I'm always excited to try no-frills fresh seafood, so of course I had to come here! I'd never seen raw seafood sitting in the sun behind the storefront window before, but at least they sat on ice? We were seated in a sticky outdoor booth along the sidewalk. Our half dozen oysters tasted super briny. A liberal pour of the mignonette made the oysters go down a lot more easily! As we ate, I noticed a worker handling cash, quickly wiping his hands on his apron, and then grabbing raw seafood behind the window using those same bare hands, with no washing in between - an alarming violation in food safety and hygiene. We can only hope that this is not the standard that they regularly practice :( Oh, it's cash only. When we asked for the bill, our server brought out a napkin with numbers scribbled onto it. Definitely not the most professional or reliable receipt. Due to sanitary concerns, eating at Swan Oyster Depot is a one-and-done kind of experience.
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
Cameron B.
Showed up around 10:45 on a Monday and waited 10 minutes. Thee friendliest service I've had in SF, felt like eating at my Uncles house. I've server was very accommodating and friendly, super casual and comfy service. Seafood was crazy fresh with all sorts of ways to indulge. Oysters were by far our favorites, followed by the clam chowder. A beer on tap and ice tea to wash it all down. Iconic!
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
Andrew S.
Most of the food here is basically boiled or raw, but I still love the atmosphere and experience. The food is pretty good too. Unfortunately, we came for lunch on Saturday, and although the line did not look that long, it was 1.5 hours. That's not the fault of the restaurant, it's a testament to its popularity. One of the servers told us that there is usually no wait during the week, just on Saturdays (they are closed on Sundays). Service was kind and part of the overall experience. I suppose if I lived in the city and could come during the week, it would be 5 stars ...
Maya A.
Been wanting to try this SF staple for some time now and finally decided to take a day off on a Thursday and explore. I had read about the long lines and thought that Thursday I would have a better chance at not waiting in line for hours and thankfully I was correct. I arrived at 11am found street parking easily and made my way in and was sat within 5 minutes. At first glance this place is limited with seating but has an old school feel about it. The hustle and bustle of people ordering and the employees prepping and serving filled up this small establishment. It gave it a sudden old school charm. I came there solo but not once did I feel alone. My server was attentive and other servers came to check in as well and gave some great suggestions on what to order. I was sitting between two nice gentleman's that also gave me suggestions. I decided to order the salmon on bread, the combo cocktail, clam chowder and Sicilian sashimi. The salmon on bread was delicious. Those that know fresh seafood already know. The salmon was perfect. Combination cocktail was great and the portion was a good size. The clam chowder, let's just say I ordered a small cup wished I ordered a bowl :) last but not least the Sicilian sashimi perfection. Who knew that some olive oil could elevate the taste of raw fish like that!? Will I be back? Absolutely already planning to be there again this week or next! The food, service and old school feel are all the magic here. I love that your sitting in a long booth style area where you are so close to others you start talking and experiencing the food together. It's more than a meal it's an experience. They don't rush you, and they allow you the time to eat and enjoy it all. If your looking to be transported to a delicious seafood experience with an old school feel this place does not disappoint. Can't wait to head back for more delicious food!
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
Maria C N.
Deeeeliciouse!!! When I'm in San Francisco, aa seafood lover do not, seriously do not miss Shaw Oyster Depot. If the line is too long which is always the case. Order take out or deliver. They made me a fan of their CRAB BACK, CRAB SALAD and OYSTERS. Can't wait to go back!
Katherine N.
Giving this place 3 stars due to hygiene and unknown pricing. The restaurant is tiny, bathroom is located all the way in the back near open lockers where employee shoes and everything is falling out of the cubicle. Looked like an old school men's football locker room that had never been cleaned. It's very close to the kitchen so it just wasn't too appealing. I wish I didn't go before the food arrived. Service was good, they stay on top of things as they are trying to seat the next guests waiting in line. Pricing-- they write pricing on a napkin and you really don't know what they will charge. We ordered a few items but it's not like they serve you a lot. Our tab for the items below plus tip came out to be $440. In my opinion it's not worth it specially when the restaurant is no where near passing a health inspection. Probably won't come back-- one a done. Ordered a few items: Crab Salad (Not worth it) Oysters (OK) Smoked Salmon Toast (OK) Sicilian Sashimi (Great) Scallops (Great) 2 bottles of wine (Limited choices)
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!
