The 8 Best Places for Clam Chowder in Philadelphia

Philly's Chowder Quest: A Guide to the City's Best Bowls of Clam Chowder

While Philadelphia is a city far from the shores of Cape Cod, its exceptional seafood scene delivers a taste of New England with one of the most beloved comfort foods: clam chowder. A perfect bowl of New England-style clam chowder—rich, creamy, and brimming with tender clams and potatoes—is a true culinary delight. From historic oyster houses and bustling raw bars to iconic sports bars, Philadelphia is home to numerous spots that have mastered this classic soup. Here is a guide to some of the best places in the city to find a phenomenal bowl of clam chowder.

1. Oyster House (Center City)

• The Chowder: Widely regarded as the benchmark for classic seafood in Philadelphia, Oyster House serves a quintessential New England Clam Chowder. Their version is perfectly creamy without being too thick, packed with tender surf clams and potatoes, and has a subtle, smoky flavor from salt pork. It is consistently ranked among the best in the city.
• The Vibe: A timeless, bustling American seafood hall with a magnificent marble raw bar. It’s a true Philadelphia institution.
• Location: 1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

2. Luke's Lobster (Rittenhouse Square)

• The Chowder: Hailing from New England, Luke's Lobster brings its authentic recipes to Philadelphia. Their New England Clam Chowder is a standout, loaded with potatoes and clams, and seasoned to perfection. It’s a perfect, comforting accompaniment to their famous lobster rolls.
• The Vibe: A bright, casual, and quick-service eatery with a commitment to sustainable, high-quality seafood.
• Location: 130 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

3. Pearl and Mary Oyster Bar (Midtown Village)

• The Chowder: A stylish and popular destination on 13th Street, Pearl and Mary is an oyster bar known for its fresh seafood and creative cocktails. Their "amazing chowder" is a must-try, offering a rich and flavorful take on the classic that has earned rave reviews from diners.
• The Vibe: A chic and modern oyster bar with a lively, see-and-be-seen atmosphere, perfect for a sophisticated meal or happy hour.
• Location: 114 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

4. Loch Bar (Avenue of the Arts)

• The Vibe: An upscale seafood tavern with one of the largest raw bars in the city, Loch Bar offers a high-energy atmosphere with live music seven days a week.
• The Chowder: While they also feature a classic Maryland Crab Soup, their New England Clam Chowder is a rich and delicious staple, perfectly executed in their sophisticated kitchen.
• Location: 301 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

5. Ocean Prime (Center City)

• The Vibe: An elegant and nationally acclaimed seafood and steakhouse, Ocean Prime is a premier destination for fine dining. The atmosphere is modern, luxurious, and perfect for a special occasion.
• The Chowder: As expected from a high-end seafood restaurant, their clam chowder is a refined and decadent version of the classic, made with high-quality ingredients and expert preparation.
• Location: 124 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

6. Chickie's & Pete's (South Philadelphia & Multiple Locations)

• The Vibe: A legendary Philadelphia sports bar and crab house, Chickie's & Pete's is a high-energy, fun, and family-friendly institution.
• The Chowder: While famous for their Crabfries®, their New England Clam Chowder is a classic menu highlight. It's a creamy, satisfying, and delicious bowl that has been a fan favorite for years, perfect for warming up before a game.
• Location (South Philly): 1526 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145

From the timeless perfection at Oyster House to the market hustle of Pearl's and the refined elegance of Devon Seafood Grill, Philadelphia proves you don't need to be in New England to find a world-class bowl of clam chowder. These top-tier restaurants and seafood markets showcase the city's ability to master this beloved coastal classic, offering a warm and comforting taste of the sea in the heart of the city.

Bill Zimmerman
Publisher
Publisher / Webmaster at Philly Bite Magazine.