Best of 23 clam chowder in San Jose
San Jose, a city in California, is renowned for its delicious Clam Chowder. This coastal delicacy is a staple in San Jose's culinary scene, with many restaurants and eateries offering their unique take on the classic recipe. Clam Chowder in San Jose is a must-try for seafood lovers and food enthusiasts alike. It's a quintessential San Jose experience not to be missed!
- 1. Claw Shack
- 2. Harbor Fish & Chips
- 3. Scott's Seafood San Jose
- 4. Golden Catch Fish and Chips
- 5. The Crab Bay
- 6. Pier 402
- 7. The Kickin Crab
- 8. H. Salt Esq. Fish & Chips
- 9. Anchors Fish & Chips And Seafood Grill
- 10. Anchors Fish and Chips and Seafood Grill
- 11. Rosy's Fish City
- 12. EMC Seafood & Raw Bar
- 13. The Boiling Crab
- 14. Early Limits Fish and Chips
- 15. Poor House Bistro
- 16. Kickin' Crab
- 17. Dia De Pesca
- 18. Red Lobster
- 19. Forthright Oyster Bar & Kitchen
- 20. Boudin SF
- 21. Boudin SF
- 22. After Bar & Grill
- 23. Siena Bistro
1. Claw Shack
Family-owned seafood restaurant serving freshly caught and sustainably sourced seafood.

Clam Chowder is a popular dish that attracts many food lovers, with 15 photos and 68 reviews praising its delicious taste. One popular place to enjoy this dish is a location visited regularly, known for its excellent shrimp and clam combo. The combo includes sweet corn, juicy sausages, and tender potatoes that perfectly complement the seafood. Another standout dish is the clam chowder, which is highly regarded for its taste and quality.
The Clam Chowder is a must-try for any seafood lover, with its rich and creamy texture that is simply irresistible. The shrimp and clam combo is another favorite, with its perfect blend of flavors and textures that keep customers coming back for more. The ingredients used in both dishes are always fresh, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and delight. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this place is definitely worth a visit for its exceptional Clam Chowder and shrimp and clam combo.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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2. Harbor Fish & Chips
Family-owned seafood restaurant serving a variety of fresh dishes for over 40 years.

The clam chowder served was not at an appropriate temperature and lacked the freshness expected in a restaurant meal. The consistency was overly thick, which made for an unpleasant dining experience.
In addition to the temperature and consistency issues, the flavor of the clam chowder was disappointing. It tasted like canned food, lacking the fresh and delicious taste that one would hope for in a restaurant meal. Furthermore, it left a lingering aftertaste that was far from pleasant.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner
3. Scott's Seafood San Jose
Family-owned seafood restaurant since 1991, offering sustainable seafood

Scott's award-winning Boston style clam chowder with bacon is a highly recommended dish. This renowned soup, made in the Boston style, features bacon and is a customer favorite. The restaurant is not only known for its chowder but also offers a variety of other dishes such as soup, salad, and sandwiches, making it a great spot for a light meal.
I tried the famous clam chowder and was not disappointed. The chowder had a rich and savory flavor, which I believe comes from the bacon. The quality of the clam chowder is a true testament to Scott's culinary skills and demonstrates why it is an award-winning dish. Whether you are a fan of clam chowder or just looking to try something new, Scott's Boston style clam chowder with bacon is a must-try.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Waterfront
4. Golden Catch Fish and Chips
Serves sustainable seafood, offers gluten-free options, and provides a cozy and family-friendly atmosphere.

The clam chowder was a delicious and hearty dish, tasting perfectly seasoned. The individual who tried it was thoroughly impressed with the meal.
Initially intending to order fish and chips, the person ended up trying the clam chowder instead. This unplanned choice turned out to be a delightful surprise that they enjoyed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. The Crab Bay
Fresh seafood, cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff

The clam chowder at The Crab Bay is a standout dish that should not be missed. Its rich and flavorful consistency makes it one of the best versions of this soup that I have ever tasted. The chowder is thick and hearty, featuring an abundance of succulent clams that add to its overall satisfying experience.
The clam chowder's comforting qualities make it an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying meal. Its creamy texture and savory taste are sure to hit the spot and leave you feeling satisfied. The generous portion of clams only enhances the dish's appeal, making it a must-try for anyone who visits The Crab Bay.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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6. Pier 402
Fresh seafood, waterfront dining, sourdough bread bowls

The seafood sampler appetizer is a popular choice, offering a variety of seafood options for customers to try. The clam chowder is another standout menu item, known for its balanced thickness and delicious flavor. Both options are well-received by patrons and add excellence to the meal.
In particular, the clam chowder boasts a desirable consistency that is not too thick and offers a delightful taste. Included in the meal, the clam chowder provides a satisfying and enjoyable experience for those who try it. Overall, the seafood sampler appetizer and clam chowder are popular choices that add value to the dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Waterfront
7. The Kickin Crab
Offers a fun and interactive dining experience with plastic bibs and gloves provided.

