Welcome to Swan Oyster Depot
Swan Oyster Depot, located at 1517 Polk St in San Francisco, is a cherished seafood institution renowned for its fresh and exceptional quality dishes. This no-frills eatery serves a variety of seafood delights, including highly praised oysters, sashimi, and Crab Louie salads, taking diners on a delightful culinary journey. The casual, friendly atmosphere fosters a sense of community among patrons and staff alike, making each visit feel special. While lines can be long, the rewards of indulging in beautifully prepared seafood make it worthwhile. Swan Oyster Depot stands out as a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking a genuine dining experience.
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1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States Hotline: +1 415-673-1102
Welcome to Swan Oyster Depot, a cherished culinary gem situated at 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA. Renowned for its exceptional seafood, Swan Oyster Depot has become a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike. With a commitment to freshness and quality, this establishment is a culinary institution steeped in tradition.
The restaurant exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws in regulars and newcomers. Patrons often recount their experiences waiting in line, which can sometimes stretch beyond an hour, yet most agree that the anticipation only heightens the excitement. Each meal served here is a testament to the purity of flavor and freshness, making every bite a delight.
Many reviews highlight the sashimi plate, featuring a lavish selection that often includes scallops, ahi, hamachi, sardines, trout, and salmon. Diners rave about the Crab Louie salads and the oysters, both of which are celebrated for their exceptional quality. The enthusiasm is palpable as guests describe devouring plate after plate of delightful seafood creations, often feeling completely satisfied and full after their feasts.
However, seasoned patrons have offered advice on timing their visits. Arriving toward closing time can sometimes minimize wait times, but be prepared for the last-minute rush. It is also wise to remember that Swan Oyster Depot operates on a cash-only basis, adding a quaint, old-school charm to your dining experience. Patrons routinely rave about the friendly staff, whose extensive knowledge and passion for seafood elevate the dining experience, making you feel at home in this beloved institution.
Even amid the occasional inconvenience of long lines, Swan Oyster Depot stands out for its unparalleled quality and delicious offerings. Whether you're savoring raw scallops, a heaping plate of crab in its various forms, or the perfect grilled fish, each visit promises a memorable experience filled with fresh, delectable seafood. This is not just a meal; it’s a culinary celebration of the ocean's best.
So, if you find yourself in the Bay Area, make a point to stop by Swan Oyster Depot. Your taste buds will thank you, and you just might find yourself returning time and again to this delightful seafood sanctuary.
had an amazing lunch here! got in at 10:45 and no line - took a seat right as i walked in. the staff were super friendly. had the sashimi plate which came with a great selection - scallops, ahi, hamachi, sardines, trout & salmon. then 2 slices of the salmon on rye, the octopus salad, and a half portion of the combo salad. (i think i ate enough for a whole army.) i was totally stuffed afterwards and so extremely satisfied. i would probably come back and have another small plate of the sashimi and a larger serving of the salad - it was really to die for. the atmosphere is really great - lots of regulars and service staff catching up with eachother. felt like a true institution and was great to be a part of! all in all 10/10 and can’t wait to be back!
This is one of those places you must try when you’re in the Bay Area. The food is amazing, and yes, the line is usually at least 30 minutes to an hour, but it’s worth it. We’ve been here many times, but yesterday we had a disappointing experience. We arrived at around 1:30 PM, and the restaurant closes at 2:30 PM. After waiting in line for almost an hour, right before it was our turn, they told everyone still in line that anyone not seated by 2:30 could only order takeout. The problem is that they don’t have a website, and this rule isn’t posted anywhere. It would be helpful if they could either stop the line at a certain point or let people know earlier that dine-in may no longer be available. It was frustrating to wait that long and not be able to sit down and eat, especially since many people don’t live nearby and can’t easily come back. Maybe they could hand out numbered tickets once they know how many guests they can still seat. That way, people at the end of the line won’t waste time standing there for nothing. Just a simple system like that would really help manage expectations. That said, the food is still excellent. The crab back is one of my absolute favorites, and the sashimi is super fresh. Overall, still a five-star meal, but I hope they can improve the way they handle the end-of-day rush.
This place is it. I waited for little bit in line and chatted with my new friend Donn about vintage cinema and seafood. What a cool guy. We sat together and enjoyed the best seafood I’ve ever had. That’s not an exaggeration, it was an incredible experience and fresh as can be. We had a couple Crab Louie salads and oysters. Highly recommend this place and the staff were the absolute best! Great energy and so knowledgeable paired with a love for what they do. You’ll love it and make sure to bring cash!
Like Swan Oyster Depot needs another glowing review... BUT- Love this no BS place. Everything is fresh and exceptional quality. You are served seafood how it ought to be every time- In its purest, most delectable form- I would recommend coming toward the end (2:30) of the day to minimize wait time. Oysters are obviously the shining star here, but please also do not go home without an order of crab in any of its glorious forms. Bread is as real as the shellfish. No frills, just good grub. Also, the prices are unbeatable. Like you pay the same amount at any other establishment for half (or less) the quality. Honestly, surprised the waits are longer- no complaints tho...
Oysters, clams, crab... everything seafood is superb. Especially the raw scallops - probably our favourite item. Long queues though! First time we managed to get seats without waiting (8:30am on Friday). On the next day (Saturday 10:00am) it was a 90 minute wait! So decided to get a takeaway (20 mins wait!). It was still delicious, but not as nice as eating in!
Cash-only spot that is generous with high quality seafood at actually very good prices. Counter seating with all the fixings ready for you. Oysters are a must, and I’d add the combination cocktail to the list as well. Everything else can be to your preference but I fancied the smoked salmon. Was easy to get seated as a solo diner.
This is our favourite spot when visiting San Francisco! Those guys are always energetic and friendly!! Make sure you get there early and expect to lineup for an hour or so. If you’re there when they open, get there 30-45 mins prior. Everything is so tasty there. Try everything they offer on the menu. Everything is nicely put together. If this is not the type of food for you, go there for the atmosphere and experience!
It’s great finding a popular seafood place that lives up to the internet hype! It’s a small cosy place serving affordably priced, high quality and excellent seafood! We ordered clam chowder, crab back, sashimi and crab cocktail! Everything was soooo fresh, perfectly seasoned and flavourful! We loved every bite!! Also loved the service there, staff working/preparing the food seem like they enjoying their work! They were also very friendly to all the tourists who visited and made it a very pleasant dining experience for all of us! We will definitely visit again shall we come to SF!