great place to start the day or to fuel up before a day at sea. Each meal is served with a plastic beach pail filled with fresh pastries and each can be accompanied by such sweet and savory slurpers and suckers as oysters and other raw bar favorites and/or a “crabby” bloody Mary, mimosa or blackberry bellini (or whatever the ace bar staff has come up with that day). There are also wines and beer available for all tastes and budgets- from neighborly faves like Sam and Harpoon to more exotic Italian and French bubbly. No matter what you order for your mains and sides, be sure to save room for homemade strawberry shortcake, the almost drinkable molten chocolate cake or De Allesandro’s pick, the limoncello cake.
While The Crab’s Newport location was named a 2012 Diner’s Choice by Open Table, there is nothing like the original. It is a great place to go after work or before a concert and, as it is so close to South Station, you can whoop it up safely and securely with no need for a designated driver. So “crabe diem” and get into one of Boston’s best and longest-lasting seaside specialties.
The Barking Crab
88 Sleeper Street, Boston
617 426 CRAB (2722)