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Clam chowder and bisque

Made for those who want to compare the texture of a hearty clam chowder against a smooth bisque.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Jacks Surf & Turf- Seafood & Steak image 1
Jacks Surf & Turf- Seafood & Steak image 2
Jacks Surf & Turf- Seafood & Steak image 3
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Nautical-themed decor creates a bright, casual space with two floors and outside seating. Music ranges from live performances to a well-curated oldies playlist, adding to the chill vibes. The atmosphere stays pleasant and lowkey, avoiding any upscale or stuffy feel.

Creamy and rich with a New England style, the clam chowder features a thick texture loaded mostly with potatoes and a few chopped clams. It has a tasty, hearty flavor that stands out.

Hearty and packed with lobster, the bisque offers a flavorful and delicious experience. It stands out as exceptionally good and rich compared to others.

People are saying

"The lobster rolls are warm, buttery, and loaded with fresh lobster."

"I thought the lobster bisque was hearty and packed with lobster."

"The clam chowder here is creamy, rich, and loaded with clams."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Parking is available in the lot at the back and on the street.

3

Expect high prices, with some dishes costing over $20.

02
Zeng Sushi and Hibachi image 1

Small restaurant with a recently renovated layout and bright fluorescent lighting creates a comfortable atmosphere. Energy feels enthusiastic and lively, with music playing at a noticeable volume. The place offers a bring-your-own beverage policy and focuses on seafood dishes.

New England clam chowder stands out with lots of clams and potatoes and a rich, creamy texture. Manhattan clam chowder offers a delicious tomato-based alternative, both versions deliver solid flavor.

Lobster bisque features chunks of fresh lobster meat and a perfect amount of butter. It offers a very flavorful and rich taste that pairs well as an appetizer.

People are saying

"I loved the lobster rolls; they had a generous amount of lobster."

"The clam chowder here is delicious and next level."

"The lobster bisque was so flavorful with chunks of fresh lobster."

Good to know

1

They have a BYOB policy, so bring your own drinks.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours; many customers were turned away.

3

The restaurant was out of many items on the menu during my visit.

03
Spike's Fish Market & Restaurant image 1

Small seafood market restaurant with a cozy, retro vibe and a laidback shore atmosphere. Guests pick meals from a refrigerated case featuring the freshest catch, reflecting a nearly 100-year-old fishing shack style. The space feels quaint and bustling, offering a friendly, family-like setting.

Manhattan clam chowder stands out with its rich, creamy broth and is packed with clams. Both red and white versions offer a smooth, flavorful experience that many find worth bringing home.

Lobster bisque features a legendary recipe from 1908 with rich, flavorful broth. It stands out as fabulous and highly recommended.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and so fresh."

"I found the seafood here to be the best I've ever had."

"I thought the lobster bisque was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure seating, especially during busy times.

2

The restaurant is a bring-your-own-bottle establishment; no alcohol is served.

3

Expect the place to be packed at times, especially during peak hours.

04
Shore Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant image 1

Seafood market and restaurant combines fresh seafood selection with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The space feels down to earth and relaxed, inviting diners to enjoy simple, tasty dishes. It stands out for its unpretentious vibe and focus on freshness rather than elaborate decor.

New England clam chowder comes with a creamy texture and is reasonably priced. Manhattan clam chowder offers a tomato-based flavor and both are available for takeout.

Rich and flavorful with a good amount of lobster, the bisque stands out as a highlight. It pairs well with other seafood dishes and avoids being bland or cold.

People are saying

"I found the fresh seafood here to be super fresh."

"The market staff were the nicest people I encountered."

"I thought the clam chowder was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during summer weekends; reservations are not required.

2

Credit card payments incur a 3% processing fee; cash is preferred.

3

Parking is ample and free, making access easy for visitors.

05
Gregory's image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small dining space features early 1950s vintage decor with comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels like a quiet resort spot rather than a typical highway restaurant. Known for fresh seafood including a popular seafood boil and Manhattan clam chowder.

Manhattan clam chowder stands out with its rich tomato base and fresh clams. Both clam chowders offer solid flavors, with the lobster bisque nearby showing a noticeable sherry flavor.

Lobster bisque features a creamy texture with a noticeable sherry flavor and chunks of seafood. Some versions taste mainly of tomatoes with little lobster flavor, while others are rich and delicious.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be super fresh."

"The lobster bisque was creamy, full of chunks, and had a noticeable sherry flavor."

"I had the best Manhattan clam chowder in years."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right in front or on the side of the restaurant.

2

Reservations are not required; you can seat yourself upon arrival.

3

They offer a seafood boil at a reasonable price.

06
Country Kettle Chowda image 1

Small take-out shack offers traditional seafood chowder with freshly baked bread bowls adding to the experience. Atmosphere is no-frills warmth with a cozy, authentic vibe favored by locals and beachgoers. Focus stays on simple, consistent chowder rather than reinvention or elaborate presentation.

Clam chowder comes rich and creamy, packed with flavor and clams. It arrives in freshly baked sourdough bread bowls, adding to the savory experience.

Lobster bisque features a rich, intoxicating flavor with chunks of lobster in a creamy base. The bisque often comes with oyster crackers and sometimes a bread bowl, adding to the experience.

People are saying

"The soups and chili here are delicious and full of flavor."

"I found the best clam chowder on the island here."

"I had the best lobster bisque here."

Good to know

1

Country Kettle Chowda is a take-out only restaurant with a small menu.

2

The restaurant specializes in traditional seafood chowder, particularly clam chowder.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the location and quality of ingredients.

07
Kubel's image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with spacious heated outdoor seating offering views of the bay and lighthouse. Atmosphere blends laid-back charm with an old saloon and maritime theme, creating a comfortable and festive vibe. Regulars enjoy hearty meals and well-crafted cocktails in a setting that balances lively bar energy with relaxed dining.

Hearty New England clam chowder features fresh, tasty clams. It pairs well with garlic clams and fried clam strips for a solid seafood start.

Lobster bisque features a spot-on sherry taste with a smooth texture. Lobster meat pieces tend to be small, but the flavor stands out clearly.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating area is spacious with a beautiful view."

"The lobster bisque here is the best Iโ€™ve had."

"I thought the New England clam chowder was good."

Good to know

1

Kubel's accepts credit cards, which is uncommon in the area.

2

Kubel's does not take reservations; you must be present to join the waitlist.

3

Expect long wait times during peak season; arrive early for a table.

08
Ocean Fresh Seafood Market and Dining image 1

Seafood market with an interior styled like Captain Quint's living room and a clean, bright atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers views of the sunset over the Seaside Bridge, creating a homey, comfortable vibe. The space fills with energy when busy, becoming loud and lively during peak times.

Manhattan Clam Chowder stands out with a rich, flavorful broth. The restaurant's BYOB policy lets you pair it with your own drinks, adding to the experience.

Lobster bisque features a rich, buttery base with some meat mixed in. It pairs well with other seafood like east coast oysters and lobster rolls.

People are saying

"I found the seafood to be fresh and the portions generous."

"The fish and chips here are perfectly cooked with a crispy batter."

"I found the lobster bisque delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

2

A 3% credit card fee is added to the bill if you pay with a card.

3

Expect higher prices for seafood compared to local grocery stores.

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