Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Swan Oyster Depot: A True San Francisco Landmark

Any trip to SFO isn't complete without a stop at Swan Oyster Depot. After the usual trips to the city's landmarks, go for the best fresh seafood in San Francisco. It's also one of Anthony Bourdain's top picks in the City by the Bay. I last visited the place two years ago, and man, I've been missing it ever since and these are photos from that trip...


Try to come in early to avoid the long lines. Even locals line up. If you do have to queue up, don't worry, it's definitely worth the wait. Go check the window display featuring the fresh catch of the day. It's also conveniently located beside See's Candies. Perfect. Sadly, I was told See's Candies already closed and moved to another location.


Waiting in line isn't that bad, you can pass the time enjoying the window display and figuring out what to have. And dude, it's not easy to select which seafood treat to have at Swan Oyster Depot. Try the Combi Plates to have a little of everything. Like the salads with crab, prawns, shrimp, and lobster or the fresh oyster and clam sets.


Daily fresh seafood selections include shrimp, crabs, salmon, lobsters and of course, different varieties of oysters and clams from both the east and west coasts.


Inside, the briny smell of the ocean takes over. And you just know it's really fresh. Once you have a spot, get blown away by the selection on the menu board...and just go for it.


It's a family-run establishment, and the place has a great casual and homey feel. The place is small, and often packed. If you can, grab a seat on the center portion of the counter and watch family members prepare the seafood up close. Have a chat with them, better yet, let them recommend from their fresh seafood selections.


The Oysters and Clams Combination Platter is always a safe bet,  and a great way to start your Swan Oyster Depot experience. Also try their crab salads, or their combination salads with shrimp, crab and lobster and discover what locals have enjoyed for generations.


Seconds? Definitely.


Steamed Maine Lobster, sweet and succulent and a must try at Swan Oyster Depot. This was so good I forgot to reload our parking meter and found a ticket stuck on the rental. But then, who cares...the experience was well worth it. It's that good. And it's all part of the San Francisco experience. Parking ticket and all...

The place is also an excellent way to suck in the local vibe, as Swan Oyster Depot is frequented by loyal locals. Great food, great place, great people. You'll definitely leave your heart...at Swan Oyster Depot.

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10 comments:

  1. Old photo -- the See's candy store has been gone over a year.

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  2. Sad to hear about See's Candies leaving this location...Man, I need another vacation to see Swan Oyster Depot! Thanks for letting me know, and thanks too for dropping by!

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  3. What a coincidence: After reading this post earlier this morning and delighting on all these fresh seafood, the gentleman whom I had a business meeting with at 9am turns out to be from San Francisco. I mentioned this eatery ... and what a pleasant ice breaker it made.

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    1. Yup, a true landmark and great local hangout, I really miss this place. Thanks for dropping by my blog!

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  4. I saw the price of the crab it super expensive. Wahhh visiting from FTF mine is up and its here thanks Sahm’s Dining Diary

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    1. Hi Anne, and these prices were from two years ago, but still the whole experience was well worth it. Really awesome seafood and great local vibe! Thanks for dropping by!

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  5. I wish I live near so I can also savor the delicious seafood at Swan Oyster Depot. I guess I'll just have to be content looking at your photos. Here's my FTF entry: http://www.delightmyappetite.com/2012/02/eating-healthy-at-cafeteria-verde/

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    1. Hi Tetcha, I miss the place too, and like you, I will just have to look at my old photos...but you should definitely visit this place. Thanks for dropping by Tetcha!

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  6. wow! look at all the foods....looks very delish especially the mussels, my fave :-) Visiting late from Food Trip Friday, hope that you can return the visit too.

    http://www.homecookingwithjessy.com/my-egg-omelet-for-breakfast/

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    1. Hi Jessy, awesome seafood in this place, definitely worth a visit. And cool local vibe as well. Thanks for visiting Jessy!

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