Swan Oyster Depot

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.

Filmed here

All San Francisco films →

4 productions filmed at or beside Swan Oyster Depot.

1985A View to a KillVan Ness Avenue2015Ant-ManIntersection of California at Polk2016Looking “Special”Encore Karaoke, 1550 California StreetDope Queens20252025Dope QueensPolk Street between California and Pine