Ithaca, New York, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and one dish that consistently shines is clam chowder. Whether you prefer a creamy, New England-style chowder or a more robust Manhattan-style broth, Ithaca's restaurants offer a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving. This guide explores 24 of the top clam chowder destinations in Ithaca, highlighting their unique styles, atmospheres, and overall experiences. Finding the perfect bowl is just a matter of exploring!
Creamy Delights: New England Clam Chowder Havens
New England-style clam chowder, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, is a beloved classic. Several Ithaca establishments excel in this category.
The Classic Clam Chowder Experiences
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The Boathouse: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views alongside its creamy, classic chowder. Their recipe, passed down through generations, features locally sourced clams and a touch of smoky bacon.
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The Ithaca Diner: A local favorite, the Ithaca Diner's clam chowder is a comforting bowl of creamy goodness, perfect on a chilly evening. They use a generous amount of potatoes and clams for a hearty experience.
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Glenwood Inn: Known for its upscale ambiance, the Glenwood Inn's clam chowder is a sophisticated take on the classic. Their version emphasizes subtle flavors and high-quality ingredients.
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State Street Grill: A staple in the Ithaca culinary landscape, the State Street Grill's clam chowder is consistently praised for its balanced flavors and creamy consistency.
Beyond the Basics: Unique Clam Chowder Twists
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Coltivare: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a seasonal clam chowder with unique twists depending on the availability of local ingredients. Expect unexpected additions like roasted root vegetables or herbs.
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Hector Wine Company: While primarily a winery, Hector Wine Company also offers delicious food pairings, and their clam chowder is a standout. They often incorporate local wines into their recipe.
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Just a Taste: This casual eatery serves up a generous portion of creamy clam chowder, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. They’re known for using fresh, local clams.
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Little Venice: This Italian restaurant may surprise you with their excellent clam chowder – a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
Bold and Brothy: Manhattan Clam Chowder Gems
Manhattan clam chowder, with its tomato-based broth, offers a completely different taste profile. Here are some Ithaca restaurants that master this style:
Traditional Manhattan Clam Chowder
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The Nines: This upscale restaurant offers a refined take on Manhattan clam chowder, balancing the tomato flavor with a subtle hint of spice.
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Epiphany Restaurant: Epiphany's chowder highlights fresh, high-quality ingredients, delivering a vibrant and flavorful bowl of Manhattan-style goodness.
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Agava Restaurant: This Mexican restaurant, while primarily known for its tacos and margaritas, surprisingly boasts a very flavorful and well-executed Manhattan clam chowder.
Modern Interpretations of Manhattan Clam Chowder
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The Common Tong: This gastropub features a unique take on Manhattan clam chowder, incorporating surprising elements like chorizo or smoked paprika.
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Risky Business: Known for their creative and adventurous menu, Risky Business often features a unique take on clam chowder, constantly surprising diners with their inventive twists.
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Casablanca Restaurant: Casablanca offers a Mediterranean-inspired clam chowder, incorporating herbs and spices to create a vibrant and flavourful twist.
Beyond the Styles: Exploring Diverse Options
Many Ithaca restaurants offer variations on clam chowder or integrate it into other dishes.
Clam Chowder with a Twist
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Ithaca Beer Company: While known for their craft beers, their food menu sometimes includes a delicious clam chowder.
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Seneca Lake Brewing Company: Similar to Ithaca Beer Co., Seneca Lake Brewing also offers seasonal clam chowder specials that complement their brews.
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Lot 10: This restaurant features a varied menu, and they sometimes offer creative clam chowder dishes as a special.
Clam Chowder in Other Dishes
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Moosewood Restaurant: This vegetarian institution might surprise you. Although vegetarian, their creative chefs sometimes incorporate clams into other dishes such as a clam-based bisque.
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Rongovian Embassy: Famous for its eclectic atmosphere, Rongovian Embassy may offer a creative, globally-inspired clam chowder.
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Taste of Thai: Despite its name, Taste of Thai sometimes features a unique fusion clam chowder, incorporating Thai flavors and spices.
Finding Your Perfect Bowl: Tips for Choosing
Choosing the best clam chowder is subjective, but here are some tips:
- Consider the style: Do you prefer creamy New England or brothy Manhattan?
- Read reviews: Check online reviews for insights into portion sizes, flavor profiles, and overall experiences.
- Check for freshness: Look for restaurants that emphasize fresh, local ingredients.
- Don't be afraid to try something new: Explore variations on clam chowder and discover your new favorite!
Beyond the Top 24: Ithaca's Clam Chowder Scene is Thriving!
This list is just a starting point. Ithaca's food scene is dynamic, with new restaurants and menus constantly evolving. Keep exploring, keep tasting, and discover your own personal top clam chowder spot in Ithaca!
Note: This list is hypothetical; real-time restaurant availability and menus should be verified independently. The restaurants mentioned are examples, and their inclusion doesn't constitute an endorsement.
