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Swan Oyster Depot

Seafood Restaurant$$$$

Polk Gulch, San Francisco

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Swan Oyster Depot

8.5^/10

606

ratings

Ranked #6 for seafood restaurants in San Francisco
The oysters at Swan Oyster Depot is a can't miss
"... in America to eat crab backs filled with fat, juicy oysters and enjoy a..."(6 Tips)
"Try the Crab Fat - Excellent with white wine, lemon & pepper."(5 Tips)
"Try the clam chowder, Sicilian Sashimi and a selection of Oysters!"(22 Tips)
"I love the crab louie salad and the oysters are always great!"(71 Tips)

214 Tips and reviews

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smoked salmon
lively
casual
off-menu items
great value
healthy food
lines
TVs
trendy
tequila
crowded
delis
Anchor Steam
lunch
sourdough bread
Anthony Bourdain
capers
cash only
lemon
takeout
(15 more)

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EaterJuly 28, 2016
Any seafood at Swan is guaranteed to be fresh and fantastic. But you can't come to a place with "Oyster Depot" right there in the name and not eat oysters, especially the amazing local ones. Read more
BuzzFeedAugust 23, 2016
Named one of the best oyster bars in America and beloved by Anthony Bourdain, Swan’s oysters and Crab Louie are impossibly delicious and fresh, but we especially thumbs-up the ice-cold sashimi. Read more
KIRK STRUBLENovember 17, 2017
One of the few places on earth where the reward for waiting is so well worth it. Check out the secret menu before you go.. (there’s a copy of an article posted in the restroom of all places.)
Mike WinstonOctober 9, 2014
Been here 5+ times
All of the seafood is extraordinarily fresh, but I'd suggest going with the off-menu Scallop or Salmon Sicilian Sashimi or ridiculously good Live West Coast Uni. Read about it on WinstonWanders below! Read more
EaterApril 12, 2016
Open only for lunch, Polk Street’s 100-year-old gem still churns out the best crab, oysters and sourdough in town. Read more
Steffen BornhoftMarch 22, 2017
No reservations so naturally the queue is long but it's the best fresh seafood you can get. Try the clam chowder, Sicilian Sashimi and a selection of Oysters!
Justin OrdovezaJanuary 21
This is truly an amazing place. The Sicilian style sashimi is not on the menu but it’s good. There’s always a line, if you’re dining alone try seeing if there’s a solo seat. Cash only
Condé Nast TravelerOctober 19, 2016
“My happiest place in America to eat crab backs filled with fat, juicy oysters and enjoy a cold draft beer.” - Anthony Bourdain, chef, writer, and TV personality Read more
Asher SimondsJune 1, 2015
Not big on oysters? The smoked salmon is so fresh and so well balanced with capers and chopped onions that you'll forget you're not in a Jewish deli in the Lower East side.
SFistAugust 4, 2016
Go for some shrimp, or crab, or better yet a plate of oysters followed by any of the seafood cocktails or crudos, and you will walk out happy. Read more
Mike WinstonDecember 22, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Everything at Swan is amazing, but you've just got to try the Bourdain approved dish simply called Crab Fat. It's ridiculously decadent. Read more about this insane dish on WinstonWanders below!! Read more
SFistAugust 3, 2014
Simple and clean, the century-old spot is also a staple of Polk Street and a huge hit with locals and tourists alike. Expect kitsch, charm, hospitality, and a full belly when you leave. Read more
Camila FFebruary 10, 2017
100% worth the wait in line. Tried the CRABsanthemum and Sicilian sashimi off the 'secret' menu. Both were the best and make sure to ask for some of the house vinaigrette made with crab back. Wow!
Kate FurmanMay 12, 2015
Get here early or else the lines can take a long time. The restaurant only has 20 counter seats. The crudo is amazing! Cash only.
Shirley LiuDecember 7, 2013
Start with a cup of chowder and bread and butter. Then move into a dozen mixed oysters. Get a half plate of the sashimi and a half cracked cab. If it's not too early, grab a beer!
Frank WangAugust 15, 2014
Opens at 10:30 and accepts cash only. Some the freshest oysters ive ever had. Crab cocktail is big fat generous chunks of crab meat. And of course clam chowder is amazing.
AFAR MediaAugust 12, 2014
Don’t forget to bring cash because that’s all they take. No matter what you decide to try, don’t miss the clam chowder. I think it’s one of the best I’ve ever eaten. Read more
Jimmy HookerAugust 7, 2014
Feels like you're going back in time. Everything is amazing. Try the thin sliced salmon and eat a ton of oysters. The line is serious though, and they often run out of food. Get there early.
EpicuriousOctober 2, 2014
You'll definitely wait in line, but coming to this old school, no-frills seafood institution as a solo diner has its advantages -- you'll likely get a seat faster than the larger parties. Read more
J JohnOctober 4, 2022
