As South Boston begins to resemble the Wild West with its endless and apparently uncontrolled development, it is good to know that there is still a great place to go to grab a bite and a beer, get away from it all, and to remember how things used to be.

For over 20 years, The Barking Crab (www.barkingcrab.com) has offered not only the best in locally-sourced seafood, much of it pulled out of the waters that can be seen from the always-happening (and now year-round usable) patio but also the best of times (many of which transpire on said patio). Far from fancy, the Crab offers a comfort that is sadly fading from view as ocean views are obfuscated by “progress,” even as the entire neighborhood is predicted to be submerged within a few generations. When that happens, the beers will still be pouring at the Crab and everyone will go down with a smile on their face!

In the meantime, there is still plenty to enjoy at the Crab. From the lobster trap lighting fixtures and driftwood décor to the views of both the city that was and the city that is becoming (a mess), the Crab is a great place to take in the view and also to pick up the digits; to enjoy an amazing meal and also a few drinks. In addition to a wide array of sizes and preparations for their eponymous crustacean (including crab cakes, dip, and legs, and the Crab’s signature white ale, which comes courtesy of friendly neighbor Harpoon), and its slightly more locally legend cousin (i.e., the lobster, which is available in a variety of preparations and also simply boiled by the pound as noted both by the Crab’s friendly staff and also on chalkboards around the venue), the Crab offers traditional clam chowder, grilled scallops, fried clams and oysters, steamed mussels and garlic and wine-bathed steamers, peel-and-eat shrimp, and even shrimp and calamari ceviche. For those who are averse to what the legendary George Carlin referred to as “breaking and eating,” there is also grilled salmon and tuna, baked haddock, Harpoon-battered fish and chips and, for the land-lubbers, steak frites. If you want to go all out, the freshly-trawled Fisherman’s platter and well-named King platter are good bets, but there is nothing like a BC clambake, complete with chorizo, corn, potatoes, and slaw. For those who want just a little taste (or just enough to absorb their liquid fun), the Crab has lobster rolls (with or without mayo), fried clam rolls, crab sliders, fish tacos and and fried fish sandwiches, as well as the Barking burger (with or without bacon and cheese) and a tuna burger, for those who like surf and turf in one handy package. If sides of fresh corn on the cob, buttermilk-battered rings, and sweet fries are not your idea of garnish (even if they surely are anyone’s idea of delish!), there is also a quartet of salads that range from house and Caesar to wedge and strawberry and goat cheese. No matter what you get, be sure to drizzle on some signature Crab on Fire sauce and ask your server if you can take it home.

While the menu and the servers often suggest pairings for certain dishes, the casual vibe at the Crab encourages experimentation, and the tasty libations list also rewards a sense of adventure. In addition to local drafts from Harpoon, Sam, Bad Martha, Fisherman’s Brew, Wachussett, and Downeast to international pours from Guinness and Lagunita’s, as well as bottles from Mexico and St. Louis, the Crab offers an impressive collection of international reds and whites, as well as some creative concoctions that, like some of the beers, can only be enjoyed at the Crab. Among these are the Crabby Margarita, the Crabby Mai Tai, the Privateer Mojito and, for the best of both worlds, the freshly-shucked oyster shooter with Southie’s own Firepuncher Vodka and homemade Bloody Mary mix. To encourage the social scene that has always made the Crab so fun, pitchers of sangria are also available and the Guppy Punch and Sleeper Street Lemonade can be enjoyed for one or the whole school.

Speaking of social, the Crab is a great place to meet after work not only because it is conveniently located between the “new” Boston and South Station, but also because it is one of the few venues in the area with year-round patio seating (thanks to an amazing new heating system) and a regular schedule of live music and entertainment. Both the deck and Lobster Room are rentable for meetings, parties, or combinations thereof, but there is always room for one more at the bar or on the turfed dance floor.

So if you are tired of the trendy chains that are weighing the new neighborhood down, or if you just want a great meal with great people and a still pretty darn good view, come back to the chicest shanty in the Seaport and get your bark on.