(415) 431-3990

579 Castro St
San Francisco, CA 94114 37.7596 -122.4347

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Castro, Central

Reviews & Ratings for Anchor Oyster Bar

4 Star Rating: Recommended

10 reviews

What users are saying:

1 Star Rating: Poor

03/22/09

Ignored

by schroeg

Stopped in around 5PM - the place was not crowded at all. Completely ignored for 20 minutes so I left. Who needs this kind of nonsense at these prices?

  • Pros: Avoid
  • Cons: All
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/31/08

The place for seafood in SF

by ericgarr

After arriving in San Francisco for the first time I took the subway to 16th and Mission and went straight to this place for dinner. Very nice atmosphere and friendly staff made me feel welcome immediately. I chose the Cioppino which was one of the nights specials and couldn't have been happier with the food or the price (worth every penny). The cioppino was perfect and possibly the best I ever had (don't tell my wife). I highly recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good (sea)food in an honest welcoming atmosphere.

  • Pros: Service, Food, Atmosphere
  • Cons: I live on the east coast :(
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/11/08

Best little seafood joint

by jjlasne

One of the best little seafood places in San Francisco. Sit at the counter or sit at the tables, the food will not disappoint. Clam chowder, fresh fish, etc, all is excellent and reasonably priced.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/02/06

good not great

by DoggDoggieDog

I liked the place and the neighborhood. The good service and great oysters rock. The price is not right, though, and I think is a little bit overrated, but overall I WOULD recommend.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/27/06

Best fresh seafood around

by pgnetquest

Best fresh seafood around here. The restaurant is kind of small, and you probably have to wait, but the food is always excellent. It is an oyster bar, and frankly oysters aren't my cup of tea. But the rest of the menu never disappoints me.

  • Pros: Fun, great fresh fish, simple abiance
3.5 Star Rating: Average

03/17/06

This seafood shack serves up fresh New England-inspired fare in the middle of the Castro.

by Contributor

The Scene
Occupying a small storefront space, this tiny no-frills oyster joint has just a handful of stainless-steel tables. Diners who sit at the long marble counter will often be engaged in conversation with low-key neighbors. Unlike similar restaurants in its price range, the prompt, cheery servers are well-versed about oysters and other fresh seafood.

The Food
The short menu focuses on straightforward, simply prepared seafood dishes made with fresh ingredients. With at least three varieties of freshly shucked oysters available daily, regulars slip in to slurp down a half-dozen bivalves on the half shell. Most diners follow up with a bowl of Boston clam chowder or a combination Louis salad, which veers off the traditional path with peculiar additions like a bed of radicchio and a few olives strewn on top. Daily specials like seafood pasta and a hearty fisherman's stew round out the menu.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/26/05

succulent fried oysters

by curve

Peaking into this small, unassuming storefront restaurant, we saw a clean, whitewashed interior reminiscent of the simple seafood eateries dotting the eastern shoreline. We immediately went inside and ordered up a double batch of the daily special, fried oysters. What a treat! Succulent oysters bursting through a light, crunchy and oh-so-tasty breadcrumb crust. For fried oyster lovers, it was a case of gastronomic perfection.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/11/04

Outstanding

by flinnte

Some of the best crab anywhere. Outstanding oysters, chowder, crab melts, crab cakes, pastas, prepared and served by the same local staff for 26 years. A delight, like having dinner with friends, homemade salad dressings, fresh crab, fresh fish, fresh oysters, all in a neighborhood setting. Delicious!

  • Pros: Delicious, Crab to die for, Oysters fresh daily
  • Cons: , Parking can be tricky, No desserts
4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

10/06/03

comfy

by isthisworking

I've only had the chowder, as everything else was overpriced. But I must say the chowder was delicious. A great lunch spot when you want a warm up!

  • Pros: chowder, cute room, small
  • Cons: price
2 Star Rating: Below Average

07/21/02

Average place

by Bill_C

The oysters here are about average. On the other hand, the chowder is below average and overpriced. I went twice to try it out. The best thing about it is that it is small and the staff is friendly. The service can be slow.

  • Pros: Small and intimate, Friendly staff

Lists In San Francisco

Advertisement

Best of Citysearch

Things To Do Nearby Anchor Oyster Bar

Recent Reviews In San Francisco

1 Star Rating: Poor

ANZU

222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA

Mazu

3809 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA

Kappou Gomi

5524 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA

Arizmendi Bakery

1331 Ninth Ave, San Francisco, CA

Advertisement