Dining room
1 / 10

The Barking Crab

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A quintessential Boston waterfront seafood shack with a lively, tented atmosphere and a menu of fresh, classic New England favorites.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Dining room

The Barking Crab

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A quintessential Boston waterfront seafood shack with a lively, tented atmosphere and a menu of fresh, classic New England favorites.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"If you’re craving seafood without the white tablecloths, The Barking Crab in Boston is where you need to be."

TIP

Enjoy the Outdoor Seating

Visit during warmer months to fully enjoy the outdoor seating area by the Fort Point Channel.

Consider Bar Seating for Speed

Arrive early or expect waits; bar seating might offer quicker service during busy times.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Seafood

Price

$$$

Phone

(617) 426-2722

Address

88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Waterfront Seafood Shack

Iconic Waterfront Seafood Shack

Experience classic New England seafood in a lively, tented setting right on the water with harbor views.

Best Seafood in Boston: Where to Eat It15 Boston Restaurants With a View: Scenic Rooftops & Waterfront SpotsBoston’s 16 Best Seafood And Clam Chowder Restaurants
Delectable Crab Cakes & Lobster Rolls

Delectable Crab Cakes & Lobster Rolls

Savor generously portioned crab cakes and fresh, flavorful lobster rolls, a must-try for seafood lovers.

TikTokBest Waterfront Restaurants in Boston: Scenic Outdoor Restaurants & BarsGoogle Review
Lively Atmosphere & Nautical Decor

Lively Atmosphere & Nautical Decor

Enjoy a vibrant, casual atmosphere with nautical-themed decor, perfect for a fun dining experience.

Boston’s 16 Best Seafood And Clam Chowder RestaurantsGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🦀 The Barking Crab 📍 Boston, MA This place is a complete and utter staple of The Seaport and Boston as a whole. This dish is as beautiful as it is tasty. Places like this which are so ingrained in everyone’s minds often get overlooked but don’t make that mistake with The Barking Crab. Featured Items: Pan Seared Sampler #bostonfoodie #foodinboston #bostonseaport #seaportboston
@kaseyfeasts
5.3K likes • 165.9K views

Enjoy the Outdoor Seating

Visit during warmer months to fully enjoy the outdoor seating area by the Fort Point Channel.

Consider Bar Seating for Speed

Arrive early or expect waits; bar seating might offer quicker service during busy times.

Seafood in Boston is top tier🦞 #foodie #foodtiktok #fyp #foryoupage #boston #bostonfood #seafood #barkingcrab
@ashleehyp
169 likes • 9.3K views
Boston said lobster rolls or nothing… so I pulled up to the iconic Barking Crab 🦀. Worth the hype or just for the tourists? 🦞🔥 #BostonEats #LobsterRoll #FoodieFinds
@honey.and.buster
70 likes • 656 views

Portions Can Be Small

Be prepared for potentially smaller portions at higher prices compared to other nearby spots.

Embrace the Loud Music

The music is intentionally loud, with signs indicating it's not a library. Enjoy the vibe!

I’m so obsessed with Boston I wanna move here thxxxx 🦞 #boston #bostonlobsterroll #barkingcrab #bostonseaport
@ginggang00
57 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Enjoy the Outdoor Seating

Visit during warmer months to fully enjoy the outdoor seating area by the Fort Point Channel.

Consider Bar Seating for Speed

Arrive early or expect waits; bar seating might offer quicker service during busy times.

Portions Can Be Small

Be prepared for potentially smaller portions at higher prices compared to other nearby spots.

Embrace the Loud Music

The music is intentionally loud, with signs indicating it's not a library. Enjoy the vibe!

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Barking Crab offers a vibrant, casual waterfront dining experience with fresh, classic New England seafood. While many praise the delicious crab cakes, lobster rolls, and clam chowder, some find portion sizes small for the price. The lively atmosphere and attentive service are highlights, though occasional complaints about rude staff and loud music do surface.

"If you are in Boston near the Seaport area and looking for seafood, the barking crab is where you have to go.

The atmosphere is fantastic as it’s an outside tent and very relaxed right on the water. The food is absolutely some of the best seafood I’ve ever had, especially these scallops.

