Chowder Bowl — Restaurant in Newport

Our experience at Chowder Bowl was positive overall. When we arrived they were not that busy and we asked to be seated outside. As a group of 9 we expected a wait and we were fine with it. However, a group of 7 showed up some time after us and were seated almost immediately outside. That was a little frustrating, but we knew that it wasn't such a big deal. We spoke with the staff and inquired as to why they were sat before us. They apologized and then they sat us immediately, albeit inside.

After being shown to our table and being given our menus, we were given ample time to choose our entrees and drinks. This is fine, but no waiter ever came to us after we were seated. We waited about 15 minutes before we got the attention of one of the employees and they sent over a waitress.

Normally, the first thing a waiter asks is what the party would like to drink and they grab that while the party looks at the menu. In this case, we already had chosen everything. When the waitress came up to us she asked "Are you ready to order?" I asked "Are you just taking drink orders right now?" The waitress replied in a sarcastic voice "Well, everything if you guys are ready."

This set the stage for the entire time we spent at the restaurant. After ordering our drinks, appetizers, and entrees they brought out all our appetizers except a bowl of chowder. Trying to be understanding we didn't want to rush them, so we gave them some time to grab it. The waitress never came back to ask if we were missing anything. About 10 minutes later the entrees came out. Our main waitress and an additional server brought out our entrees. At this point we inquired about the entrees to the second server and they were apologetic and said they would go look. As they were going to check, the main waitress was coming out of the kitchen. The second server inquired about the bowl and the waitress said in a very annoyed tone, "I got it right here. They're just impatient."

I understand that working in the food industry can be a very tough and thankless job, but I do not feel we were impatient at any point in time. We had 2 valid concerns. Our seating and the missing bowl of chowder.

At this point in time the waitress went to serve other tables as she believed she had brought out all of our food, however, we were missing an entree. After overhearing what she said about us being impatient, my cousin who was the one waiting on their food said they were going to wait and not press the waitress.

About 10-15 minutes had elapsed when the waitress came back and noticed my cousin did not have their entree. Confused, she said "I brought out your entree. Your group had ordered 2. They're both right here." My cousin replied respectfully and said "We actually ordered 3 of those." The waitress replied in a firm tone, "No you didn't. There was only 2." My cousin stayed silent and the waitress then said, "Unless I somehow counted wrong. Let me check. Ohhh, you're right you did order 3."

According to my cousin the waitress locked eyes with him and stared for a few seconds as she turned around to go put in the order. To their credit, the entree came out quickly.

In summary, the food at Chowder Bowl was very, very delicious. You can taste the high-quality ingredients. It is genuine, fresh, authentic seafood. However, the manner in which we were treated frustrated us all. It is possible that the waitress was just having a bad day and we don't want to be overtly negative about her. As humans we experience a whole range of emotions and we gave her grace. We never said anything negative to her during our stay.

Would I go back? Absolutely. This is a very good restaurant and my frustrating experience should not deter anyone...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chowder Bowl, and I can't stop raving about the incredible flavors I experienced there. From their extensive menu, two standout dishes completely stole the show: the Cajun Cod Melt sandwich and the Garlic Onion Cheese with Shrimp Bread. Let me tell you, they were nothing short of culinary masterpieces!

The moment I took my first bite of the Cajun Cod Melt, I knew I was in for a treat. The flaky, perfectly cooked cod was generously seasoned with Cajun spices that added a delightful kick without overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish. It was expertly grilled to perfection, giving it a beautiful char that added a wonderful smokiness. The sandwich was then topped with melted cheese that oozed with every bite, creating a harmonious combination of textures and flavors. The soft, toasted bread provided the ideal canvas to hold all the deliciousness together. Every bite was a burst of seafood goodness that left me craving for more.

Equally exceptional was the Garlic Onion Cheese with Shrimp Bread, a unique creation that left me speechless. The bread itself was a revelation—soft and pillowy on the inside, with a golden, crusty exterior. The garlic and onion infusion gave it a delectable aroma that permeated the air as soon as it arrived at the table. But the star of the show was undoubtedly the succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked and generously strewn throughout the bread. The combination of the savory shrimp, gooey cheese, and aromatic garlic and onion was simply divine. Each bite was an explosion of flavors, a symphony for the taste buds that left me thoroughly impressed.

Apart from the outstanding dishes, the service at Chowder Bowl was impeccable. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and eager to ensure a memorable dining experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind and savor a delicious meal.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure, I highly recommend visiting Chowder Bowl and indulging in their Cajun Cod Melt sandwich and Garlic Onion Cheese with Shrimp Bread. These dishes are a testament to the culinary prowess of the chefs, and I guarantee they will leave you craving more. With its delightful ambiance and attentive service, Chowder Bowl is a gem that should...

October 2024 - Oy. I hate to do this. As if Newport doesn’t struggle enough as a tourist attractant. The profoundly sweeping Pacific Ocean and its dramatic coastline is really the top draw. It’s why we all come, right? But there’s only 4-5 great restaurants in town, and I’m sorry to report, The Chowder Bowl is not one of them. The food all tastes like it’s from a can. I came back a second time just to be thoughtful and sure before posting. The ‘famous’ chowder, it’s just awful. Could easily be a can of Campbell’s with some chopped onions on top and the clams are gummy and old. The ‘spicy’ bowl of chili? Straight out of an over-sized hospitality can meant for the local hospital. The ‘garlic bread’ - broke it open to find that cotton fluff also known as Wonder Bread. An absolute insult to garlic bread. Avoid it at all costs. ‘Upgrade’ to the full sized Texas Toast (cheese bread) and you will find no upgrade or reward, same low-brow bread and I’m just so sorry to say this, but the Chowder Bowl is bad. Overlit with horrible overhead fluorescent lighting. Food all over the floor all the time, must be all those soup crackers and awful side-breads to choke down the terrible goo that comes in cups or, gawd forbid, ordering a BOWL of these offerings. The service is no doubt high-turnover, so what can you expect, I would feel too awful throwing the young help here under the bus. I mean what are they working with. Nothing inspired is coming from the kitchen, the environment is municipal at best, depressing at worst. And ohmygawd my dinner last night was tragic. I inquired into the chocolate cake thinking there might be something at the end of the rainbow to chase. When I asked if it was made here, she smiled and shook her head no. I had it anway - knowing I would never be back. It was a frozen high-lard value, overly frosted (easier to ship) slice of fudge. I almost cried. Paid cash, said my thank you’s, over-tipped her and stepped back out into a cool night. Wishing I were hungry, and that that had...