I remember the first time I ever tasted clam chowder. My family and I traveled from South Carolina to Martha’s Vineyard on summer vacation when I was 14 (the awkward years). It was my first time gallivanting around New England – but it wouldn’t be my last. After one taste of my first cup o’ chowda, I was sold.
And after licking that cup clean (fat kid, indeed), I couldn’t wait for more. Given that today is officially National Clam Chowder Day, I felt it only appropriate to honor the creamy, clam-filled soup. Below are a few of Boston’s best spots to find New England Clam Chowder. Let us know which is your favorite in the comments below!
Anthem Kitchen & Bar
The bowl of clam chowder was voted the 2012 Boston Chowderfest winner – so you know it’s gotta be good. Order a cup for $7 or a bowl for $9.
B&G Oysters
A bit pricier than the average chowder – but delicious nonetheless. The restaurant serves up a $14 bowl of New England Clam Chowder with bacon lardons and spicy croutons. Just that thought alone makes me start drooling.
The Barking Crab
This waterfront restaurant serves up creamy New England Clam Chowder, $5 for a cup and $8 for a bowl.
Chart House
Chart House serves up their bowl of award-winning New England Clam Chowder for only $7.99.
Grafton Street Pub & Grill
This Cambridge hotspot serves up a $6 bowl of New England Clam Chowder with smoked bacon and fresh clams – yes, please!
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Island Creek Oyster Bar serves up a bowl of clam chowder with “hand dug clams, buttermilk biscuits, house-cured bacon” for $10. Yum!
Legal Sea Foods
I can’t lie – Legal Sea Foods is still my favorite clam chowder spot. Their mug of New England Clam Chowder is creamy, clam-filled and scrumptious!
Ned Devine’s
Open for both lunch and dinner, this Faneuil Hall restaurant serves up a bowl of Boston’s Harborfest Hall of Fame Chowder. Their clam chowder is a three time winner for “Best Clam Chowder” and it’ll only set you back $8.
Neptune Oyster
One of my favorite North End spots, this eatery serves up a Wellfleet Clam Chowder that is “fresh to order” for $11.
Pantry Restaurant
If you’re out in Natick tonight, stop by this restaurant for their $1 cup of clam chowder, a National Clam Chowder Day special all day.
Strega Prime
This popular Woburn restaurant serves up a Smoked Clam Chowder with celery, leeks, Yukon gold potatoes, smoked haddock, clams, and pancetta – all for $10.
Turner Fisheries
Turner Fisheries serves up a bowl of delicious New England Clam Chowder for just $8 – with (of course) house-made oyster crackers.
