Swan Oyster Depot

1517 Polk St, San Francisco
(415) 673-1101

Recent Reviews

Giulia Dellepiane

We arrived at 12.35 and waited in line till 14.20 outside on the road and the weather was very cold. Periodically a waiter came outside to reassure us: he kept telling us that service would be interrupted at 14 but for sure we were going to succeed going inside and having lunch.Only at 14 (the bar is very messy) I noticed on the register a sign which says "cash only", therefore I had to run to the nearest cash mashine to get cash, leaving my family waiting in line. I would have put that sign also outside.At the same time, the waiter started coming outside regularly to tell us repeatedly: "Let's wait another 5 minutes and see if some client leaves so that we can let you inside". Therefore we waited again untill 14.20 when the waiter told us that service was closed and we could only take away (therefore we wasted 20 more minutes because of this awful management of the line). We asked for a menu but the waiter didn't want to bring us any (although they have the classic one made in paper) and forced us to read from the wall at the centre of the bar, far from us (we were at the entrance) and in a very crowded point.There were three of us and we ordered quickly one scallop crudité and two fish salads: 114 dollars without tip. We brought these dishes at home and sincerely they weren't anything special. Although they were simply cold dishes, however fish wasn't particularly tasty nor very fresh.In conclusion I wouldn't recommend at all this place: awful service, chaotic bar, insignificant dishes and I didn't see waiters wearing disposable gloves and sanitize their hands while handling alternately fish and cash. After the pandemic, hygiene is not an optional any more.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

ROLANDO ALONSO

Amazing place to start your day, sicilian sashimi Is out of this world!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Spencer Plattner

I don’t say this lightly. It was better than expected. Down to earth friendly people who serve some fantastic food. The highlight of my experience however was one of the waiters. Two of us ordered crab back. He brought us one. When we asked for another he said “honestly it’s pretty rich and I think one is enough. If you want another I can get you one but try that and tell me what you think first.” He was exactly right. It was perfect for two. Now, who does that in today’s world? Actually caring for the customer instead of selling another item and making more money. He didn’t upsell us because he knew his craft and he was a genuine guy. I respect that more than I can put in words. Class act and all around chill place. No pretense here. Normal guys serving exceptional food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

@Foodforeal

What they say is absolutely true. Service is impeccable, friendly, down to earth. Everyone is happy you’re there. It’s a good day to go to swan oyster. Get the Sicilian sashimi and smoked salmon, for sure. The rest is up to you, but I bet it’s all great. They do a lot of phone/takeout/fresh fish orders, so call in if you want some for home!! Will definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Clams & Oysters on the Half Shell, Smoked Salmon, Sicilian Sashimi, Boston Clam Chowder

Félix Godin

Everything was perfect and the staff is super friendly!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

June-Young Jung

I had some sashimi, clam chowder, and oysters. The taste is impeccable, but it is a bit expensive. Even the beer came to about $67.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jon (thejonco)

Had a really great time here. The staff was super helpful and welcoming. Besides the items we ordered, they also gave us some different things to sample. The food was great, would definitely come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Orlando Rios

Great food, short menu but delicious. Please don’t ask for melted butter. Bring cash, how much it depends how hungry you are. Enjoy!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Circe Erro

Visited them in August, what an amazing place! If you love crab and fish, go early, it's not weird to eat sashimi for breakfast I can tell you, it's delicious and fresh! Great team and good vibes! Thank you, highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fernando Santana

Our first time at SOD. Oysters and smoked salmon were fantastic! And the the atmosphere was phenomenal. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Clams & Oysters on the Half Shell, Smoked Salmon

Justin Wilson

Even better than the reviews suggest. The guys working know their stuff, and they are really excited to talk to you about the food and treat you right. I can’t overstate how good the food is - the wait is worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smoked Salmon, Sicilian Sashimi

Glen Goto

I received a living and moving shellfish for the first time, but unfortunately I can't post the video here. It was absolutely delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

H J

The hype is real. It's cash-only, so bring plenty of cash. The servers both take orders and prepare them. Make sure to arrive early to avoid long lines. I went around 9 am and didn't have to wait. I ordered the Dungeness crab, half dozen oysters, and small Sicilian sashimi. The Dungeness crab is served cold (though I thought it would be warm for some reason), but everything is incredibly fresh and delicious. I would return to SF just to come back here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Clams & Oysters on the Half Shell, Sicilian Sashimi

Colleen Drinkwater

Best place ever! Get there early, there is limited seating and a line will form. And yes, it is worth the wait! You can also call in an order. One thing of note, this is a cash only business. Closest atm is at the pharmacy across the street. Order the sashimi plate (not on the wall menu), oysters, and sea urchin if they have it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Clams & Oysters on the Half Shell, Smoked Salmon, Sicilian Sashimi, Boston Clam Chowder, Crab Back

Jean Ra

Fresh seafood. The cherry stones were the best part every visit. Cash only. Limited hours but weekdays there’s no line

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

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