Boardwalk Clam Chowder Cook-Off
Sat, February 20 –
Sun, February 21, 2027
Thank you for participating in this year’s Cook-Off!
With your help, the event raised much-needed funds for The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department.
2027 cook-off details coming soon!
Stay in the loop by signing up for our Boardwalk Newsletters.
Amateur chefs compete on Saturday, followed by professional chefs on Sunday, hoping to win great prizes and bragging rights for BEST CLAM CHOWDER in the country’s largest and longest-running clam chowder competition!
2026 Competition Results
Amateur Competition
Saturday, February 21, 2026
People's Choice
(Boston)
Best Amateur
(Manhattan)
Best Boston
1st Place: Bloody Brilliant Chowder
2nd Place: Mad About Chowder
3rd Place: 4 Men And A Clam
Best Manhattan
1st Place: Bloody Brilliant Chowder
2nd Place: Dragonmama’s Portuguese Red
3rd Place: Stetson Chowder
Most Tasted
1st Place: The Silence Of The Clams
2nd Place: 4 Men And A Clam
3rd Place: Rosie The Riveter
Best Booth Theming
1st Place: Rosie The Riveter
2nd Place: The Silence Of The Clams
3rd Place: Clam I Am
Professional Competition
Saturday, February 22, 2026
People's Choice
(Boston)
People's Choice
(Manhattan)
Best Boston
1st Place: UC Santa Cruz Dining
2nd Place: The Eastside Eatery
3rd Place: Purgatory Craft Beer and Whiskey
Best Manhattan
1st Place: Dominican Oaks Retirement Community
2nd Place: The Eastside Eatery
3rd Place: UC Santa Cruz Dining
Most Tasted
1st Place: Ideal Bar & Grill
2nd Place: The Point Kitchen and Bar
3rd Place: The Rustic Table Restaurant
Best Booth Theming
1st Place: Kick Butt Chowder
2nd Place: Seascape Golf – Masters of Chowder
3rd Place: Jack O’Neill Restaurant
A huge thank you to all of the incredible professional teams who competed in this year’s 2026 Clam Chowder Cook‑Off!
We appreciate your talent, creativity, and community spirit. Be sure to visit and support these amazing locations all year long:
Thank you to our Clam Chowder Cook-Off Sponsors
