Old School Decor Dining in San Francisco

Enjoy Delicious Sea Food with an
Awesome Environment.

We serving up delicious seafood since 1912

About Us

Swan Oyster Depot, a seafood restaurant and cultural landmark located at 1517 Polk Street in the heart of San Francisco, has a rich history dating back to its inception. With a steadfast commitment to serving the San Francisco community and beyond, Swan Oyster Depot has become synonymous with fresh, delectable seafood, creating memories for generations of locals and visitors alike.

Here’s what Swan Oyster Depot is famous for:

  • Fresh, high-quality seafood: This is what they’re all about! They have a daily-changing selection of oysters, some of which are quite rare, like Olympia oysters, which were popular during the Gold Rush era. They also serve other seafood dishes like cracked crab, cioppino, and shrimp Louie.
  • Classic, no-frills atmosphere: The restaurant is tiny, with only about 18 seats at a marble counter. The decor is old-school San Francisco, with photos, signed dollar bills, and framed jerseys on the walls. There’s usually a line out the door, but it moves quickly and the food is worth the wait.
  • Celebrity following: The restaurant has been featured on shows like Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, and it has a long list of celebrity fans, including James Beard, Andrew Knowlton, and Traci Des Jardins.

Dine-In,Take Out & Outdoor
Dining Hours

Mon - Tues: Closed

Wed - Sat: 10:30am - 5:30pm

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Swan Oyster Depot
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Swan Oyster Depot is famous in San Francisco for its fresh and Olympia oysters. We serve other seafood dishes like cracked crab, cioppino, and shrimp Louie.

Notice: We have moved to a new, catchy domain SwanOysterDepot.US to emphasize our USA nature.

Our guests say...

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Seafood heaven! This place is amazing! My boyfriend and I shared a combo salad that had crab, prawns, and shrimp on a bed of lettuce with a Louis dressing. This was very delicious and can be very filling! We also had the assortment of dozen oysters. There were all delicious as well. They also gave us complimentary bread as we sat down.

Nina Z.
Pleasanton, CA

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Hill, Swan Oyster Depot is larger than life and arguably, the best seafood restaurant in San Francisco. For locals, this is an institution that epitomizes the best of San Francisco. For tourists, it’s a required visit as part of one’s itinerary.

Cal F.
Hayward, CA

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Swan Oyster Depot is a GEM! I would be there every day if I could. I just can not believe this was my first time there…. I will be back! I had the pleasure to visit this awesome place with my brother and his GF and yes, we had to wait line … which was expected… with only counter dining.. it was ALL worth it..

Alexia Y.
San Francisco Bay Area, CA

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So so good!
Con: long 2hr wait BUT we just found out that they have extended hours until 5pm on Fri and Sat (YAY!!!)
Pros: Freshest oysters, best smoked salmon (even as good as salmon from Iceland which is a high bar for me), tasty clam chowder, crab cocktail and excellent draft beer, most attentive service (Beckett!!!)
We will be back!

Castanedas Mexican Food
Santa Monica, CA

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Golden nugget oysters: 9/10. Super creamy, super fresh, melts in your mouth
Steamboat miyagi: 10/10. I don’t normally like miyagi because they’re small, but these ones were huge and so meaty. You could taste the freshness and they shuck it right in front of you.
Crab back: 9/10. I just started eating crab back and I think I prefer it warm, but these are served cold with a side of sourdough, but they were still amazing.

Only downside is that they’re cash only, but there’s a Wells Fargo not too far away that I sent my friend to while I waited in line. We got there at 830am on Saturday and waited 15 minutes.

Alyssa V.
Santa Cruz, CA

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Fresh fresh fresh!!! Always long line because they only have countertop seats but it worth the wait. All staff was so friendly and polite. They even came out to ask if you wanted some drink while waiting in line.

FYI…… CASH ONLY so be prepared.

Sirikanya p.
Castro Valley, CA