If you order a bowl of clam chowder anywhere in the United States, it’ll likely be the New England variety. This soup is incredibly popular, and its creamy base masks some of the clam flavor, making it an option for those who don’t like seafood.
The other clam chowder variety you might have heard about is Manhattan-style. This soup has a tomato base, so it’s a good choice for anyone who doesn’t like creamy foods or wants a lower-calorie option.
However, there’s a third type of clam chowder, and it’s something you might not even know about. Rhode Island clam chowder has a clear broth made from clam juice and also features quahogs, potatoes, and sometimes bacon. Local restaurants put their own spin on this dish, too, turning it into a culinary experience.
Rhode Island clam chowder, sometimes called South County-style chowder, can be challenging to find, even in its home state. But it’s the oldest of the three chowders and worth a try if you can track some down. Here’s a look at some South County restaurants that still serve Rhode Island clam chowder.
Matunuck Oyster Bar
Matunuck Oyster Bar is a little out of the way, sitting outside downtown Wakefield-Peacedale near East Matunuck State Beach. It’s worth checking out during your vacation, though, because of its outstanding seafood menu.
You can try a bit of everything at this seafood shack, including lobster rolls, scallops, calamari, oysters, and salmon, and they also serve both New England and Rhode Island clam chowder.
This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner year-round, so you can be sure you won’t miss out on trying Rhode Island clam chowder, even if you visit in the winter. Give them a try because the seafood is out of this world, and the views of the water are simply stunning.
Monahan’s Clam Shack
Monahan’s Clam Shack is a well-known seafood shack in Narragansett with a second location in Charlestown. Both spots are known for their fried seafood options, and they also have world-class lobster rolls that will have you coming back for more.
While you’re there, you’ll notice Monahan’s serves all three types of clam chowder. They’re all the same price and available as a cup, bowl, or quart, so you can order a large one to enjoy later at your vacation rental.
Monahan’s does everything well, so make a point of trying their Rhode Island clam chowder at some point during your next vacation.
George’s of Galilee
Narragansett’s Galilee neighborhood is home to George’s of Galilee, one of South County’s top seafood spots. You’ll probably want to make a reservation if you’re going for dinner in the summer, as this restaurant gets really busy because of its outstanding seafood selection.
The raw bar and lobster dishes are the most popular, especially the Galilee-style lobster dinner they have on the menu. However, if you’re looking to try some soup, George’s has Rhode Island clam chowder by the cup or bowl, and it’s 100% delicious.
You can also get New England clam chowder at this restaurant or add some tomato to your Rhode Island-style soup to try something different. The choice is up to you whenever you visit this staple near Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett.
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House is a famous walk-up seafood shack with locations in Point Judith and Warwick. It’s known for its seafood sandwiches and deep-fried dough, both of which draw crowds every day during the summer.
You can also get fried seafood, burgers, fries, salads, and a lobster roll at Iggy’s, and they serve all three types of clam chowder by the cup, bowl, quart, half gallon, and gallon. If you opt for a gallon of Rhode Island clam chowder, you can heat it up numerous times during your vacation, ensuring you get your fill of this soup you won’t find in many places around the country.
Cap’n Jack’s
Cap’n Jack’s is a short distance from the Matunuck Oyster Bar, giving you multiple options if you book a vacation rental in that area. This venue has a raw bar, a delicious lobster roll, all kinds of pizzas, and some fried seafood options. You can also get burgers, chicken, and pasta, depending on your mood.
Of course, Cap’n Jack’s wouldn’t be on this list if it didn’t have some Rhode Island clam chowder, which you can order by the cup or bowl. They also serve New England clam chowder and have a delicious lobster bisque on the menu.
You can’t go wrong with a trip to Cap’n Jack’s, so make a point of getting there if your vacation rental is in the East Matunuck State Beach area.
Try This Local Delicacy
As the years go by, finding Rhode Island clam chowder is becoming increasingly challenging. Most restaurants in Rhode Island stick to New England clam chowder because it’s the most popular, completely ignoring this local soup that was a staple for maritime workers in the state’s early days.
In fact, every clam chowder was Rhode Island clam chowder up until the 1880s, but it now seems to be a delicacy that time forgot. Fortunately, these restaurants are keeping the tradition alive, so you can try some Rhode Island clam chowder on your South County vacation.