When the weather chills, nothing can warm our soul better than a bowl of warm clam chowder. Stockton just so happens to be home to some of the best bowls around—and they’ve got the accolades to prove it. Local eateries offer both Manhattan style and New England style options for hungry diners. But what’s the difference? New England clam chowder is the classic most of us dream of with its creamy white base, thick and decadent. Manhattan clam chowder, on the other hand, is a lighter, tomato-based broth. What they have in common is the chunky clams, subtly sweet and briny.
If you’re looking to satisfy your craving, our West Coast corner of the world knows how to deliver both of these East Coast varieties, and Stockton is home to all three of our top picks. Run into town for a bowl or take the challenge and sample all three before choosing your own winners of gold, silver, and bronze.
February 25 is National Clam Chowder Day
The Classic
Bud’s Seafood Grille. It’s no wonder the Lincoln Center seafood-centric eatery is expert at cranking out a classic New England style chowder, served with freshly made sourdough bread. Offered daily in a cup or bowl, this is a simple yet fresh rendition of the classic. 314 Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 956-0270
The Gold Medal Winner
Midgley’s Public House. Just a few doors down from Bud’s, Michael Midgley serves both his award-winning Manhattan-style clam chowder and New England Clam Chowder. The Manhattan version took home the gold in The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in 2018. Neither one is featured on the daily menu, but it is a special treat when it makes an appearance. It’s often announced on Facebook so fans get first chance at a helping. 296 Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 474-7700
The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cookoff is scheduled for Feb. 20-21 this year.
The San Francisco Treat
Seafood Express. The self-proclaimed “crab experts” specialize in take-out lunches (and catering), which makes it easy to pick up a generous portion of the New England-style clam chowder owners say rival the stuff from San Francisco’s Pier 39. It’s homemade and served in a fluffy sourdough bread bowl perfect for dunking. 2269 E. Miner Ave., Stockton, (209) 948-5808