Swan Oyster Depot
The Verdict
"Anthony Bourdain called this his favorite seafood spot in America on No Reservations. "
What you need to know
The Food
Oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab, smoked salmon, sashimi-grade tuna, clam chowder, and cioppino. The Sicilian Sashimi (raw Hawaiian Aweoweo with capers, olive oil, and bread) has been on the menu for decades.
Anthony Bourdain featured Swan Oyster Depot on A Cook’s Tour, The Layover, and Parts Unknown. On The Layover he called it one of his favorite places to eat in America.
The Space
Long, narrow, 18 stools at the counter, no tables. The shop has been on Polk Street since 1912, and the Sancimino family has run the counter since 1946.
Practical Info
Price: Most plates $12 to $35
Reservations: None. Walk-in only. The line forms before opening.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am to 2:30pm. Closed Sun.
Explore Nearby
City Lights Bookstore
The North Beach bookstore that opened in 1953 and published Allen Ginsberg's...
Kim + Ono
A Chinatown brand designing handcrafted kimono robes in silk and washable silk....
The Saloon
San Francisco's oldest bar, on Grant Avenue since 1861, with live blues...
Li Po Cocktail Lounge
The 1937 Chinatown dive famous for its secret-recipe Chinese Mai Tai.