For our tour of the best chowders of the Plymouth area, we’re exploring eateries from full-service restaurants to places specializing in mainly takeout. Along with lobster rolls and fried clams, chowder is one of the quintessential coastal New England foods. For this article, we’re sticking to Plymouth, with one excursion to nearby Onset. Even though summer is long over and winter is almost here, to me, chowder is a food for all seasons.
Tavern on the Wharf
One of my all-time favorite Plymouth restaurants is Tavern on the Wharf. Located on Town Wharf, this establishment is simply solid. They do everything well from seafood to tacos to pasta. To start, I often choose the chowder. This New England clam chowder has a tasty base, with clams, herbs, and potatoes, that is simply delicious.
The Yellow Deli
The Yellow Deli has excellent sandwiches and breakfast items but also makes a darn good soup. One of my favorites is their salmon chowder. It’s so tasty with good-sized chunks of salmon. Pair it with one of their rolls and this is an excellent meal in itself.
Quahog Republic
Although the original Quahog Republic is located close to Plymouth in Wareham’s village of Onset, Plymouth used to have the Captain’s Den branch of Quahog Republic. They have a classic New England clam chowder that is full of the good stuff, with clams and potatoes and is rich in flavor.
Rock Bottom Seafood
For a tasty spin on what one thinks of a New England clam chowder, try Rock Bottom Seafood in the Cedarville section of Plymouth. Nothing fancy here, just simply great chowder. Rock Bottom is a mostly take-out restaurant.
Cabby Shack
Do you want thick chowder? Then this is your place, “where the spoon stands straight up”! Located on Plymouth harbor, while Cabby Shack adds in texture, they certainly do not skimp in flavor. Talk about a meal in itself though, it’s so filling. Look for Cabby Shack on the Go at local area events where of course they sling their signature chowder.
From thick and creamy clam chowder to a salmon chowder jam-packed with flavor, the Plymouth area has excellent chowders. Cabby Shack, Tavern on the Wharf, Rock Bottom Seafood, Quahog Republic, and Yellow Deli are among my five favorite chowders in Plymouth.
