Its location is near the water and ferry makes it a popular spot for tourists looking for a quick meal. The menu mainly consists of seafood options, making it a good choice for those craving fresh seafood. While the restaurant may not have a romantic atmosphere, it is still a convenient and tasty option. Cost is average and food was decent. read more

Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

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The best little seafood shack. Excellent soups. Fried seafood platters and the star of the show- the Fishwich sandwich. Buttery perfectly toasted white bread, American cheese crispy fried fish and tarter sauce. Run don't walk here. Another surprise hit was the French onion soup. So Yummy!! Their homemade desserts are great too!!! read more

Chowder Bar - Fishwich - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

The food was good I got the combination platter, shrimp scallops, and fish and fries. It was good. The service was great. Very helpful. Ambience was nice. Sat outside on a nice day. read more

Chowder Bar - Combination platter - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

My cousin and I had a delicious lunch here...shrimp on a roll, it was very fresh & light, we weren't disappointed!! Very friendly atmosphere and the Staff was excellent! Kudos!! read more

Met 20 other people for lunch.. We asked for the $20 Shrimp Special, prior to going there, as they said yes.. As it is off season, I think you have to ask if they have.. But, for $20, it's a steal !!!... read more

Old time, small old school bar and chowder house on the waterfront. Very casual, layed back and relaxing. Chowders are great! Seafood dominates menu and was OK standard fair. Waitress service was nice and polite but slow and got a few things wrong, can't tell if it' was her or the kitchen staff. Baked clams were chewy, perhaps overcooked. Maybe it was an off night for them. But, I would definitely go back again to try more of the menu. read more

Have to say I'm a bit disappointed as I write this review. I've been in the mood for clam chowder for weeks. Heard this place had "the best soup on Long Island" voted by news 12 viewers. Chowder was very subpar. It wasn't think like most clam chowders. I can honestly say the clam chowder I made myself a few months ago was a lot better. I also had calamari. It was good, but not amazing. Batter was very light. But nothing was special that set this place apart from other places I've had calamari at . Service was eh. Waitress never really came back, took a while to come back to my table to take my order, even though she saw the menu was closed, and it took a while to get the bill. I wouldn't return. Plenty of other seafood places in Bay Shore. read more

Chowder Bar - Cup of New England clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

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First time here at this dark and dingy hole in the wall. I ordered a dozen oysters and they were bland. Ordered a southwest chicken salad, and the chicken was tasteless and not edible. It tasted as if I was chewing on gristle. There was globs of some type of dressing that had absolutely no flavor. $55 for one person thrown away. With the tip it was $65. Expensive for subpar food. The only good thing was the wine. read more

Chowder Bar - Southwest chicken salad. - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

I found this immensely popular restaurant umpteen years ago while waiting for the Ocean Bay Park ferry to depart from across the street. Ever since then, I stop by all-year round just to buy some clams and/or flounder. They are the only locally-caught fish that is sold at the restaurant, according to some informative waiters. The clams here are freshly picked from the Great South Bay. The flounder is caught from the Atlantic Ocean. All other fish are delivered from the Delaware Bay. This evening's clam appetizer special, the clam sampler, was good. It was a clam trio: clams casino, clams oreganata and baked clams. I enjoyed the first two but not the latter. The baked clam was chopped up in a mildly seasoned stuffing. Next time, I will just order a dozen top neck clams on the half shell or the clams casino appetizer, which is what I usually get. The Fishburger, which is made from fried flounder, is my favorite fried fish dish. The New England Clam Chowder is tasty and is loaded with clams. It is by far the best chowder that I have eaten since once upon a time when I was a college student in Boston. The key lime pie (hold the whipped cream, please!) is the best one that I have had on Long Island. The graham cracker crust is crunchy throughout, and the filling is soft and tart. All desserts are made on the premises. Staff always provide spectacular customer service. Soda refills are free. Water glasses are replenished continually. The owners, Pat and Lynda, certainly know what they are doing. They greet all their regulars, like myself, by first name. They are also as bubbly and effervescent as the fountain soda that they sell. The soda is indeed bubbly here, more so than most other restaurants that I patronize. The two women present different appetizer and main course specials every day, but every time I come here I order some clams and/or flounder...and a slice of their outstanding key lime pie. read more

Chowder Bar - The best key lime pie on Long Island! - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

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Mmmmm Fishwich! All I have to say! Foods great always, and year round on the water.

