Clam chowder is a delicious and comforting dish that has been enjoyed by young and old alike for generations. Honestly, what’s not to love? The soup is a mesmerizing blend of heavy cream, clams, butter, diced potatoes, and may contain other ingredients like celery, bacon, carrots, and various herbs and spices.
A red version coined “Manhattan style” is similar but in a tangy red, tomatoey broth seasoned with fresh herbs and spices. Then the soup sometimes can be topped with oyster crackers, or some other fancy topping like lobster!? So naturally, you may be wondering, what restaurant serves up the best bowl of clam chowder?
While New England is perhaps best known for its clam chowder, there are many areas throughout the United States that serve up their own delicious and unique versions of this classic soup.
Clam chowder is one of my absolute faves. Whenever I travel to a coastal area, I have to try the clam chowder. One of the best parts about traveling along the coast is all the fresh seafood that so many of the restaurants are famous for. Bonus points if they put fancy stuff on the clam chowder, like lobster, crab, or bacon.
Below are some of my personal favorite restaurants for an amazing bowl of clam chowder, and also restaurants on my wish list:
Splash Cafe – Pismo Beach, California
Splash Cafe is a popular seafood restaurant located in Pismo Beach, California. It is well-known for its award-winning clam chowder, which has been recognized by prestigious publications like Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living, and the San Luis Obispo Tribune. The chowder is made with fresh clams, potatoes, cream, and other secret ingredients, and is served in a sourdough bread bowl. There are options to add various seafood toppings, as pictured above. In addition to clam chowder, Splash Cafe offers a wide range of seafood dishes, including fish and chips, crab cakes, and shrimp scampi. The restaurant is also famous for its pies, particularly the chocolate cream and banana cream varieties. With its casual atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food, Splash Cafe is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers visiting Pismo Beach.
Address: 197 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Pike Place Chowder – Seattle, Washington
Pike Place Chowder is a popular seafood restaurant located in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. It has won numerous awards for its delicious clam chowder, which is made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers two types of clam chowder: the award-winning New England-style chowder and the spicy and creamy Manhattan-style chowder. The New England-style chowder is made with potatoes, bacon, cream, and fresh clams, while the Manhattan-style chowder features a tomato-based broth, bacon, and plenty of spicy heat. Both chowders are served in bread bowls, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. The restaurant also offers other seafood dishes, sandwiches, and salads. If you’re a fan of clam chowder, Pike Place Chowder is definitely worth a visit.
Address: 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Hog Island Oyster Co. – San Francisco, California
Hog Island Oyster Co. is a popular seafood restaurant located in the San Francisco Bay Area that is famous for their oysters and their delicious clam chowder. The restaurant sources its clams locally from Tomales Bay and prepares them in a rich and creamy broth that is made with bacon, potatoes, cream, and plenty of fresh herbs. The chowder is served with a side of sourdough bread, which is perfect for dipping into the soup. The restaurant is known for its casual and laid-back atmosphere, and is a great spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends and family. Hog Island Oyster Co. has several locations in the Bay Area, including their flagship location in Marshall, CA, as well as restaurants in San Francisco and Napa.
Addresses: 19225 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall, CA 94940; 1 Ferry Building #11, San Francisco, CA 94111; 610 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
Mo’s Restaurant – Newport, Oregon
Mo’s is a beloved seafood restaurant that has been serving delicious clam chowder since 1946. Their chowder is made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and a creamy broth. Beyond clam chowder, Mo’s also offers an array of seafood dishes, including fish and chips, crab cakes, and shrimp cocktails. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and providing friendly service ensures that every guest enjoys a memorable dining experience.
Address: 622 SW Bay Blvd, Newport, OR 97365
The Seafood Shack – Cortez, Florida
The Seafood Shack is a casual waterfront restaurant that serves exceptional seafood, including a delicious clam chowder. The Shack’s chowder is made with care using the finest ingredients, blending tender clams, flavorful potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a rich, creamy base. Situated on the shores of Sarasota Bay, The Seafood Shack offers breathtaking waterfront views and a relaxed atmosphere that captures the essence of a true seafood shack experience.
Address: 4110 127th St W, Cortez, FL 34215
The Lobster Pot – Provincetown, Massachusetts
The Lobster Pot is a popular seafood restaurant in Provincetown, Massachusetts that has been serving up delicious dishes for over 40 years. One of their specialties is their award-winning clam chowder, which has been voted the best chowder on Cape Cod numerous times. The chowder is made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and a secret blend of herbs and spices, all simmered together in a creamy broth until it reaches the perfect consistency. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for a relaxing meal with friends and family. Additionally, the Lobster Pot offers outdoor seating with scenic views of the harbor.