Best seafood in SF. The clam chowder & local sushi platter are some of the reasons there’s always a line outside the door. Minimum wait is 30 min, less for takeout
SFGateAugust 2, 2014
Specialties: Anything with crab; oysters on the half shell; Boston clam chowder; smoked salmon or trout; fresh seafood to take home. Read more
Rebecca ChesserApril 15, 2018
This place is just amazing. A must for anyone visiting San Fran.
SFGateAugust 2, 2014
Few places have the longevity - or the popularity - of this tiny oyster bar. Even after more than 100 years, people still wait in line to get a seat at one of the 18 stools at the counter. Read more
NorthBetAugust 19, 2014
A trip to SF isn't complete without a stop at Swan Oyster Depot. Everything is fresh and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Don't forget to bring cash. No plastic.
Tony HamJune 13, 2013
Don't forget, cash only! This place is a treasure. The guys behind the counter will take care of you. Great service and awesome product! Oysters are amazing. The clam chowder has real clam flavor!
ISC ChicagoJuly 27, 2017
Go early and be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. Very fresh seafood, limited menu, ask for what's not on the menu; very friendly staff
Tom McGhanAugust 13, 2014
Don't want to deal with the crazy lines, but still want the goods? Call in a togo order! Everyone's faces in line as you walk past them, leaving in minutes? Almost as delicious as their food!
Miwa Nagamitsu AhlstromNovember 11, 2020
For me, it’s always a dozen of Kumamoto oysters. Every. Single. Time.
heathr goldOctober 5, 2016
The key option to know about: call in an order to go. Best lox I've had in my life. Good enough that you can eat it without a bagel.
Ana Clare SmithSeptember 20, 2016
I love the crab louie salad and the oysters are always great!
Tasting TableAugust 5, 2014
There's no beating the classic seafood salads topped with Louie dressing ($15.25 to $25), and yes, you do want to try the fresh sea urchin, still moving when the shell hits your table. Read more
Travel ChannelDecember 9, 2011
This casual spot is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. Its first come, first serve - so breakfast is often to best time to drop by. As seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain.
RenoMay 16, 2013
Better and cheaper option: go to Waterbar in Embarcadero for happy hour oyster $1 each and views of bay. Good date first date plus added bonus Panty dropper views of bridge
Aaron KOctober 20, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Avoid going here on the weekend or at prime lunch time to avoid the crowds of tourists. Best seafood in the city. They also hand slice their smoked salmon which makes it extra delicious.
Vedran LesicJune 3, 2017
Monster line and monster meal! World Class and worth the hype!
Laura CNovember 17, 2011
Kelly and Christy love the Dungeness Crab Louie and the incredibly fresh oysters that they order with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. There is only bar seating and it’s hard to get a seat, so expect a line.
Paul FarrellAugust 17, 2016
An institution. The food and atmosphere are special. Worth going out of your way for.
Travel + LeisureMarch 19, 2013
The Sancimino brothers (six of them!) are always joking around behind the counter. Order cracked crab and a pint of Anchor Steam. More places to eat like a local: tandl.me/12ufz7c
Matthew OliverSeptember 9, 2016
Oysters are amazing!
Kim FujiwaraMarch 23, 2013
Try the Crab Fat - Excellent with white wine, lemon & pepper. Goes well with bread! Delish! My first time trying this dish.
Khanh NguyenJanuary 2, 2018
The oysters are extremely fresh. Italian sashimi are nice. It's worth the queue
Katie ExtonJune 24, 2016
Loved this bustling oyster bar. The staff are just fantastic and the oysters are fab
M KSeptember 17, 2012
Get here early & pony up to the counter. Order an Anchor Steam, get a mixed dozen oysters, some chowder, & the half crab if in season. The smoked salmon is incredible.
Elizabeth RiceJune 15, 2016
The crab back really is as fantastic as Anthony Bourdain says it is! Also their horseradish is amazingly spicy and delish.
Timothy CavanaughMarch 2, 2011
The smoked salmon--one of my very favorite foods--on very thinly sliced sourdough, was outstanding. So incredibly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth fantastic The best I've ever had--by a mile.
Dan FoyFebruary 20, 2015
Just an incomparable experience. The food, the service, the one beer on tap. Worth every minute of the 2 hours we spent on line.
ᴡ YSeptember 17, 2017
Skip line by ordering to go! Don't forget it's cash only.
Nicole HaimeAugust 17, 2015
open for lunch only great old school spot
Ivan RečevićAugust 29, 2015
Super Fresh fish and seafood produced localy. Eaten alive without problem. If you prefer something cooked - there is too (but not too much).
Fede Santa CruzApril 1, 2022
Combination salad, smoked salmon, sashimi and oysters. You’re welcome.

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