Top 11 clam chowder in Philadelphia
Clam chowder in Philadelphia is a popular dish that showcases the city's culinary diversity. This savory soup, often made with clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon, can be found in various eateries across the city. For a taste of some of the best clam chowder in Philadelphia, visit top spots like The Olde Bar, Benny The Bum's, Chart House, Jack's Firehouse, and Gallo's Seafood.
1. Chickie's & Pete's
Known for their unique Crabfries and sports bar atmosphere

The clam chowder I tried was characterized by its creamy texture and satisfying warmth, making it an ideal choice for a cold day. However, my personal taste preference found it to be a touch too salty.
On the other hand, the clam chowder was also described as delicious, indicating a positive overall impression of its taste. Despite the slight excess of salt, its creamy consistency was highlighted as a notable and enjoyable quality.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Suburban
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
2. Devon Seafood Grill
Upscale seafood grill with a focus on sustainable sourcing

The New England Clam Chowder I tried was a creamy soup with a balance of clams and potatoes. The soup was delicious and praised as a must-try. However, my experience with the clam chowder was not as positive. I found it lacked seasoning and was too thick for my personal preference.
In summary, the New England Clam Chowder received mixed reviews. While some, like me, found it to be lacking in flavor and texture, others enjoyed its creamy consistency and balance of ingredients. It is clear that taste preferences played a role in our different experiences, but it cannot be denied that the chowder had a creamy and hearty quality that some found appealing.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
3. Gallo's Seafood
Fresh seafood, Generous portions, Cozy neighborhood spot

The cod dish, broiled to perfection, was the star of the meal. The Manhattan Clam Chowder was also a highlight, as it consistently meets expectations. Overall, the food at this establishment is excellent. The service is another reason for frequent visits, as the staff is both friendly and attentive.
If you visit this restaurant, be sure to order the Manhattan Clam Chowder. It is a reliable and delicious choice. The quality of the food and the high level of service make for a satisfying dining experience.
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4. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
Established in 1979, featuring sustainable seafood and USDA Prime steaks

I had the opportunity to try the award-winning New England clam chowder from their menu. The chowder had a creamy consistency that I found to be quite enjoyable. However, it didn't strike me as being overly rich or dense, which was a pleasant surprise.
Despite the menu's claim of it being an award-winning dish, I found the chowder to be just average in taste. While it had a desirable creaminess, the flavor didn't stand out to me as exceptional or noteworthy.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Rooftop
- Budget-Friendly Eats
5. Ocean Prime
Sleek and modern seafood-focused restaurant and lounge

Ocean Prime serves a delicious clam chowder that stands out as one of the best. Its rich and robust flavor is highly satisfying, making it a must-try for any seafood lover. The chowder is perfectly seasoned, resulting in a well-balanced taste that is both hearty and comforting.
Visitors to Ocean Prime will not be disappointed with the restaurant's clam chowder. This soup is a standout, boasting a rich and flavorful taste that is sure to impress. It is hearty and satisfying, with a perfect balance of seasoning that makes it an excellent choice for seafood enthusiasts.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
6. Chart House
Offers an impressive wine list and daily drink specials

Chart House in Philadelphia, PA is well-known for its signature New England clam chowder. Many reviews rave about the chowder's exceptional taste and creamy texture. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, featuring items such as coconut crunchy shrimp, hot chocolate lava cake, wild-caught king crab, and surf and turf pasta. Diners can also enjoy delicious kid's meals, kim chee calamari, steamed asparagus, and more. Chart House offers great value for the quality of its food, making it an excellent choice for special occasions and celebrations.
Aside from the delicious food, Chart House is a fantastic spot for celebrations. Many reviewers mention that they chose Chart House for birthday dinners, business meetings, and other events. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for socializing and enjoying a meal with friends, family, or colleagues. While the restaurant has a few areas that may require upgrades, the overall dining experience at Chart House is highly rated. Reviews give the restaurant an average rating of 3.1 out of 5, with many customers praising the food, service, and atmosphere. A review from June 2024 specifically notes that Chart House is an excellent choice for celebrations due to its great value and quality food.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
- Celebrations
7. Kelly's Seafood
Fresh seafood flown in daily, Cozy and intimate atmosphere, Perfect for special occasions

The Manhattan clam chowder served at a certain location was disappointing and not good. The soup, known for its tomato-based broth and clams, did not meet expectations. This negative experience has led to a comparison with Red Lobster, a popular seafood restaurant chain, indicating the preference for dining there in the future.
The individual had Manhattan clam chowder at Kelly's, a restaurant, after a long time. However, the chowder was terrible, and they were quite disappointed. Due to this unpleasant experience, they have decided to avoid Kelly's in the future and stick to dining at Red Lobster for their seafood needs.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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8. Luke's Lobster Rittenhouse
Committed to marine sustainability, offers lobsters from Maine

The clam chowder served at this establishment is a popular choice among customers. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a standout option. A great way to start a meal here is by trying the clam chowder, which will not disappoint. The hearty soup is an ideal choice for a cold day, providing warmth and comfort.
In addition to the clam chowder, the lobster rolls are another must-try menu item. These rolls feature fresh, succulent lobster meat that is sure to impress. Pairing the clam chowder with the lobster rolls creates a memorable meal that showcases the restaurant's seafood offerings. Overall, the soup is a delicious starter that sets the stage for a satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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9. Pearl's Oyster Bar
Known for their raw bar and seafood towers

The restaurant in question may not be the best choice for those looking to avoid fried foods. Among the dishes ordered was clam chowder, which unfortunately was a letdown. The soup was not hot and lacked a strong clam flavor. On the bright side, the service was commendable, with the waitstaff being both prompt and agreeable.
As for the other dishes, the salmon Benedict was satisfactory, but the clam chowder was overwhelming in its use of onions. The calamari, as reported by a spouse, was also just average in quality. Therefore, while the service was commendable, the food offerings left something to be desired.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Rooftop
- Dinner
10. Seafood Unlimited
Extensive raw bar and elegant atmosphere

The New England Clam Chowder was a creamy and delightful dish, filled with a generous amount of clams. Many would agree that it is a must-try due to its standout flavor and texture. However, the chowder was not without flaw as some may find it a tad too salty for their personal preference.
Despite the slight issue of excessive saltiness, the New England Clam Chowder still boasted a robust and flavorful taste. The ample serving of clams added to the overall quality of the dish, making it a recommended choice for those who enjoy seafood dishes.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Hidden Gems
11. Loch Bar
Upscale seafood restaurant with a lively bar scene

The clam chowder provided a rich and delightful dining experience, offering a harmonious blend of clams and potatoes. Its robust and flavorful characteristics made it a standout, deserving of recognition.
On the other hand, the Cream of Crab Soup was a worthy contender, showcasing a delectable taste that was enhanced by the use of heavy cream and a splash of sherry. However, the soup was lacking in one crucial aspect - the presence of crab was not substantial, which slightly dampened the overall experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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