+1 206-267-2537
Nestled in the heart of Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market, Pike Place Chowder is a seafood lover’s sanctuary renowned for its award-winning chowders and comforting, soulful flavors. Specializing in New England and regional chowders, this cozy spot elevates classic seafood dishes with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a secret blend of herbs and spices that will leave your taste buds craving more.
The star of the menu is undeniably the New England Clam Chowder, a creamy, velvety masterpiece packed with meaty clams, smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and that perfect touch of thyme. Inducted into the Great Chowder Cook-Off Hall of Fame, this chowder is served piping hot with freshly baked sourdough bread, making every spoonful both rich and satisfying. For a heartier meal, opt for the signature sourdough bread bowl—an irresistible edible vessel that soaks up the chowder’s every luscious drop.
Beyond the classic clam chowder, Pike Place Chowder offers an impressive array of flavorful options including the smoky Salmon Chowder, indulgent Crab and Oyster chowder, and the equally delicious Manhattan Chowder—each variety showcasing a unique blend of fresh seafood, vegetables, and bold spices. For those seeking variety, the Chowder Flight lets you sample multiple flavors in one sitting, creating a perfectly curated tasting experience. Sandwich lovers will delight in the Maine Lobster Roll and the iconic Captain’s Roll, offering a fresh and buttery contrast to the rich chowders.
The atmosphere at Pike Place Chowder is intimate and bustling, embodying the vibrant energy of the Market itself. Space is limited inside, with just a few indoor seats, but patrons can enjoy a quaint, charming courtyard area just steps away. This setting complements the comforting, warm nature of the food, providing a perfect nook for a quick bite or a relaxed lunch. Given its popularity, expect a line, but the service is efficient and the wait well worth every savory bite.
Customers consistently rave about the chowder's rich aroma and perfectly balanced flavors. One reviewer shared how the first spoonful evoked pure comfort with its creamy texture and fresh seafood notes, while another highlights the generosity of seafood chunks making every bite memorable. Even amidst a bustling crowd, visitors find the welcoming patio a hidden gem for enjoying their meal. The variety of frozen chowders available for takeout and delivery means you can savor this exceptional taste of Seattle from the comfort of your own home, extending the Pike Place Chowder experience beyond the Market.
Whether you're a local seeking your trusty chowder fix or a traveler craving an authentic taste of Seattle’s maritime heritage, Pike Place Chowder delivers an unmatched, heartwarming dining experience that perfectly captures the spirit of fresh seafood and friendly service.
Location: 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Contact: +1 206-267-2537
Always a must-have when in the area! All of the chowders are delicious, but my favorite might be the seafood bisque. The seafood rolls are decent, but I much rather their chowder. If you do not want to stand and wait in line, I suggest ordering online and picking your food up in the back! Heads up, very limited seating but that never stopped me from getting my chowder fix
This place is absolutely worth the wait! While there is a line up, it moves pretty quickly - the trickier part is finding seating if planning to dine in. Be sure to check the little Patio area directly across the counter as that’s a bit hidden. I ordered the classic New England Clam Chowder and it was so delicious. Creamy, flavourful, with plenty of clams and hearty potato. I had it in the bread bowl which was also a nice touch, the sour dough soaks up the soup on the inside so it’s nice and soft while retaining its crunchy exterior. Definitely worth a visit when at the Pike Place Market!
I recently had the best chowder of my life, and I can’t stop thinking about it. The moment the bowl arrived at my table, the aroma alone promised something special. The chowder was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, with just the right blend of fresh seafood and comforting spices. Each spoonful revealed tender clams, diced potatoes, and a subtle hint of smoked seasoning that elevated the entire dish. The texture was velvety without being overly heavy, making it both indulgent and satisfying. The flavors felt incredibly fresh, as if the ingredients had been pulled straight from the ocean that morning. The portion size was generous, and the chowder stayed warm until the very last bite, which is always a good sign. Beyond the chowder, the overall dining experience was excellent. The service was attentive and friendly, and the ambiance of the restaurant added to the enjoyment—cozy and welcoming without feeling crowded. This single dish was enough to make the visit memorable, and it set a new standard for what I expect from chowder in the future. If you’re a fan of seafood or simply love comfort food done right, I highly recommend trying this chowder. It’s an experience worth savoring from start to finish.
We hit this place on our first day in the city. Arrived at around 3pm and everything on the menu was available. They did however run out of all sandwiches near 4pm, so do go early. ATMOSPHERE: Small corner shop with a few indoor seats and majority outdoor ones in a quaint courtyard setting. FOOD: Original Dungeness Crab Roll I had high hopes for the sandwich as its touted as Seattle's original. Unfortunately, it fell very short on the flavor side. There was no hint of any rich crab flavor or saltiness. It tasted like coleslaw with the texture of crab meat. The roll was crunchy and pretty soft. New England Clam Chowder This was damn good. Piping hot and chocked full of clams and potatoes. Medium thickness and super creamy. Topped it with oyster crackers which made it even better. SERVICE: You order, pay, and your food comes right out. Everyone was friendly & helpful. OVERALL: The chowder is the best I've tasted, better than stands in San Francisco.
Absolutely worth the wait! Pike Place Chowder serves the best clam chowder I’ve ever tasted. The line is long, but moves fast, and the reward is a bowl loaded with massive chunks of seafood. I tried the Dungeness Crab Roll, which was passable, but the overall taste and quality of the chowder are outstanding. Highly recommended!"
We got the soup sampler with four 6 oz. servings for $21.95. It was a great experience to try their four award-winning soups. Highly recommended if you can’t decide which soup to get. The staff was also really nice. The queue was well-organized and moved quickly. If you happen to be around Pike Street, definitely give it a try. My personal ranking of the soups: Seafood bisque → New England clam chowder → Seared scallop chowder → Crab & oyster chowder
This place is incredible. The chowder—wow. We ordered the seared scallop chowder and it was absolutely delicious: rich, creamy, and almost velvety in texture. The seafood was incredibly fresh and cooked perfectly. Truly scrumptious chowder. The 8oz cup ended up being the perfect portion for my husband and me to share since we weren’t super hungry, and it still felt satisfying and memorable.