Clam chowder holds a special place in my heart. So when I started hearing about Seattle’s chowder scene, I knew I had to dive in. The city’s a seafood hub, so I expected great things. But who has the best clam chowder in Seattle? Well, I had to do the legwork to find 10+ best clam chowder restaurants in Seattle.
Where to Eat the Best Clam Chowder in Seattle?
If you’re looking for the best clam chowder in Seattle, head straight to Pike Place Chowder. For a unique twist, try Seattle Fish Company in West Seattle, where you can savor their smoked salmon chowder.
Ivar’s offers a rich, traditional clam chowder beloved by locals for decades. Duke’s Clam Chowder, with its award-winning New England style, is a must-try for chowder enthusiasts.
For something more adventurous, head to The Wandering Goose for their delicious razor clam chowder. Jack’s Fish Spot at Pike Place serves a tasty Northwest-style clam chowder in the market.
I update this list often, and I always remove restaurants that are temporarily or permanently closed. Some of these restaurants consistently appear in Seattle Restaurant Week. Check out my blog for more Seattle’s food and drink guides.
1/ Pike Place Chowder, Seattle
- Menu / Website: Pike Place Chowder
- Must-try Clam Chowder: New England Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: Scallop chowder, oyster chowder, bisques, chowder sampler, gluten-free chowder
- Location: 1530 Post Alley (Pike Place Market) & 600 Pine St (Downtown)
- Phone Number: (206) 267-2537
Pike Place Chowder is famous for its creamy, award-winning New England clam chowder in Seattle. This signature chowder features tender clams, a rich and silky broth, and perfectly balanced seasonings. The chowder has earned multiple first-place awards in the country’s top chowder competitions.
This family-owned gem has been Seattle’s favorite clam chowder restaurant since 2003. Pike Place Chowder offers the best clam chowder in Seattle because of its delicate texture, with a generous portion of clams and less of the chunky potatoes.
You can also enjoy other clam chowder types, including gluten-free ones. Lines can be long, but it’s worth it. If you’re in a hurry, try their Pacific Place location or order online to enjoy their chowder at home.
2/ Ivar’s Clam Chowder, Seattle
- Menu / Website: Ivar’s
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Traditional Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: New England chowder, gluten-free chowder
- Location: Multiple locations including the Ivar’s Seafood Bars in Seattle
- Phone Number: (206) 624-6852
Ivar’s offers the world’s best clam chowder in Seattle. The restaurant’s traditional clam chowder is a rich and flavorful bowl of comfort, made with freshly sourced clams and a perfect balance of cream and spices.
You can find their chowder at Ivar’s multiple locations named Ivar’s Acre of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, Ivar’s Seafood & Chowder, and more. Ivar’s also offers Seattle’s best fish and chips, including gluten-free options.
Ivar’s clam chowder has been a Seattle classic for decades, beloved for its consistency and mouth-watering flavor. The texture is creamy with large, tender clams, making each bite a warm and satisfying experience.
Many locals and travelers swear by it, whether they’re indulging in a quick meal at an Ivar’s Seafood Bar or relaxing at their full-service restaurants. It’s the kind of chowder you’ll crave even when you’re not in town.
3/ Duke’s Clam Chowder in Seattle
- Menu / Website: Duke’s Seafood
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Award-Winning Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: Lobster chowder, New England clam chowder, seafood chowder, gluten-free chowder
- Location: South Lake Union, and other locations around Puget Sound
- Phone Number: (206) 708-7686
Duke’s Seafood in South Lake Union is the best place to eat clam chowder in Seattle. It’s known for its sustainable seafood and unforgettable clam chowder. Their New England-style clam chowder has won multiple awards, including three victories at the Chowder Cook-off.
The chowder is creamy yet balanced, with a depth of flavor that comes from their careful selection of fresh, sustainable ingredients. Duke’s offers one of the best clam chowders in Seattle with a relaxed and welcoming ambiance.
Pair it with their happy hour specials or enjoy a full meal while savoring the rich, creamy chowder that’s earned them multiple awards. Duke’s Seafood also offers the best oysters in Seattle, especially at their South Lake Union location.
