If you grew up anywheah between Bridgeport and Bar Harbor, you already know that clam chowdah is more than a meal in a mug. For New Englanders, this chunky, creamy, seafood-y dish is practically a personality trait. Yessir; folks in this corner of the nation take clam chowder very seriously, and have strong opinions about it too.
Ask a New Englander where to find the best clam chowder, and you’ll launch a heated debate; maybe even scoring an invite to some local hole-in-the-wall where “the real stuff” is served steaming. However, we’d be remiss to not admit that clam chowder is often a love-it-or-leave-it scenario. Some folks get skeeved out just thinking about slimy clams swimming in a creamy sea of chunky mystery (we know the menu says potatoes and onions, but still). Fair enough, but it’s sacred around here.
Throughout New England, nearly every seaside shack, white-linen restaurant, and weather-beaten mom n’ pop stop claims they’ve got “the best clam chowder in New England” — and some of them might be right. We wanted to help cut through all the red tape of hunting for yourself (as delicious as that would be), so we came up with this guide on where to find the best chowder in New England. We explored reviews, sought opinions from locals, and tried these chowders ourselves where possible. Stick around after reading, because we’ll break down our methodology even further.
Boston Sail Loft
If there’s one Boston joint that treats clam chowder like the sacred New England non-soup it is, it’s the Boston Sail Loft. Since 1984, this North End waterfront favorite has served (and scooped) up seafood classics with harbor view so close you could practically dip a spoon right into the Atlantic sea. While the entire menu is hailed as impressive, it’s Sail Loft’s iconic overflowing mug of clam chowder – with creamy broth bubbling over the rim like it’s trying to escape — that earns the highest marks…