Ah yes, the beloved and impeccable New England clam chowder: steaming hot, salty, creamy, fresh, packed with flavor and scrumptious chunks of goodness, and overall satisfying and soul-replenishing. A truly mouth watering bowl that always hits the spot, if you ask us. But where can you grab the best clam chowder in Boston?
When you need your clam chowder fix, there is one city that will exceed your (and your tastebuds’) expectations: Boston. Boston has been named time and time again as the U.S. city for finding a bowl of the absolute best clam chowder–or, rather, “chowda.”
Even if you’re visiting the prestigious city for just a day or two, don’t settle for any clam chowder you stumble across. You deserve the best of the best clam chowder in Boston. So, when in Boston, do as the Bostonians do and slurp up the most lip-smacking clam chowder around, but do it in any of the following seven spots.
Neptune Oyster
Neptune Oyster has landed amongst the top seafood restaurants in all of Boston on countless occasions, and holds our number one spot for the best clam chowder in Boston. Their Wellfleet Clam Chowder is made with fresh salt pork and thyme, making for the quintessential bowl of clam chowder. Other subpar clam chowders might have a cement-like texture, but not this bowl!
It contains the sublime balance of creamy and light along with fresh, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth clams. The perfect consistency amongst perfectly prepared ingredients. You’ll just have to try it for yourself to really understand!
Union Oyster House
Looking to enjoy your bowl of soul-warming goodness in the unique setting of a historic landmark? Then Union Oyster House (41 Union Street), which is the oldest restaurant and oyster bar in continuous service in the U.S. since 1826, is the place for you to be with your soup spoon firmly in hand.
Fun fact: various presidents have dined here, such as John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, and William Clinton. Extra fun fact: it was also the first place where the toothpick was used! Be sure to have yours at the ready after gobbling up their delectable clam chowder, which is made with the freshest of shellfish, potatoes, and other classic ingredients.
Wondering what the recipe includes or even want to try your hand at making it? Check out the recipe their chef provided to the Food Network!
Boston Sail Loft
Want to enjoy an unforgettable cup or bowl of clam chowder with a stunning, serene view of the water? If that’s the case, then Boston Sail Loft might just be what you need…actually, it’s definitely what you need.
Boston Sail Loft is a quaint, casual restaurant located in the North End Waterfront, which means an undeniably beautiful view of the Boston Marina sits right outside its windows. Oh, and exceptionally fresh seafood, and that certainly includes their clam chowder.
Their clam chowder is ideal for those looking for a real chunky one as it features large pieces of perfectly-cooked potatoes and clams with herby dill seasoning. To say the least, it’s undeniably tasty, and even comes spilling over in a large mug. So grab your mug and sit out on the back patio to have a really life-fulfilling experience.
Luke’s Lobster
Luke’s Lobster is another seafood joint in Boston you simply cannot miss nor leave unhappy. The restaurant was founded by a third-generation lobsterman named Luke Holden and every one of their locations ensures that its dishes are carefully created with locally-sourced seafood.
Their New England clam chowder is just the right amount of chunky and with just the right ingredients: wild Atlantic clams, potatoes, cream, onions, and clam broth. Whether you add oyster crackers to it or not, you, your stomach, and your tastebuds will be pleasantly satisfied (and you may even order a second serving!).
Atlantic Fish Company
Atlantic Fish Company has been one of the top spots for serving freshly caught seafood to Bostonians since 1978. And we’d say that they have done their job well, as they’ve won several awards and other accolades, such as being the best seafood and most booked restaurant for March, April, and May in 2022 by OpenTable.
While nearly anything on their menu is highly meritable, their clam chowder is especially so. Their chowder contains quahog clams, which are remarkably tender, mildly sweet, and beautifully briny–one of the most ideal types of clams for clam chowders. Just the right amount of chunky and creamy, it’s one of the best clam chowders in the city.
The Barking Crab
The Barking Crab (88 Sleeper Street) is yet another casual eatery located directly on the water that you simply need to check out.
Barking Crab is renowned for its stellar seafood dishes, just one of which being the clam chowder. Crafted with fresh clams in tandem with potatoes, onions, and bacon (yes, you read that right!) in a creamy chowder–what’s not to already drool over at the thought alone?
Heads up, though, as they often have quite the line! But not to worry, it’s worth the wait.
Saltie Girl
When you indulge in the divine clam chowder over at Saltie Girl, trust us, you won’t be “salty” upon departure. All of the items on their menu, which simply encapsulate all things that didn’t once live and breathe on land, are made with pristine care and matching ingredients. Everything is simply a foodie’s dream.
Their clam chowder in particular is really something to write home about. Why? Well, because of the scrumptious ingredients, the fact that it’s the perfect middleground of too thin and too thick, and the larger portion comes with a whole clam. Oh, and no matter the size, it comes with fried clams, too.
Be prepared to seriously enjoy your clam chowder in a typically packed spot, but you’ll undoubtedly see why it draws such a crowd for yourself.
When you visit any one of these seven restaurants, you’ll certainly get the best clam chowder in Boston. Your clam chowder fix will be satisfied to say the least, and you’ll even be left scraping the bottom of the bowl in the end.
Marilyn Borth is a Boston-based writer and foodie who loves all things travel. She has lived in and backpacked through 36 countries and counting. When she isn’t tasting her way through the world, she can be found writing poetry, reading, and playing volleyball. Follow her travels on her blog at Her Quirky Journey!