Pike Place Chowder feels like the kind of seafood counter you stumble into while wandering Pike Place Market and end up talking about afterward. The space is small and busy, with people carrying steaming bowls of chowder while looking for a place to sit nearby.
I tried the New England clam chowder, seafood bisque, lobster roll, and crab roll. The clam chowder was thick, creamy, and full of tender clams. The seafood bisque had a richer flavor with shrimp and crab notes, while the lobster roll felt buttery and indulgent. The crab roll was lighter but still packed with seafood flavor.
It was a comforting meal, especially on a cool Seattle day. The chowder was the kind of dish that makes you slow down and appreciate a simple bowl of soup.
This place is tucked into a narrow corner that always seems busy but not chaotic. I tried the New England clam chowder, smoked salmon chowder, and a sourdough bread bowl.
The clam chowder is creamy and thick with soft potatoes and clams that blend into the base. The smoked salmon version has a deeper, saltier flavor that stands out more with each spoon. The bread bowl is chewy on the outside and soft inside, soaking up everything in a way that makes it part of the meal instead of just a container.
It’s simple food but it feels right for the weather and the city around it.
5
8 chowder options sold delicious. It is famous, gets busy but worth the effort. Order take out and pickup can save a ton of time if they are busy. Chowder in bread bowls for the win. Great spot located in an alley at the market.
5
This is the iconic chowder! There will be lines. Be aware you can also order online and pickup inside in a very short line. It takes approximately 5 minutes to online order - same everything - just no seating allowed with online orders. But I recommend online ordering and then find seating near the waterfront a few steps away.
The clam chowder is outstanding and so full of clams. After trying several chowder locations in Seattle, this is my favorite - it’s rich, thick, full of clams and other good things! You can also get it in a bread bowl - or try 4 different flavors.
It’s such a small location, but it’s super touristy and very popular…and it’s no surprise why - it’s outstanding!
5
We tried Pike Place Chowder during our family trip to Seattle, and I ordered the Connecticut lobster roll.
I ordered online, which worked really well. The outside line was long, but I ordered online and was directed to a different pickup line farther inside; the wait was only about 5 minutes. That made a big difference since Pike Place was crowded and we were visiting with our 3-year-old daughter.
I ate the lobster roll out on the deck behind Pike Place Market, which was a nice spot even though the area was busy.
Overall, this was a good Pike Place food stop. I’d definitely recommend ordering online if the regular line is long. It made the experience much easier and quicker.
