Washington’s Most Talked-About Chowder Isn’t Found In Seattle
Captain Bob’s Chowder Sisters might not be in Seattle, but folks in Washington know exactly where to find it. This cozy spot in Long Beach has become a bit of a local legend for its chowder that somehow tastes like the ocean gave it a personal blessing.
I remember the first time I stopped there after a windy walk along the shore, expecting something simple and getting a bowl that made me stop talking for a minute.
People drive for hours for that same experience, and honestly, once you’ve tried it, you’ll start planning your next trip back.
Chowder Fries Upgrade
You can order regular fries anywhere, but Captain Bob’s takes them somewhere else entirely. They pile hot fries with thick chowder, then add Tillamook cheese and bacon bits on top.
If you want more, throw on clam strips or calamari. I tried this last spring and couldn’t believe how well everything worked together.
The fries stay crispy under all that topping, and the salty bacon cuts through the creaminess perfectly. It’s messy, filling, and worth every bite you take with a napkin in hand.
Rotating Specialty Chowders
The classic clam chowder is great, but the rotating specials keep people coming back to see what’s new. Smoked salmon chowder shows up regularly, along with scallop mushroom and other creative takes.
They announce new flavors often, so checking their updates becomes part of the routine. Each version brings something different to the table.
The smoked salmon has a deeper, richer flavor that feels more like a meal than a starter. Scallop mushroom is earthy and satisfying without being too heavy for an afternoon stop.
Potato Bowl Power Move
Take a twice-baked potato, hollow it out, and fill it with hot chowder. Then finish it with cheese and bacon. That’s the Potato Bowl, and it’s as good as it sounds.
This dish hits differently when the weather turns cold. The potato adds substance, and the chowder soaks into every bite.
My friend ordered this on a rainy November afternoon, and I ended up stealing half of it because I couldn’t stop reaching over. It’s comfort in a bowl, plain and simple.
Crab Roll Plus Chowder Combo
Order the crab roll and add a cup or bowl of chowder. This combo feels like the most Pacific Northwest thing you can eat in one sitting. Fresh crab, soft roll, and creamy chowder all on the same plate.
The crab roll is simple but done right. No heavy mayo or fillers, just good crab meat that tastes like the ocean.
Pair it with chowder, and you get two textures, two temperatures, and twice the reason to come back next time you’re near Long Beach.
Angels On Horseback
Angels on Horseback sounds fancy, but it’s just oysters wrapped in bacon and fried until crispy. It’s an old-school seafood snack that pairs perfectly with a bowl of hot chowder.
The bacon gets crunchy, the oyster stays tender, and the combination is salty and rich. I hadn’t seen this dish in years until I spotted it on their menu.
It reminded me of the shore shacks my dad used to take me to as a kid. Simple food, done well, with no fuss involved.
Time It With Razor Clam Digs
Long Beach hosts razor clam digs in fall and winter, and locals plan their trips around them. You dig for clams in the cold sand, then head straight to Captain Bob’s to warm up with chowder.
It’s a tradition that makes sense once you try it. The timing works perfectly. After an hour on the beach, your hands are freezing and your boots are wet.
Hot chowder feels like the best reward, and the whole experience turns into a full day worth remembering and repeating next season.
Chowder Fry Combo And Meal Deals
Captain Bob’s offers combo options that let you pair chowder with fries or other sides for better value. It’s a smart way to try more without ordering everything separately.
You get fuller, spend less, and leave happier. Combos make decision-making easier when everything on the menu sounds good. You don’t have to pick between chowder and fries because you can have both.
The portions are generous, and the pricing feels fair for what you get on your plate every single time.
Rhode Island-Style Clam Cake Bites
Clam cakes aren’t common in Washington, but Captain Bob’s serves them anyway. These crispy, fried bites are a nod to East Coast shore shacks, and they add a fun, crunchy companion to chowder that you won’t find at most other places around here.
They’re light, not too greasy, and packed with clam flavor. Dip them in tartar sauce or eat them plain. Either way, they disappear fast.
It’s a rare find on the West Coast, and it shows the kitchen isn’t afraid to borrow good ideas from anywhere.