Wicked Good Clam Chowder Restaurants in Boston
Boston Sail Loft
80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 227-7280
This mid-sized, classic Boston restaurant located right on the waterfront sure does know how to do New England clam chowder right. Boston Sail Loft has a generously sized menu with something for everyone, however, their unbelievably delicious clam chowder takes the spotlight. The chowder here is served in overflowing mugs and is creamy, chunky, has fresh clams, perfectly cooked potatoes, and dill, everything you ever wanted in a chowder! In addition to the exceptional clam chowder, Boston Sail Loft also offers a variety of other delectable seafood dishes. Try the lobster rolls, fish and chips, or lobster mac and cheese if you truly want to get a taste of what Boston has to offer.
Yankee Lobster Company
300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
(617) 345-9799
The Yankee Lobster Company is all about the creation of yummy seafood. They love making full use of the region’s incredible seafood. The extensive menu offers lots of amazing options. Begin your meal with their own version of the classic Boston clam chowder. Pick from small, medium or large. It has fresh Ipswich clams that are noteworthy for the depth of their flavor. Once you’re done with a cup, explore the rest of the amazing menu. Try the lobster. You can sample a lobster roll, go for lobster mac and cheese or go for a large lobster to feed an entire group.
Summer Shack
50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 867-9955
At Summer Shack, the New England clam chowder takes center stage, and it’s not just any chowder; it’s a bowl of heaven. The iconic dish here is tasty and perfectly creamy with tender chunks of potato, and the freshest clams. Try the rest of the menu too; their lobster rolls are some of the best in the city. If you’re looking for a quintessential Boston clam chowder experience, look no further than Summer Shack. Whether you’re a local or visiting Boston, their classic chowder will have you coming back for more.
Ned Devine’s
1 N Market St, Boston, MA 02109
(617) 248-8800
If you’re looking for clam chowder that has a lot of admirers, this is one place that should be at the top of your list. This one has lots of butter along with plenty of clams and chopped cockles. It’s topped with a light dusting of thyme that adds a herby level to a nice soup. This is also the place to try lots of other regional specialties including fish and chips and fried bread pudding. They also have a wide range of beverage of all kinds on tap. Sample one of their many beers and relax at this fabulous Boston location. They go so well with the chowder.
Eventide Fenway
1321 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215
(617) 545-1060
If you’re in search of something that’s easy and fast, this is the place to make your own. It’s a convenient space when you want to enjoy a marvelous cup of clam chowder as well as other menu items. They make large batches of clam chowder and bring it right here. The chowder combines varied types of clams from Maine and Massachusetts. That includes steamers and diced clams. The net result is a chowder with many layers of flavor that combine just right. Fried potatoes and pork belly are just two of the many wonderful ingredients that make this version of clam chowder one of the area’s very best. It’s topped with an oil that has been infused with chives for additional flavor. This is a great possibility if you like a chowder that focuses attention on the liquid that comes from clams rather than one with a lot more cream to it.
Boston Chowda Co.
1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-4441
As the name implies, this take out space is all about one thing: really great clam chowder. Their clam chowder is thick, rich and ideal for a full meal. Try it in a bread bowl or a cup. It features lots of clams and plenty of cream. If you’re in the mood for soup, they also offer lots of other possibilities. You can opt for a rotating list of soups that are made fresh in house and change daily. They also have a marvelous lobster roll that is busting with freshly caught lobster and lots of butter. The pot pies are another item that is easy to bring home with you when you’re finished with a bowl of chowder.
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem Street Boston, MA 02113,
(617) 742-3474
This little space offers big flavors. The clam chowder is so popular there’s often a line out the door. As locals will tell you, it’s worth it. Each day, the chef prepares enough to feed an enormous crowd. He looks for the freshest clams he can find to create a chowder worthy of the name of the best of Boston. Heavy cream, whole milk and a specially prepared clam broth form the basis of this version. Cubed Idaho potatoes along with celery and onions liven up this one. It’s also sprinkled with parsley and pork lard. That makes it a hearty cup that’s well worth your time. It’s a delicate treat that you’ll relish. Pair it other menu items including Acadian Redfish & Chips or a bar with lots of locally caught fresh seafood options. This is a great place when you want to go for something that’s special and easy on the stomach.
Barking Crab
88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210
(617) 426-2722
For Boston’s best New England clam chowder, Barking Crab is a must-try spot to check out. This fun restaurant is located right along the waterfront and makes for a great ambiance to enjoy a bowl of heaven. The line is typically out the door, but it is definitely worth the wait to get your hands on a bowl of their delicious chowder. The clam chowder here is rich, super creamy, thick, fishy, buttery, and just absolutely filled with flavor. They have quite an extensive seafood menu so make sure you follow up with some more deliciousness like the lobster rolls, a true Boston local favorite, or the delectable crab cakes. Whether you’re visiting Boston or are a local, stop by for lunch for a truly memorable dining experience and some creamy clam chowder.
Union Oyster House
41 Union St Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-2750
One of the oldest restaurants in the entire country, Union Oyster House has been in the business of serving customers for well over two centuries. They know exactly how to please their diners. The clam chowder you’ll find here is made using an old and deeply satisfying recipe. Try a cup or go for a bowl if you’re really hungry. The rest of the menu is equally beguiling. Fish chowder is always available if you’re not in the mood for clam chowder. Oysters of all kinds are the star of the show. They’re available in many types of preparations including as sandwiches and on the half shell. Make a point to stop in for lunch or come here during dinner for a chance to be part of a local institution.
Saltie Girl
281 Dartmouth Street Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-0691
If you are looking for clam chowder that is all about the clams, you can’t go wrong with Saltie Girl. There are three types in their clam chowder. They love using chopped quahogs along with steamers known as Manila clams. They also opt for a deep clam flavor that is made via the use of freshly prepared clam stock liquid. Cured pork belly that’s made in house adds another layer of flavor that makes this one a winner. The rest of the menu is equally inviting. You’ll want to linger over one of their large plates of seafood with a group of friends. Try the pan roasted halibut or a New England lobster boil for a taste of local cuisine that lets you savor the best of the area. You can eat inside or opt for a cup of takeout to bring with you as you explore the rest of Boston in person.
Legal Sea Food
270 Northern Ave Boston, MA 02210
(617) 477-2900
If you’re looking for one of the most restaurants in Boston, this is the place to head. Legal Sea Food knows exactly how to bring a great bowl of steaming hot clam chowder to your table. Their version is creamy, thick and utterly delicious. This is also a great place to be if you want to have a larger menu full of enticing options everywhere you look. They offer all types of clam preparations including fried clams. Try the stew known as cioppino. It includes varied types of seafood in a lively broth made from tomatoes and allowed to simmer over time.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Boston, check out our Boston city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on December 7, 2021 and last updated on October 13, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.