Small spot with some delicious seafood. They also have tables set up outside and you can dine inside if you want. They didn't have cocktails when I was there but they had beer and wine. read more

Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

Unfortunately this "hole in the wall" place doesn't have the best service or food. It is very overpriced for the quality of food. The clams were dry, the bisque wasn't flavorful, and the salad was bare. We sat outside and our food was all in to go containers and our wine was in a paper cup. The bartender forgot one part of our order and accidentally added a double order of the expensive clams. I would try another place by the docks. read more

Chowder Bar - Clams casino, Seafood bisque, and Caesar salad - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

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NE chowder is not your normal chowder as expected. Fried scallops and shrimp were overcooked with no taste. Found that the shrimp were not deveined as I was eating them. Yuck! Also suspect that the shrimp were frozen, breaded shrimp. read more

We ordered a bowl of clam chowder each and an order of baked clams. Clam chowder missed the clams and the baked clams had too much breadcrumbs. Probably won't come back. Not sure how their clam chowder was ranked the best. Had better elsewhere. read more

Incredible food and service! Met one of the owners, Lynda, who was super kind and personable!! The Long Island clam chowder is THE BEST CHOWDER I've ever had! The cherrystone clams and Blue Point oysters were delicious and shucked well!! Such a cute and charming maritime ambiance by the water. Lovely experience! Will definitely be back!!! !!!! read more

Chowder Bar - Cherrystone clams, Blue Point oysters, shrimp poboy! - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

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Kind of disappointing. Clam po boy wasn't very good & mixed clam chowder was way less than desirable. Our server was great. I don't think I'll be back. read more

We got take out. The food was awful! One meal was a crab cake boat--the cakes were called silver dollars and they were about as good as the coin might taste. Obviously frozen before deep frying, no crab just mushy filling. The other meal was a clam boat--same--not sure why they call them clams since it was all mushy filling. Even the New England clam chowder was inedible. And the fries and cole slaw went in the trash after one bite. After calling to complain, we were offered a gift card but declined. Stay away until this place gets a new chef. read more

With the exception of the chowder that we had our dining experience was was a total disappointment. The broth for Irish mussels had no flavor. This was supposed to be some sort of cream sauce base that would't coat the back of a spoon. Ordered the open broiled flounder on toast points. This was more poached than broiled. It was as if it was sitting in liquid to keep it from drying out. There was zero texture to the fish and it turned to mush in your mouth.The toast points were made of white bread that were barely toasted and were soggy from the moisture of the poached flounder. Topping it off were the up-charged sweet potato fries that were soggy as well. Terrible, won't be going back here to eat again. Sorry guys but you you need to step up your game. To many options in Bayshore for dinner where you won't throw your meal away. I don't mind paying, but want quality! Roy Cotignola read more

For fantastic soup, this is the place. I do wish it was served hot though. Friendly staff, great location.

Pretty average place serving good food. Raw clams and clams casino were good. Seafood bisque was tasty but the consistency wasn't to my liking. Almost gelatinous. LI chowder that my wife got was tasty and I'm not a huge fan of the red sauce. I'd pop in again to snack on some raw clams and a beer if I was in the area. read more

Chowder Bar - Clams on the half shell - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

Our Son said let's go to Chowder Bar. Why did we wait so long to come back? Parked in rear lot and was surprised how packed it was for a Saturday afternoon at 1 PM. Started off with just delivered and shucked cold and briny cherry stone clams on the half shell. To say they were the best we ever had is an understatement. They were huge, sitting in seawater and literally made us tear up as they went down cause they were so good! Piping hot and 5 star French Onion and Long Island chowder soups hit the table next. Both were brimming in flavor with toasted texas toast and onions smothered in melted cheese in one and clams potatoes and carrots in the other one. Can the third round be just as good? Well, the owner and head chef stopped by to say hello and she was making our entrees next. And minutes later came a spectacular Shrimp Po Boy sandwich platter and a fried combination seafood boat. Cole slaw was crunchy sweet and delicious. The fried shrimp, bay scallops, whole clams and flounder were on point, the whole meal was the best meal we have had out in months. This is a can't miss in Bay Shore by the ferries. read more

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This is JUST for the Manhattan clam chowder. Not so impressed, not even lukewarm. We got off the ferry and stopped in for the Manhattan clam chowder. Bland and chunky not in a good way. If you have a name like Chowder Bar with the emphasis on "chowder" how about adding some seasoning and maybe a side of personality for the waitresses sitting around talking amongst themselves? This could be a GOLD MINE!!! Instead, lackluster and underwhelming!! read more

Chowder Bar - I wish I was hooked!! - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

