Sam's Chowder House

Sam's Chowder House Restaurant Review:

Not only is the seafood here always flavorfully prepared, it's also environmentally friendly, with most of the seafood sustainably fished. An expansive outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a sunset and the restaurant's impressive list of appetizers---popcorn shrimp fried with zesty chili seasoning are a guilty pleasure, as are the fried artichokes with lemon aïoli. Other starters can prove a touch oily, such as a sizzling cast iron skillet filled with prawns roasted in garlic and chili flakes, largely the fault of a too-spicy pesto. Given the restaurant's name, the clam chowder should be good and fortunately it is; New England purists will approve of the starchy broth, tender clams and hint of smoked bacon. Entrées can be over-ambitious. Halibut that is fine on its own becomes overpowered by creamed leeks, and a dish of linguine with clams swims in too much oil. An expansive dessert menu is tempting with items such as vanilla ice cream sandwiches, Key lime pie and cheesecake.