4/ Clam Chowder by Salty’s at the SEA
- Menu / Website: Salty’s at the SEA
- Must-try Clam Chowder: New England Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: Seafood chowder
- Location: 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158 (SeaTac)
- Phone Number: (206) 246-1700
Salty’s at the SEA offers the best clam chowder in Seattle Airport. Their New England clam chowder is creamy, hearty, and packed with tender clams. Served in a cozy, laid-back airport setting, it’s a comforting meal before or after your flight.
The chowder’s perfectly balanced flavors make it a must-try, offering a taste of Seattle’s seafood scene even while you’re at the airport. What sets Salty’s clam chowder apart is its consistency and depth of flavor.
The smooth base complements the fresh clams, creating a satisfying texture and richness. Salty’s ensures that travelers get a true Seattle’s seafood experience without leaving the airport.
5/ The Crab Pot’s Clam Chowder in Seattle
- Menu / Website: The Crab Pot
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
- Also Offers: New England clam chowder, Seafood chowder
- Location: 1301 Alaskan Way Pier 57, Seattle, WA 98101
- Phone Number: (206) 624-1890
The Crab Pot offers the best clam chowder bread bowl in Seattle. Served in a sourdough bread bowl, the chowder is creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned with a dash of pepper to keep it vibrant. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly Seattle day.
The bread bowl itself adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, once you’ve finished the chowder, you can scoop up the remaining bits with the bread. It’s a satisfying experience that makes this chowder stand out.
What makes The Crab Pot’s clam chowder so special? Aside from the signature sourdough bowl, the chowder has a velvety smooth base that lets the flavors of the clams shine through without being too overwhelming.
6/ The Wandering Goose (Tokeland Hotel)
- Menu / Website: The Wandering Goose
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Razor Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: Traditional clam chowder, vegan chowder
- Location: Tokeland Hotel, Tokeland, WA (about 2 hours south of Seattle)
- Phone Number: (360) 267-0000
The Wandering Goose, in the historic Tokeland Hotel, offers the best razor clam chowder in Seattle Area (exactly in Tokeland). Razor clams, known for their sweet, tender meat, elevate this chowder into a true Pacific Northwest experience.
The rich, creamy base is spiced just enough to complement the delicate clam flavor, creating a chowder that’s both comforting and exciting. If you can’t make the trip to Tokeland, grab frozen razor clams from Pike Place Fish Market or Uwajimaya to recreate the magic at home.
Chef Heather Earnhardt’s razor clam chowder is a standout, praised for its unique combination of local ingredients and deep, rich flavor. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and a sense of adventure as you explore the coastal beauty of this gem of a restaurant.
7/ Chinook’s At Salmon Bay
- Menu / Website: Not yet working
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Boston Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: Manhattan chowder, New Jersey chowder, gluten-free chowder
- Location: 1900 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA 98119
- Phone Number: (206) 283-4665
Chinook’s at Salmon Bay offers a rich, creamy, and full of flavor Boston clam chowder in Seattle Waterfront. The smooth texture of the chowder is perfectly balanced with the slight saltiness of the clams. And the herbs give it an extra layer of depth. What sets Chinook’s apart is its serene location by the water at Fishermen’s Terminal.
The view of the boats and the casual yet elegant vibe make this spot perfect for a leisurely meal. Chinook’s has become known for its excellent seafood and welcoming atmosphere, offering everything from grilled fish to clam chowder and even a seasonal fish and chips special.
They have a range of chowders to choose from, including Manhattan, New Jersey, and gluten-free chowders. Chinook’s offers one of the best chowder experiences in Seattle for family, couples, and solo tourists.
8/ Clam Chowder at Metropolitan Grill, Seattle
- Menu / Website: Metropolitan Grill
- Must-try Clam Chowder: New England Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: Gluten-free chowder
- Location: 820 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Phone Number: (206) 624-3287
Metropolitan Grill’s New England Clam Chowder is a sleeper hit. Yes, this Seattle’s top steakhouse is known for its prime cuts. But their clam chowder deserves some love too.
The chowder is creamy and smooth, featuring just the right balance of clam flavor without being overwhelmed by bacon or other ingredients. What I like most about it is the use of paprika, just enough heat to spice things up without overpowering the subtle seafood taste.
This chowder isn’t overly chunky, allowing the clams to shine through. Why is the clam chowder bowl so good? Well, it’s rich, hearty, and full of depth, making it a must-try for any clam chowder fan. Plus, it’s a great option for those who prefer a gluten-free chowder without sacrificing flavor.
