Nothing soothes and warms the soul like a bowl of delicious hot soup, particularly on a wet, blustery winter day. Wrap your hands around a cup of soup to go, or order a quart to take home to the family or drop off at your neighbor's house — because everyone needs love these days and soup is all-purpose nourishment!

Here is a shortcut to comfort food that doesn't require you to chop onions and stand over the simmering pot for hours. Pick your dining destination by these restaurants' signature soups.

Here are some local favorites:

Tomato Soup

Glenwood's Tomato Cheese Soup by Taj Morgan

Glenwood's Tomato Cheese Soup
The Glenwood

The Glenwood's tomato cheese soup is a show stopper and has been a dining draw for decades. Enjoy its straightforward tomato base with plenty of herbs and cheese perfectly stirred in. Pair a warm bowl of soup with a heaping basket of their tasty French fries and/or their "Alder Street Special" sandwich packed with turkey, bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese. 

Chili

Tacovore

Something about chili matches winter, I suppose that is why it is always served in ski lodges. In town, Tacovore's black bean chili is a meal unto itself with chips on the side. Order it with beef, chicken or cheddar cheese. Of course one of their house-made margaritas will pair perfectly. But call ahead to make sure a pot is on the stove, as they vary the soup menu.

Cornucopia

Cornucopia's comfort food isn't limited to pot pies, mac 'n cheese and burgers. They also dish up a delicious vegetarian chili topped with grated cheeses, sour cream, green onions and topped with crispy fried onion rings.

Chicken Noodle Soup 

Noodles & Company

Available everyday, Noodles & Company offers a classic and delicious chicken noodle soup made with wavy egg noodles. 

Beer Cheese Soup

The Bier Stein by Melanie Griffin

The Bier Stein

Bier Stein Bottle Shop and Pub

The Bier Stein's signature beer cheese soup is creamy comfort paired with a cold beer and a large Bavarian soft pretzel. Enjoy the convivial indoor atmosphere, tables on the sidewalk or order a packaged quart of soup to go!

Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha soup in a young coconut with lime, flowers and chopsticks in the scene.

Tom Kha soup

Sabai

Sabai's tom kha is a delightful combination of coconut, kaffir, galangal, lemongrass, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, cilantro and lime. Refreshing and mouthwatering, just right to serve alongside a favorite curry.

Cioppino 

The Fisherman's Market

The Fisherman's Market ladles out a robust fisherman's seafood stew alongside fish and chips, crab cocktail and calamari. The savory tomato stock is thick with shrimp, fish, herbs and onions. It is the perfect way to warm up on a cold, foggy day — and you didn't even have to go to sea to benefit from that morning's bountiful fishing haul!

Clam Chowder

The Fisherman's Market

Yes, The Fisherman's Market does it again with their New England-style clam chowder. Creamy and chock full of clams, they certainly deserve the fanfare garnered from being featured on the TV program "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". 

And for all those chowder fans, if you want to combine a coastal experience with sipping your soup, consider exploring one of Florence's top chowder shops. Old Town Florence has mighty good chowder too!

Pho

A bowl of tofu pho with toppings on the side.

Tofu Pho at Pho the Good Times

Pho the Good Times

Of course you are going to get your pho here... it is the best! Their broth is prepared daily and garnished with bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, jalapeño slices and lime. Pho the Good Times has bowls featuring brisket, pork belly, seafood and tofu.

French Onion Soup

Provisions Market Hall & Provisions South

Provisions does French onion soup like the French with classic beef broth and caramelized onions. Topped with brioche toast and gruyere cheese, this is the perfect palate warmer for their outdoor seating, or, packaged to go. Pair with a glass of wine and a basket of pommes frites with aioli.

Cornucopia

Cornucopia's offers a robust French onion soup which is deliciously satisfying. Follow with your favorite burger or green salad.

Ramen & Miso

Toshi's Ramen

At Toshi's Ramen, you assemble your own flavor compositions by choosing your broth first and then your ramen. Add on bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, wake or marinated pork as desired. Their broth and noodles are made fresh daily.