The clam chowder I tried was delightful, with a perfectly balanced seasoning that added great taste. The hearty consistency of the dish was particularly satisfying.
This establishment offers an amazing clam chowder that is sure to impress. It boasts a rich and creamy texture, with a robust flavor that makes it a must-try.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegan Options
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8. H. Salt Esq. Fish & Chips
Family-owned business since 2013, focuses on sustainable seafood

The fries are delicious, and the clam chowder is a must-try. The fish pieces are enormous, and ordering 8 pieces was more than enough for our family. I recommend ordering less as it can easily make two meals.
The menu offers large, flaky fish with crispy batter, hot chips with a soft interior, and briny clam strips. The service is friendly, and the restaurant has remained a popular choice despite the test of time and competition.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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9. Anchors Fish & Chips And Seafood Grill
Family-owned business operating since 1995, emphasizing on fresh and high-quality seafood, with gluten-free and kids' menus available.

The clam chowder stood out as the highlight of the meal, but unfortunately, the portion size of the cup left me longing for more. The fish was less successful, with a soggy texture that detracted from the overall experience. The fries were also unremarkable, lacking in flavor.
Despite the efficient service, I would not recommend this establishment due to the subpar food quality. The clam chowder, although tasty, was not enough to make up for the disappointing fish and unseasoned fries. It's unfortunate when the food does not live up to expectations, and in this case, the meal was not worth the cost.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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10. Anchors Fish and Chips and Seafood Grill
Family-owned and operated, focused on fresh and sustainable seafood

The clam chowder, when ordered for delivery, maintains its heat and flavor, making it a satisfying and delicious choice. The soup is known for its comforting qualities. Remarkably, the chowder's taste is impressive, characterized by its creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
As a must-try dish, the clam chowder's popularity is well-deserved. Its creamy consistency and full-bodied flavor make it a standout. This soup offers a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience, making it a notable recommendation.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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11. Rosy's Fish City
Fresh seafood, affordable prices, family-friendly

This establishment is renowned for its delectable fish and chips, but they also provide a range of other choices including grilled catfish, clam chowder, and swordfish. The restaurant boasts of a welcoming and attentive staff, reasonable prices, and a lively atmosphere with TVs and music. The clam chowder is especially noteworthy, and they offer fresh fish to take away. Despite the occasional slow service when busy, the food, including the fresh fish, is tasty and the establishment is clean and friendly.
The restaurant's fish and chips are a popular choice, but they also serve other options such as clam chowder, grilled catfish, and swordfish. It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with TVs and music, and the prices are reasonable. The clam chowder is a must-try, and they even offer fresh fish to go. Although the service can be slow during peak times, the food is always delicious. The establishment is kept clean and the staff are attentive, making it a great place to enjoy a meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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12. EMC Seafood & Raw Bar
Features a wide selection of fresh seafood, sushi, and raw bar items, as well as a lively bar area with creative cocktails and a happy hour menu. The restaurant also offers private dining rooms for special events and group gatherings.

The clam chowder at this establishment is truly exceptional, offering a rich and flavorful experience that is sure to impress. Its delicious taste and hearty consistency have made it one of the best we've ever had, leaving us completely satisfied.
If you're in the mood for clam chowder, this is the perfect place to try it. The soup is perfectly seasoned, providing a hearty and satisfying meal. With its delightful flavor and satisfying texture, the chowder is a must-try for any seafood lover. Overall, it's a delicious and enjoyable culinary experience that is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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13. The Boiling Crab
The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere with a seafood-focused menu, and customers can expect a fun and interactive dining experience.

The clam chowder at The Boiling Crab is widely regarded as exceptional. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a standout dish. Diners who have tried it rave about its quality and highly recommend it to others.
If you're a fan of clam chowder, The Boiling Crab's version is not to be missed. With its delightful creaminess and delicious taste, it is a must-try for anyone looking for a top-notch seafood experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
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14. Early Limits Fish and Chips
Family-owned local favorite since 1977, using fresh ingredients

The clam chowder offered was creamy and delightful, making it a highly recommended dish. Alongside the chowder, the fish and chips were a standout option.
The clam chowder's creamy texture and rich flavor made it a memorable culinary experience. However, the fish and chips truly shone as the star of the meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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15. Poor House Bistro
Housed in a historic building, Family-owned and operated
The author tried a shrimp po boy and cajun fries, along with a cup of clam chowder from the specials menu. The clam chowder stood out as a highlight of the meal. It was creamy and delicious, with a satisfyingly hearty consistency. The perfect seasoning made it even more enjoyable.
In summary, the author's meal included a shrimp po boy, cajun fries, and a special clam chowder. The chowder was a particularly noteworthy part of the meal, boasting a creamy texture, delightful flavor, and a hearty quality.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Kickin' Crab
Seafood boil restaurant with a fun and lively atmosphere.

