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
04/17/2008 Posted by baggen
It was one of the most incredible seafood experiences I've ever had! Delectable! Fresh, tasty, comfortable, fun! Service was awesome! It's a place I will visit everytime I go into the City for sure! I only wish it was bigger, but I love the intimacy of the place!
Cons: Too small
12/20/2007 Posted by raylikesfood
If you've ever walked along Polk St. around lunchtime and seen a long line of people outside of a restaurant, then you've definitely come across Swan's. I've seen this sight quite a few times and decided to give it a try one day with two other friends. After about a 20 minute wait, we were lucky enough to grab 3 stools next to each other. I ordered a seafood salad and a dozen assorted oysters. If there's one thing they do right, its their super-fresh seafood. It was all very tasty. But after satisfying my curiosity about the place, I gotta say that I don't think I'll be coming back here. The dining arrangement is one long, wet counter-top with only a few rickety stools to sit on, hence the long line of people waiting outside the door. At 6' tall, I couldn't get comfortable while eating my meal. Also, while they seem like nice guys, the family running the business can use some customer service training. They were more inclined to hold conversations with each other and regulars stopping by to say hello than they were paying attention to the actual customers who wanted to order. Also, while the seafood is of very good quality, the prices were still pretty steep. Give it a try once and see if you think its worth coming back to.
Pros: Great seafood
Cons: Service, long wait times, uncomfortable seating arrangements
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