The simplest, most classic, most traditional (dating back to 1912) crab feed pig-out place is Swan Oyster Depot, which has been ringing in Dungeness crab season for more than 100 years. This delightfully old-school institution offers a whole crab or half crab served with piles of melted butter, cocktail sauce, and mayonnaise, or a big bag of boiled crab that allows you to avoid the always in-effect line going down the block. It’s a no-frills Dungeness feast that’s considered obligatory among local, and Swan Oyster Depot’s affordable menu ensures you won’t have to shell out too much money.

Swan Oyster Bar is a classic place to eat crab in SF, though I personally hate to pay those kind of prices just for cracked crab with butter (which is what they have for crab, along with some crab cocktail and crab salads) since I can get it cooked and cleaned at any market for a third the price and have it at home (harder for a tourist, I know).

Open during the day only from 10.30am to 5.30pm, it frequently has a long line to get to the counter, but it’s worth the wait. From the freshest oysters to clam chowder to smoked trout and salmon, there are few places that have been serving up seafood like this since 1912. Opt for the crab fat (dip your sourdough right in!) if they have it.

This family-run raw bar has been slinging fresh seafood for over 100 years. Despite its advanced age, its popularity hasn’t diminished—hour-long lines regularly form to snag one of the counter’s 18 seats (Anthony Bourdain was a lifelong regular). The cold case is piled with lobsters, shrimp, crabs, and squid.

What makes Swan Oyster Depot fun is the thrill of anticipation, like when the lederhosen-wearing masses start shuffling into the Castro for a sing-along “Sound of Music.” There’s never not a wait for Swan Oyster, but you get to do it with other pilgrims drawn to the prospect of that first briny jolt of raw oyster, the slurp of Anchor Steam, that creamy-crunchy-cold bite of crab, iceberg and Louie dressing. You know you’ll probably get barked at for standing in the wrong place but also made to feel right at home when you finally sit down behind the counter, head nodded in quiet thanks. This 106-year-old seafood bar is all about super-fresh shellfish, so it’s not cheap, but everything seems to be priced the way it should be.

No roundup of seafood spots in SF would be complete without Swan, which is easily one of the most food-TV-celebrated restaurants in the city — thanks in part to the late Anthony Bourdain, who totally loved this place. During Dungeness season, you go here to indulge in unadulterated steamed crab legs, out of their shell, served as a "chrysanthemum" on a plate (pictured above) with a side of Louie sauce for dipping. Otherwise, fans come back for afternoon indulgences of prawns, oysters, and smoked salmon, washed down with cold beer (note they're only open for breakfast and lunch and close at 5:30 p.m.).

There’s something about an old-school seafood counter that lends some extra enjoyment to a fresh fish meal. Anthony Bourdain himself once called Swan Oyster Depot his “happy zone,” and people flock to this Polk St. location for flavorful New England-style clam chowder, Sicilian sashimi, fresh oysters, and bountiful seafood salads. The restaurant has been a no-frills gem in Nob Hill since 1912, so its reputation brings long lines — consider arriving early and be willing to roll with the punches.

Whenever he’s in town, seminal chef Eric Ripert tries to go Swan Oyster Depot—one of San Francisco’s most quintessential dining experiences, seafood-focused or otherwise—for an order of crab backs, which he says are some of the best he’s ever tasted. “I like it there because they source the best possible seafood. You can try and get there early to avoid the lines, but it’s worth the wait.” The compact restaurant has been operating since 1903, minus a hiatus following the 1906 earthquake.

A place not short on accolades, Swan Oyster Depot is an institution in San Francisco and has been made wildly popular to out-of-towners by food critic Anthony Bourdain. Bourdain has been quoted as saying, "If god made anything better, he kept it for himself." Be prepared to wait 30 to 45 minutes for an elbow-to-elbow seat with strangers. People have come from the farthest reaches of the country to suck down fresh clams and oysters at this tiny marble countertop.

Tourists and locals flock to this bustling historical landmark for its super fresh seafood salads and platters. Rejoice, for you can once again sit at the century-old marble counter of this Polk Gulch seafood haven to quietly take in the sounds of cracking crab claws and ripping sourdough bread. Run by the Sancimino family since 1946, the restaurant has a no-nonsense charm to its service style that is at once nostalgic and refreshing.

The incomparable Swan Oyster Depot, a national treasure since 1912, is the ultimate example of SF Italian seafood bars, including the likes of Sotto Mare and California Fish Market Restaurant. These are the kind of places that gave birth to iconic SF-born dishes like cioppino and crab Louie salads. There’s Tadich Grill since 1849, the Castro’s cherished Anchor Oyster Bar since 1977 (please, please open back up for lunch, Anchor!).

Thanks to its privileged location between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, San Francisco has no shortage of great seafood restaurants. But Swan Oyster Depot must be the best of the bunch. You’ll want to visit this delectable restaurant, which was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite eateries in the city, for its Sicilian-style sashimi, New England Clam Chowder, and freshly-caught oysters served with spicy Thai chile sauce.

