Fish, Chips, and Chowder at the Chatham Pier Fish Market

I recently revisited the Chatham Pier Fish Market—a small seafood shack and takeout counter (formerly known as Nickerson’s) on the town pier in Chatham, Massachusetts. In Yankee’s May/June 2011 issue, I highlighted this place as serving some of the best clam chowder in the state, and I was craving another bowl.

Fish sandwich.

Onion rings.

The chowder was just as delicious as I remembered, rich in that briny-sweet clam flavor, but I also learned that the team know their way around a frialator, producing fried foods that were crisp and not the least bit greasy. We sampled the superlative onion rings, a terrific fish sandwich, and crunchy, pillowy French fries—far too much food to finish, but great to taste. I didn’t manage to try the lobster roll, but I hear it’s a keeper.

Chatham harbor

We took our food up to an observation deck next to the pier where we could watch the fishing boats come in and the seals bobbing in the water. It was good to see a busy working port. And I realized that this was some of the best water-view food I’ve had in New England. If you’re visiting the Cape this summer, it’s worth a stop.