Editors’ Choice
Village Restaurant, Essex
For more than 60 years—since a cup of chowder cost 25 cents—locals and travelers from afar have stopped at this cozy restaurant to enjoy clams dug from flats just across the street. The milky broth in the chowder—a family recipe handed down for generations—virtually sings with sweet fresh clam goodness, perhaps because it was crafted to accentuate that freshness. The simple recipe calls for only clams, onions, clam juice, and dairy, with salt pork, salt, and pepper. 55 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6400, wedigclams.com
Readers’ Choice
Woodman’s of Essex, Essex
The accolades roll in from around the country for this famous chowder—and they’ll even ship it to those who aren’t lucky enough to have this creamy gem just a car-ride away. In the same family for five generations, Woodman’s never skimps on quality. 119 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6057, woodmans.com