Clam Chowder Spots Worth Traveling For

Here are five places to score a warm, authentic bowl of clam chowder, which is the best way to fall into the season.

Tides Tavern, Gig Harbor, Wash.

Flickr/wilddogz 0

What started as a general store in 1910 soon became a landmark seafood shack early 1970s when it turned into the Tides Tavern. The Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor, Washington is famous for its clam chowder, a creamy, traditional recipe that incorporates savory bacon and potatoes.

Iggy's Doughboy and Chowder House, Narragansett, R.I.

Flickr/Michiey

Iggy's is known for its clam chowder, which won Best Clam Chowder on CBS' The Early Morning Show's "Taste of America" series. Iggy's also serves award-winning clam cakes and fish and chips. Go ahead and try the famous doughboys while you're at it.

The Original Mo's, Newport, Ore.

Mo's Restaurants

Though this Oregon landmark is a far cry from New England, Mo's is renowned for its clam chowder. In fact, Senator Robert Kennedy so loved Mo's Chowder that he took a couple of buckets home with him when he visited. Mike Urban, author of Lobster Shacks: A Road Guide to New England's Best Lobster Joints, says Mo's uses a special kind of clams in its chowder, which is what makes it so good.

Splash Café, Pismo Beach

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This colorfully cool California café  is making waves in the world of West Coast seafood with its award-winning clam chowder that's served in a bread bowl. The chowder is made from scratch every day, and Splash says it serves more than 20,000 gallons per year.

Woodman's of Essex, Essex, Mass.

Flickr/eric kilby

2014 marked the 100-year anniversary of this famed New England seafood shack, which is listed in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Though it's famed for its clams, the clam chowder is equally travel-worthy.