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Welcome To Swan Oyster Depot
"Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco is a must-visit seafood gem that boasts incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared dishes. The friendly and genuine staff, including Jimmy, Joey, and Tom, adds to the authentic and charming ambiance of the restaurant. While the wait may be long, the experience is well worth it as you indulge in oceanic delights like crab Louie, chowder, and Sicilian sashimi. This cash-only spot with limited seating is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a true taste of San Francisco's seafood scene."
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About
Swan Oyster Depot
Welcome to Swan Oyster Depot, a seafood gem located at 1517 Polk St in San Francisco. This cozy spot offers a range of amenities including delivery, takeout, reservations, outdoor seating, and more. Known for its fresh seafood and friendly staff, Swan Oyster Depot has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Customers rave about the quality of the seafood, from incredibly fresh oysters to delicious Sicilian sashimi. The wait may be long, but the wait is worth it, as every bite is thoughtfully prepared and truly awesome. The team behind the counter, including Jimmy, Joey, and Tom, adds a touch of genuine, friendly service that makes dining here a memorable experience.
Whether you're a seafood lover or looking for a unique dining experience in San Francisco, Swan Oyster Depot is a must-visit. With a casual atmosphere, moderate noise levels, and a menu filled with oceanic delights, this spot is perfect for lunch, group gatherings, and even happy hour specials.
Don't miss out on the chance to savor the crab backs, crab Louie, chowder, and smoked salmon. Plus, with a cash-only policy, you'll truly immerse yourself in the classic charm of this local favorite. So, come with cash in hand and an appetite for the best seafood in the city. Swan Oyster Depot awaits your presence!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I grew up in SF and I cannot believe this was my first visit! First, the wait is worth it. The seafood is incredibly fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and really just awesome. What makes this spot are the men who work behind the counter! Jimmy, Joey, Tom, and the others whose names I didn't catch reminds me of how SF was. Friendly, genuine, and funny with a twist of sarcasm. You can tell they love their job and the commonality is a wonderful model . I'll return the next time I go back home. It was the high Light of my annual trip home. Thank you for a really fun lunch! ”
“ I had to reserve my 100th review for a truly special place. Swan Oyster Depot, what a gem you are! They got my husband through grad school. The amazing quality of seafood and kindness of the owner reminded him of his home in Hawai'i. He insisted we come back here as a family. I was worried about whether they'd take kindly to a two year old in this cash only, very popular hole in the wall with limited seating but they were so kind to us. The food was incredibly fresh and all of us, especially baby, loved it. Favorites were the blue point oysters, cherry stone clam, crab back and crab cocktail. Despite the bustle of this very highly lauded establishment (I.e. Anthony Bourdain and James Beard) with a long line out the door, they take time to make sure you feel welcomed and like family. ”
“ Visiting from out of town and had to come back again. Oysters are always fresh and love their Sicilian sashimi. They ran out of crab this time but I'll be back since I've been dreaming about it since I first tried it. Service is top notch and very personable. Wait time can be long so I recommend going early before 10am. Cash only! ”
“ Man, oh man, I am thoroughly satisfied after my trip to Swan Oyster Depot. The hour wait outside? Completely forgotten after a meal filled with the freshest oceanic delights. This gem of a restaurant is tucked into a narrow space, rich with history and local charm, and run by a team that feels like family. Highlights of the meal included the crab backs, crab Louie, chowder, and sashimi--though honestly, everything is a hit. If you're in San Francisco and love seafood, this spot is an absolute must. Pro tip: Fresh baguette dipped in crab back. Enough said ”
“ I'm very bad about leaving reviews here. I read them all the time, as much to see menus as pictures of food, but I don't often take the time to leave my own thoughts and pictures. But after the birthday lunch I gave myself today I thought it was time to lend my voice. The menu speaks for itself, but don't ever be afraid to ask, say, for a small portion of smoked salmon or anything else. The people are very nice and will never treat newcomers badly. Remember that it's cash-only (there's an atm in the Walgreens across the street). Google the off-menu stuff. I had a "dozen eggs" today for the first time and it was a *bit* spicy. It's hard to beat the Sicilian sashimi for freshness, though. Personally, I'm mad for crab, and today I had TWO half-crabs. I embarrassed myself. I also spent a bunch but it's my birthday so whatever. ”
