Five Things: The Barking Crab, Newport

Five Things: The Barking Crab, Newport

True seafood lovers know that November brings some of the peak flavors, and Sean DeBobes wanted to take advantage of the timing (and the lack of tourists) to check out one of Newport's seafood hot spots, The Barking Crab. Here are the five things he wants you to know.

One. Sip or shoot.

Regular readers will know I have a fondness for a great cocktail. The Barking Crab didn’t scream cocktail to me… but there were plenty of other adult options to choose from. I particularly enjoyed The Barking Crab white ale, a rich but medium-bodied ale with a hint of citrus—perfect for all the seafood I happily devoured. This brew is made only for the Barking Crab by Harpoon. If you want something a bit more hard core try the Oyster Shooter. The bar will chill a shot of your favorite vodka before administering a healthy (and VERY spicy) amount of tabasco directly into the glass. Then along comes a local oyster. Your choice whether to shoot the oyster first or put it into the shot.

Two. Slow down and enjoy.

Now that the tourists have fled Newport it is time for Rhode Islanders to enjoy it. The streets are navigable and most restaurants have some great deals going on. The Barking Crab is the perfect environment in which to enjoy a

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casual fall dinner. I loved the ambience that the string-light-stuffed crab traps attached to the rafters provided. Each room is a bit different but none of them takes itself too seriously. This is a great place to have an exceptional meal in Newport without having to don the pearls.

Three. Chilled seafood.

There is no denying that The Barking Crab is all about the seafood.  So go big or go home. Start with a chilled shellfish platter. The chilled lobster (or as I like to call it – a reason to eat clarified butter) was perfect. Crisp and sweet with most of the heavy cracking done already. The array of local oysters was fantastic as well. This is the season for bivalves… I promise. Just because it is dark at 5:30 doesn’t mean you should stop slurping down these gems.

Four. Lobster!

No matter how you like it, lobster is for dinner at this seaside spot. I tried it two ways. The Lobster Mac-N-Cheese (who doesn’t make this these days) was one of the best I’ve tried. A deliciously savory four cheese blend mixed with massive chunks of lobster before receiving a buttery crumb topping. Amazing. I was also tempted to try the classic Baked-Stuffed Lobster. A delicious seafood stuffing crowned a well prepared lobster.  This one is sure to be a crowd pleaser among lobster lovers.

Five. Cake.

Is there a better way to end November dinner than with a piece of caramel pumpkin cake? I doubt it. A delicate and creamy layered pumpkin cake received an abundant treatment of sweet caramel sauce. Simple pleasures.

Would I go back? Yes. Great deal. Great ambience. A perfect “Seafood Restaurant”.

Hit “Save” The Barking Crab, 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 846-CRAB (2722), Sunday-Thursday 11:30a-10p, Fri-Sat until 11p.

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