(credit: legalseafoods.com)

Clam chowder is one of the most popular dishes in Boston. You won’t find too much of the red stuff in Boston. The local chowder is white, made with cream or milk, chocked full of clams, potatoes and onions, with added flavors that can sometimes include bacon, sherry or other spices. Here are some of the best in Boston.

Legal Sea Foods

Multiple Locations
www.legalseafoods.com

Whenever someone asks where they can find the best clam chowder, much like the cream in the dish, Legal Sea Foods makes its way to the top. While the restaurant has dozens of locations as far south as Florida, we recommend Long Wharf, where you can see the water. Legal has only been making its chowder since 1980, but it claims its chowder has been at every presidential inauguration since 1981. Fans say it’s the creaminess and abundance of clams that set it apart.

Anthem Kitchen + Bar

Faneuil Hall
www.anthem-boston.com

The winner of the 2010 & 2012 Boston Chowderfest (not to mention runner up in 2011) was Anthem Kitchen + Bar. People who tried it out said it was very creamy with not a lot of clumps of clams or veggies.

Hyatt harborside Grill

Airport/East Boston
harborside.hyatt.com

The runner up of the 2012 Boston Chowderfest is a bowl of thick, hearty, and creamy chowder that’s heavy on the clams. Aside from the chowder itself, the best part about enjoying the Hyatt’s clam chowder is the view of the Boston skyline from the outside deck.

Mr. Dooley’s Boston Tavern

Financial District
www.mrdooleys.com

The runner up at the 2010 Chowderfest was Mr. Dooley’s Boston Tavern. People who tasted it made mention of the Canadian bacon that was used in the recipe. Folks who have ordered it from the restaurant note the large chunks of clams and potatoes. They also say an order of a bowl is pretty big and very filling.

Chart House

Waterfront
www.chart-house.com

Win three times and you’re out of the competition. That’s what happened with The Chart House. They’ve appeared at the 2010 & 2011 Chowderfests as a member of the Hall Of Fame. People who have had the chowder at the restaurant on the waterfront have noted that it’s very creamy, not too salty and has a good mixture of potatoes and clams.

Ned Devine’s Irish Pub: Winner in 2004, 2005, 2009

Turner Fisheries Bar & Restaurant – Westin Hotel: Winner in 1984, 1985, 1986

Where do you order up your favorite bowl? Add it to the comment section below.