20+ Swan Oyster Depot Menu Items, What to Order & Visiting Tips (2026)

Last updated: 24 October 2026

The Swan Oyster Depot menu is a short, handwritten list of raw shellfish, crab, seafood salads, smoked fish, and one hot bowl of clam chowder. It is served at a marble counter at 1517 Polk Street in San Francisco. Prices follow the daily market, nothing is printed online, and the restaurant takes cash only.

This guide covers what is on the board, what regulars order, what sells out, and how to plan a visit. It is an independent, unofficial guide and is not affiliated with Swan Oyster Depot or the Sancimino family.

If you only have a minute, here is the short version:

• Best first order: a cup or bowl of Boston clam chowder, a combination seafood salad, and a few oysters.
• Best seasonal pick: cracked Dungeness crab, usually available mid-November through May.
• Best way to skip the wait: order takeout.
• Most important rule: bring cash.

Swan Oyster Depot Menu at a Glance

The board changes with the catch, so treat this table as a map of the categories rather than a fixed list.

Category	Typical items	How it’s served
Raw bar	Oysters, little neck clams, cherrystone clams, sea urchin (when available)	Cold, on the half shell
Crab	Cracked Dungeness crab, crab cocktail, crab Louie	Cold, seasonal
Shrimp and cold salads	Shrimp cocktail, shrimp salad, combination salad, octopus salad, squid salad	Cold, with dressing on the side
Smoked fish	Smoked salmon, smoked trout, smoked whitefish	Cold, with bread
Hot items	Boston clam chowder, steamed Maine lobster	Hot, cooked to order
Drinks	Beer, white wine, soft drinks	Counter service

Swan Oyster Depot does not publish prices online, and calorie information is not available. I have left out specific dollar amounts on purpose. Older figures floating around the web come from different years and vary a lot, so you would be planning around numbers that may be wrong.

About Swan Oyster Depot

The business dates back to 1912, and the Sancimino family has owned it since 1946. The counter is tiny. Andrew Zimmern describes a place with neon beer signs, sports memorabilia, and a hand-painted menu on the wall. The room is plain, but the seafood is the draw. San Francisco Chronicleandrewzimmern

Most of what you order is cold, so there is almost no kitchen. The counter staff shuck, crack, slice, and ladle everything in front of you. That is a big part of the appeal.

How We Verified This Menu

I have not seen a printed menu or price list from the restaurant, because none is published. This guide is built from the restaurant’s own public description of itself, long-running reviews from established food writers and local newspapers, and recent visitor reports. Where sources disagreed, I say so or leave the detail out.

Because the board changes daily, confirm items and prices at the counter. Hours and availability can also shift around holidays and the restaurant’s summer break.

Also Read:Dishoom Menu 2026: 15 Dishes Worth Ordering (Prices, Calories & Tips)

Raw Bar: Oysters, Clams and Sea Urchin

The raw bar is where most first-timers start. Everything arrives on ice, with lemon, hot sauce, and a few sauces to mix to your taste.

West Coast Oysters on the Half Shell

West Coast oysters tend to be smaller and sweeter, with a clean, briny finish. They suit people who want a gentle introduction to raw oysters. Order a half dozen to start and add more once you see how fast they disappear.

East Coast Oysters

East Coast varieties are usually saltier and firmer. If you like a sharper ocean flavor, ask what is in that day. Mixing both coasts in one order is an easy way to taste the difference.

Little Neck Clams

Little necks are listed on the half shell. They are small, tender, and mild. They make a good side to a bigger plate rather than a meal on their own. it

Cherrystone Clams

Cherrystones are the larger, chewier cousin. Some visitors mention them as a quiet favorite. Availability varies, so ask when you sit down.

Sea Urchin (Uni)

When sea urchin is in, it is one of the more talked-about items. Zimmern calls it creamy and unctuous and points out that the version here is very fresh. It is not for everyone. If you like rich, custardy seafood, it is worth trying. If you are new to it, split one order. andrewzimmern

Crab: The Reason Many People Come

Cracked Dungeness Crab

This is the item people travel for. Dungeness is generally served from mid-November through May, and it comes cracked, meaning the cooked, chilled claw, leg, and body sections are ready for you to pull the meat out. Expect a messy, hands-on plate and a lot of sweet meat. roadfood

Out of season, or on days when the catch is short, it may not be on the board. One visitor reported that crab was unavailable on the day they went, so do not build your whole trip around it without checking.

