Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, might surprise you with its surprisingly robust clam chowder scene. While not a coastal city, Chicago's diverse culinary landscape embraces seafood with gusto. This guide dives into the top 24 spots serving up exceptional clam chowder, from classic New England styles to innovative twists. We'll explore what makes each bowl special, ensuring your next Chicago chowder adventure is a delicious success.
Finding Your Perfect Bowl: Types of Clam Chowder
Before we jump into the top 24, let's understand the variations you might encounter. Chicago's clam chowder offerings often showcase these styles:
- New England Clam Chowder: This creamy, classic version features potatoes, onions, and clams in a rich, milk- or cream-based broth. It's often thick and hearty.
- Manhattan Clam Chowder: A tomato-based broth distinguishes this style. It's thinner than New England chowder, with a bright, tangy flavor.
- Rhode Island Clam Chowder: This style blends elements of both New England and Manhattan, featuring a creamy base with a touch of tomato.
Many Chicago restaurants offer their own unique interpretations, incorporating local ingredients or inventive techniques.
The Top 24 Clam Chowder Destinations in Chicago (in no particular order):
This list isn't exhaustive, but it represents a diverse range of restaurants offering high-quality clam chowder experiences in Chicago. Locations and menus are subject to change, so always check before visiting.
(Note: The following entries are placeholders. To complete this blog post to the 2000+ word requirement, I need to research actual Chicago restaurants and their clam chowder offerings. I cannot access real-time information, including restaurant menus and reviews. The following are examples only.)
- The Captain's Boil: Known for its Cajun seafood boils, they may offer a unique twist on clam chowder.
- Shaw's Crab House: A high-end seafood restaurant likely featuring classic New England clam chowder.
- RPM Seafood: Another upscale option with potentially creative clam chowder preparations.
- DMK Burger Bar: Might surprise you with a unique clam chowder variation, possibly incorporated into a burger topping.
- Osteria Langhe: An Italian restaurant that might feature a clam chowder with an Italian twist.
- Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: A steakhouse that could surprise you with a sophisticated clam chowder offering.
- Andros Taverna: A Greek restaurant that might offer a Mediterranean-inspired clam chowder.
- Rosebud on Rush: A well-known Italian restaurant with potential seafood selections, including clam chowder.
- Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: Could feature a high-quality, classic version of New England clam chowder.
- The Purple Pig: A tapas-style restaurant might offer a smaller portion of a unique clam chowder preparation.
- Monteverde: An Italian restaurant that might feature a clam chowder with Italian influences.
- Siena Tavern: Another Italian-inspired option with the potential for a unique take on clam chowder.
- Summer House Santa Monica: A California-inspired restaurant that might offer a West Coast take on the dish.
- North Pond: An upscale restaurant with seasonal menus, potentially including clam chowder during specific seasons.
- RPM Italian: While known for Italian cuisine, they might feature seafood specials, including clam chowder.
- Beatrix: A casual, yet stylish restaurant offering a variety of dishes – possibly including clam chowder.
- Maple & Ash: A steakhouse that might offer a refined, sophisticated clam chowder.
- Swift & Sons: An upscale restaurant potentially serving high-quality, classic clam chowder.
- Blue Door Farm Stand: A farm-to-table establishment might offer a clam chowder featuring local ingredients.
- The Gage: A Gastropub with a potentially eclectic menu, which may feature a unique clam chowder.
- Geja's Cafe: A romantic restaurant that could have a sophisticated and elegant take on the dish.
- Le Bouchon: This French bistro might offer a French-inspired clam chowder.
- River Roast: A restaurant with river views, potentially featuring seasonal clam chowder selections.
- Aba: A Mediterranean restaurant potentially offering a Mediterranean twist on classic clam chowder.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Chowder
- Type of Chowder: Do you prefer creamy New England, tangy Manhattan, or something in between?
- Location and Ambiance: Are you looking for a casual lunch spot, a romantic dinner, or something in between?
- Price Point: Clam chowder prices can vary widely depending on the restaurant.
- Reviews: Check online reviews to get a sense of what other diners have experienced.
This expanded list provides a solid starting point for your Chicago clam chowder quest. Remember to check menus and reviews before you go and enjoy your culinary adventure! Remember to add links to each restaurant's website or online presence where possible. This would increase the SEO value and user experience.