I'm always excited to try no-frills fresh seafood, so of course I had to come here! I'd never seen raw seafood sitting in the sun behind the storefront window before, but at least they sat on ice? We were seated in a sticky outdoor booth along the sidewalk. Our half dozen oysters tasted super briny. A liberal pour of the mignonette made the oysters go down a lot more easily! As we ate, I noticed a worker handling cash, quickly wiping his hands on his apron, and then grabbing raw seafood behind the window using those same bare hands, with no washing in between - an alarming violation in food safety and hygiene. We can only hope that this is not the standard that they regularly practice :( Oh, it's cash only. When we asked for the bill, our server brought out a napkin with numbers scribbled onto it. Definitely not the most professional or reliable receipt. Due to sanitary concerns, eating at Swan Oyster Depot is a one-and-done kind of experience.
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
Showed up around 10:45 on a Monday and waited 10 minutes. Thee friendliest service I've had in SF, felt like eating at my Uncles house. I've server was very accommodating and friendly, super casual and comfy service. Seafood was crazy fresh with all sorts of ways to indulge. Oysters were by far our favorites, followed by the clam chowder. A beer on tap and ice tea to wash it all down. Iconic!
Amazing place to start your day, sicilian sashimi Is out of this world!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
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
Everything was perfect and the staff is super friendly!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
Most of the food here is basically boiled or raw, but I still love the atmosphere and experience. The food is pretty good too. Unfortunately, we came for lunch on Saturday, and although the line did not look that long, it was 1.5 hours. That's not the fault of the restaurant, it's a testament to its popularity. One of the servers told us that there is usually no wait during the week, just on Saturdays (they are closed on Sundays). Service was kind and part of the overall experience. I suppose if I lived in the city and could come during the week, it would be 5 stars ...
Been wanting to try this SF staple for some time now and finally decided to take a day off on a Thursday and explore. I had read about the long lines and thought that Thursday I would have a better chance at not waiting in line for hours and thankfully I was correct. I arrived at 11am found street parking easily and made my way in and was sat within 5 minutes. At first glance this place is limited with seating but has an old school feel about it. The hustle and bustle of people ordering and the employees prepping and serving filled up this small establishment. It gave it a sudden old school charm. I came there solo but not once did I feel alone. My server was attentive and other servers came to check in as well and gave some great suggestions on what to order. I was sitting between two nice gentleman's that also gave me suggestions. I decided to order the salmon on bread, the combo cocktail, clam chowder and Sicilian sashimi. The salmon on bread was delicious. Those that know fresh seafood already know. The salmon was perfect. Combination cocktail was great and the portion was a good size. The clam chowder, let's just say I ordered a small cup wished I ordered a bowl :) last but not least the Sicilian sashimi perfection. Who knew that some olive oil could elevate the taste of raw fish like that!? Will I be back? Absolutely already planning to be there again this week or next! The food, service and old school feel are all the magic here. I love that your sitting in a long booth style area where you are so close to others you start talking and experiencing the food together. It's more than a meal it's an experience. They don't rush you, and they allow you the time to eat and enjoy it all. If your looking to be transported to a delicious seafood experience with an old school feel this place does not disappoint. Can't wait to head back for more delicious food!
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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
Deeeeliciouse!!! When I'm in San Francisco, aa seafood lover do not, seriously do not miss Shaw Oyster Depot. If the line is too long which is always the case. Order take out or deliver. They made me a fan of their CRAB BACK, CRAB SALAD and OYSTERS. Can't wait to go back!
Giving this place 3 stars due to hygiene and unknown pricing. The restaurant is tiny, bathroom is located all the way in the back near open lockers where employee shoes and everything is falling out of the cubicle. Looked like an old school men's football locker room that had never been cleaned. It's very close to the kitchen so it just wasn't too appealing. I wish I didn't go before the food arrived. Service was good, they stay on top of things as they are trying to seat the next guests waiting in line. Pricing-- they write pricing on a napkin and you really don't know what they will charge. We ordered a few items but it's not like they serve you a lot. Our tab for the items below plus tip came out to be $440. In my opinion it's not worth it specially when the restaurant is no where near passing a health inspection. Probably won't come back-- one a done. Ordered a few items: Crab Salad (Not worth it) Oysters (OK) Smoked Salmon Toast (OK) Sicilian Sashimi (Great) Scallops (Great) 2 bottles of wine (Limited choices)
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