Crab Cocktail

The crab cocktail is the easier, tidier option. You get chilled crab meat with cocktail sauce and no shell to deal with. It suits anyone who wants the flavor without the work.

Crab Louie and Crab Salad

The seafood salads come with the standard Louis dressing, and the staff will offer a lighter vinaigrette if you ask. A crab salad is a good middle ground between a cocktail and a full cracked crab. It is filling without being heavy. San Francisco Chronicle

Crab Back (When Available)

Some regulars ask for the crab back, which is the rich, buttery part of the crab served with melted butter. It sells out early and is not always on the board. If you see it, expect a stronger, more intense taste than the leg meat.

Shrimp, Octopus and Squid

Shrimp Cocktail

The shrimp cocktail is a classic order and one of the cheaper ways to get a taste of the place. The SF Chronicle once pointed out that a shrimp cocktail, a bowl of chowder, and a beer made a very good-value lunch. Prices have changed since then, but the idea still holds. San Francisco Chronicle

Shrimp Salad

The shrimp salad is a simple plate of chilled shrimp over lettuce with dressing on the side. It is light and quick to finish. Pair it with chowder if you want something warm.

Combination Salad

If you can only order one cold dish, many regulars pick this one. One visitor described a combination of prawns, shrimp, smoked salmon, and trout over lettuce and noted that almost everyone around them had ordered it. It lets you sample several items in one plate. nomss

Octopus Salad

The octopus salad is a Swan special. The texture is tender with a little bite, and it is dressed lightly. It works well as a shared starter.

Squid Salad

The squid salad is listed among the specialties. It is another light, chilled choice. Order it if you like a bit of chew and a tangy dressing. San Francisco Chronicle

Smoked Fish

Smoked Salmon

The smoked salmon is salty, silky, and rich. It is available with rye or French bread. One reviewer on Wanderlog called out smoked salmon on bread as a highlight. roadfood

Smoked Trout

Smoked trout is flakier and a little milder than salmon. It is listed with salad, bread, and butter. It makes a solid lunch plate without needing anything else. it

Smoked Whitefish

Smoked whitefish is the softest and most delicate of the three. It is a good pick if you find smoked salmon too strong. Ask whether it is in that day.

Hot Items: Chowder, Lobster and the Off-Menu Stew

Boston Clam Chowder

Chowder is the one hot dish most people order, and it is the item with the strongest agreement among reviewers. The liquor from the shucked seafood goes into the chowder. That gives it a clear ocean flavor rather than a heavy, floury one. San Francisco Chronicle

One visitor found it not very thick but tasty, with small pieces of clam. Do not expect a spoon-standing bowl. The counter keeps oyster crackers on the marble for you to add. On a foggy San Francisco afternoon it is hard to beat. nomssroadfood

Steamed Maine Lobster

Lobster is cooked to order, so plan for a wait. One listing mentions allowing about 25 minutes and serving it with drawn butter. Order it early in your visit, then eat cold items while you wait. it

The Off-Menu Seafood Stew

Some visitors mention an off-menu stew built on the chowder base, with added clams, shrimp, prawns, crab, and oysters. I have seen it described only in visitor accounts, not on any official list. If you want it, ask politely and be ready for a “not today.” nomss

The Secret Menu: Sicilian Crudo

Visitors often mention a Sicilian-style sashimi or crudo that is not on the board. Reports describe a mix of raw fish, such as salmon and tuna, dressed with olive oil, lemon, and capers. One reviewer compared it to a cross between ceviche and carpaccio. nomss

Because it is off menu, it depends on what fish is fresh that day. Ask rather than assume.

Bread, Crackers and Drinks

Sourdough bread and oyster crackers are the usual companions to chowder and smoked fish. They are simple, and that is the point. Bread is worth ordering if you plan to eat chowder or salads.

For drinks, visitors mention beer, including Anchor Steam, plus white wine and soft drinks. A crisp white wine fits most of the cold seafood. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, ask what is in the cooler.

Prices and Payment

Swan Oyster Depot is cash only. There are ATMs nearby on Polk Street, but the line can make a cash run awkward, so withdraw before you arrive.