This is a Seafood Shack and I love, love, love these type of restaurants. It's very small which is typical, but the food is excellent. Especially the Seafood Bisque, OMG IS IT GOOD. Actually, I don't remember the meal but the Bisque is out of this world. I had been going to Southside Hospital because my son was there, for a couple of weeks so I was getting their Bisque on a daily basis. It's located about two miles from the hospital. If you're in the mood for "out of the world" seafood Bisque then you must go here. Quick tip: you can just walk in and get a pint to go. They have a soup pot ready at all times. Another tip: don't waste your time with a pint, just go for the quart size. You can thank me later. read more

Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

Just went for lunch with my sister, on a quiet Friday afternoon. The remnants of a hurricane is on its way. I had the broiled flounder on the toast points, deluxe. The fish was tasteless, even after squeezing 2 lemons on it. It was like it was frozen and then cooked. I was thinking I was getting a fresh piece of fish. I had not been to this place in years. So mad that I wasted my money on a flounder sandwich that tasted like dish water! You need to up your game! Taste the fish, you will see, chef. read more

A great choice in bayshore, food is consistently good with friendly service. The grilled options in particular arethe standouts. My go to spot before we board the ferry. read more

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017- This was my second time at "Chowder Bar" since two and a half years ago I came here in Bay Shore. I had the "Fishwich," a popular food our waitress recommended when I asked her if I should choose that particular order or another fish order. I often find myself rarely ever ordering fish, and wanted to give it a chance. The "Fishwich" was so good, it had the right crisp, was very tasty and not as greasy, I was a big fan of my sandwich. I also took spoonfuls of the New England Clam Chowder and ate a few Cajun fries. The food was great, the waitresses were helpful and friendly, and the atmosphere is very laid back with a beach vibe decor. The place is small, but one where anyone coming to Long Island or lives nearby should come to check it out. The parking lot is small, however there is some parking spots available and please make sure if you should have to pay the meter. Another fun fact- this past Saturday as it was my second time coming after two and a half years ago, I was proposed to right outside the front parking lot standing on all the shells on the ground. A memory I'll always remember. read more

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I can't understand the ratings that were given here, possible we went on an 'off' day? First, I figured it was the standard old school place and wasn't expecting much for the entrees but was definitely looking forward to the award winning chowder as it's always my go to. Unfortunately, It was more soupy textured, not at all thick, and tasteless with not much clams I could see. Mom was looking forward to stuffed jumbo shrimp only to find when it was served, small to medium sized so when split for the stuffing, the shrimp were thin, tough, chews. Very disappointing, why advertise 'jumbo'. No bread offered but after hearing other patrons complain of it, I decided to request a bread basket. It turns out we weren't the only unhappy customers. The shining star there was the young man who was much more attentive that the server. We were never given specials or directed to the specials and just after ordering I saw that both my mom's and my meal were part of a special where it was $5 cheaper AND came with a choice of free apps. When questioned, she informed me that I ordered in the wrong order, i had to order one of the 2 apps first ? Made no sense and never got an apology for not advising us of this. Very shady. Needless to say, we will never return. read more

Yum! Fishwich is my absolute favorite sandwich. A grilled cheese with fried fish. Also the seafood bisque is one of their best soups. Their fries and Cajun fries are always good as well as the coleslaw. I really love love the food. Sometimes I wish for the location you could see or eat out on the water, but other then that perfect food for the island! read more

A short 2 minute walk from the ferry to Fire Island this divy restaurant serves up some fresh seafood in a simple manner. I didn't even look at the menu. I saw fish tacos on the blackboard and it was a clear no brainer in my book. But alas, let down. The $9.50 fish tacos (2) consisted of a small piece of buttery fish filet served on a flour tortilla with the romaine lettuce that was clearly from one of those bagged salads type deals topped with some generic cheddar cheese and some canned black beans. This by no means was fancy. I did without the store bought flour tortillas and just ate the fish which was absolutely delicious but everything else about this dish was so generic and bush league. I think a slice of avocado would have been a dish savior here and would have added so much. But alas, none of that was happening. These tacos were pretty piss pour, weak sauce, not even sure they really put thought into these tacos type tacos. And the accompanied salsa? Straight from the SYSCO jar. The ladies serving up the food were nice, this place has a seafarer townie vibe which I totes dig, but I'd suggest sticking to the fish dishes or the simple diner style sammies. Yeah, best not to order like a yuppie as I did and order the tacos at an old school seafood diner, you'll be disappointed. Keep it real simple. read more

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Delicious oysters and stuffed mushrooms. Also enjoyed the broiled seafood platter. Service was a bit slow even though it wasn't that busy... but all in all a good meal. P.S. they have a lobster roll special for $25. We didn't have it but it's worth a try. read more

Delicious food and friendly staff. We always have the Long Island clam chowder. Half New England and half Manhattan chowder. Yummy!

