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Soup’s On: Cioppino and Chowder (and Chowdah)

Whether you say chowder or chowdah, it’s all good with us. In fact, variations on the seafood soup feel like a deeply personal Seattle thing, but sadly, we can’t take all the credit here.

By Seattle Mag February 8, 2018

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This article originally appeared in the February 2018 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article appears in print in the February 2018 issue, as part of the cover story, “The United States of Food.” Click here to subscribe.

1. Wally’s Chowder House
New England Clam Chowder
It’s nothing fancy, but the thick, creamy New England chowder ($9.99/bowl) at Wally’s, a quirky Des Moines restaurant, is just right, particularly when enjoyed in the over-the-top nautically themed dining room. Oyster crackers are served in a milk jug on the side—not that you need them. 
Wally’s Chowder House, Des Moines, 22531 Marine View Drive S; 206.878.8140

2. Pike Place Chowder
Manhattan Clam Chowder
When it comes to chowder, not many choose red over white in these parts. But the Manhattan-style chowder ($6.25 for a medium), featuring a tomato broth flavored with herbs and celery, at this Pike Place Market stall is worth a taste—better still, skip the lines and walk over to the original Pike Place Chowder at Pacific Place.
Pike Place Chowder, Downtown, Pacific Place, 600 Pine St., fourth floor; 206.838.5680

3. Seattle Fish Company
San Francisco Cioppino
Seattle Fish Company, a casual neighborhood fish market, sells fresh seafood, from halibut to oysters, but what you’ll really want to do is scoot into one of the diner booths and order off its grill menu. Don’t miss the cioppino ($7.99 a bowl), a slightly spicy, chunky seafood stew with San Francisco origins.
Seattle Fish Company, West Seattle, 4435 California Ave. SW

 

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