Prices are set by the market. That means cracked crab, lobster, and oysters can change from week to week. As a rough guide, expect cold salads and cocktails to cost less than crab and lobster. Staff can tell you the price of anything before you order, so ask.

For a first visit, plan a budget that covers:

• One hot dish, such as chowder
• One cold plate, such as a combination salad
• A half dozen oysters
• A drink and a tip

Add more if you want crab or lobster.

Best Picks by Craving

If you want…	Order this
Something warm	Boston clam chowder
A little of everything	Combination salad
The famous crab	Cracked Dungeness (in season)
A light, tidy lunch	Shrimp or crab cocktail
Something rich and smoky	Smoked salmon on bread
A first oyster experience	Half dozen West Coast oysters
An adventurous bite	Sea urchin, or the off-menu crudo
Best value	Shrimp cocktail with chowder

Healthier and Dietary Options

Most of the menu is naturally light. Raw oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, and sashimi-style plates are low in added fat. If you want to cut richness on a salad, ask for the vinaigrette instead of the Louis dressing.

A few notes on dietary needs:

• Vegetarian: The menu is almost entirely seafood. Sourdough bread and crackers are about all there is.
• Shellfish allergy: This is not a safe place for anyone with a shellfish allergy. Everything is prepared in a small shared space.
• Dairy: The chowder contains dairy. Ask staff if you have concerns about other items.
• Allergen and calorie details: None are published. Ask at the counter.

Swan Oyster Depot is a tiny seafood counter on Polk Street in San Francisco that has served fresh oysters, crab, and seafood salads since 1912. It has about 18 counter stools, takes no reservations, and accepts cash only. This guide covers the menu with prices, the secret menu, hours, what to order, forum tips, the controversies, and what the photos show.

Swan Oyster Depot Menu With Prices

The Swan Oyster Depot menu with prices is a short, handwritten list of raw shellfish, cocktails, salads, soup, smoked fish, and drinks. Prices have risen over the years, and third-party listings show very different numbers, so treat everything below as a guide only.

Sample Prices From a Recent Listing

Item	Approx. price
6 Cherry Stone Clams	$20
6 Blue Point Oysters	$20
West Coast Littlenecks	$15
Half Cracked Crab (with Louie sauce and mustard mayo)	$28
Smoked Trout or Smoked White Fish	$27
Shrimp Salad	$28
Prawn Salad	$30
Combination Salad	$31
Crab Salad	$42
Lobster Salad	$65

Seafood Cocktails

Cocktail	Approx. price
Shrimp or Prawn	$19
Clam	$19
Olympia Oyster	$15
Eastern Oyster	$18
Crab	$27
Combination	$26
Lobster	$70

Drinks

One listing shows draft beer at about $7, wine at about $10 a glass, and soft drinks, coffee, tea, and milk at about $3. Swan also serves a short wine list, including a chardonnay of the day and sauvignon blanc, at about $11 to $16 a glass in newer listings.

Why the Numbers Differ

• Swan has no website, so there is no official online price list.
• Older pages show about half the prices above. For example, an older listing has a half cracked crab at $20 and a combination salad at $21.
• Fresh shellfish prices move with the market and the season.

What a Meal Costs

A meal of a seafood salad or cocktail, a half dozen oysters, a drink, and a tip usually costs more than $50 per person. One review site lists a typical spend of $50 to $100.

Also Read:El Maguey Menu 2026: 30+ Dishes, Prices and Best Picks

Swan Oyster Depot Menu San Francisco

The Swan Oyster Depot menu in San Francisco is designed around a long marble counter and a display case of fresh seafood on ice. You can see much of what you order before the staff prepare it.

Where It Is

The restaurant is at 1517 Polk Street, in the Polk Gulch area between Nob Hill and Russian Hill. Street parking is hard to find, so many visitors walk or take transit.

Menu Sections

• Raw and shellfish: oysters, clams, and half cracked crab.
• Seafood cocktails: shrimp, prawn, crab, clam, oyster, and lobster.
• Salads: served with bread and butter and a house dressing.
• Soup: Boston clam chowder, in a cup or bowl.
• Smoked fish: trout, white fish, and smoked salmon.
• Lobster: Maine lobster cooked to order, which can take about 25 minutes.
• Drinks: beer, wine, and soft drinks.

