Since 1994, the Barking Crab has given Fort Point Channel a gathering place for parties from two to dozens who share dinners of the finest crab, lobster, and other seafoods.
Where once the winter weather dampened dining, the wood burning fireplace now adds warmth and cheer as diners chow down on rich and tasty dishes served by the friendly staff of the Barking Crab. Guests can feast on ipswitch clams or grilled whole lobster served on wooden plank tables arranged near the canopy covered waterfront site. The splendid flavors of pan fried mahi sandwiches or cedar plank salmon with lemon and dill make all mouths water as the aromas waft into the salty ocean air. Now fans of the Boston Barking Crab can find the same pleasures at the Barking Crab in Newport, Rhode Island. The "bark crab ri" has the same menu and same atmosphere as the Boston location. Whether you want to go light with a one pound bucket of chilled Jonah crab claws or take on "The King, a ten pound lobster with a four pound crab bowl, the Barking Crab will meet the challenge. The King was featured on the popular television show "Man vs. Food". It is a dish not meant for the dainty eater. Like pasta? The Barking Crab menu includes that too. Order the Linguine and Clams, or the Shrimp Fra Diavola, which has a marinara sauce over linguine For our vegetarian friends, there is the Vegetable Primavera, with a light wine and butter sauce. The meat eaters in the family will love the Build Your Own Burgers. Starting with the basic burger, you can cheddar, American, or blue cheese to the grilled burger, or stack it with banana peppers, carmelized onions, or sliced bacon.Want dessert? The Barking Crab has three that are very popular: Crabby Cannolis, Bostom Cake with dark and white chocolate, and the Chocolate Lovers Bundt Cake with whipped cream. After all, when you are at the Barking Crab, it is not about counting calories, but on savoring the best dishes that can be found for many miles around. But the Barking Crab staff understands that there are times a diner wants to be a bit more restrained, so there are bowls of hot corn and clam chowder and fresh salads to order as well. The live music provided by such local talent as guitarist and songwriter John Frattasio make the Barking Crab a great place to take a date on that all important first date. The atmosphere of the ocean front walk, the nearby shops, and the great food served by the Barking Crab will make that date a memorable one. Heck, you will probably want to visit the shop and buy something as a remembrance of the evening. Pick up a tee shirt with the restaurant logo printed on the front for her, and maybe a shot glass for you. Maybe add a bottle of the hot sauce the restaurant features in many of its dishes. There are gift cards available and you can shop online later when you are in the comfort of your home in your pj's. Give a gift card to a friend so that they can enjoy the sumptious flavors of the Barking Crab as well.
Ronald Quigley is a Rhode Island resident who frequently contributes restaurant and venue reviews. If you are looking for Rhode Island Restaurants, remember to check out the barking crab.
