Polk Street’s tiny Swan Oyster Depot has been a San Francisco institution since 1912. With only 18 or so tottering bar stools along the marble counter top, seats are like thrones for those lucky patrons who’ve earned — with sometimes hour-long waits — a spot to dine in seafood heaven. (Plenty choose to stand around the counter, as well.) Locals know that no choice is a bad choice from the hand-written menu on the wall: From crab Louie to New England clam chowder, this is some of the freshest sea bounty in the area. At least four different kinds of half-shell oysters are available daily, and whole lobsters are cooked to order.
Cash only. Beer and wine available. Serving during breakfast, lunch and early dinner hours, 8 am–5:30 pm. Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
"Come early or late to avoid a long wait."
—
Fodor's
ADDRESS
1517 Polk St,
San Francisco, CA 94109
LOCALEATS AWARDS
Top 100 Restaurant
Best Seafood in San Francisco
DESCRIPTION
Polk Street’s tiny Swan Oyster Depot has been a San Francisco institution since 1912. With only 18 or so tottering bar stools along the marble counter top, seats are like thrones for those lucky patrons who’ve earned — with sometimes hour-long waits — a spot to dine in seafood heaven. (Plenty choose to stand around the counter, as well.) Locals know that no choice is a bad choice from the hand-written menu on the wall: From crab Louie to New England clam chowder, this is some of the freshest sea bounty in the area. At least four different kinds of half-shell oysters are available daily, and whole lobsters are cooked to order.
Cash only. Beer and wine available. Serving during breakfast, lunch and early dinner hours, 8 am–5:30 pm. Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
"Come early or late to avoid a long wait."
—
Fodor's