Historic Swan Oyster Depot—the city’s most popular raw and seafood bar—opened in its current building in 1912, and little has changed since. Pull on a fish-shaped brass door handle, step across the cracked mosaic floor, slide onto one of the 18 barstools in the narrow room, and get whisked back in time. There’s no website, no computer system, no reservations on Open Table. You won’t find over-the-top haute cuisine here, either, just a beautifully simple winning formula: wonderfully fresh and barely adulterated seafood served by a friendly member of the Sancimino Family—owners since 1946—at a worn marble counter, along with paper napkins to wipe the crab juice off your mug. Recipes are no-fuss—think steamed, raw or fried seafood, with terrific house-made cocktail sauce—the prices are very reasonable, and the service gruffly charming. Eating here is a fun, old-timey experience—and needs to be, as there’s usually an hour or two wait to get in! If you’re starving and tired of waiting, you can call in a take-out order while standing in line. Only cash and local checks accepted.
San Francisco
Travel Guide
San Francisco› Restaurant
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk St (btw California and Sacramento sts)
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Nob Hill/Russian Hill
Hours
Mon–Sat 10:30am–5:30pm. No reservations
Transportation
Bus: 1, 12, 19, 47, or 49. Cable Car: California St.
Phone
415/673-1101
Prices
Main courses $6–$45
Cuisine Type
Seafood
Web site
Swan Oyster Depot

Map
1517 Polk St San FranciscoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.