Swan Oyster Depot 1517 Polk Street
It happened. I finally made it to Swan Oyster Depot! Any Anthony Bourdain fans out there? Then you must remember the episode in which he makes a quick trip to SF and stops by this seafood lover's paradise, right? Well, long before that episode aired, I had this place on my list. I'm a hugeee seafood fanatic: I see food, I eat it! Corny jokes aside, if you haven't heard of this place and you're looking for a spot to grab some fresh seafood, put this one on your list.
Swan's has quite the wait. This isn't just a spot you can stroll up to and grab a quick bite to eat. Au contraire. Swan's requires thoughtful planning and commitment. I knew I wanted to be there right when doors opened and luckily had a weekday off to beat the crowd. (If you can get there on a weekday, it's your best bet for getting in and out.) I hopped on a bus and got in line at about 10:15am. The doors opened and welcomed everyone in at 10:30 on the dot. The folks at Swan's are about as cheerful and thoughtful as can be. It felt very homey and there wasn't a rush to order, despite the line of people who quickly gathered at the door as soon as all the seats were taken inside.
Swan's is best for dining solo or with another pal (I went with my fellow foodie and friend, Brandy). We split an order of fresh oysters, the crab cocktail, and a cup of clam chowder, each. In total, our bill came to an even $40 - not bad for fresh seafood. The oysters are an obvious must-have, the crab (if in season) is too. Uni was on the menu and the foodie in me wanted to order it, but I decided to pass this time around. Having said that, whatever the fresh pick of the day is, you should get it. Swan's was great and I'm so glad that I was finally able to cross this one off my list!
It happened. I finally made it to Swan Oyster Depot! Any Anthony Bourdain fans out there? Then you must remember the episode in which he makes a quick trip to SF and stops by this seafood lover's paradise, right? Well, long before that episode aired, I had this place on my list. I'm a hugeee seafood fanatic: I see food, I eat it! Corny jokes aside, if you haven't heard of this place and you're looking for a spot to grab some fresh seafood, put this one on your list.
Swan's has quite the wait. This isn't just a spot you can stroll up to and grab a quick bite to eat. Au contraire. Swan's requires thoughtful planning and commitment. I knew I wanted to be there right when doors opened and luckily had a weekday off to beat the crowd. (If you can get there on a weekday, it's your best bet for getting in and out.) I hopped on a bus and got in line at about 10:15am. The doors opened and welcomed everyone in at 10:30 on the dot. The folks at Swan's are about as cheerful and thoughtful as can be. It felt very homey and there wasn't a rush to order, despite the line of people who quickly gathered at the door as soon as all the seats were taken inside.
Swan's is best for dining solo or with another pal (I went with my fellow foodie and friend, Brandy). We split an order of fresh oysters, the crab cocktail, and a cup of clam chowder, each. In total, our bill came to an even $40 - not bad for fresh seafood. The oysters are an obvious must-have, the crab (if in season) is too. Uni was on the menu and the foodie in me wanted to order it, but I decided to pass this time around. Having said that, whatever the fresh pick of the day is, you should get it. Swan's was great and I'm so glad that I was finally able to cross this one off my list!
I love this place! Can never say no to fresh seafood
ReplyDeletehttp://heyprettything.com
I can smell the ocean now...
ReplyDeleteSO jealous that you finally made it here!! Still can't believe I haven't bite the bullet and stood in line considering its 5 blocks from my house. Looks amazing!
ReplyDeletexo Donna
You know what? I've never heard of this place, and we watch lots of Bourdain around here! Definitely looks delish, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletexo Carlina
AllergicToVanilla.com