Best Places To Get Clam Chowder In LA
If you're a clam chowder connoisseur you already know there are 7 official styles (and many restaurant originals) of this tasty dish. From creamy New England to the tomato based Manhattan; New Jersey's version with bacon, light cream and sliced tomatoes to the scrumptious and spicy Minorcan chowder found in Florida. There are several other official versions of clam chowder depending on what state you live in. However, you don't have to travel very far to find an amazing version if you live in Los Angeles. You just have to pop into any of these five eateries and order yourself a bowl.
Seasalt Fish Grill
812 W. 7th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 243-5700
www.seasaltfishgrill.com
With locations next to the ocean in Santa Monica and in downtown LA, Seasalt Fish Grill serves some of the freshest fish dishes around, as well as some of the best clam chowder around. The Fisherman's Wharf Clam Chowder follows the traditional New England style with sea clams and baby clams, while The Baja Seafood Chowder takes it up a notch with clams, shrimp and assorted fish.
EMC Seafood & Raw Bar
3500 W. 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 351-9988
www.emcseafood.com
There is one thing you can definitely say about EMC Seafood & Raw Bar's clam chowder and that's they don't skimp on the clams. Big chunks of clams in a light cream sauce with savory bacon is a nod to the Jersey style and is just as delicious. The Seafood Stew is just as chunky with clams, mussels and shrimp in more of a spicy tomato Manhattan type broth.
Gulfstream
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 553-3636
www.hillstone.com
The clam chowder at the Gulfstream in Santa Monica is not always available, but when it is, get it even if you weren't in the mood for it. Light and creamy, packed with clams and flavored with tender potatoes, celery and leeks and topped with crumbled bacon, your tastebuds will thank you for ordering it. Their seafood cocktail in a tomato base with plump shrimp and crab is a nice runner up, as well. Friendly staff is a bonus.
Fish King
722 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91206
(818) 244-0804
www.fishkingseafood.com
Fish King is one of the best places in the valley to get fresh fish. This market/cafe has a wonderful selection of delicious things from the sea to take home to cook yourself or for a bite to eat right then and there. The clam chowder is strict traditional New England, but is still one of the best that side of the Hollywood sign. Enjoy a cup for $3.50, a bowl for $4.50 or bring home a quart for the family at a very reasonable $10.95. This is another place with courteous service.
Related: Best Sushi In Los Angeles
Fisherman's Outlet
529 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 627-7231
www.fishermansoutlet.net
With fresh fish of all kinds coming in everyday, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Fisherman's Outlet. But if you're in the mood for chowder you're in for a special treat. The New England is thick and packed with clams and fresh herbs. If you're looking for a fishier chowder the Fisherman's Seafood Red Clam Chowder is Manhattan style, but has a nice assortment of fish in addition to clams.
