Swan Oyster Depot

Any seafood at Swan is guaranteed to be fresh and fantastic. But you can't come to a place with "Oyster Depot" right there in the name and not eat oysters , especially the amazing local ones. Read more

Named one of the best oyster bars in America and beloved by Anthony Bourdain , Swan’s oysters and Crab Louie are impossibly delicious and fresh, but we especially thumbs-up the ice-cold sashimi . Read more

One of the few places on earth where the reward for waiting is so well worth it. Check out the secret menu before you go.. (there’s a copy of an article posted in the restroom of all places.)

All of the seafood is extraordinarily fresh, but I'd suggest going with the off-menu Scallop or Salmon Sicilian Sashimi or ridiculously good Live West Coast Uni. Read about it on WinstonWanders below! Read more

Open only for lunch , Polk Street’s 100-year-old gem still churns out the best crab , oysters and sourdough in town . Read more

No reservations so naturally the queue is long but it's the best fresh seafood you can get. Try the clam chowder , Sicilian Sashimi and a selection of Oysters !

This is truly an amazing place. The Sicilian style sashimi is not on the menu but it’s good. There’s always a line , if you’re dining alone try seeing if there’s a solo seat. Cash only

“My happiest place in America to eat crab backs filled with fat, juicy oysters and enjoy a cold draft beer .” - Anthony Bourdain , chef , writer, and TV personality Read more

Not big on oysters ? The smoked salmon is so fresh and so well balanced with capers and chopped onions that you'll forget you're not in a Jewish deli in the Lower East side.

Go for some shrimp , or crab , or better yet a plate of oysters followed by any of the seafood cocktails or crudos , and you will walk out happy. Read more

Everything at Swan is amazing, but you've just got to try the Bourdain approved dish simply called Crab Fat . It's ridiculously decadent. Read more about this insane dish on WinstonWanders below!! Read more

100% worth the wait in line . Tried the CRABsanthemum and Sicilian sashimi off the 'secret' menu. Both were the best and make sure to ask for some of the house vinaigrette made with crab back . Wow!

Simple and clean , the century-old spot is also a staple of Polk Street and a huge hit with locals and tourists alike. Expect kitsch, charm, hospitality , and a full belly when you leave. Read more

Get here early or else the lines can take a long time. The restaurant only has 20 counter seats . The crudo is amazing! Cash only .

Start with a cup of chowder and bread and butter. Then move into a dozen mixed oysters . Get a half plate of the sashimi and a half cracked cab. If it's not too early, grab a beer !

Opens at 10:30 and accepts cash only . Some the freshest oysters ive ever had. Crab cocktail is big fat generous chunks of crab meat . And of course clam chowder is amazing.

Don’t forget to bring cash because that’s all they take. No matter what you decide to try, don’t miss the clam chowder . I think it’s one of the best I’ve ever eaten. Read more

Feels like you're going back in time. Everything is amazing. Try the thin sliced salmon and eat a ton of oysters . The line is serious though, and they often run out of food. Get there early.

You'll definitely wait in line , but coming to this old school, no-frills seafood institution as a solo diner has its advantages -- you'll likely get a seat faster than the larger parties. Read more

Best seafood in SF. The clam chowder & local sushi platter are some of the reasons there’s always a line outside the door. Minimum wait is 30 min, less for takeout

Specialties: Anything with crab ; oysters on the half shell; Boston clam chowder ; smoked salmon or trout ; fresh seafood to take home. Read more

This place is just amazing. A must for anyone visiting San Fran.

Few places have the longevity - or the popularity - of this tiny oyster bar . Even after more than 100 years, people still wait in line to get a seat at one of the 18 stools at the counter. Read more

A trip to SF isn't complete without a stop at Swan Oyster Depot. Everything is fresh and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Don't forget to bring cash. No plastic.

Go early and be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. Very fresh seafood , limited menu, ask for what's not on the menu ; very friendly staff

Don't forget, cash only ! This place is a treasure. The guys behind the counter will take care of you. Great service and awesome product! Oysters are amazing. The clam chowder has real clam flavor!

Don't want to deal with the crazy lines , but still want the goods? Call in a togo order! Everyone's faces in line as you walk past them, leaving in minutes? Almost as delicious as their food!

For me, it’s always a dozen of Kumamoto oysters . Every. Single. Time.

The key option to know about: call in an order to go. Best lox I've had in my life. Good enough that you can eat it without a bagel .

I love the crab louie salad and the oysters are always great!

There's no beating the classic seafood salads topped with Louie dressing ($15.25 to $25), and yes, you do want to try the fresh sea urchin , still moving when the shell hits your table. Read more

This casual spot is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood . Its first come, first serve - so breakfast is often to best time to drop by. As seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain .

Better and cheaper option: go to Waterbar in Embarcadero for happy hour oyster $1 each and views of bay . Good date first date plus added bonus Panty dropper views of bridge

Avoid going here on the weekend or at prime lunch time to avoid the crowds of tourists . Best seafood in the city . They also hand slice their smoked salmon which makes it extra delicious.

Monster line and monster meal! World Class and worth the hype!

An institution. The food and atmosphere are special. Worth going out of your way for.

Kelly and Christy love the Dungeness Crab Louie and the incredibly fresh oysters that they order with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc . There is only bar seating and it’s hard to get a seat, so expect a line .

The Sancimino brothers (six of them!) are always joking around behind the counter. Order cracked crab and a pint of Anchor Steam . More places to eat like a local: tandl.me/12ufz7c

Oysters are amazing!

Try the Crab Fat - Excellent with white wine , lemon & pepper . Goes well with bread ! Delish! My first time trying this dish.

The oysters are extremely fresh. Italian sashimi are nice. It's worth the queue

The crab back really is as fantastic as Anthony Bourdain says it is! Also their horseradish is amazingly spicy and delish.

Loved this bustling oyster bar . The staff are just fantastic and the oysters are fab

Get here early & pony up to the counter. Order an Anchor Steam , get a mixed dozen oysters , some chowder , & the half crab if in season. The smoked salmon is incredible.

The smoked salmon--one of my very favorite foods--on very thinly sliced sourdough , was outstanding. So incredibly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth fantastic The best I've ever had--by a mile.

Skip line by ordering to go! Don't forget it's cash only .

Just an incomparable experience. The food, the service, the one beer on tap . Worth every minute of the 2 hours we spent on line .

open for lunch only great old school spot

Super Fresh fish and seafood produced localy. Eaten alive without problem. If you prefer something cooked - there is too (but not too much).

Combination salad , smoked salmon , sashimi and oysters . You’re welcome.