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Swan Oyster Depot
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Swan Oyster Depot
8.4
Century-old counter with 18 stools serving pristine oysters, crab, and simple seafood classics. Come for the raw bar, quick service, and old-school San Francisco energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab Louie, Clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Impeccably fresh raw bar served at an iconic marble counter.
Who should go: Raw-bar purists and SF history buffs
When to visit: Arrive before opening to avoid long waits
What to order: Oysters; crab Louie; chowder
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half mixed plates if undecided.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Polk; metered spots fill quickly during lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Lively counter chatter; conversations are audible but space is bustling.
Weekend wait: Closed at night; not applicable.
Weekday lunch: Expect 30–60 min waits; arrive before 11am to avoid the line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited — a side salad or bread at best.
Vegan options: No dedicated vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Many raw seafood items are naturally gluten-free; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves seafood and doesn’t mind close quarters — it’s more about energy and history than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-only and first-come, first-served. Line up early for a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — limited stools, no kids’ menu, and long waits. Older seafood-loving teens may enjoy the experience.
Best For
Better for: Pristine raw bar seafood and old-school San Francisco vibes you won’t find elsewhere.
Skip if: Skip if you want a full sit-down meal, plant-based options, or comfort over queueing.
Swan Oyster Depot
8.6
Century-old raw bar serving cracked Dungeness crab, chowder, and oysters at an 18-seat counter. Locals line up for quick, high-quality seafood and a brisk lunch service that’s pure San Francisco.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness Crab with Louie sauce, Clam Chowder, Sicilian Sashimi (tuna with olive oil & capers)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Historic 18-seat raw bar with pristine, same-day seafood.
Who should go: Seafood lovers who need a decisive lunch
When to visit: Arrive by 10:30am to minimize the line
What to order: Crab Louie, clam chowder, half-dozen oysters
Insider tip: Ask for “Sicilian sashimi” even if it’s not on the board.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, very limited and competitive around Polk Street; no valet or garage directly tied to the restaurant.
Dress code: Casual — most guests wear jeans and everyday attire; no need to dress up for counter service.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — the narrow counter fills quickly, with lots of chatter and seafood prep sounds. You can still hold a conversation, but expect bustle.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner — open only until late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Expect 30–60 minutes in line during peak hours; if you arrive right at opening (10:30am) you can often sit quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — a couple of sides like bread, salad, or chowder without clams.
Vegan options: Essentially none; menu is seafood-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some options naturally gluten-free (crab, oysters, sashimi), but cross-contact is likely due to the tiny prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date — seating is at a crowded counter and the vibe is brisk. Better suited to seafood-loving couples who want a quick, authentic experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations — it’s strictly first-come, first-served. Arrive before 11am to minimize your wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it’s a small, busy counter with limited space and no kids’ menu. Older children who enjoy seafood might be fine, but not geared to families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: One of the best raw bar counters in the city, with unmatched freshness and a historic, no-frills San Francisco charm.
Skip if: Skip if you need comfort seating, vegetarian/vegan choices, or dislike waiting in line — you’ll be happier at a full-service seafood restaurant nearby.
Swan Oyster Depot
8.5
Historic 18-stool seafood counter serving pristine local shellfish, chowder, and sashimi-style plates. Expect a wait—counter service and day-boat freshness are the draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness crab Louie, Sicilian sashimi, Smoked salmon on rye
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Century-old counter with ultra-fresh seafood and no reservations.
Who should go: Seafood purists and solo diners
When to visit: Arrive before opening to cut the line
What to order: Crab Louie; oysters; Sicilian sashimi
Insider tip: Order smoked salmon ‘Scandinavian style’ with capers and onions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Polk Street and nearby side streets; no valet and spots are tough during peak meal hours.
Dress code: Casual — most diners come in jeans, hoodies, or everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate — the small counter space gets lively but you can still hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes if you don’t line up before opening; line often forms an hour ahead.
Weekday lunch: 30–45 minutes on average; shorter waits if you arrive before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — a couple of sides like bread, chowder without clams, or pickled veggies.
Vegan options: None — menu is almost entirely seafood-focused.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most raw seafood, oysters, and sashimi-style plates are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless both of you are seafood fanatics who don’t mind close quarters. It’s more about the food than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations at all. Seating is counter-only, first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. With only counter stools, no kids’ menu, and long waits, it’s better suited to adults or older teens comfortable with seafood.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for raw seafood purity, historic San Francisco character, and the ritual of the counter experience.
Skip if: Skip if you want a sit-down, lingered meal, a variety of hot entrées, or a comfortable spot for groups.