Ed’s Chowder House brings Montauk to Manhattan, serving up the best of East Coast seafood in an airy, casual space inside the historic Empire Hotel. There’s a raw bar, simple mains like shrimp or steak, and composed entrées from seafood linguini to sea scallops with grilled fennel to tuna steak frîtes. Chowder is worthy of the name, with seasonal specials joining a Manhattan blue crab version and the amazing Ed’s loaded seafood chowder. Lobster, shrimp, scallops, and clams jostle together in a broth that hits all the New England keys: hearty potato, rich cream, smoky bacon, and an elegant hint of vermouth.