A Short Menu That Changes

Swan is known for its fresh, sometimes rare oysters, and the list of oysters changes daily. Items such as Dungeness crab or uni can sell out, so what you see on the day matters more than any printed list.

A Little History

The business began in the 1890s as the Cable Oyster Depot, and the shop at 1517 Polk Street opened in 1912. The Sancimino family has run it since 1946, and it has a James Beard American Classics award. The late chef Anthony Bourdain was a famous fan.

Swan Oyster Depot Secret Menu

The Swan Oyster Depot secret menu is a set of off-menu dishes that regulars ask for. It is not really secret anymore, since many guides and travel shows mention it, but availability depends on the day.

Popular Off-Menu Orders

• Sicilian Sashimi: raw fish, often salmon, with olive oil, onion, capers, and lemon. It is one of the most ordered dishes in guides.
• Crab back: a Dungeness crab shell with rich crab butter, often eaten with bread.
• Uni (sea urchin): when it is in season and available.
• Off-the-menu stew: a blog describes a chowder-based stew with clams, shrimp, prawns, crab, and oysters.

How to Ask

Order politely, ask what is fresh today, and be ready to hear that an item is not available. Staff are busy, so know what you want before you sit.

Prices

Off-menu items are priced by the day and by the market. Ask the staff for the price before you order, since cash is the only way to pay.

Swan Oyster Depot Hours

The Swan Oyster Depot hours are short and the restaurant closes on Sundays.

Opening Hours

Day	Hours
Monday to Saturday	8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday	Closed

Hours can change, and the shop closes for vacations. In July 2025, for example, it was closed for about two weeks. Check Instagram or call before you travel.

Cash Only and No Reservations

• Swan accepts cash only. There is an ATM nearby, across the street.
• There are no reservations, and the counter has about 18 seats.
• There is no official website, so Instagram is the best place for news.

How Long Is the Wait?

Lines can begin forming before opening, and waits of 30 minutes to over an hour are common at peak times. One forum visitor waited about 45 minutes on a Saturday afternoon, and another found no line a little before 10 a.m. on a weekday.

Tips for a Shorter Wait

• Arrive right at 8 a.m. or late in the morning on a weekday.
• Go in a small group, because it is easier to find two stools together.
• Order takeout if you do not want to wait for a seat. Forum posts say takeout is faster.

What to Order at Swan Oyster Depot

If you are wondering what to order at Swan Oyster Depot, start with the raw shellfish and a seafood salad, then add one hot or special item.

Best First-Time Orders

1. Oysters: ask which ones are best today and try a half dozen.
2. Combination seafood salad: a plate of seafood over lettuce with the famous house dressing on the side.
3. Half cracked crab: served with Louie sauce and mustard mayo when crab is available.
4. Sicilian sashimi: the best-known off-menu dish.
5. Boston clam chowder: a comforting classic with oyster crackers.
6. Shrimp cocktail: a simple, quick choice.

Good Pairings

A cold beer or a glass of white wine suits the seafood. Sourdough bread is helpful for soaking up sauces.

Crab Season and Availability

Dungeness crab is seasonal, and one blog visitor found that crab and uni were not available on a Wednesday. If crab is your main goal, ask about it when you reach the counter.

For Sharing

The portions are generous, so two people can share a salad, a dozen oysters, and a cup of chowder.

Swan Oyster Depot Menu Reddit

Searches for the Swan Oyster Depot menu on Reddit usually lead to tips from regulars and visitors. Reddit and food forums are useful for recent experiences, but they are not official.

Common Topics in Forums

• How long the line is and the best time to arrive
• Whether crab is available today
• Which dishes are worth the price
• Takeout versus sitting at the counter
• Cash-only rules and nearby ATMs

Tips Regulars Share

On the Hungry Onion forum, diners say takeout is faster and recommend arriving well before closing, since the staff may stop the line early. Another poster said the bar was full by about 11 a.m. on a weekday.

How to Use Forum Advice

Prices, availability, and wait times change quickly, so check the date of any post. Use forums for ideas, but confirm hours and cash rules before you go.