9/ Seattle Fish Company’s Clam Chowder
- Menu / Website: Seattle Fish Company
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Smoked Salmon Chowder
- Also Offers: Seafood chowder, New England clam chowder
- Location: 4435 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
- Phone Number: (206) 933-1000
Seattle Fish Company offers a unique twist on clam chowder with their smoked salmon version. This chowder is unlike most you’ll find in Seattle, blending tender pieces of smoked salmon with the creamy goodness of traditional clam chowder.
The smoky flavor from the salmon adds a layer of richness, while the clams provide that familiar seafood texture. It’s a comforting and slightly more complex chowder, making it a must-try for Seattle foodies. Not only do they offer their signature smoked salmon chowder, but they also serve a classic New England clam chowder in Seattle.
For those who prefer a more traditional style, their clam chowder doesn’t disappoint. Each bowl is packed with fresh clams and the right amount of seasoning, making it a local favorite in West Seattle.
10/ Shawn O’Donnell’s Clam Chowder, Seattle
- Menu / Website: Shawn O’Donnell’s
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Clam Chowder (served poutine-style)
- Also Offers: New England clam chowder, Seafood chowder
- Location: 3601 Fremont Ave N Suite 202, Seattle, WA 98103
- Phone Number: (206) 420-3656
Shawn O’Donnell’s offers a fun twist on traditional clam chowder by serving it poutine-style, over crispy fries! This playful take on a classic is a perfect choice for those who like a bit of texture and richness in their chowder.
The chowder itself is hearty and creamy, with big chunks of clams and a flavorful broth. Both the traditional bowl and poutine version offer a comforting and delicious meal.
The restaurant offers a classic New England clam chowder, but its seafood chowder with fresh ingredients is the highlight. Shawn O’Donnell’s family-friendly atmosphere and hearty portions make it a great stop in the Fremont neighborhood.
11/ Jack’s Fish Spot’s Clam Chowder at Pike Place
- Menu / Website: Jack’s Fish Spot
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Northwest Style Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: Seafood chowder, New England clam chowder
- Location: 1514 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
- Phone Number: (206) 467-0514
Jack’s Fish Spot is a great place to eat a delicious Northwest-style clam chowder in Pike Place Market, Seattle. It blends creamy goodness with a fresh, herbaceous kick. It’s chunky, with generous chunks of clams and an extra burst of flavor from the herbs and seasonings.
The chowder is comforting and filling, a perfect match for the bustling atmosphere of the market. What makes Jack’s Fish Spot’s clam chowder stand out is the balance of flavors, it’s rich but not too heavy, allowing the clams to really shine.
With a history of providing the freshest seafood in Seattle, you can trust that their chowder is crafted with quality ingredients. It’s a great alternative to the more crowded Pike Place Chowder, and you can often get your chowder quicker here without sacrificing quality.
12/ Clam Chowder by Ray’s Boathouse, Seattle
- Menu / Website: Ray’s Boathouse
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Ray’s New England Clam Chowder
- Also Offers: New England clam chowder, Seafood chowder
- Location: 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
- Phone Number: (206) 789-3770
Ray’s Boathouse is a well-known restaurant with the best views in Seattle. But their clam chowder is equally impressive. It’s a classic New England style, creamy with a perfect balance of bacon and clams. The house-smoked bacon adds a savory richness, while the clams remain the star of the dish.
This chowder is one of the best if you enjoy a bit of bacon flavor in your soup. Ray’s also serves the best seafood chowder in Seattle, perfect for those who want a variety of seafood in their bowl. Whether by the water or in a cozy café, this chowder deserves to be the best clam chowder in Seattle.
13/ Clam Chowder at Nordstrom Marketplace Café
- Menu / Website: Nordstrom Marketplace Café Menu
- Must-try Clam Chowder: Signature Clam Chowder with cheesy crostini
- Also Offers: Seafood Chowder
- Location: 500 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Phone Number: (206) 628-2111
Nordstrom Marketplace Café offers a signature clam chowder that is simple but satisfying. This creamy chowder comes with a side of cheesy crostini to dip. The chowder’s balance of flavors and richness makes it stand out, especially in a mall setting.
While the service can be hit-or-miss depending on the time of day, the clam chowder remains a must-try. The addition of the crostini provides a nice texture contrast to the chowder, making each spoonful more satisfying.
Mathew Norman also mentioned Nordstrom’s clam chowder in this video:
