[Lunch] Swan Oyster Depot (Queue for Ten)

Swan Oyster Depot
Saying Swan Oyster Depot is a favorite is akin to saying children love Santa Claus. And children really do love Santa.

This is a legendary San Francisco experience, a world wide destination long before celebrity endorsements, the only piece missing is Anchor Steam beer from my first visit.

Oysters are great, Crab is great. It's like that. I also like their Clam Chowder.

Come wait in line and we'll eventually get in and seated, be patient it may take a while, but this is not only for tourists.

Minutiae
Swan Oyster Depot has only 18 stools, so we'll queue outside together and pair up to be seated or eat individually.

The social part of this meal will be while in the line. Swan Oyster Depot can take an hour to be seated, bring water if you need.

History
Swan Oyster Depot first opened in early 1890s as the Cable Oyster Depot. Founded by the Lausten family, who were immigrants from Denmark, the shop, started as a purveyor of shellfish from Fisherman's Wharf. In 1946, Sal Sancimino and Pat La Rocca bought Swan Oyster Depot from the Laustens.

Currently, Swan Oyster Depot has a legendary selection of fresh, never frozen, seafood. Primarily shellfish but also fresh fish.

Their menu features oysters, but also has shrimp and clam chowder.

Swan Oyster Depot has won countless awards and been featured on many television cooking and restaurant shows. Their awards include mentioned as a San Francisco destination by Michelin, James Beard awards and more.

History from wikipedia

Menus and Reviews
Swan Oyster Depot does not have a website
Swan Oyster Depot (Yelp*)
Swan Oyster Depot (SFGate)

Administratriva
Prices are based on individual orders and can be as low as $20 or higher than $100, current pricing I would guess $75 for a solo diner and closer to $50 if you split with someone and wanted to try a wide variety of their menu.

Dress is smart casual

Taxes and Restaurant Fees
Dining in San Francisco has a sales tax (8.625%) and probably an employee health mandate (3-10%), a tip (20%) may be automatically added, even on individual bills, if not we expect a 20% minimum tip to be paid for individual bills.

Each diner should be billed separately and is responsible for their own orders and costs.

Please bring cash, historically they only accept cash.

Transportation to Swan Oyster Depot
MUNI: 19, (California Cable Car, 49)

Finding street parking in The Tenderloin is usually difficult.

Parking garages can be found nearby

Use event comments for Car Pooling and Ride Sharing.

Many thanks for the photos and history from restaurant website

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