There's a great fish chowder (not a clam chowder) at Ballyhoo's in Gainesville, FL. It's a creamy-style, chunky with wonderful seasonings and big chunks of fish and shellfish

I prefer new england style clam chowder. I will be visiting Maine and Nova Scotia in August, so I'll get to try some authentic types However, I can settle for Manhattan style if it is spicy. But if I want spicy, I prefer conch chowder in Key West if I can get it!

My father-in-law makes a great oyster stew that could be called a chowder (he's from Maine, so it qualifies). It's cream-based with oysters, potatoes, celery, and some spices and herbs, and lots of butter. He calls it Stoop Soup because he used to make it and eat it on his stoop