Swan Oyster Depot, Seafood counter restaurant in Polk Gulch, San Francisco, US.
Swan Oyster Depot is an oyster bar operating along a marble counter with 18 wooden stools on Polk Street in San Francisco.The menu focuses on fresh oysters, clams, sashimi, and crab cocktails prepared directly in front of customers.
The restaurant started in 1903 as Cable Oyster Depot and was rebuilt in 1912 under its current name following the 1906 earthquake.The Sancimino family took over in 1946 and shifted the focus toward Pacific coast seafood sources.
The place carries its Danish roots through its design and has become a gathering spot where locals and travelers share a simple counter meal together.This direct interaction between customers and staff at the bar is part of what makes the experience feel like a daily ritual rather than a restaurant visit.
The place operates on a cash-only basis and gets crowded quickly due to the small seating capacity along the counter.Arriving early or during off-peak hours helps avoid long waits.
The restaurant sources its seafood exclusively from the Pacific coast and follows a strict seasonal-only policy for fresh ingredients.This means certain oysters and items rotate on and off the menu depending on the time of year.
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