Row 34 is a local favorite for seafood, and their chowder regularly makes best of Boston lists. They have four locations, Boston, Cambridge, Burlington, and Portsmouth, NH. The Burlington location is a regular dinner stop for us, so the chowder quest checks in.
Bowl – $13
Clams
The only fault with this chowder is that their are not enough clams and clam flavor.
Cream and Consistency
Row 34 chowder has the perfect consistency. It is rich and creamy, thick without being gloppy.
Potatoes
The potatoes are spectacular. They are medium sized and perfectly cooked, soft without being mushy.
Garnish
Row 34 serves their chowder with a house made saltine. It crispy and buttery, brilliant.
Everything Else
Bacon. Bacon. Bacon. The only thing that holds this chowder back is too much bacon. It presents as a bacon-potato chowder more than a clam chowder. It’s absolutely delicious and there is no reason not to get it, but it is seriously lacking in clam flavor.
Not Chowder
Row 34 has an amazing raw bar. Start with shrimp and oysters, maybe some amazing fries, and a nice cocktail before sliding into a bowl of chowder.
The Verdict
If you just took out half the bacon, this would be a five star chowder. Consistency – perfect. Potatoes – perfect. House saltine – perfect. But in the end, a clam chowder stars with clams, not bacon. That doesn’t mean you should pass over this chowder, just know what you are getting and don’t forget the raw bar.
Row 34
multiple locations including:
75 Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington, MA
Concord Culinary Lyceum 
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