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    Bob's Chowder Bar

    3.7 (395 reviews)

    Bob's Chowder Bar Photos

    BOB'S CHOWDER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    White oatmeal....I mean clam chowder. Cold and not very appealing to look at.
    Kenny W.

    I work in Anacortes and had not ate all day so I decided to have Bob's delivered. I ordered at 2:30pm 07/02/2024 a bowl of clam chowder and the Mini Bob which is a kid's fish and chips. the order arrived fast but the clam chowder was cold and looked like white oatmeal and I had to use a fork to scoop it. How can you have Chowder in your name and not focus on the most exquisite chowder ever. The Mini Bob was a real "treat." Instead of fish and chips I received breaded deep fried salmon bites. WTF gives a kid fried salmon for a fish and chips meal? Isn't it usually cod everywhere else on planet earth? I am not sure who's idea this was but thank you for making my lunch absolutely horrendous.

    Clam chowder bowl
    Philip P.

    I am surprised that I haven't written a review of this restaurant yet! Cause I tend to head over here fairly often. It's been one of my favorite places to get clam chowder and it hits you in the right spot. Every so often, I would drive an hour away just to satisfy my craving for Bob's clam chowder. It's the best item worth getting. I've tried the calamari and fish and chips here, but nothing beats their clam chowder. Don't get me wrong, the other items are good too, but the chowder is on another level. First time I had it, I ordered just a cup and immediately I regretted it cause I should've gotten a bowl! It was so good that I wanted more! The other times I did just that and there were a couple times that I've changed it up too. I've gotten their chowder sampler in the past and their bread bowl, but I think the best way to go is to simply just order a bowl of the regular clam chowder. Feel free to get something along with it, but make sure to get some chowder. Totally worth the drive!

    Top-Old bread that was hard and wrinkle, like it had been microwaved. Bottom- all the watery mayonnaise that dripped out.

    The biggest disappointment of day! I ordered the rock crab sandwich and that was a big mistake. The bread was old and hard. The crab did not taste like crab and had a pungent old taste. . The crab had a load of celery all bathed in mayonnaise that just kept dripping out. i did not even attempt to finish it.

    Love the great outdoor space!
    Elisabeth P.

    We stopped off here after an epic kayaking trip this last weekend and were really looking forward to some comfort food. I was excited to see so many gluten free options on the menu and made the executive decision we were going here. It's a cute little place with lots of great seating options including a great outdoor patio where we were seated. Our server seemed a little frazzled when she stopped by but was able to get some answers about gf items from the kitchen for me and then take our order. She brought drinks to us but only brought half a beer to our friend saying the tap ran out and she'd bring him a second one with the meal but unfortunately that was the last time we saw her so we never got that promise fulfilled. The group ordered fried avocado bites which were not gf but apparently good. I wanted the fish and chips because they have gf breading and I was thrilled to try it! Unfortunately they use one fryer for everything so it's only safe for someone dieting, not with an allergy like me. That being said I did not go hungry because they had gf chowder and fish tacos! I had to send back the chowder originally as it came with bread in it despite me reporting the gluten allergy. The tacos were kind of meh but the chowder was fabulous! I had the salmon chowder and licked the bowl. The husband and our friends ordered crab sandwiches and fish and chips and they were so happy they kept complimenting my choice in restaurants. We didn't see our server again or get passed on to anyone if her shift finished, so we pestered anyone we saw for more drinks, water, and finally the check. My experience was closer to 3 stars considering the service issues and mix up with my meal, but everyone else was so pleased I've got to give it 4 stars per group consensus! Wish they had a dedicated fryer so I could pass out in a heap of golden crispy fried halibut but I'll keep dreamin!

    Three piece cod and fries. One piece was so rubbery and chewy that it was inedible. Fries were good.
    Kimber R.

    You know what I hate? Bad service. You know what I hate even more? Terrible service. We came in and were immediately sat in the dining room. I think they have 8 tables total right now inside, and maybe 4 outside. Not all tables were taken while we were there. 3/4 waiters/waitresses. Our drink orders were taken right away, and took 22 minutes to arrive. Then another 15 before our food order was taken. When food orders were taken, another drink was ordered. Said drink never arrived, and our drinks that were received, were never filled up. The owner even stopped by our table, and all cups were empty and nothing was said or done. We didn't even see someone long enough to ask them to be filled. They just sat, empty, at the edge of the table. When our food came out, the waitress stumbled and two meals fell in together making a sloppy mess on her tray(and our plates). No napkins on the table. None brought to help with the mess. We didn't see someone again until the check came. Now, the food was okay, but pretty bland. Everything needed a little salt(and of course there is no salt on the table due to COVID). I got three pieces of fish, and one was so rubbery that I couldn't chew it. The chowder was ok, but nothing to write home about. It was a pretty disappointing experience made even worse when the check came. They use a square system where you insert your card and pay on the pad.... not a terrible idea, but was made weird when the waiter was looking directly down telling my husband to enter the tip and watching his every move while he did so... on the pre chosen tip choices. It was so uncomfortable. This is not a place we will recommend and we won't be back. We had such high hopes after reading reviews and it did not live up to the hype.

    Oyster Burger and salad
    Scott L.

    I wasn't too sure what to expect when this place was suggested. It is on a corner and the entrance is very "busy" that at first I thought it was just a take out window. It actually is a pretty large seating area both inside and out, plenty of light and well decorated. We were seated pretty quickly and had quick service even though they appeared to be moderately busy. I had the oyster burger and a salad. Now, I've never imagined having a pile of fried oysters in a delicious breading, smothered in tartar sauce, topped with coleslaw and all put into a ciabatta bun. Much to my surprise it was an excellent choice. Not too heavy for a sunny day. The house salad was a good mix of greens and croutons. For the dressing I chose their Lemon Love. Not too overwhelming with a good amount to tang. I also tried a Rock Crab Tater Tor, which was a small ball of rock crab meat held together with some type of sauce then breaded and fried. It comes with a big cherry mustard sauce I think on top and not in the middle. Moist, almost a little too much, but with a great flavor. Options available if you have someone in your party who does not like seafood. For the rest, you will find something you like!

    Rock crab tots
    Lo V.

    We have been coming here for years and it's great every time! Best chowder and fried pickles I have ever had. Highly recommend the chowder flight so you can try all the goodness. Great spot with good parking and friendly staff.

    New England Chowder
    Kait S.

    Absolutely delicious seafood! The Salmon Chowder Bread Bowl was the standout winner. New England Chowder was also good and the Fish and Chips were perfectly flaky and crisp. 10/10 give it a try!

    Menu 06/21/20
    Khadij A.

    Great service, good food, wonderful atmosphere! This establishment is doing a great job at keeping their place open and maintaining social distancing with hygienic processes. We were seated outside and hand sanitizer was made widely available. They're using paper menus at this time to avoid reusing and over sanitizing. The food itself was pretty good and tasty. The fish tasted fresh and the menu was variable enough to have something for everyone. I would return if I'm ever in the area! Next time though, I would avoid the fried seafood basket as that was too much fried food for me.

    Menu
    Amy P.

    Came here to get some clam chowder. I got a cup of New England clam chowder to go for $8. I grew up in New England, so I'm particular about clam chowder. The flavor was just ok, not enough chunks of potato. The server who helped us was very nice though. Ambiance was nothing special. Free street parking.

    Outside

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    3 years ago

    Excellent food and exemplary service - ambiance is casual and fun!!! Would recommend very highly!

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    5 years ago

    Wonderful food and great service: Highly recommend the chowder bowl and pork belly appetizer. Dog friendly patio with water bowls available

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    4 years ago

    Slow service while visiting during off hours, but food quality is fine. Chowder bowl is good.

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    5 years ago

    I love their Oyster Burger, and fried pickles, and Calamari, and (Dairy Free) Rock Fish Chowder

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    7 years ago

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    Good food but the chairs are the worst ever ruins the experience .. Clam ChowderFish and Chips excellent

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    Always great food. Their chowders are really good and the staff is always really friendly.

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    Page 4 of 10

    Ask the Community - Bob's Chowder Bar

    Do the people that interface with customers wear masks all the time like the CDC suggests they should?

    It was two weeks ago when we order takeout so things could have changed since. No the guy who took our order and delivered to us in our car did not wear a mask. I would call and confirm if they have changed that process.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    This is just a beautiful spot. I had came here with friends a couple weeks back, and still want…read moremore! You walk in and we had stood in line for maybe 10 minutes before we could order. And it wasn't too cold outside. They had heaters that helped keep warm while waiting. The server was very friendly and had good recommendations. We ordered a dozen of 4 different types of oysters, an order of crab, shrimp, and a chowder of some sort. The food came out pretty quick especially having every single oyster shucked by hand. The food was delicious, it all came in a tray with ice, and plated beautifully. There was a couple different sauces and they went really well with everything.

    Pretty nice place to dine in. Just chill and relax. All the staff are friendly and full of smile…read more When I got there the line was pretty long, but it was not a long wait. I was seated pretty fast since lots of seating inside. This restaurant sells oysters mostly, not lots of choices. If you like oysters, this is where you wanna go. I ordered 4 different raw oysters, shrimps, and smoked fish (tuna is what they offered for the day). Oysters were good; smoked fish was okay; shrimps had no flavor. I just hope, at least there is clam chowder - considering there are not many food choices. I may still come, I'm just expecting few more choices to satisfy my pallete :)

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    I made a reservation for two people for Friday the 10th at 6:00 PM, specifically noting that it was…read moremy wife's birthday; however, the restaurant offered absolutely no surprise gesture whatsoever. I felt a bit disappointed. As for the food overall: the appetizers were good, as were the salad and soup. However, the main course didn't really "wow" me

    Being treated to Chuckanut Manor is starting to be a tradition for me. This is my second time to…read morethis wonderful place. The first was my birthday last year, chosen by a friend (I'd never heard of it). This year I was asked where I wanted to go. I did not hesitate to say here! I couldn't be anything other than delighted in my decision--from the pleasantness inside, the wonderful view from our window, the delightful staff and the incredible food and drinks, this place is wonderful. Lucky me that my birthday was on a Wednesday so I could be totally influenced to have oysters-on-the-half shell due to a generous Wednesday night special. I do love raw oysters--and these were so tiny and briny and so incredibly good, I could have eaten five dozen! (I am kicking myself for not finding out what kind they were, but no matter. I would be happy with any they are serving here, I am sure.) I had already planned on having the Oysters Rockefeller (known here as Manor Rockefeller), and so, despite having just downed some oysters, I went ahead anyway and am glad I did! They were wonderful. And there was no real reason for me to pause for a moment in my decision, having already had oysters, because these were soooooo different. It was almost like eating a delicious oyster casserole in a shell. The Mediterranean Mussels were wonderful! (Notice, I was having a dinner of appetizers...) The broth they came in was beautiful (and drinkable, if one were so inclined). I loved the surprising tastiness of the Mama Lil's Peppers swimming around in it. At first I wondered if they would be too hot and compete with the flavor--overwhelming it--but no! Not at all. They were a perfect and flavorful touch. Absolutely wonderful. (And having said that, I know that "pepper heat" is an individual thing--I can tolerate a goodly amount, fyi--I just didn't taste these as hot at all.) Our server, Drew, was immensely helpful (and always charming!) He paired our food with a delicious wine. I guess we would assign my bowl of clam chowder to the dessert category--very thick and creamy--along with a lovely after-dinner cocktail, made by the wonderful and delightful bartender, Sherry. She made me a lovely mocktail to start--I asked Drew to have the bartender just make something up on a whim. It was pretty, colorful and delish with what in it, I have no idea. But, not only was it delectable, it was a vision! All festive and fuchsia, with a "bartender's cherry," and a hot pink umbrella. When I learned Sherry made it, I was so happy because I remembered her from last year--very skilled and very fun to chat with. A wonderful birthday--I highly recommend the Manor.

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    Is there any service or were we just being ignored? ‍…read more Walked in, waited around for a bit while the staff did their thing. There are no signs that said "please wait to be seated" or "seat yourself" either, but after waiting a bit we thought we'd seat ourselves and the service would come to us. That never happened, so this feels like we were being ignored. It's unfortunate though, because it seemed like a chill place to grab some food. But this isn't how you run a business because after waiting around for 15 mins we left. Probably won't be stopping by again.

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    We were hesitant to try this place because of the mixed reviews online but gave it a shot. We were…read moregreeted and seated promptly. Being Wednesday evening they had live music, let me tell you it was unique and very pleasant to listen to! We loved it. Our waitress was also great! So attentive, very nice! We ordered the mussels as appetizers the garlic broth had lots of flavor and the mussels were cooked just right. My son's pizza was great, kids Mac and cheese not so much. My husband ordered the pork schnitzel and that was probably the most delicious schnitzel I've ever tasted, the mushroom sauce was on point, breading was great! I love how they serve it with broccolini. I ordered the 6 oysters with clam chowder. The clam chowder was full of flavor and the perfect consistency. The oysters were cooked perfect but they were so small it left me wanting more. We got their brownie to go, it was warm when they gave us the box. Later when we got home and tried it, it had cooled down and was hard as a rock. I would recommend just eating it there when freshly heated. I saw peoples reviews about the credit card charge which we anticipated but there were other restaurants in town that didn't charge that. It's a little tacky and can be a deterrent.

    I really do like this place. I actully have been going there for years, and have never really had a…read morebad experience. Sometimes I'll go with the husband for a mini date night. And sometimes I'll just grab my computer and do a work lunch. Anytime I have been here, I always leave with a smile and a happy tummy.

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    Bob's Chowder Bar - seafood - Updated May 2026

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