Every night, a crowd of people line up outside this Nob Hill institution, lured by its menu of no-frills classic seafood and shellfish. It's a first-come, first-serve kind of place, and has been feeding customers for well over a century. Local residents and SF visitors are equally smitten with this place, which boasts a long stretch of counter stools, wines on ice and beers on tap, and all the fresh fish you can eat.

The most common description of the counter in the 100+-year-old fish market is “no-frills.” Personally, with the quality of oysters they serve, I don't care about the frills!. I will say, given the size of the counter, it is extremely tough to get into, but so worth it. Go early to the Nob Hill location (1517 Polk St) and make friends, the service is great (all family), and please note it is CASH only!

Open since 1912, Swan Oyster Depot is an establishment that has been consistently known for its unbelievably fresh seafood. With an extensive menu, including sashimi platters, clams, oysters and Dungeness crab, there is bound to be something to cater to every picky eater. Remember to get their clam chowder in a bread bowl to complete your meal.

For generations, this small eatery has been delighting seafood lovers from all over the city. Distinguished by a marble counter and pull-up stools, the place puts all its attention on fresh shellfish, especially just-shucked oysters. You can also try clams on the half-shell, cracked crab, lobster, and shrimp, along with a few soups and salads.

Since we had just dealt with a line the day before at Swan Oyster Depot, I did my research before going to find the best time. We got there at around 7:40 on a Sunday and were the seventh and eighth people in line. By the time the restaurant opened at 8 there were about 25 people behind us, and when we left at 9 there was about 45 in line.

The best restaurants are often the ones that look pretty unremarkable from the outside, and Swan Oyster Depot is no exception. This part-market, part-restaurant is where you’ll find some of the city’s best seafood dishes and fresh seasonal fish. There’s local oysters, smoked salmon, clam chowder and Dungeness crab to try.

Swan Oyster Depot has been a local favorite in San Francisco since 1912, known for its fresh seafood and no-frills counter service. Family-run and laid-back, it draws both regulars and newcomers with its welcoming atmosphere. Expect a line, but the friendly vibe and consistent quality keep people coming back.

Historic Swan Oyster Depot—the city’s most popular raw and seafood bar—opened in its current building in 1912, and little has changed since. Pull on a fish-shaped brass door handle, step across the cracked mosaic floor, slide onto one of the 18 barstools in the narrow room, and get…

Swan Oyster Depot is a bucket list foodie destination in San Francisco. Be prepared to wait in line as long as a few hours to get one of their few seats, but it is well worth the wait. Some of the best seafood in the country is served in this landmark San Francisco restaurant.

Swan Oyster Depot (Best Fresh Seafood): One of the best places for seafood in San Fran, this cash-only restaurant offers some of the best shrimp, oysters, and sashimi, all of which are freshly prepared. There are only around twenty seats so be ready for a long line to get in.

Anthony Bourdain (RIP) used to come here every time he came to SF… We think that’s all you need to know about this place, but since y’all have high standards, we’ll feed you a little more. Swan’s is an old school, no-nonsense, absolute classic SF oyster bar.

This century-old seafood counter serves some of the freshest seafood in the city. Expect a line at Swan Oyster Depot, but the clam chowder and fresh crab are worth the wait. The counter seating and bustling atmosphere give it an authentic, old-school feel.

Thank you, Anthony Bourdain for bringing Swan Oyster Depot into my life but also everyone else’s. And I mean everyone. This very famous seafood spot is over 100 years old and has just 18 counter seats in a shotgun style space in Nob Hill.

Arguably one of the best Seafood restaurants in San Francisco is Swan Oyster Depot. This fish market is among the iconic San Francisco eateries because of its reputation. There is always a huge line to get in, but well worth the wait.

Swan Oyster Depot is widely considered to be the very best seafood spot in the city. Opened over a century ago by four Danish brothers using a horse-drawn carriage, the siblings delivered fresh seafood throughout San Francisco.

This seafood market may lose some points in the service and decor categories, but it draws long lines and some of the freshest seafood in San Francisco. Locals recommend the dungeness crab salad and clam chowder.

An institution that has been around for nearly 120 years now. It’s a fresh fish market, as well as a diner with limited counter seating. Don’t let the long line dissuade you though, as it moves quite fast.

1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109Phone: 415-673-1101 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by SF BAY | LA FOOD •TRAVEL• LIFE (@hungryhungryheejin)

This is the place to go for some good ol’ San Fransisco dining. This place has great seafood with even better prices. If anything, just get the crab backs.

Oysters are the classic seafood meal to have here in this old-school spot along with half a cracked Dungeness, a bowl of chowder, or a shrimp salad.

We spent a lot of time at (the now closed) Mayes Oyster House on Polk Street and then I worked for Swan Oyster Depot before opening my own place.