The food served was absolutely delicious. One dish that stood out was the clam chowder, which was better than I ever could have imagined. I ended up finishing almost four bowls of it.
My expectations for the clam chowder were exceeded. It was incredibly tasty and I found myself unable to stop eating it. I ended up having close to four servings of this surprising highlight.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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17. Dia De Pesca
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican seafood.

The clam chowder stands out as a highlight of the meal, boasting a rich and satisfying flavor profile and an ample amount of clams. On the other hand, the oysters were a disappointment, described as small and lacking in taste.
Overall, the chowder is a bright spot in the meal, while the oysters fail to impress. The chowder offers a delightful combination of richness and a generous portion of clams, making it a satisfying choice. Unfortunately, the oysters are a letdown, small and unremarkable in flavor.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
18. Red Lobster
Right off the Capital Expressway, Casual dining experience, Wide selection of seafood dishes

I ordered the Four-Course Dinner Special, which included a Garden Salad with ranch dressing and a cup of New England Clam Chowder. The salad was fresh and the dressing was a tasty complement. The clam chowder was the highlight of the meal, with its creamy consistency and rich flavor. The bread bowl it came in was fresh and added a nice texture to each bite.
My dinner special also included Garlic Shrimp, which were delicious with a generous amount of shrimp on each skewer. However, the rice pilaf that accompanied the dish was oily and not as enjoyable. To finish off the meal, I had a Brownie and Ice Cream creation for dessert, which was a delicious end to the dinner.
One standout element of the meal was the Sourdough Bread Bowl that the clam chowder was served in. The bread was fresh and added a delightful texture to the creamy chowder. The combination of the two was a perfect pairing and elevated the dish to a new level.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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19. Forthright Oyster Bar & Kitchen
Local seafood, raw bar, and craft cocktails

The culinary adventure began with a satisfying bowl of Clam Chowder. This appetizer was well-received, setting a positive tone for the rest of the meal. For the main course, there was a selection of oysters, followed by mussels and toast, as well as the Clam Chowder soup.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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20. Boudin SF
Famous sourdough bread bowls baked fresh daily.

Boudin SF is a well-known bakery, famous for its delicious sourdough breads. One of the most popular items on their menu is the clam chowder bread bowl. Unfortunately, the two sandwiches we ordered did not meet our expectations.
The clam chowder bread bowl was delicious, but the sandwiches were disappointing. Boudin SF offers a diverse menu with options to suit different tastes. However, our sandwich experience was underwhelming, which was unfortunate as we had anticipated enjoying them just as much as the chowder.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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21. Boudin SF
Serving signature sourdough bread and clam chowder since 1849

I love eating at this establishment and have always enjoyed their food. During my most recent visit, I noticed that they were low on clam chowder. Despite knowing the regular portion size, I received a significantly smaller amount than usual, with my bread bowl cut down to about half of its regular size. This was disappointing, and I felt that I had paid full price for a subpar portion.
The white clam chowder at this restaurant is particularly excellent, and they offer unique burgers and sandwiches that differ from those served at other establishments. However, my recent experience with the reduced portion of clam chowder left a bad taste in my mouth, and I cannot help but feel that this was a poor business practice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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22. After Bar & Grill
Family-owned restaurant with a friendly staff

The seafood at this restaurant is delicious, with options such as clam chowder, crawfish, mussels, shrimp, and even baby octopus. The combo #1, which includes crawfish, mussels, and shrimp (without the heads), is a great option for two or more people and is perfectly portioned. Other menu items include sweet potato fries and hot wings. In addition to the food, the restaurant has recently upgraded to a professional stage for nightly band performances, enhancing the dining experience.
This Mexican-style seafood restaurant is known for its tasty and flavorful offerings. The shrimp, clam, and baby octopus are all standout dishes, and the hot wings are a delicious alternative. The restaurant also offers a delicious clam chowder. The staff is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for seafood or just a fun night out, this restaurant is highly recommended.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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23. Siena Bistro
Family-owned since 2000, using fresh and local ingredients

The drink selection at this establishment is noteworthy, with two specific choices mentioned as particularly enjoyable. The "Angry Rita" and "Italian Stallion" were both favored among the specialty drinks offered. Unfortunately, details regarding these drinks were not provided. In addition to the specialty drinks, the clam chowder received a positive review, indicating it as a recommended choice for soup lovers.
Beyond the drinks, there is a positive comment about the clam chowder. The clam chowder stands out as a delicious option for soup lovers, although there is no further description about its taste or appearance. Despite the lack of detail about the chowder, the mention of it being good suggests it is a menu item worth trying.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems