Do you love burgers? Do you love clam chowder? Do you love eating on a boat? Well have I got the place for you. Seriously though, this place is a gem in the South Bay! The food, service and vibes are great. I know a burger in a bowl of clam chowder sounds strange and maybe even intimidating, but just go for it. You won't regret it. read more

We saw this floating restaurant on social media & decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. We shared the double clam chowder bowl. So good. It has fried calamari on top of the clam chowder, YUM. Then I ordered the shrimp basket & my husband ordered the fish & chips. Everything was delicious. Service was great. The atmosphere was chill. I would definitely go back & take some friends with me. read more

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Not gourmet dining but honest and reliable. A full burger in a bun in a bowl of New England clam chowder is their signature dish but spread your wings and do the Patty Melt. Little bit of history nearby. Ford had a plant in the area (you'll see Henry Ford Blvd) but it closed after WWII. read more

The Chowder Barge - Patty Melt with O-rings - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, California

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Decided to do something spontaneous for early lunch yesterday and chose The Chowder Barge. It's located in the small Leeward Bay Marina. If you blink, you will miss the driveway into the tiny marina. Parking was easy and this small marina is kind of dilapidated with a great character. Walking down the gangway, I'd expect to see an old Popeye or salty Hemingway type of boat slip resident walking by. Upon entering it kept with the old nautical environment. The barge is old, the old wood flooring planks were naturally aged and uneven in texture. In fact, It felt almost like walking at the old Knotts Berry Farm Haunted Shack. We absolutely loved the vibe. We ordered a Bloody Mary and a draft Modelo to start and was served in frosted glass mugs. We both ordered an 8 oz cup of the clam chowder. It is thick and had lots of lovely clam chunks in every spoonful. My wife ordered a side of garlic bread to go with it. It was great to use the garlic bread to dunk it in the chowder. I also ordered the fishermans platter. It consisted of one piece of deep fried fish, three butterflied deep fried shrimp, a bunch of deep fried clams, chips, and a small side of coleslaw slaw. I had to tap out and leave some of the chips and clams. The chowder before hand was filling. The chips were okay and the deep fried clams were lots of small pieces that were a little heavy on the batter. Overall everything was good. In hindsight, I would have been fine with the chowder alone. It's pretty rich and filling. I did see a couple of burgers being served and they looked great. We want to come back and get some burgers and chowder on a lighter stomach next time. This place is small and there is only one cook from what we saw. Be patient and enjoy the atmosphere and a frosty mug, as it can take a little while to receive your order if it's full inside. read more

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This place is great, what a fun little dive. I've had it on my radar for a while and finally made the trek out. The service gives it a homey feel and the chowder is some of the best I've had. Where else can you eat chowder with a knife and fork?! read more

The Chowder Barge - Chowder Bread Bowl - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, California

5 starts all the way! Food is packed with flavor, the service is absolutely wonderful, and the ambiance makes you feel like you're in some small quiet seaside town. I would put on a seaside soundtrack- seagulls, seals, creaking of wood, but that's just me. XD If you're near by, definitely try this place. read more

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The service was great and the food was very good. We had the seafood sampler appetizer with clams, calamari and shrimp and then a bread bowl of chowder, which was a lot of food. read more

The Chowder Barge - Seafood Appetizer - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, California

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This is a small place and a small staff. This was our first time coming here. The wait was approximately 45 minutes long. Once they sat us down we must have waited for service for another 45 minutes to even get the waitress to ask for our drinks. We ordered a pitcher of beer and ordered our food right away, so that we would delay our food. It took another 30-40 minutes for them to bring out our food. We ordered a clam chowder bowl and fish and chips. Im not sure what the hold up was because this type of food should not take that long to come out. We were very hangry! The food was outstanding. It almost made up for the ridiculous wait...almost! The staff seemed to be out of it or perhaps they were short staffed. read more

you come here mostly for the vibes. it's so cute and quaint. the wait staff are nice but they can get pretty busy and forget to close you out unless you flag them down the fish and chips is pretty standard. the chowder is good! i've never been inside a barge or barge as a restaurant! also important - you may either be blocked from entering or leaving the parking lot as there is a train crossing. i'm writing this as we wait and so far waited for 50 minutes lol. make sure to allot time in case you get stuck. We were leaving around 8 pm and was stuck until 9 pm in the parking lot haha read more

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What happened french fries? We've been here a number of times and the chowder and the fries are always #1 and #2 on our list. The fries used to be more like potato wedges with peel and all and you couldn't find better anywhere. Now they are just fat regular fries... nothing special. Please bring them back! This is one of those places you cannot compare to anywhere else you like to eat. It is unique. Very special. And even a lot of locals have no idea this place is here. If it's not your thing, then find some place else to go and write reviews. My new favorite on the menu is the swordfish sandwich. You will not find one as good anywhere. read more

Accidentally found this spot when we got lost and it was a nice find. Great little spot tucked in next to the Port. We had fried combo plate with shrimp, cod, and clams. It was what you'd expect for a fried seafood and chips plate, crispy and good. Our server was so nice and attentive. This is a nice little place to grab a bite to eat! read more

This place is a gem. Food tastes, great and the atmosphere is very warm. It's a floating barge, but they have bathrooms for use. The food comes in big portions, and the two of us shared the fisherman's platter and the clam chowder bread bowl with plenty of leftover food. Service was fast and friendly with good recommendations. Pricing was not too bad considering it's seafood. Their cocktail sauce is homemade and delicious. Good for date night, big groups, and families. read more

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The Fish and Chips, the shrimp, And The CHOWDER were all very good! The service was friendly and very attentive. The lady taking care of our table was very busy but always maintained composure! A true Pro!!! And the Ambience is casual and family friendly! I hope to be back while the fish and chips are still hot!!! read more

It hits on all items , the Chowder is top notch but SUPER RICH AND THICK , go with the 8 oz on the first time , interior is deep in character and staff very friendly , price is also VERY good , gonna have the Chowder Barge on my rotation of go to places read more

The Chowder Barge is real old California that's survived in the Port of Los Angeles. The food is GREAT, especially with a nice cold draft 805. I got the double clam chowder: white chowder with fried clams, soooooo good. I also got an a la carte fried fish fillet, it was perfectly fine but soon the server brought me a second, bigger one, and said the cook didn't think my first one was big enough. Wow! Two fish fillets If you love old coastal California places, don't miss the Chowder Barge read more

The Chowder Barge - Cool harbor atmosphere - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, California

If it's Taco Tuesday, skip the tacos. They're okay, but not what you might expect - nothing more than iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and fish on a tortilla. It is served with salsa, but nothing else remotely like a good SoCal fish taco. (Also - if the server asks if you want green salsa, take it. It's not hot, but she doesn't know that - she's never tried it!!) Aside from simply being a fish sandwich on a tortilla, the tacos were good. Crispy white fish fried golden brown and delicious. With a side of onion rings, it was very filling. A funky dive, in a dirty, run-down marina, but the food is good. Give it a try. read more

The Chowder Barge - Inside the fish taco, under all the lettuce and tomato. - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, California

This is a 5 star establishment because of the history and nostalgia. But don't come here expecting 5 star service, a bathroom that isn't old and tiny, vintage and patinated kitchy interior at a greasy spoon diner over the ocean. Manage your expectations and enjoy the experience of olden days vs the modern straight minimalistic lines of restaurants today. I really enjoyed my chowder here! If and when you are driving here, surrounded by big-rigs, and you think... where the heck am I? Then you are in the right spot. In the middle of some industrial stuff is this random marina with a building floating in the middle that is the wondrous Chowder Barge. It is old, it has so many knick knacks, and cool stuff from all over the world that you know the owner picked up on his travels and eventually I think random people just gave him things. Maybe a few just brought items and nailed them to the walls. I think a few masks are haunted. They will tell you where to sit down and look at more stuff, then they will give you a menu. Puruse the menu of diner-esque foods, ocean fried classics, and of course the chowder. My date got the burger chowder. A burger in a bowl with chowder poured over it. Truly part of the American dream. I got some fried fish, clams, and a bowl of chowder. It was super creamy, chunky, and delicious. It isn't healthy, but it is delicious. I enjoyed looking out at the boats parked and a few floated by. The fried stuff was greasy. Not the best fish and chips I have had. I enjoyed listening to a tables of seniors citizens who ordered tuna sandwiches and random salads on this rusty ocean front diner. A large family with children came in and they were treated well. The kids sounded happy to come back to their local spot. The water in the marina is definitely suspect, weird colored and littered in. But I saw a sting ray and that was awesome even the port people stopped to stare at the life that dared float around these murky green waters. read more

Outstanding! The chowder burger was insanely delicious. Unique location. Unique atmosphere. I will definitely be back. read more

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First time here. Parking lot seems sketchy with some abandoned cars but it is at a marina and seems safe to park. Restaurant is a barge on the water. Once inside - very cool nautical decor. Restaurant and Bar. I had a double chowder cheeseburger. A cheeseburger covered in New England clam chowder with fried clams over it. Most will probably think that sounds strange, but it was delicious at my surprise. ! read more

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Found this in a quick search for something I haven't had before in the west part of LA. This cool little vibe place popped up. You keep driving and it looks like you are in the wrong place but moored within other boats is this boat that sells the best clam chowder. Loved it. The service is great and they often here to go orders for chowder after 1 bite. Yes they have other items-fish burgers. + There have been several TV shows filmed here. read more

Great food at the most unique location! I found this place through the Long Beach food scene group and didn't believe such a place existed off the beaten path. It's very hidden but that's what adds to the charm of finding this gem. I love clam chowder and this place has probably the best one in SoCal! All the seafood dishes taste so fresh and delicious too. The views are so pretty since you're right by the water. You can even watch tv and catch sports games while eating. The staff is so friendly too and very welcoming. There is a nice sized parking lot too with signs so you can't miss it! Highly recommend for an enjoyable time! read more

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The chowder burger was sooooooooooo good! I can't stop thinking about it. I just camp back from a trip from pismo beach and the chowder here is WAY better. Has nice big chunks of clam. Good creamy consistency. Service was fantastic. She was super nice and thrilled we ordered the chowder burger. She told us it was the owners son who invented it. The king michelada is not for the weak I didn't realize how big it was going to be. Fish and chips was also tasty. Parking is free there's a lot. Inside has a lot of cool nautical decor. Kind of tiki vibe going on. It was tad bit warm in there so maybe come when it's not so hot. I would definitely come here again read more

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Love that place. It hasn't changed one bit over the years. The location gives it a great ambiance. I went to have some good chowder because I'm planning on making chowder and needed a good reference and I got one! read more

Awesome layout Nice staff and food is really good, ordered some beers and food and came out quick. Waiters would check on us to see if we needed anything. Try this place out, you won't be disappointed. read more

This place is a hidden gem... I saw this place on another platform and decided to give this place a try. Drove from over two hours away to try this place and it did not disappoint. don't let the run down marina and the dilapidated boats in the area fool you. You go inside and it's got this rustic marine charm. The server was very welcoming and friendly. Bring your appetite when you come to this place as the food was pretty amazing. I had the chowder burger. it sounds odd, but it works. My lady had clam chowder with fried clam strips and I didn't know what I wanted to eat more. this place is worth the drive plan on a wait when you get there because it is busy. The bathrooms were small, but they were clean, which is a good sign. I am definitely a fan and will be back at this place in the near future thank you chowder barge you earned a fan. read more

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This place is super hidden... follow the signs to the free lot... go down the ramp to the right and the entrance is on the left.... First time here, I got a house made michelada. Pretty good. I got the clam chowder in a bread bowl and my friend got the triple... the fried clams were pretty good. The bread dipped in chowder was also good. The chowder itself wasn't the best I've ever had but I tend to like it more creamy and less tasting like onion. We also got the clams that tasted more like oil and lemon, I thought the broth would taste better. The garlic bread was good for dipping but also if you get clam chowder... let's just say I used both breads for both lol We also got a basket of onion rings which were really good. Not too oily, not over powered with batter and I think the ranch is house made? Don't quote me. Service was nice and fast, we got seated right away. The whole restaurant is really cute, very pretty if you're there during sunset or get a window seat to watch the water and boats. Very cool experience and I heard it's been there for YEARS! read more

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We drove to Long Beach from the San Fernando Valley based on a recommendation that we found on Facebook. This is a nice little place to eat which sets on the water of a small marina on the edge of Long Beach. It was a nice day and we decided to sit out on the patio. They had a nice wine and beer selection along with soft drinks and other refreshments. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. I was interested in a popular dish which was a bowl of clam chowder poured over a cheeseburger. Yes, you read that right! To be honest, I was having trouble wrapping my head around the idea, and when it arrived I understood why. Somehow, a cheeseburger and clam chowder just doesn't go together for me. The waitress said that it was fairly popular, but she was not a fan of it either. Having said that, I love clam chowder, and this clam chowder was outstanding. I would highly recommend it. Though, maybe not with the cheeseburger. Hahaha. My girlfriend had a basket of shrimp and a cup of clam chowder, would she thoroughly enjoyed. She had a glass of wine and I had a beer. It made for a very nice and relaxing Sunday brunch. I can't honestly say that I would drive an hour again just to revisit this place, but it was certainly worth the trip down there at least for the first time. If wherever back in the area will stop back by. read more

The Chowder Barge - Clam chowder over a cheeseburger. - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, California

Hubby and I happened to be in the area and we've been wanting to try this place out. So, we did. Greeted and seated right away. Hubby and I shared the Triple Chowder Bowl W/Fried Clams and a 2 pc Fish n Chips with a side of coleslaw and tartar sauce. I do recommend ordering their chowder. It's made in house daily. So yummy and flavorful. Their Fish n Chips also very good. Fish lightly battered and deep fried. Not greasy at all. I like the fact that on the cover of the menu, they ask that the guests keep the noise level low and to not have children wondering on their own. Really respecting others while dining. This is a very casual spot. The Barge is decorated way cool. Of course with anything and everything to do with life on the sea. Hubby even bought a T-shirt. This is a "MUST TRY" restaurant. read more

The Chowder Barge - Triple Chowder Bread Bowl and Fish & Chips - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, California

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The drive to The Chowder Barge is a little off, but I think the whole experience about getting there is what makes this little restaurant so charming. With that in mind, we found parking in their private lot without a problem. We arrived at a time that allowed us to be seated right away (on a weekend at that!). I did call the restaurant to ask how long the wait was, and they said none. My son loved watched the train move freight from the window by our table. It was the highlight of his experience. The food was delicious! Chowder was yummy. Fish and chips: scrumptious. Overall, we had a great time. Service was friendly. Food came out fresh and warm. They were very patient with my two kiddos (actually our waitress went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable). read more

A good friend of mine recommended I check out the Chowder Barge a few years ago since she knew how much I love clam chowder. I finally decided to go recently and didn't really know what to expect, but when I got there, it was awesome, a cozy little restaurant floating in the bay. It feels like an old-school Mexican or Italian meat shop mixed with a restaurant, and somehow it all came together to create the Chowder Barge. There's so much to look at inside, all the stuff they've collected over the years really makes the place unique. The service was cool too. I ordered the clams on top of clam chowder, which is fried clams mixed into their chowder. The fried clams were fire, and the chowder was really good too. I'd definitely love to come back with some friends, have some beers, and just hang out and talk about life. read more

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Good spot to have lunch with your buds patty melt was good captain was even better 10/10

Had the cup of clam chowder and chili with the seafood appetizer all was very good service was very good too! The ambiance was exceptional that one would expect from a sinking barge I will definitely return for another visit! read more

I finally came to try this place on 10/13/25. Very cute restaurant experience right on the water! I was excited to try the clam chowder and it DID NOT disappoint. It's definitely on the creamier side and full of flavor. We also ordered the fisherman's platter which has a variety of fried items. I would absolutely come back for the food, but service wasn't the best. Maybe they were just short staffed but I hope service is a little more welcoming next time. read more

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We hope they have turned things around. We loved the clam chowder and for the years we went there right up to Covid, it was fan-damtastic! Then we went there in the summer of 2024, and the clam chowder was different and almost obscene, the fish breading was so huge you didn"t know what you were getting into and we were in disbelief!..... Like, what happened? We are threatening to go back again but we sincerely hope the experience is going to be like the old days before Covid! read more

I'm always looking for a new breakfast place to try. And on this hot Saturday morning I decided to ride my motorcycle to this restaurant by the ocean. It's not a fancy place but I enjoyed the interior decor. The service was excellent, the food was tasty and the coffee was great! It was well worth the ride. read more

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The shrimp was good but never received my fries. The clam chowder looked so depressing and old. It looked like it had been sitting a day or two or it was the last of the bowl. I left the whole bowl of clam chowder. At least the soda was probably the best thing. Won't come back. read more

A hole on the water. Rustic decor. Busy. Service is friendly and good. Clam chowder is quite good. Burger is good. Prices reasonable. You have to get the chowder! read more

We were a party of 7. As we ordered our server let us know they were out of fish, on a Friday night. Half of us changed our order on the spot, we didn't want to go somewhere else. We watched as at least 2 other tables that came in after us were seated and received their food. We had waited over an hour for our food, so we left. Maybe because they had a different server, more they had parties of 3/4, I don't know. I do know from working in the service industry, it shouldn't matter. There was no service recovery, no apology, or explanation of wait. We didn't even receive our appetizer. Extremely disappointed based on the reviews I had previously read. read more

The service efficiency is minimal U would think this is the dolphin mall in Miami at 12 pm on a Saturday the way they move Prices are really good (their saving point) Very cute decor with minimal seating Clam chowder was good Prob won't come back read more

This restaurant serves delicious clam chowder, fish and chips, and is a unique dining experience on a floating barge and the fun, local vibe. They also like the friendly staff. I would highly recommend this place for affordable food that's great! read more

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