Swan Oyster Depot - San Francisco, CA

An always-too-crowded oyster bar with a row of nineteen wobbly stools and a menu on the wall that lists little more than shellfish, Swan Oyster Depot has been a beacon for seafood lovers since it opened in 1912. Oysters from the east and west coasts are served on the half-shell; The menu also includes whole lobsters, seafood salads made of shrimp or crab; and smoked trout or salmon, available with rye or French bread. Also, creamy Boston-style chowder.

100% Approval Rating (23 votes)

Overall: Worth planning a day around

Must Eats

Seafood Mix Salada ($13.00)

Seafood Mix Cocktail ($13.00)

oysters ($15.00)

crab ($20.00)

Boston chowder ($12.00)

Written Reviews

Michael Stern

"An always-too-crowded oyster bar with a row of nineteen wobbly stools and a menu on the wall that lists little more than shellfish, Swan Oyster Depot has been a beacon for seafood lovers since it opened in 1912. Oysters from the east and west coasts are served on the ..." [Read More].

dmurrell

December 09, 2007

"Walked up and down the hills of San Francisco to reach the Swan and it was worth every step. Beat the crowd that day and got seated immediately next to two young ladies, each with a bowl of clam chowder followed by a three-tiered rack of freshly-shucked oysters and ..." [Read More].

Logbooks

9/18/2000 - Michael Stern, $20

Map & Directions

1517 Polk St., San Francisco, CA
415-673-1101

Hours & Policies

Seasons:	Open Year Round
Meals Served:	Lunch
Operational Hours:	Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:	No
Alcohol Served:	Yes
Outdoor Seating:	No
Reservations Accepted:	No
Delivery Available:	No
Takeout Counters:	No

"3 kinds of oysters."
funk04

"You should try this!"
funk04

"Best chowder I ever ate in my life!"
funk04

"A half-size Salada."
funk04

"History of Swan Oyster Depot. Click on the photo for a readable view."
funk04

"Crab leg meat, cold Stella and wonderful San Francisco sourdough bread. The guy next to me told me he liked the ends best so I gave mine to him."
constirrabis

"Consider yourself lucky if you walk in and actually find a place to sit without having to hover. At lunch time, a place at this counter is priceless. (Marc Bruno photo)"
Michael Stern

"The Swan menu is posted on the wall. You cannot make a bad choice. (Marc Bruno photo)"
Michael Stern

"Breakfast at Swan's counter."
Jeremy Sheldon

"A great place to eat, Swan Oyster Depot is a storefront market that also displays handsome pieces of raw fish to take home and cook. (Marc Bruno photo)"
Michael Stern