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The Steins have made Colorado their home in the past, and moved back just last year after 23 years in California. Matt Stein helped open Bruxie, the fast-casual waffle shop on Colorado Boulevard, but their goal all along was to find a spot for their own restaurant.
With fewer than forty seats, the Chowder Room is a true family operation: Two of the Stein's sons are also involved, one in the front of the house and the other with the music setup, and the maritime theme includes artwork from relative Richard Stein, an illustrator. "It's 1,500 square feet," notes Matt. "There are seafood restaurants in town with bigger kitchens than that."
Chowder varieties will include daily specials cooked a la minute as well as a "weekend white" cooked by the pot; one of the specials is a Rhode Island clear chowder. "It's a traditional clear chowder that you don't see around here," explains Matt. There will be a daily vegan option, too. Chowders will be available by the cup, bowl, sourdough bread bowl or in a sampler with all three daily versions.
After tonight, the Chowder Room will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays; hours for Sundays are still in the works.
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