MomSkoop
Seattle’s love affair with chowder runs deeper than Puget Sound itself. From waterfront restaurants serving steaming bowls with stunning views to hidden gems tucked away in neighborhoods, the Emerald City offers incredible variety for chowder lovers. Each spoonful tells a story of fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, local traditions, and culinary creativity that makes this city a true chowder paradise.
1. Lowell’s Restaurant
Perched above Pike Place Market since 1957, this iconic spot serves chowder with a side of Seattle history. Every bowl arrives steaming hot while tourists and locals alike gaze out at Elliott Bay through massive windows.
Fresh Dungeness crab and tender clams swim in their signature creamy broth that’s been perfected over decades. The recipe remains closely guarded, but regulars swear by the perfect balance of seafood and seasoning.
Reservations fill up fast, especially during tourist season, so calling ahead saves disappointment and hungry stomachs.
2. Salty’s on Alki Beach
Oceanfront dining reaches new heights when you’re slurping award-winning chowder while watching ferries glide across the water. This West Seattle favorite has earned national recognition for their rich, velvety creation that locals consider liquid gold.
Chunks of fresh salmon, cod, and shellfish create a hearty base that warms you from the inside out. Weekend brunch brings extra crowds, but the wait becomes worthwhile once that first spoonful hits your taste buds.
Sunset dining transforms the experience into something magical, especially during summer months when the weather cooperates perfectly.
3. The Crab Pot Seattle
Bibs aren’t just for messy eaters here – they’re practically required equipment when tackling their famous seafood feast that starts with incredible chowder. This Pier 57 institution brings theatrical dining to new levels with their signature presentation style.
Their Northwest chowder bursts with local ingredients including fresh mussels, clams, and salmon in a cream base that tastes like pure comfort. Kids love the casual atmosphere while adults appreciate the generous portions and reasonable prices.
Tourist crowds can make things hectic, but the energetic vibe adds to the authentic Seattle waterfront experience that visitors remember forever.
4. Elliott’s Oyster House
Upscale doesn’t always mean uptight, and this waterfront gem proves that point with every carefully crafted bowl of their signature chowder. Executive chefs here treat chowder like fine art, using only the freshest Pacific Northwest seafood available daily.
Their version features premium ingredients like Dungeness crab, Penn Cove mussels, and locally-sourced salmon in a base that’s both rich and surprisingly light. Wine pairings elevate the experience beyond typical chowder joints.
Business dinners and romantic dates both work perfectly here, thanks to the sophisticated atmosphere and consistently excellent service that never disappoints discerning diners.
5. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
Farm-to-table takes on new meaning when the farm sits underwater and the table overlooks where your dinner was harvested. This Capitol Hill location brings Taylor Shellfish’s century-old expertise directly to your spoon with unmatched freshness.
Their chowder showcases shellfish harvested from their own beds throughout Puget Sound, creating flavors that change subtly with the seasons. Knowledgeable staff can tell you exactly where each ingredient originated, often down to the specific bay.
Happy hour brings great deals on both chowder and wine, making this spot perfect for after-work gatherings with friends who appreciate quality ingredients.
6. Ivar’s Acres of Clams
“Keep clam” isn’t just a slogan here – it’s a way of life that’s been serving Seattle since 1938. This waterfront institution practically invented Seattle’s chowder culture, and their recipe remains largely unchanged from the original version.
Traditional preparation methods create that distinctive taste that generations of families have shared together. The creamy base holds tender clams and potatoes in perfect proportion, never too thick or too thin.
Seagulls still beg for scraps outside while families create memories inside, making this spot essential for understanding Seattle’s culinary heritage and maritime traditions that continue today.
7. Westward
Modern meets maritime in this Fremont hotspot where craft cocktails pair surprisingly well with expertly prepared chowder. The industrial-chic atmosphere attracts younger crowds who appreciate both Instagram-worthy presentations and seriously good food.
Chef-driven preparations elevate traditional chowder with unexpected touches like house-made bacon and locally-foraged herbs. Each bowl arrives as a carefully composed dish rather than simple comfort food, though comfort remains the ultimate goal.
The expansive patio offers stunning water views during warmer months, while the cozy interior provides perfect refuge when Seattle’s famous rain makes outdoor dining less appealing for most visitors.
8. Pike Place Chowder
Awards line the walls of this Market institution that’s been perfecting their craft since 2003, including multiple wins at the Great Chowder Cook-Off. Their New England style consistently beats competitors from actual New England, much to local pride and visiting tourists’ surprise.
Four different varieties ensure everyone finds their perfect match, from traditional clam to rich salmon bisque. Samples are freely offered, encouraging experimentation before committing to a full bowl of creamy goodness.
Long lines during peak hours prove popularity, but the quick service and reasonable prices make the wait worthwhile for chowder that’s worth traveling across the country to experience firsthand.
9. Daniel’s Broiler
Steakhouse chowder might sound like an afterthought, but this upscale establishment takes their seafood as seriously as their prime cuts. Located high above the city, their chowder serves as an elegant appetizer that sets the tone for memorable evenings.
Premium ingredients include fresh lobster and Dungeness crab in a base enriched with cream and white wine. The presentation matches the restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere, arriving in warmed bowls with artisanal crackers alongside.
Special occasion dining calls for special places, and their chowder helps justify the splurge with quality that matches the panoramic city views visible from every table in the house.
10. Pike Place Chowder – Capitol Hill
Success breeds expansion, and this newer location brings the same award-winning recipes to Seattle’s hippest neighborhood with a slightly more relaxed vibe. Local residents no longer need to fight Market crowds for their chowder fix, though the quality remains identical.
The same four signature varieties that made the original famous are served here, including their championship New England style. Neighborhood regulars have adopted this spot as their go-to comfort food destination during Seattle’s rainier months.
Parking proves easier than downtown, making this location perfect for locals who want great chowder without the tourist scene that sometimes overwhelms the original Market location during busy seasons.