Swan Oyster Depot Controversy

People searching for the Swan Oyster Depot controversy will find two reported incidents. This section summarizes them in a neutral way, so readers can decide for themselves.

2025: The “45 47” Hat

In July 2025, a local food influencer posted a photo of a cap marked “45” and “47” behind the counter, which some read as support for President Trump. The post drew many comments and negative reviews online, and Yelp placed an alert on the business page. The owners said a guest had given them the hat and that they display items from guests as a tradition. They also said the hat had been taken down for cleaning before a family vacation, according to news reports.

Earlier: Customer Complaint on Treatment

Earlier, a customer said staff had been disrespectful when his family ordered, and his posts led to many negative reviews. Yelp froze the page at the time. The restaurant explained that a term used for customers who order from more than one staff member was not meant as an insult.

What This Means for Visitors

• Both issues were reported in the news, and the accounts differ.
• Reviews on sites like Yelp can be affected during online disputes.
• Whether you visit is a personal choice, and many diners focus on the seafood and history.

Also Read:Asia Kitchen Menu Winter Park FL: 15+ Items Worth Ordering

Swan Oyster Depot Photos

The Swan Oyster Depot photos you see online usually show the same classic scenes: a long line, a marble counter, and piles of fresh seafood.

What You Will See

• The storefront: a blue awning with a swan logo and a line of people outside.
• The counter: a long marble bar with about 18 stools.
• The seafood display: fish, crab, and shellfish on ice in the window.
• The walls: memorabilia, old signs, and hand-drawn menus.
• The food: oysters on ice, crab with sauce, seafood salads, and chowder.

Where to Find Photos

Look on Google Maps, travel sites, and Instagram. Yelp has also been a source of photos, though it has sometimes limited reviews during online disputes.

Photo Tips

The restaurant is small and crowded, so be considerate. Take quick photos of your plate, avoid blocking other diners, and ask staff before photographing them.

Hours, Wait Times and Takeout

Swan Oyster Depot is open for lunch, Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Reported opening and closing times differ between sources, so check before you go. Lines often form before the doors open.

The counter seats 18 people, takes no reservations, and has no call-ahead or digital queue. Waits of an hour or more are common, and some visitors report two hours. Others have walked in on a weekday morning and waited only a few minutes. joinpearl

A few tips that help:

• Arrive early on weekdays for shorter lines.
• Bring cash in small bills.
• Go with a small group, since 18 stools fill fast.
• Order takeout if you do not want to queue. Visitors report that takeout lines move faster.
• Expect some items to sell out by late afternoon, especially crab.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the Swan Oyster Depot menu?

The Swan Oyster Depot menu lists oysters, clams, cracked crab, shrimp and crab cocktails, seafood salads, smoked salmon, trout, and whitefish, Boston clam chowder, and steamed lobster. Items change with the market.

Does Swan Oyster Depot publish its prices?

No. Swan Oyster Depot does not publish prices online. Prices follow the daily market and are shown on the board inside.

Is Swan Oyster Depot cash only?

Yes. Swan Oyster Depot accepts cash only, so bring enough before you arrive.

Does Swan Oyster Depot take reservations?

No. The restaurant is first come, first served, and the counter seats about 18 people.

Does Swan Oyster Depot offer takeout?

Yes. Takeout is available, and visitors report it is usually faster than waiting for a seat.

What is the best thing to order at Swan Oyster Depot?

Most regulars point to the clam chowder, the combination salad, oysters, and cracked Dungeness crab when it is in season.

When is Dungeness crab in season at Swan Oyster Depot?

Dungeness crab is generally available from mid-November through May, depending on the catch.

Is there a secret menu at Swan Oyster Depot?

Visitors mention off-menu items such as a Sicilian-style crudo and a seafood stew. They are not official and depend on what is available that day.

Are there vegetarian options at Swan Oyster Depot?

Almost none. The menu is built around seafood, with bread and crackers as the only non-seafood items.

Where is Swan Oyster Depot located?

Swan Oyster Depot is at 1517 Polk Street in San Francisco, California.

Final Thoughts

The Swan Oyster Depot menu is short, honest, and built around freshness rather than variety. Start with chowder, add a combination salad and a few oysters, and ask about crab if it is in season. Bring cash, go early, and give yourself time. A seat at that marble counter is worth the effort.