What Are the Best Places for Clam Chowder Near Seattle?

Last Updated: June 24, 2026

Three of the best places for clam chowder are in Seattle Southside

Nothing warms a cool Pacific Northwest day quite like a bowl of rich, creamy clam chowder.

Whether you're looking for classic, New England-style clam chowder or someting with a twist, Seattle Southside is home to some of the region's best chowder destinations. Here are three must-visit spots where you can savor this Northwest classic.

Duke’s Seafood Restaurant

Duke's Seafood, which has a popular location at Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila, is famous for its award-winning clam chowders. Made with all-natural ingredients and nitrite-free bacon, the signature New England-style chowder has earned a loyal following and remains one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Beyond the classic, guests can also explore specialty chowders like the Lobster Mobster Pernod Chowder, featuring Nova Scotia lobster and Argentine red shrimp, or the North by Northwest Seafood Chowder, packed with wild Alaska salmon, halibut, cod, and steamer clams.

Anthony’s HomePort & Lower Deck

Anthony’s HomePort & Lower Deck in Des Moines, Washington, pairs classic Pacific Northwest seafood with sweeping views of Puget Sound, Maury Island, and the Olympic Mountains. The restaurant's New England-style clam chowder is a longtime favorite, made with tender clams, potatoes, and bacon in a rich, creamy broth. What makes the experience memorable is enjoying a warm bowl of chowder while watching boats drift through the marina and seabirds fly overhead. The inside dining room provides a more refined experience, while the deck has a sunny, summery vibe.

Wally’s Chowder House

Wally’s Chowder House, also in Des Moines, is known for its New England clam chowder and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Located minutes from the Puget Sound shoreline along Marine View Drive, Wally’s serves a hearty, traditional chowder packed with clams and creamy flavor that keeps locals returning year after year. The restaurant is often considered a destination in itself, known not only for chowder but also for fish and chips and fresh Northwest seafood.

Seattle Southside Chowder Recipe

This clam chowder recipe is a Northwest classic. Try it out at home, then visit Seattle Southside to try some of the best Northwest clam chowder around.

It was too difficult to pick a favorite recipe (but maybe you can!), so we are presenting our own, Seattle Southside Chowder for this month's recipe of the month.

TOTAL PREP TIME: 30 minutes

SERVES: 4

CLAM CHOWDER INGREDIENTS

  • 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 " pieces
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasonings
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ¼ tsp dill
  • 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 2 russet potatoes
  • 1 8-oz. bottle clam juice
  • 1 c. half-and-half
  • 1 c. vegetable broth
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 13 oz. chopped clams
  • 3 tbsp. finely chopped chives

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING CLAM CHOWDER

  1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Dry bacon on paper towels but leave bacon fat in pot.
  2. Add butter to melt, then add onion and celery. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, dill, Italian seasonings, thyme, and flour and cook until the flour turns gold.
  3. Add clam juice, vegetable broth, and half-and-half, and whisk until combined. Stir in the potatoes and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft.
  4. Add clams and cook until heated through. Season chowder with salt and pepper to taste. If chowder is too thick, add slightly more half-and-half until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Sprinkle with bacon and chives and serve.

You may also be interested in...