Looks like Carolina Beach has another major chowder contender.

For years, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant dominated the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off. The Carolina Beach restaurant won so many times that its former chef, the late Michael McGowan, stepped aside to give other cooks a chance.

During the 18th annual cook-off April 12, Havana’s Fresh Island Restaurant inched a little closer toward long-term domination of the contest. For the fourth consecutive year, Havana’s won the People’s Choice title for its rich, clam-packed Charlie’s Clam Chowder by chef Charlie Blake.

The restaurant, with locations in Carolina Beach and on Wilmington’s Wrightsville Avenue near Wrightsville Beach, also took second place in the Judge’s Choice.

Oppositely, Gibby’s Dock and Dine in Carolina Beach won the Judge’s Choice and took second place in the People’s Choice categories for its Dockside Seafood Chowder Classic, a cream-based soup containing clams, crab and shrimp.

The two restaurants also got Best Tent awards. The most enthusiastic tent prize went to Havana’s, and the best-decorated tent award went to Gibby’s.

Havana’s and Gibby’s were among nine restaurants vying for the top chowder title.