The service staff was super friendly and efficient. We were seated within 15 minutes when we arrived at 4:45 PM on a Sunday and our food arrived amazingly fast.

I’m usually not one for a lot of words, but I can’t say enough about this place and how highly I recommend it."

Paul La Vigne

"I recently visited this establishment and found myself quite impressed. While there was a slight wait, and our seating was in a somewhat dimly lit area, we proceeded with our meal. We ordered the stuffed lobster, and to my delight, it was yummy😋 I must say, I do enjoy the stuffed lobster at Bay Pointe so this was a hit as well. We also sampled the clams, which my friend found to be satisfactory. I enjoyed the stuffed 🦞 so much that we returned the following weekend. However, my friend's experience with the pan-seared scallops, shrimp, and lobster was disappointing, as the seafood lacked flavor. The fried calamari was also just adequate."

Katie Beckles

"Really nice restaurant on the water in Boston. We had the fried clams and crab cakes as a starter, both were beautiful, especially the crab cakes. We had the lobster roll and the baked haddock, with potatoes instead of rice. Food was good and atmosphere was really pleasant. Unfortunately the staff were a rude and rushed us on multiple occasions, especially taking my plate whilst I was still eating, which was disappointing. Still enjoyed the meal and the vibe"

Thomas McDonagh

What People Like

Fresh, flavorful seafood
Casual waterfront vibe
Attentive staff

What People Dislike

Small portion sizes
Loud music
Inconsistent service

Frequently Asked Questions

The Barking Crab is famous for its classic New England seafood, including crab cakes, lobster rolls, oysters, clam chowder, and fried seafood platters.

TikTokBest Waterfront Restaurants in Boston: Scenic Outdoor Restaurants & BarsGoogle Review

Yes, it's considered kid-friendly with a fun, casual atmosphere that parents can also enjoy.

Google Review

Reservations are generally not accepted. It's advisable to arrive early or be prepared for wait times, especially on busy nights.

Where to Eat Spectacular Seafood around Boston in Summer 2023

It's a lively, casual, and boisterous spot with nautical decor, picnic tables, and often loud music, ideal for fun hang-outs.

Boston’s 16 Best Seafood And Clam Chowder RestaurantsGoogle Review

While it started as a seasonal restaurant, it now has a permanent wing and the tented patio is often open even in cooler months.

Best Seafood in Boston: Where to Eat ItGoogle Review

Some diners find the portions to be on the smaller side, especially for the price, while others consider them generous.

TikTokCheap Eats BostonGoogle Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Thrillist

Best Waterfront Restaurants in Boston: Scenic Outdoor Restaurants & Bars

A long-standing staple of the Seaport, The Barking Crab has been serving succulent seafood long before the neighborhood became the glimmering high-rise-packed district that it is today. As you may assume from the name, The Barking Crab has mastered the art of crustacean-based cuisine, offering top-tier crab cakes, lobster rolls, and crab rolls—but the culinary prowess doesn’t stop there. Diners can take a break from the classic cuisine of New England with some citrus-loaded Peruvian ceviche, or go all in with a Fisherman’s Platter, a mouthwatering assortment of seafood that’s complete with clam strips, scallops, haddock, and a wealth of other Bay State favorites.

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Condé Nast Traveler

Best Seafood in Boston: Where to Eat It

The last vestige of the old Seaport—once a rough-around-the edges neighborhood that’s now filled with glass skyscrapers and high-end athleisure boutiques—the indoor-outdoor Barking Crab feels like a coastal summer clam shack, thanks to its tented roof and picnic tables. The joint got its start as a seasonal restaurant in 1994, and although it has since expanded to include a permanent wing, the beachy, no-fuss atmosphere has remained part of its charm all along. The menu consists of seafood platters; raw bar favorites; fried scallops, shrimp, and clams; fish sandwiches and composed dishes; plus lobster in all guises: boiled, grilled, roasted, and rolled.

