Swan Oyster Depot

Swan Oyster Depot Review

Half fish market and half diner, this small, slim, family-run seafood operation, open since 1912, has no tables, just a narrow marble counter with about a dozen-and-a-half stools. Most people come in to buy perfectly fresh salmon, halibut, crabs, and other seafood to take home. Everyone else hops onto one of the rickety stools to enjoy a bowl of clam chowder—the only hot food served—a dozen oysters, half a cracked crab, a slice of crusty sourdough, a big shrimp salad, or a smaller shrimp cocktail. And it's all served up with a side of big personality from the jovial folks behind the counter who make you feel like a regular. Come early or late to avoid a long wait. And since this place is notoriously cash only (and seafood is not exactly cheap!), be sure to come with a full wallet.