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Best Clam Chowder On The South Shore And In Cape Cod

A good bowl of clam chowder - no matter what time of year it is - partially defines what it is to be a New Englander. Some spots keep the recipe simple with just clams and a creamy broth garnished up with herbs, while others load in veggies like potatoes, onions, celery or carrots. No matter how it's made, clam chowder is the basis for festivals, awards and contests in Boston and beyond. Outside of the city, a good bowl of chowder, or "chowdah" as the locals call it, is worth a drive to one of these Cape Cod or South Shore spots.
Burke's Seafood
(Photo from Burke's Seafood)

Burke's Seafood
61 Billings Road
Quincy, MA 02171
(617) 479-1540
www.burkesseafood.com

Located in Quincy and in business for over 30 years, Burke's Seafood serves up favorites like fish and chips and fried clams, but it also makes a mean cup of chowder. It serves clam or haddock chowder plus lobster bisque daily. Burke's even offers seasonal soup selections such as corn chowder, shrimp and sausage gumbo, as well as Maryland vegetable crab. Prices range from $3.99 for a cup up to $14.99 for a quart. The house specialty is the seafood chowder which boasts not just clams, but haddock, scallops, lobster and shrimp, starting at $6.49.

Related: What's The Best Chowder Around?

Cabby Shack
(Photo from Cabby Shack)

Cabby Shack
30 Town Wharf Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 746-5354
www.cabbyshack.com

Cabby Shack in Plymouth has been praised by the critics, including the Phantom Gourmet, along with visitors and locals alike. Offering up a lively atmosphere with music, views, quality fresh seafood and drinks, it is the place to go. Cabby Shack has everything from whole lobsters to lobster rolls, plus places to catch some sun. The Shack has become a summertime staple. Its award-winning clam chowder is available in a cup for $4.75, bowl for $6.75, or if you want to go all out, try the chowder featured in a fresh baked bread bowl for $7.95. It's a house-made chowder that Cabby Shack pride itself on serving because of its taste and thick and creamy texture.

Blue Eyed Crab Grille & Raw Bar
(Photo Credit: Blue Eyed Crab Grille & Raw Bar )

Blue Eyed Crab Grille & Raw Bar
170 Water St.
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-6776
www.blue-eyedcrab.com

The Blue Eyed Crab Grille & Raw Bar is also in Plymouth. Order up some oysters, one of the creative cocktails and some New England clam chowder, which is served standard with oyster crackers, for $6.50. Entrees also gain praise like the pan-roasted sea scallops with panko-crusted sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn salsa and pickled jalapeno cream sauce or the lobster, shrimp and calamari creole risotto.

Lobster Pot
(Photo Credit: Lobster Pot)

Lobster Pot
3155 Cranbry Highway
East Wareham, MA 02538
(508) 759-3876
www.lobsterpotrestaurant.biz

Lobster Pot is located a hop and a skip from Cape Cod Canal on Route 6 and 28, along the Buzzards Bay and Wareham Line. It has received plenty of both local and national attention for its fresh seafood and casual and comfortable environment. The award-winning clam chowder is packed with clams and potatoes and is available for $4.29 per cup, or $5.99 for a bowl. The other standout on the menu is, as the name suggests, the lobster. From just over a pound all the way up to 10 pounds, there is the perfect size for everyone in the family.

Chatham Squire Restaurant & Tavern
(Photo from Chatham Squire Restaurant & Tavern)

Chatham Squire Restaurant & Tavern
487 Main St.
Chatham, MA 02633
(508) 945-0945
www.thesquire.com

Chatham Squire Restaurant & Tavern is the kind of place where you can kick back with a beer and slurp up some chowder. Visitors can't get enough of the license plates plastered along the walls from near and far as they nosh on fried shrimp or scallops, mussels or even comfort food like turkey dinner or lasagna. There's also delicious pub food and the opportunity to get involved with trivia or enjoy the music and soak up the nightlife.

Related: Best Clam Chowder In Boston

Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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