Great food, but unsanitary staff do not wear masks and handle food with bare unwashed hands they they also use for touching money and other stuff. Extremely long lines, poorly organized (nobody has any idea which line is for takeout, dine in, or pickup). Basically you just have to stand there for an hour and hope for the best. They also refused to take our order on the phone even though it was 1.5 hours before they close. The food is good, though, and the staff are very friendly and helpful once you actually make it through the line.

Very good. Very Fresh Seafood. High quality! But, since it's a tourist trap, very overpriced. Great, friendly staff. Best item is the crab back. A must try!

They do not take reservations. There is always a long line and takes time to be seated but it is totally worth it! One you are sitting in the bar inside or outside service is good and fast. Family environment just like old times. If you like raw fish you shouldn’t miss the sashimi tasting. The smoked salmon is amazing and the trout not so good. The mix combo salad is a must! Will keep coming. Thanks

You will regret coming here, I promise . First time and last time I am coming here. So, where do I start ! This place has some good history behind it, but that is all. Prices are so high. It is impressive to see how long the line is with a 2 hour wait. I feel I do not get the value of my money here. The fish smelled like fish. Fresh fish does not smell like fish, they boast themselves saying they serve fresh fish caught on same day. it tasted alright, but their portions are so little ! Omg… $40 for this sashimi type thing. For the crab cocktail it was 21 dollars, that was a little better, but still high price range. The crab was really bitter. If you want a similar experience but not too touristy overpriced, I recommend you to go to hog Island ! Their food is better quality and you get more value for your money, prices are similar but more value with a beautiful view!

Takeaway and still able to enjoy their delicious fresh seafood! We got here close to the store closing time so the only option was to do takeaway. So glad we did! The server was very helpful with our order - showed us how food was packed and told us the best way to eat them back at home. Having a warm tasty clam chowder on a cold day - the best thing to do for your tummy. The oysters are very fresh and tasty. The Sicilian sashimi (with lemon and olive oil) was fantastic. Our favorite and most recommended dish is the smoked salmon!!! (on bread)❤️ - it’s so smokey and light. If you come close to the closing hours and do takeaway, it’s probably the most efficient way to eat here. Some dishes might run out, but you can get the remaining fantastic dishes with little/ no wait. Highly Recommended

Long wait in line, but of course worth it. I went twice during my stay in San Francisco and took my meals away, as the restaurant was full. On both occasions I had oysters and the mix of prawn and crab cocktail with sourdough. The oysters were sweet and the cocktail was deliciously portioned well. A perfect combination with the sourdough. Swan Oyster Depot is a 10 or so minute walk to Lafayette Park, via Sacramento Street and will offer you beautiful views as you relax and enjoy your picnic.

This place is extremely famous due to how historic it is so I expected the food to be amazing, but I was disappointed. Especially considering the wait was 2 hours long for a seat. The decor was nice and timely. Keeping the family owned roots of the restaurant in tact with their menu styling. The restaurant had an extremely busy atmosphere with constant chattering and loud music. For food I ordered a Boston clam chowder, the crab salad, and a dozen oysters. We were provided bread and butter however the bread was literally rock hard, couldn't even bite into it. The Boston clam chowder was extremely pungent and fishy smelling. The oysters were hit n miss about 3 out of the 12 provided were very delicious and extremely fresh the other 9 were mediocre or old. Lastly the Crab salad, which carried the meal. The crab salad was delicious, the crab meat was fresh and tight maintaining its form and texture as we ate it providing strong flavors when paired with the provided sauce. Overall this place provided a nice historic San Francisco dinning experience but I was disappointed by the food.

Second visit of what I hope will be many. Lucked out with no wait today. Always enjoy chatting with the guys behind the counter but Martino made our lunch extra fun today. Order whatever looks good to you, I promise it’ll be delicious.

Expensive and totally worth it. So... This hole in the wall seafood place was recommended by a local friend while we were vacationing. You could easily walk by and miss it, save for the long line out the door, that started around 11am. There is a very good reason for that line. delicious. The dishes are unpretentious and delicious. The seafood is just so amazingly fresh, like it was plucked out of the ocean moments before being brought to the table. They keep it simple, not trying to elevate the seafood with flamboyant recipes and cool digs, but letting the food speak for itself. Expect to wait in line. We were there at 10:30, and had to wait 5 minutes to sit down. By the time we left there were easily 25-35 people in line. It is TOTALLY worth the wait if you have the time. We happened to show up the first day in a long time that they had dungeoness crab. Oh such a glorious, accidental meeting of my taste buds and sweet delicious crab! Go... Wait... Be blown away!