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Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Cheap Eats Boston

The Citysearch poll cited above has chowder from places I wouldn't send my worst enemy to, including Union Oyster House, Summer Shack, Boston Sail Loft, Tommy Doyle's, and Barking Crab -- from that list, I'd personally suggest only Legal Seafoods and Great Bay (neither of which I prefer to Neptune Oyster), while Grill 23 and Capital Grille are respectively excellent and good steakhouses which I normally wouldn't associate with excellent chowder.

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Time Out

15 Boston Restaurants With a View: Scenic Rooftops & Waterfront Spots

While we all love the new places, sometimes the oldies are the best. Set right along the Fort Point Channel, this red-shingled seafood shack and open-air tent serves as party central during the summer months for locals and tourists alike. Gather at the spot's picnic tables, beneath lamps made of lobster traps strung with Christmas lights, for steamers, fried Ipswich clams or a full New England seafood bake.

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Eater Boston

Boston Restaurants With the Best Views

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Lonely Planet

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Whether you’re at a casual waterside venue like James Hook & Co. or The Barking Crab, or settling into a settee at a more formal restaurant like Row 34, pescatarians will be in heaven. The most popular orders include oysters on the half shell, New England clam chowder, lobster rolls (both buttered and with mayonnaise) and steamed clams.

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The Infatuation

Where To Eat And Drink By The Water In Boston - Boston

If Epcot wanted a New England-themed restaurant, it would look a lot like the Barking Crab, considering how stuffed it is with maritime kitsch. This is a tourist trap in a prime location, so it doesn’t have to try too hard, and you might find an uncooked clump of flour in your chowder. But, man - that location.

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The Culture Trip

Boston’s 16 Best Seafood And Clam Chowder Restaurants

The most notable aspect of The Barking Crab is its boisterous ambience. Casual, loud, fun and right on the harbor, it is a gathering spot ideal for friends and boozy hang-outs. With picnic tables under a red-and-yellow striped tent, red plastic baskets and music, the scene here welcomes you to unwind.

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fodors.com

Quick Dinner in Boston... - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Please do not consider the Barking Crab, also in that area, and a place that rightly has a reputation for unacceptably grungy digs and not-so-sanitary food handling -- I've gotten sick eating there twice.

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Boston Magazine

Where to Eat Spectacular Seafood around Boston in Summer 2023

Nothing says “it’s 80 degrees outside” like sitting on a waterfront deck and sharing big helpings of fried seafood with friends while crushing an easy-drinking local lager. A downtown mainstay since 1994, the Barking Crab—essentially a clam shack in the middle of a city—fits the bill. The lively, no-reservations spot on Fort Point Channel is positively buzzing throughout the warmer months, and while the team is mostly keeping things rolling as it always has, longtime fans will be delighted to find a new shellfish tower on the menu these days, packed with lobster, oysters, crab legs, and more.

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Forbes

Where To Find Boston's Best Seafood Restaurants

I like Saltie Girl in the Back Bay, Loyal Nine in Cambridge, B&G Oysters in the South End and The Barking Crab in Fort Pointe," she says. "Loyal Nine is also great for brunch, and remember two words: lobster popover. B&G Oyster has a patio and the most incredible service I've ever had in Boston. The staff really knows its stuff and how to make a special dining experience. Another place that doesn't necessarily specialize in seafood but does wonderfully interesting fish dishes is Whaling in Oklahoma in the South End. I had a raw tuna dish there that absolutely melted in my mouth.

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American Eats

The Absolute Best Lobster Rolls Spots in Boston

Barking Crab is known for its soft and buttery lobster rolls, but you can also get some of the best fish and chips in town at this popular seafood eatery. The restaurant also has a tasty seafood boil complete with steamed shrimp and fresh lemon and huge portions of lobster and crab with lemon garlic sauce for dipping. Barking Crab also has some delicious appetizers to choose from such as the hot crab dip which and stuffed crabs with chorizo and Ritz cracker stuffing.

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US News & World Report

The 8 Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston – Locals' Picks

The Barking Crab, located in the Seaport District, has been serving up seafood for more than 20 years in a lively, fun venue where patrons put on bibs to tuck into steamed lobsters. Seafood prices, especially for lobster and oysters, fluctuate daily, but appetizers like the hot crab dip or the chorizo-stuffed littleneck clams are $12. The Fisherman's Platter, a popular entree with fried clam strips, scallops, shrimp and haddock, is $31.

