Clams, potatoes, and bacon bathed in cream. The quintessential New England clam chowder — whether fancified, or done by the book — is a smooth, belly-warming delight. Here are 12 of the best places in Boston proper to eat clam chowder.
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Where to Eat New England Clam Chowder in Boston
Yes, you’ll probably hear it called “chowda,” but you don’t have to follow suit

The Warren Tavern
If you’re checking out the Bunker Hill Monument, you might as well swing by the Warren Tavern — allegedly the oldest tavern in the state — to grab some clam chowder.
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Neptune Oyster
What can be written about Neptune Oyster that hasn’t already been written? The oysters are great; the lobster roll is great; the Wellfleet clam chowder is also great. Expect a line; wait in that line.
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Union Oyster House
Union Oyster House is very old, and it has a reputation as a tourist trap, but the chowder passes muster. Avoid the gift shop.
Ned Devine's
The chowder at this Faneuil Hall pub isn’t just good; in fact, it’s award-winning.
James Hook & Co.
It’s not all lobsters at James Hook & Co. (though you should try the lobster roll, too).
The Barking Crab
Another tourist trap, but one of the good ones. You’ll spend a fair amount of money at the Barking Crab, but the food is good, so you’ll leave satisfied if a little lighter in the pockets.
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Row 34
At $13, the Row 34 clam chowder is an expensive chowder, but it’s a treat.
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The Banks Fish House
There’s chunks of pork belly and chive oil in this rendition, and yep, it’s just as good as it sounds.
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Legal Harborside
This place is a “meet market” and a tourist trap and an amusement park disguised as a seafood restaurant — but the chowder, which has been on many presidential inaugural menus dating back to 1981, is as good as it gets.
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Yankee Lobster
Make sure to snack on some clam chowder and a lobster roll at Yankee Lobster. Both are excellent.
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B&G Oysters
Another oyster joint, another top-notch clam chowder. B&G uses bacon lardons in its chowder and tops it with spicy croutons, which is a nice touch and a welcome departure from the more traditional oyster crackers.
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The Pearl
The Pearl is a relatively new seafood spot in Dorchester, and comes highly recommended by its industry peers. The chowder is creamy, clam-filled, and hits the spot.
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