Swan Oyster Depot

★★★★★Polk Gulch•Seafood•$$$
Crab Cocktail at Swan Oyster Depot
Combination Salad with Dungeness Crab at Swan Oyster Depot
Clam Chowder at Swan Oyster Depot

Swan Oyster Depot

★★★★★Polk Gulch, San Francisco•Seafood$$$
|by Cook Foodie

⚡ Quick Take

⭐
Rating
5/5
💵
Price
$$$
🎯
Ideal For
Seafood lovers seeking an authentic SF experience
🍽️
Must Order
Combination Salad with Dungeness Crab
⏳
Reservations
No reservations—arrive before 11am to beat the line
🕰️
Best For
lunch

"I was lucky that I didn't have to wait this day, but usually, you actually have to wait a while to get there."

— Take of Cook Foodie
Crab Cocktail at Swan Oyster Depot

📝 The Full Story

I was lucky that I didn't have to wait this day, but usually, you actually have to wait a while to get there. The seafood is fresh, good quality, and if you happen to ask for a crab cocktail or the sashimi, you're definitely going to have a feast. Great beer, great people, and a packed line to get what you need. So, happily to recommend this, and as good as it gets when you want some seafood.

Clam Chowder at Swan Oyster Depot

🍴 What to Order

🥇

Sashimi Platter

Ultra-fresh cuts of the day's catch, simply presented to let the quality shine

freshrawjapanese-stylepristine
🥈

Crab Cocktail

Generous chunks of sweet Dungeness crab with house cocktail sauce

dungenesschilledclassicluxurious
🥉

Clam Chowder

Rich, creamy New England-style chowder loaded with tender clams

creamyheartycomfortclassic

❓ Common Questions

Does Swan Oyster Depot take reservations?
No, Swan Oyster Depot is first-come, first-served only. The counter has just 18 seats, so expect a line—especially on weekends. Arriving before 11am on weekdays gives you the best chance of a shorter wait.
What should I order at Swan Oyster Depot?
Start with the combination salad featuring Dungeness crab, shrimp, and smoked fish. The sashimi is always pristine, and the clam chowder is a local favorite. Pair everything with an Anchor Steam beer.
Is Swan Oyster Depot worth the wait?
Absolutely. This 112-year-old institution serves some of the freshest seafood in San Francisco. The counter experience, friendly service, and quality make it a quintessential SF dining experience.

📰 What Critics Say

SF Chronicle
An ode to San Francisco's famous Swan Oyster Depot, where the service makes it worth the wait

"At the end of the line is a vision of the San Francisco that was: a celebration of local seafood married with blue-collar graciousness."

SFGATE
The SF seafood spot Anthony Bourdain called his 'happy zone'

"The combination salad is my Platonic ideal of a San Francisco seafood lunch."

The Infatuation
Swan Oyster Depot

📍 Visit Info

Address
1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Get Directions →
Cuisine
Seafood
Style
counter service

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