Waited in line for 1.5 hours. IT WAS WORTH IT. We got the Crab Back, Sicilian Sashimi and assorted oysters. Thank you Marino for the wonderful service, recommendations and sharing the story about the restaurant's Smoked Salmon. Eating at Swan Oyster Depot feels like you are having lunch with your favorite brother, cousin and uncle. 😁

A San Francisco jewel, this iconic oyster bar is a favorite. It’s normally my first stop I hit if I can get there before 2:00 pm when I arrive. I love the counter service and the outstanding service staff. You shouldn’t miss this place

Delicious fresh seafood. Yummy clam chowder. Got the Sicilian sashimi, dozen eggs, cup of chowder, and prawn cocktail. The staff are super friendly with big personalities. Go for the amazing food and unique experience!

Second time we’ve visited Swan and it was as wonderful as our first visit 8 years ago. We arrived early (10:30am) and there was no wait. By the time we left an hour later there was a line. They’ve got great oysters, their mixed seafood salad with Louis dressing was delicious, but the best thing about Swan is the people working there— super friendly and attentive.

Niche hole in the wall with large variety of options. The seafood was very high quality and fresh. Try the Sicilian Sashimi, an assortment of fish and Scallops drizzled in olive oil, lemon, capers and onion. The menu was literally a photo of the wall printer and laminated which I thought was funny. We got here expecting to wait up to two hours but if you're willing to go early there was no line (8am, Saturday, December). Our waiter was very friendly and gave recommendations the whole way through. Cost was high but if you're looking for good quality seafood this is a great stop

Classic San Francisco joint, delightful fresh seafood in an iconic setting. You can't go wrong with a dozen mixed oysters. I was skeptical of the concept of oysters for breakfast at 8am but I'm now convinced it's the best way to start your day. Wine by the bottle is barely marked up, excellent selection and better prices. Also, they only serve seafood, so don't take a vegetarian or someone who's allergic to fish here, there are not alternative options.

Everything about this little gem is happy. The people waiting in line are happy to chat. The owner and his crew behind the counter are happy to educate you on the seafood (and refill your glass). And finally, you’re happy when your belly is full of delicious & fresh oysters and fish! It’s a warm and inviting counter that you should not miss when in SF!

Great restaurant to eat at when in San Francisco, only hold about 17 tables first come first serve. The wait was about an hour but it was worth it. Everything was super fresh and delicious, from the clam chowder, to the crab salad, to the sushi, yummy! The staff are very friendly and hospitable. I would highly recommend this place for anyone visiting San Francisco.

Really cool place, the atmosphere was fun and interactive. Food was fresh and delicious, the hour long lineup was worth the wait. We had the Combination salad and highly recommend it. The Raw Oyster Variety The Crab Back which we thought would be warm but it is a cold dish. It has a very unique taste but worth a try. Highly Recommend this place!

We were served by Santiago -- the best! Made us two out-of-towners feel like VIP guests. So happy to have had this experience. We went around 11am on a Monday morning and we were lucky, we hardly had any wait time before we scored a couple of seats in the centre of the counter. Two cold steam ales, a mixed platter of clams and oysters, Sicilian sashimi (great way of looking at a bunch of different fresh fish), prawn cocktail, and scallops in ponzu. Everything was fresh and super delicious. The guys were happy to chat about their favourite dishes and give info on the different fish and oysters. This time we missed out on the crab back because they're out of season but we'll definitely be back to try them. Thanks to the team for providing one of the best dining experiences I've ever had 🙏

Feels like such a cultured well oiled establishment. Really warm and fun service, with that family vibe going. Got there early so only had a short wait. I like that the dishes are amazingly fresh and not too coloured with ingredients, so the real taste really comes through as it should. Really enjoyed my dining here.

This was our second time and it was worth the wait (1-2 hours on the weekends). The staff is all family and are so friendly for how many hungry people they have to serve every day. Our top dishes are the Smoked Salmon, Sicilian Sashimi and Dozen Eggs. Don't let the line get you down: order a beer and make friends with the people next to you!

Fresh deliciousness. Arrive early. The line forms early. Crab aLouie Salad was fantastic - swimming in lovely sweet Dungeness crab meat. Great bread. The chowder was fine. The most excellent spectacular server was a tasty highlight as well.

The line and wait was excruciating but the seafood was great. Loved the crab. Very fresh. Clam chowder was great too!

My favorite restaurant in SF. This iconic place is stunning. All their food is fresh and of great quality. The staff is super friendly and they take their time with each customer. You can't leave San Francisco without going to this place. A tip, you have to go early because there is always a line and the restaurant is very small

We arrived at 9:30 am. There were 3 outside tables were already occupied and one on front of us. After 33 min later we could get inside. Staffs were friendly especially Joey who had been working there 3 years. We ordered 6 mixed oysters + 6 clams, a sashimi plate, and a crab back. All were fresh and tasty. Fresh oysters were sooooooo good. My spouse loves every dishes. If we visit SF again, then we definitely visit here again.

Best place if you are seafood lover. Best oysters ever had. Everything fresh and delicious! Cash only so be prepare or use atm across the street. Highly recommended!