New favorite local seafood spot, for sure! This was our first time here. Great service + even better food. My husband ordered the fried calamari + stuffed clams - both amazing. I ordered the shrimp po'boy, delicious! Can't wait to come back and try their soups! read more

I went to this restaurant expecting fried fish and clam chowder which it has and is good. I was pleasantly delighted when I ordered from the specials listed on the board. I had the cajun mahi which was the best I ever had. I also had the mussels which could have been a meal in itself. The food is some of the best I have had on Long Island. The is treasure to be found on the coast of Bay Shore and it is called the Chowder Bar. Pat H read more

I am from coast of Massachusetts and this was the best clam chowder I have ever had. I can't tell my mother-she would be stricken. Get the chowder!!! read more

I had the soup special (Black Bean). It was excellent. I couldn't believe how well seasoned it was. The fish and chips was crisp, well seasoned and not greasy. It was the best fish and chips I have had on Long Island. They don't have a full bar, but serve a good selection of beers and have wine. The staff were very friendly and attentive. I will definitely put it in my rotation of usual places to go. read more

I've been coming here for years. Best New England Clam Chowder ever (IMO). Went there by myself tonight and it was friendly, cozy, and delicious. The free valet parking is a nice perk! The Chowder Bar is right on the bay where the Bay Shore Ferries come in. Great atmosphere and very casual! read more

Chowder Bar - So good - Seafood Near Me - Bay Shore, New York

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Okay! So I stopped in because I got into a chowder discussion and allegedly this place is the must go, must have, Messiah of chowder. I live for recommendations and I love searching the island for good eats so of course here I am!!! "Chowder Bar VS Bigelows" I ordered a bowl of seafood bisque and my partner in crime ordered a bowl of clam chowder. The waitress-- super nice; brought us over two bags of oyster crackers each. We NEEDED those crackers. My bisque was well superior to that chowder. When you think of chowder you think thick, creamy, seafood packed to the bowl rim. Negative. None of that. The chowder was super sad. Instantly my mouth tasted like cracked pepper and then I couldn't get away from it fast enough. My partner wasn't as nice and I'm sure you'll read his comments about his choice. The seafood bisque wasn't the bees knees either. It was like baby food and I had ONE shrimp and then the oyster crackers helped. It was like having tomato soup in a different color. Should have ordered a grilled cheese. We shared appetizers since it was a late lunch and we didn't want to spoil dinner. An order of calamari and stuffed clams. The calamari has to be the best part of the meal. But they weren't anything special either. You know how some places have super thick cut chunks? Yeah- not here either. It's a soup place I guess. The pieces were thin and I had to eat three at once to meet my calamari needs. The stuffed clams were mostly bread and honestly I feel like I've had better store bought ones. What the hell goes on? The place is friendly and it feels like they have their regulars that visit daily but what are they ordering that I'm not seeing here? Next to the ferry and right on the water you would imagine this was going to be amazing. Super disappointed. "Winner: Bigelows" by a landslide. I'll be dragging my friend across the island for a real soup. read more

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Very basic food. Barely any fresh seafood choices. Fried calamari is out of a box. All wrap sandwiches except for one were chicken based. The one fish choice for a wrap was catfish. Basic fried seafood choices- shrimp, clams, scallops flounder ( I think?). One salmon dish was a special, not offered on the regular menu. All the chowders contain bacon, as an fyi. Manhattan chowder does not have to have bacon in it, so no soup for me. I had a Buffalo shrimp appetizer. 4 good sized tail on shrimp, baked with Buffalo sauce and some bleu cheese crumbles. I ordered it because it wasn't fried. And then had a garden salad. Husband had a fried fish sandwich. On sliced bread with melted cheese. Kind of like a ' fishamajig' for those that remember. Bathroom is ridiculously tiny. I do not recommend this at all. But I will say, the place was hoppin' when we left. Not sure why though. Food is truly mediocre at best. Service was fine. It was basic, like the food. Ambiance is crowded and loud. Very small and tight. Not for families with little ones. Or even older ones. read more

The Chowder Bar is that hole in wall clam shack that consistently satisfies that need for some good solid chowder. The fish sandwich with chips is nice and the black bean burger is a nice surprise too! Come, hang out, and after a few visits they'll remember your name. read more

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Chowder bar never disappoints! This mainstay at the Fire Island docks, consistently serves good food and great specials. Try the Long Island Chowder, a mix of both Manhattan and New England, a novel treat of the two! Lynda and Pat, co-owners for decades are the consummate hosts both in and out of the kitchen. read more