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WTOP News

The 8 Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston — Locals’ Picks

The Barking Crab, located in the Seaport District, has been serving up seafood for more than 20 years in a lively, fun venue where patrons put on bibs to tuck into steamed lobsters. Seafood prices, especially for lobster and oysters, fluctuate daily, but appetizers like the hot crab dip or the chorizo-stuffed littleneck clams are $12. The Fisherman’s Platter, a popular entree with fried clam strips, scallops, shrimp and haddock, is $31.

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CBS Boston

Guide To Boston's Best Seafood Restaurants

One of the best crab shacks in town, grab a seat at the indoor picnic tables for a seafood feast at The Barking Crab. Right on the water, take advantage of the great views as you peel and crack your way through lobsters, shrimp and crab legs. The menu features many fish choices including whole local Jonah crabs for $12, a pound and a half of Alaskan Bairdi legs for $31 or get a pound and a half of the Alaskan king crab legs for $49.

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Birthday Dinner in Boston | 19 Best in 2024

If you’re lucky enough to have a birthday during the summer, plan your birthday dinner in Boston at the Barking Crab. This waterfront location is the best place to enjoy local seafood favorites while also enjoying the premier harborside location. The fun and festive seafood shack vibe is a "not fancy but affordable" restaurant in Boston and a great place for groups of friends to gather for a birthday celebration.

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7 Top Spots for the Best Clam Chowder in Boston

The Barking Crab (88 Sleeper Street) is yet another casual eatery located directly on the water that you simply need to check out. Barking Crab is renowned for its stellar seafood dishes, just one of which being the clam chowder. Crafted with fresh clams in tandem with potatoes, onions, and bacon (yes, you read that right!) in a creamy chowder–what’s not to already drool over at the thought alone?

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2025 Ranked: Best Seafood Buffet in Boston

Firstly, let me start by saying that the lobster Mac n cheese at The Barking Crab is absolutely outstanding. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the succulent lobster, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that left me wanting more. As a seafood enthusiast, I greatly appreciate the effort The Barking Crab puts into creating an authentic New England meal.

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If you want to sit on the water at one of the best touristy spots that Boston has to offer, make your way to The Barking Crab. It's located on Boston's Fort Point Channel and super close to the Seaport, which is home to bars, shopping, and more restaurants as well as the ICA, Boston's contemporary art museum. The Barking crab offers a beautiful view of the water.

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A local favorite for seafood in a fun shanty-like atmosphere on the Boston Harbor, The Barking Crab serves up a wonderfully satisfying cup of clam chowder. If you really want the full New England clam chowder experience with the ambiance to match, definitely check them out. You can’t miss the bright red and yellow striped awning, which is part of its charm!

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Simply The Best Seafood Restaurants In Boston

As the seaport exploded around it, this colorful seafood shack held steady. The Barking Crab continues to be a popular spot to grab traditional New England bites...if you don’t mind the boisterous ambiance, especially in the warmer months. The covered patio is the perfect spot to enjoy summer in the city while overlooking the harbor.

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If there’s a spot that comes to mind when thinking of Boston waterfront dining options, it’s the Barking Crab. This total staple of the Boston dining scene offers seafood shack summer vibes all year long with its buckets of fried clams, peel-and-eat shrimp and lobster rolls!. Find The Barking Crab at 88 Sleeper St.

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Located on the waterfront, The Barking Crab is a popular seafood spot that welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio. You and your pup can enjoy the scenic views of the harbor while indulging in fresh seafood. The chill vibes makes it a perfect spot for a delicious, casual meal with your dog, clues in the name right.

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Located on Boston’s waterfront, The Barking Crab is a must-visit for seafood lovers. This casual spot offers a relaxed atmosphere with picnic tables and a spacious outdoor patio where pets are more than welcome. You and your dog can enjoy the beautiful views of the harbor while indulging in delicious seafood.

