Swan Oyster Depot
San Francisco, CA 94109-3606
Phone: (415) 673-1101
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- California Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Lunch Spot 2007, Raw Oysters 2006, Clam Chowder 2004
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm
Editorial Review for Swan Oyster Depot – by Jane Tunks
The Scene
Once past the perpetual line, diners grab a stool behind the long, narrow marble bar. Even first-time visitors are greeted like long-lost relatives by the affable owner-operators. Decor is decidedly no-frills, with menus decking the walls and a counter cluttered with oyster crackers and fresh-cut lemons. Watch as the expert fishmongers shuck bivalves to order.
The Food
Pure, unadulterated seafood is the be-all and end-all at this historic eatery. Daily, at least four types of oysters shimmer with freshness, like buttery Kumamotos, delicate Beau Soleils and sweet Olympias. Freshly pulled Anchor Steam is the perfect foil. Unlike many chowders, Swan's velvety Boston rendition is thin and unsullied by thickening agents. Lump crabmeat drenched in creamy Louie dressing elevates the throwback salad's shredded iceberg lettuce. Mixed seafood cocktail, jam-packed with prawns, baby shrimp, crabmeat and oysters, is dosed with a barely tangy cocktail sauce. Sweet, tender Dungeness crab is served cracked and plain, and is especially good in season.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoA short list of wines served by the glass and bar seating accommodate solo diners.
Save TimeMake a stop at the ATM before going--no credit cards or debit cards accepted.
When to GoSwan Oyster Depot doesn't take reservations, and there's nearly always a line stretching onto the sidewalk. Avoid mealtimes to minimize the wait.
User Reviews for Swan Oyster Depot
06/23/2008 Posted by sillybugger
My business partner and I had only 24 hours in SF for a meeting, so we asked around and, without fail, this was the place recommended for Russian Hill (and beyond). It's a diner-y place, not at all fancy, and my legs did not fit under the counter quite right. So what. We had the crab salad and told the counter guy to make it the best way, not how we thought we'd like it. It was truly ideal, and we both ate way too fast. The guys there were friendly and kept up some steady banter between themselves and the guests, but they never stopped moving. Every once and a while one of them would cut off a couple of pieces of fresh smoked salmon or some other fish, and give it to us to try. We couldn't have made a better choice, and we got free sponges! Woot! As a tip, we arrived mid-afternoon, after the lunch hour rush and before dinner, so we did not have to wait to be seated at all -- I'd recommend this timing too.
Pros: Seafood prepared simply and well
05/17/2008 Posted by GoldenGateGoldenBear
This is a classic S.F. seafood lunch spot. Be sure you know what it is...it is a casual lunch counter (a 5-star one at that). It has the freshest and highest quality of any place in the city. You sit at a long counter and get clam chowder, shrimp and seafood cocktails, lobster, crab...you name it. Grab an Anchor Steam and choose from the wide assortment of seafood specialities. It is run by a family of brother and cousins, just like their grandfathers and fathers ran it 50+ years ago. It is worth the wait, the staff is very friendly and helpful. You can also order ahead and serve it at home for a dinner party and/or snack for the Big Game. You can also walk up and get an order to go. Don't expect a gourmet atmosphere, but the food is as good and fresh as anyplace in the world. Enjoy!!
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