Clam chowder is a classic New England dish. Though everyone has their favorite variation – thick, brothy, chunky, or smooth – these restaurants and seafood shacks in Massachusetts prove that the best chowder of all is right here in the Bay State.
1. Captain Parker’s Pub, West Yarmouth
How do you know clam chowder is truly made the old-fashioned way? When it's so thick that you can stand a spoon upright in the middle of the bowl. Captain Parker's serve fan-favorite chowder that must be tasted to be believed. (668 MA-28, West Yarmouth)
2. Summer Shack, Cambridge
This little spot right outside Boston is an unexpected seafood gem. The chowder here is made with care and served with fried seafood right on top, so your belly will be more than happy. (149 Alewife Brook Pkwy., Cambridge)
3. Woodman's of Essex, Essex
Locals and tourists have been flocking to Woodman’s of Essex since 1914, and with good reason. Their chowder is in a league of its own. Made with fresh clams, cream, and the perfect blend of spices, you’ll want seconds and thirds of this stuff for sure. (121 Main St., Essex)
4. The Causeway Restaurant, Gloucester
The Causeway Restaurant is a perfectly nautical spot to indulge in some creamy chowder. Their heavenly fish chowder is made with exquisite chunks of the world’s freshest haddock and plenty of butter and cream. Plus, this spot is BYOB. (78 Essex Ave., Gloucester)
5. The Black Cat, Hyannis
The Black Cat Tavern is a harbor-side dining spot that's famed for their chowder. In fact, it was named the best by the annual Cape Cod Chowderfest festival in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Stop by and see what all the fuss is about. (165 Ocean St, Hyannis)
6. Skipper Chowder House, South Yarmouth
Skipper Chowder House is a Cape Cod mainstay that isn’t shy about piling on the flavor when it comes to their chowder. Served in big bowls with just the right amount of clams and potatoes, this chowder is one for the record books.
(152 S Shore Dr., South Yarmouth)
7. Turk’s Seafood Market, Mattapoisett
If you love fresh seafood and delectable chowder, head to this low-key spot in Mattapoisett. Turk’s Seafood Market serves chowder that makes locals rave. Pick up a few cuts of fresh fish to take home while you’re there, or just order up another big vat of chowder for later.
(83 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett)
8. Atlantic Fish Company, Boston
You won’t be disappointed by this upscale seafood joint in Boston. Atlantic Fish Company offers chowder that will please even the most refined of palettes. Of course, you can never be too fancy for oyster crackers. (761 Boylston St., Boston)
9. Ned Devine's, Boston
You might not think to go to an Irish pub in the middle of Boston for a great bowl of chowder, but Ned Devine's actually has some of the best in the city. Their version is rich, buttery, and just creamy enough. (1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston)
10. The Raw Bar Yoho, Nantucket
The next time you find yourself out on the island of Nantucket, arrange to sample some of this traveling raw bar’s delicious wares . Besides serving mouthwatering sushi and oysters, they also specialize in the freshest chowder your mouth will ever encounter. This stuff pairs perfectly with an island sunset.
What’s your favorite place to indulge in a cup or bowl of chowder? Share and let us know in the comments! For more of the tastiest seafood in the Bay State, check out some of our favorite clam shacks in Massachusetts .
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