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The best seafood in Boston used to be concentrated around Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. In recent years, the South Boston waterfront has been totally overhauled and has quickly become the place for a more modern and upscale seafood scene. The Barking Crab is the line of demarcation between the old and new.

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The Best Lobster Rolls in Boston

Talk about iconic, this spot on the water has been known to satisfy the seafood cravings of Tom and Gisele. If you’re looking for one place to go, pretty much every Bostonian will tell you to hit up the Barking Crab. The kitschy seafood-inspired décor and New England summer vibes only add to the experience.

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localpetcare.com

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Boston, MA

The Barking Crab is a true Boston landmark and a fantastic seafood joint that welcomes dogs with open arms. Nestled in the Seaport District, this waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the harbor. With its picnic-style tables and laid-back vibe, it's like a little slice of summer all year round.

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Situated on Fort Point Channel at the gateway to the Seaport District, The Barking Crab is a landmark Boston restaurant. This casual waterfront eatery offers fresh, local seafood and coastal cuisine in the authentic and fun atmosphere of a New England clam shack. Visit Website for The Barking Crab

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Best Outdoor Dining in Boston at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Pull up a seat at one of the crab shack's picnic tables with waterfront views along Fort Point Channel. While dining at night, enjoy the twinkle of stranded lights strung from lobster traps. While there are a few non-fish options, this outdoor restaurant is known for its seafood—thus the name.

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This Boston Harbor institution easily fits the bill for waterfront dining. Picnic tables and buoys set the scene, and when you pair a Cucumber Cooler cocktail with the 1.25-pound lobster, clams, corn, and potato salad combo, this is what life on the water is all about. (88 Sleeper St., Boston)

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I'm not trying to tell you what we consider to be a lobster dinner in NE, but trying to tell you what you will find here. Sail7 is right, most restaurants will accommodate your choices of sides. What we are trying to say is what Sail7 says: you don't find many places that serve tails.

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New England’s coastline is chock-a-block with clam shacks (where the seafood is deep fried) and lobster shacks (with deep pots of water to boil or steam lobsters). At these places, guests often sit elbow to elbow at picnic tables and dig into lobster rolls, whole lobsters with…

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Just down the street from Legal Harborside, the venerable Barking Crab offers a good kids menu and an unbeatable view of boats and skyscrapers. Since the Crab offers open-air dining under a tent, this is a good option for the summer day with a chance of rain.

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This eatery has been in business for over 20 years and offers award-winning chowder with a strong clam flavor. Eat it while soaking in views of Fort Point Channel. Barking Crab's casual, seafood shack vibe is an unexpected delight in the middle of the city.

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This landmark Boston restaurant features excellent cuisine as a delightful ambience. Originally known as a summer restaurant most often enjoyed outdoors. It has a wood-burning stove for those chilly Boston evenings and the seafood is sensational.

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Whether you’re seeking crab as an appetizer or as your main course, you’ll find it all at the Barking Crab. A rich, creamy crab dip is the perfect way to begin your meal. Follow it up with Alaskan King Crab, Dungenous Crab or a Mixed Crab Bowl.

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The Barking Crab does not take reservations, but don’t be discouraged by the line - it moves pretty fast. This is one of my favorite places on this list to dine in at. Located in the seaport, the restaurant is right on the water.

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The Barking Crab – One of the most infamous seafood outings you can take right now is at The Barking Crab. With a full seafood menu, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to get the warm, savory chowder to start off with.

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Head to Boston’s waterfront for some of the best seafood at Barking Crab. I recommend getting the Traditional New England Clambake, which comes in a bucket and includes lobster, mussels, steamers, and veggies.

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Order up some fried clams, crab cakes and some clam chowder!. Don’t forget the Crabby Punch to wash it down!. This original staple of the waterfront offers a cozy atmosphere and perfect view of the channel!

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This Boston staple has a waterfront location at the edge of the growing Seaport neighborhood. They have everything from lobster empanadas to an entire entrée section of the menu dedicated to lobster meals.

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88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210Phone: 617-426-2722 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Barking Crab (@barkingcrab)

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Menu Highlights: New England seafood favorites, including crab cakes, lobster, crab, fish & chips, chowder, fish sandwiches, and lobster rolls

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