What better way to celebrate this prized Cape Cod culinary favorite than February’s National Clam Chowder Day? Here in New England, this is the stuff legends are made of—literally! And while people all over the nation today may be praising their region’s variation as the best ever, there’s no debate our creamy style chowder is the true classic, drawing visitors from all over the world to check chowda off their bucket list!
So toss some extra oyster crackers in your pockets and head out with a couple of mates to these year-round spots for the consummate winter warm up. Five stars guaranteed.
A longtime local favorite for clam chowder is the beloved Chatham Squire in Chatham, a laid-back restaurant with a lively pub vibe. Pair your hearty chowder with one of their heaping fried seafood plates for a meal any New Englander would love.
Did you know there was a Chowder Hall of Fame? Tasting is believing at Captain Parker’s Pub in West Yarmouth, made famous by their award-winning chowder, featured on TV’s Food Network and across multiple magazine covers. Raise your game and order it served in a crusty boule of country white bread.
At Thoreau's, a cozy and intimate tavern at the waterfront Wequassett Resort in Harwich, the clam chowder—crafted with fried clams, crispy pork belly and confit onions—will elevate your chowder obsession to a whole new level.
For chowder with a view, head to boat-to-table Fishermen’s View Seafood Market & Restaurant in Sandwich, offering a 270-degree panorama of the Cape Cod Canal along with locally-sourced seafood by local duo fishermen brothers. Their “superb” hot bowls of chowder pair nicely with the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare from the restaurant's raw bar, along with the Crispy Jonah Crab Spring Rolls appetizer.
It's all in the name, and Quahog Republic (locations in Falmouth, Woods Hole and Onset) does justice to their namesake with their creamy crock of chowder, a mouth-watering mix of chopped quahogs, applewood smoked bacon and tender red bliss potato. Note: Quahog Republic now has their chowder for sale at select local retailers, so you can enjoy it at home too!
Over at Bobby Byrne's (locations in Mashpee and Hyannis), you'll enjoy a classic take on the dish…a chowder that is creamy and rich, with a perfect balance of tender clams, potatoes, onions and celery in a flavorful broth.
When you want to dial up the intensity on flavor, visit Cleat & Anchor in Dennis Port for their innovative twists on classic Cape Cod fare. You can die and go to heaven with the famed Anchor Poutine—crisp fries smothered in their award-winning clam chowder topped with bacon. While you’re seated, try their signature clam chowder pizza. Not to worry, purists—the classic chowder is also a stand-alone menu item.
In season, stop by the Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House in South Yarmouth, where you can choose between their award-winning chowder or the heavenly fried version, featuring deep-fried chowder cakes coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust.
Another great way to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day? Go clamming and make your own mouth-watering batch at home! Licensed shellfishing - allowed in many Cape towns year-round - is one of the region's most iconic ways to enjoy the ocean. Click here for everything you need to know before you hit the flats!