The Best Spots For Chowder In Seattle

Seattle, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and maritime heritage, offers a variety of chowder that captures the heart of comfort food enthusiasts. As you explore the city, you’ll find everything from Pike Place Chowder’s smoked salmon delights to the sustainable shellfish options at Taylor Shellfish Farms. Each spot, like Shuckers Oyster Bar with its traditional clam chowder or Elliott’s Oyster House with a spicy twist, brings its own flair, making Seattle a chowder lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in the mood for classic New England-style or creative seafood blends, Seattle’s got a bowl of chowder waiting just for you. Have you ever wondered where the best spots for chowder in Seattle are? If you find yourself craving the warmth of a delicious bowl of chowder, look no further! Seattle, known for its vibrant food culture and proximity to fresh seafood, offers some of the finest chowders on the West Coast.

The Best Spots For Chowder In Seattle

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The Origins of Clam Chowder

Before we dive into the best spots to enjoy chowder in Seattle, it’s essential to understand its historical roots. Clam chowder originated in New England in the 1700s. Traditionally, this hearty soup includes clams, potatoes, onions, cream, and salt pork. Over the centuries, various regions have added their unique twists, and now Seattle stands as a key player in chowder offerings on the West Coast.

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Top Chowder Spots in Seattle

Seattle boasts an incredible array of chowder joints, each bringing its own flair and flavor to this iconic dish. Below, you’ll find some of the best spots in the city to satisfy your chowder cravings.

Pike Place Chowder

Located in the bustling Pike Place Market, Pike Place Chowder is a must-visit. Renowned for its variety, you can sample chowders ranging from classic New England-style to more adventurous flavors like smoked salmon and seared scallop chowder. They also cater to dietary restrictions with options like gluten-free and plant-based chowders.

Chowder Types Highlights
New England Style Classic taste with fresh clams
Smoked Salmon Unique and smoky flavor
Seared Scallop Rich and indulgent
Gluten-Free Options Inclusive for dietary needs
Plant-Based Chowders Vegan-friendly options

Shuckers Oyster Bar

Situated in the luxurious Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Shuckers Oyster Bar serves a traditional clam chowder that’s hard to beat. Their chowder features clams, potatoes, and smoked bacon, adding a rich and smoky depth to the flavor profile.

Taylor Shellfish Farms

Known for their commitment to sustainable shellfish, Taylor Shellfish Farms is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious diners. Their chowder is made with local geoduck, providing a unique Seattle twist on the classic clam chowder.

Market Grill

Also located in Pike Place Market, Market Grill offers a superb New England-style clam chowder and a Northwest seafood stew. The vibrant flavors showcase the quality of the local seafood, making it a true Seattle staple.

Elliott’s Oyster House

Over at Pier 56, you’ll find Elliott’s Oyster House, another fantastic spot for chowder. They serve a traditional white clam chowder as well as a spicy crab and corn chowder. If you like a kick of heat, the spicy crab will not disappoint.

Seattle Fish Guys

The Seattle Fish Guys, located in the Central District, offer clam chowder alongside various other fresh seafood options like poke bowls and sashimi. It’s an all-encompassing seafood experience, perfect for chowder lovers who like variety.

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Local Tide

In the trendy Fremont neighborhood, Local Tide serves clam chowder featuring manila clams and grilled sourdough. The grilled sourdough adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, creating a multi-dimensional chowder experience.

Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar

Nestled in Pike Place Market, Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar is a hidden gem. They offer a fantastic New England-style clam chowder and a variety of fresh oysters. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed, hearty meal.

Duke’s Seafood

Duke’s Seafood is a local chain with multiple locations around Seattle. They’re renowned for their delicious chowder offerings, making it easy to find good chowder no matter where you are in the city.

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Culinary Scene and Diversity

One of the factors that make Seattle’s chowder scene so compelling is its maritime roots. The city’s access to fresh seafood allows chefs to create diverse and innovative chowder options. With multiple spots within and around Pike Place Market, and a range of seafood-centric establishments, each offering its own unique take on chowder, chowder enthusiasts are spoiled for choice.

The Maritime Influence

Seattle’s maritime heritage plays a significant role in the city’s culinary diversity. Proximity to the Pacific Ocean ensures that seafood is as fresh as it gets, which is key to crafting excellent chowder. Many spots in the city take advantage of this, resulting in authentic and memorable chowder experiences.

Unique Chowder Takes

Whether it’s adding smoked salmon, using local geoduck, or creating plant-based versions, Seattle chefs are not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries when it comes to chowder. This adventurous spirit ensures that you’ll never tire of exploring the city’s chowder offerings.

Community and Tradition

Despite the variety, many places in Seattle maintain a deep respect for traditional chowder recipes, blending time-honored techniques with local ingredients. This harmonious blend of old and new makes Seattle a chowder lover’s paradise.

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Recommendations

If you’re planning a culinary tour of Seattle to discover its chowder spots, here are a few recommendations to ensure you get the most out of your experience:

  1. Visit Pike Place Market: With several chowder spots nestled within, this iconic location is a great place to start.
  2. Explore Different Neighborhoods: From Fremont to the Central District, each neighborhood has unique chowder offerings worth exploring.
  3. Try Seasonal Variations: Certain spots may offer seasonal chowder specials, so ask if there are any unique flavors being offered during your visit.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Seattle offers a chowder experience that’s both rich in history and diverse in flavor. From the traditional to the innovative, the city’s variety ensures there’s a bowl of chowder perfect for every palate. So, next time you’re in Seattle, why not embark on a delicious journey and discover the best spots for chowder yourself? Happy dining!

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