Address: 321 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
The Crab Cooker – Newport Beach, California
The Crab Cooker is a popular seafood restaurant located in Newport Beach, California. The restaurant has been in operation since 1951 and has become famous for its delicious clam chowder. The chowder is made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and bacon in a creamy broth. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients and preparing each dish to order. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with picnic tables and a small dining area. In addition to their clam chowder, The Crab Cooker also serves a variety of other seafood dishes, such as lobster, shrimp, and fish tacos.
Address: 2200 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663
The Clam Box – Ipswich, Massachusetts
Located on the North Shore of Massachusetts, The Clam Box is a classic New England seafood shack that serves up some of the best clam chowder in the region. Their award-winning chowder is made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and cream, and is thick and creamy with a rich flavor. The Clam Box has been a local favorite since it opened in 1935, and has been featured in several national publications, including Saveur and Gourmet magazines. In addition to their clam chowder, The Clam Box also serves a variety of other seafood dishes, including fried clams, fish and chips, and lobster rolls.
Address: 246 High St, Ipswich, MA 01938
Anthony’s Fish Grotto – San Diego, California
Anthony’s Fish Grotto is a San Diego seafood institution that has been serving up delicious seafood since 1946. Their menu features both a creamy white New England style clam chowder and a zesty red clam chowder, and you have the option of getting the soups in a sourdough bread bowl. The restaurant has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere and offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of San Diego Bay. In addition to their clam chowder, Anthony’s Fish Grotto also offers a huge selection of fish, lobster, crab, steak and chicken dishes, as well as pastas, salads, and more.
Address: 1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The Barking Crab – Boston, Massachusetts
The Barking Crab is a popular seafood restaurant located on Boston’s Fort Point Channel. Their clam chowder is made with a rich and creamy base and filled with chunks of tender clams, potatoes, and smoky bacon. The soup has a slightly thick consistency and is seasoned with a perfect balance of salt and pepper. The Barking Crab’s clam chowder is served in a bread bowl, which adds a nice crunch and complements the soup’s flavors perfectly. The restaurant’s waterfront location and casual atmosphere make it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals alike.
Address: 88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210
The Original Oyster House – Mobile, Alabama
The Original Oyster House is a seafood restaurant located in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It has been serving fresh seafood to locals and visitors for over 30 years. Their clam chowder is a must-try, made from scratch with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and seasonings, and served with oyster crackers. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, and diners can choose to sit inside or outside on the deck overlooking the marina. The Original Oyster House is a popular spot for families and groups, with a menu that includes a wide variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Address: 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Fisherman’s Grotto – Monterey, California
Fisherman’s Grotto is a renowned seafood restaurant located in Monterey, California, that offers a wide range of delectable seafood dishes. However, its clam chowder is what sets it apart from other seafood restaurants in the area. The restaurant uses fresh clams and a blend of secret ingredients that create a creamy and flavorful chowder that has been a fan favorite for decades. It is so popular that the restaurant even sells the recipe to customers who want to recreate it at home. The warm and cozy atmosphere of the restaurant combined with the delicious food makes it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.
Address: 9 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940
Jasper White’s Summer Shack – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Jasper White’s Summer Shack is a seafood restaurant located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, known for their New England clam chowder. Their chowder is made with fresh clams, smoky bacon, diced potatoes, and rich cream, creating a savory and hearty dish that is sure to warm you up. The chowder is served with oyster crackers on the side, allowing you to fully savor the flavors of this classic New England dish. The restaurant has a fun and lively atmosphere, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
Address: 149 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02140
Legal Sea Foods – Boston, Massachusetts
Legal Sea Foods is a popular seafood restaurant chain with locations primarily in the Northeast region of the United States. One of their signature dishes is their New England clam chowder. This dish alone has earned the restaurant numerous awards and has been featured in national food publications. The chowder is made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and a blend of seasonings, and is finished with cream to create a rich, smooth texture. Legal Sea Foods takes great pride in their chowder and uses only the freshest ingredients to create a delicious and authentic flavor. In addition to their traditional chowder, they also offer variations such as their spicy fish chowder and lobster bisque.
Addresses: 255 State St, Boston, MA 02109 and 26 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
These are just a few of the best restaurants to get a creamy bowl of clam chowder. But I have a feeling there are so many more I haven’t discovered yet. Whether you prefer the creamy New England style, the tomato-based Manhattan style, or you want bacon or lobster piled mile high, there is a bowl of clam chowder with your name on it.