Photo by Little Island Media
For 34 years, Chowderfest has been a Long Beach Island staple for locals and tourists alike since 1989. In 2024, LBI’s favorite chowder-filled weekend took on a new look, and a new name: the Beach Haven Chowder Cookoff.
While the festival has taken on a new name, the itinerary remains the same. Similar to prior year renditions, local restaurants and businesses will be at the heart of the occasion.
If you’re planning to visit Long Beach Island next year, you might want to schedule your trip just in time for the next festival. Read on to learn more about this event and what you can look forward to during your visit!
Schedule of events
Keeping with Chowderfest tradition, the Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off will be held the weekend before Columbus Day, on October 4th and 5th at Taylor Avenue Waterfront in Beach Haven.
Merchant Mart – October 4th
On Saturday, Beach Haven will host Merchant's Mart from 10am to 5pm. This free event will feature local vendors and artisans from around the island. Merchant's Mart will offer food, alcohol, live music, and much more!
The Cook-Off – October 5th
Sunday will bring the Cook-Off Classic, with chowder tasting from 10 local restaurants. Tickets are $35 and can be bought in advance below. The cook-off will run from 11am to 4pm and bring back the beloved chowder tasting!
Past Champions
2024 Champions
Wally’s based out of Surf City, NJ looks to defend their title in the Red Chowder division and Country Kettle Chowda out of Beach Haven, NJ looks to repeat in the White Chowder division.
🏆 Chowderfest LBI Champions (2015 → 2024)
| Year | Red Champion | White Champion |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Wally’s | Country Kettle Chowda |
| 2023 | Wally’s | Country Kettle Chowda |
| 2022 | Daddy O (Brant Beach) | Tucker’s Tavern (Beach Haven) |
| 2021 | Cluck’n Crabs – Overall Grand Champion (no Red/White divisions) | |
| 2020 | No event due to COVID-19 | |
| 2019 | Lefty’s Tavern | Chicken or the Egg |
| 2018 | Lefty’s Tavern | Howard’s Restaurant |
| 2017 | Lefty’s Tavern | Howard’s Restaurant |
| 2016 | Stefano’s Restaurant | Chicken or the Egg |
| 2015 | Stefano’s Seafood & Pasta | Howard’s Restaurant |
2025 Competitor Spotlight
The competition for best chowder on Long Beach Island is already heating up! 12 local restaurants will compete for the red and white chowder trophies. Get excited for some delicious food by reading up on the competitors and their unique chowder entries.
New England Clam Chowder Competitors (White Chowder)
1. The Chicken or the Egg: CHEGG is a Long Beach Island staple, with a menu composed of everything from omelettes to chicken wings. As far as chowder goes, CHEGG will cook up a New England white with smoked bacon, apples, and hot sauce.
2. County Kettle Chowda: Cozily located in Bay Village, and serving a variety of soups year-round, chowder is their business! Country Kettle will be cooking up a New England White for this year’s competition.
3. Dolce Liberta: A Manahawkin favorite blending Italian classics with modern flair. Known for their handmade pastas and wood-fired flavors, Dolce Liberta will showcase their take on a creamy New England White.
4: Element: Celebrating over a decade as one of Manahawkin’s go-to dining spots, Element combines sleek style with a creative menu. For this year’s competition, they’ll bring their signature spin to a New England White.
5: Isola: A Beach Haven trattoria with a rustic Italian soul, Isola is best known for fresh seafood and house-made specialties. They’ll be serving a New England White chowder infused with authentic coastal charm.
6. Mud City Crab House: Mud City has been serving fresh seafood since 1999. At this year’s Chowder Cookoff, they’ll be entering a classic New England white.
Manhattan Clam Chowder Competitors (Red Chowder)
1. Buckalew’s: Occupying one of the oldest buildings on the Island, Buckalew’s has been part of LBI tradition for over a century. They will be entering a classic Manhatten Red with locally sourced clams.
2. La Bamba: The island’s premier Mexican restaurant who is known for their killer fish tacos, will be serving up their southwestern take on Manhattan Red.
3. Lefty’s Tavern: Located in Barnegat, Lefty’s Tavern boasts both formal and casual fare with a mix of craft cocktails, local beers, and American cuisine. Lefty’s will be serving their former first-place Classic Manhattan Red Chowder.
4. Lighthouse: A bright, family-friendly restaurant that’s been a landmark stop for visitors and locals alike. At Chowderfest, Lighthouse will be stirring up a bold Manhattan Red packed with traditional flavors.
5. Panzone’s: Panzone’s has been serving delicious pizza and pasta to the LBI community for 45 years! At the Beach Haven Chowder Cookoff, they will present their Smoked Pork Belly Manhattan Clam Chowder, which took second place in 2023’s competition.
6. Wally’s: With one of the most diverse menus on the island, there’s not much that Wally’s cannot do. Their Red Chowder will be filled with hearty vegetables, clams, and fish.
Photo by Asbury Park Press
Vendors
Giving Back
Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off will continue Chowderfest’s legacy of giving back to the community. This year, Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean County, a volunteer organization supporting food pantries throughout Ocean County.
Last year, the proceeds from the Chowder Cook-Off enabled The Hunger Foundation to donate $100,000 to 10 local food pantries. Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off will continue this philanthropic legacy, with 100% of the event’s proceeds being donated back to the community.
Plan Your Trip
The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend, one you certainly will not want to miss! Bringing a welcome buzz to the off-season, the Chowder Cook-Off is the perfect excuse to visit Long Beach Island, NJ!
Looking for other reasons to visit this off-season?
Discover why LBI is just as special in the quieter months. From cozy dining to scenic strolls, our guide walks through all of our favorite off-season activities.
🌊 Explore the Off-Season GuideNeed more info on LBI hotel options?
Whether you’re planning a fall escape or a winter weekend, our hotel guide outlines everything you need to know about staying on Long Beach Island.
🏨 View the Hotel GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How can I buy tickets for Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off?
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.
Is there parking available at the event venue?
Last year, there was free street and lot parking available for the event venue in Beach Haven. Ungoing updates for this year’s event can be found here.
Can I bring my own chowder recipe to participate?
The official chowder competition is reserved for local Long Beach Island restaurants. If you are interested in being a vendor for the event, you can fill out an application here.
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Photo from Little Island Media