Bloody Mary / Chowder / Freedom Trail Crawl!

[erak01]

Hi hungry people!

My cousin is visiting from Georgia this weekend and we were thinking of doing the tourist thing, so we decided on the Freedom Trail - not too much of a commitment if we get bored. To spice it up I thought it'd be fun to make it a Bloody Mary / Chowder crawl as well. Can you guys give me any absolutely don't miss Bloody Marys or Chowders in town? If they're not on the Freedom Trail that's okay but if they are all the better!

Thanks!

[Kinopio]

Sounds like a fun idea. The Blackstone Grill has solid chowder. Its in Fanieul Hall so its right off the freedom trail.

[MC Slim JB]

I'd actually call Neptune's clam chowder more traditional than Legal's, which is very heavy: a bit of flour and a lot of cream, though clearly better than the glop served at local tourist traps. Neptune's is the only one I'd go out of my way for in Boston. Superb fried clams, too. Pretty much everything on that menu rocks, especially the raw bar: I'd call it perfect if not for the brioche roll they use for the lobster roll.

They do some pretty fine Bloodies round the South End: Union Bar & Grill, Tremont 647, Stella.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[phatchris]

I love Neptune in general, but the fact that their clam chowder, which I like, is made to order makes it a little less traditional. My favorite chowder is actually Kellys. I go to Neptune once a week and my favorites besides the oysters are the razor clams, burgers, fried clams, and the new crab salad is fantastic.

[MC Slim JB]

I think the virtues of Neptune's chowder include a superior clam stock, impeccable clams, no flour, and very little dairy (I think they might include some whole milk). Unmatched, unadulterated clam flavor, in my book. Will have to try Kelly's!

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[phatchris]

Kelly's is Similar with no cream and very thin milky broth loaded with clams which is what I love. I always find that tourist are looking for a thick gloppy chowder which Legal does well. I actually prefer Legal's lite chowder. Another place for the crawl for thick chowder thats pretty tasty with a pint would ve the Sail Loft.

[southie_chick]

Looks like I'm in the same boat with you MC - I've never had the chowder there! I'm usually too full to order it, but I'm jonesing for a lobster roll so I may have to swing by the Medford location & get some when I grab the lobster roll - I'll just make sure I eat the chowder first!

[phatchris]

They make a solid Mary at North 26 in the Millenium hotel which is on the trail. For traditional chowder you really can't beat Legal. Neptune does a great non-traditional chowder as well as a Harpoon oyster stout and chedder stew.The Green Dragon is a fun place to stop for a pint.

[Pegmeister]

Actually, North 26 does a great clam chowder as well.

[emilief]

While I find the chowder at Legal to be too thick, they do have excellent Bloody Mary's.

[C. Hamster]

The do-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar at East Coast Grill is very high on my list.