Swan Oyster Depot, San Francisco
San Francisco , California
94109
Tel: 415 673 1101
Concierge.com's insider take:
Opened in 1912, this seafood shop isn't a restaurant, it's a landmark. Today, the fifth generation is behind the original marble counter, and the ground rules remain unchanged. Except for the rich, creamy clam chowder, everything here is served cold. "Cooking" means tossing shrimp salad with Louie dressing (sort of a homemade Thousand Island), shucking oysters, or cracking crab (ask Frank to make you the special Dijon-butter-mayo sauce for dipping). The stools at the long narrow counter fill up during the lunch hour, so try to get there before or after noon. But be warned, the owners close when they sell out. For dessert, go to See's Candy next door; this one-two combo on Polk Street is a perfect taste of old-school San Francisco.
Open Mondays through Saturdays 8 am to 5:30 pm.
