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Swan Oyster Depot
$$$ · Seafood

1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 673-1101
Closed
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Seafood in Russian Hill Best Business Lunch American in Russian Hill Best Trendy American in Russian Hill

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Swan Oyster Depot 8.4
Nob Hill
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries
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.

Hours

Monday8am - 2:30pm
Tuesday8am - 2:30pm
Wednesday8am - 2:30pm
Thursday8am - 2:30pm
Friday8am - 2:30pm
Saturday8am - 2:30pm
SundayClosed