Thursday, August 13, 2015

Swan Oyster Depot - San Francisco

5/5 stars

How many places can you say this:

"It was worth the 45 minute wait."

I can't believe that for the past 20+ years, I've been going to touristy Fisherman's Wharf instead of the Swan Oyster Depot. THAT won't ever happen again!

FOOD: The clam chowder here is the best clam chowder I've ever had in San Francisco. It's not too creamy or butter-y or flour-y... it's not too anything because it's perfect. It tastes like it was made with fresh clam and fish stock (it probably was)... and it's not too thick or thin either. It's got a great mouthful of flavor and seasoned just right. Dip their tough, chewy, sour sourdough in it and thank the stars that you live in San Francisco. I also ordered their combination salad and it's worth every penny. While standing in line, I watched the gentlemen behind the counter build plate after plate of these - each adding the shrimp, prawns, and crab in their own artistic way. They seriously pile on the seafood and the crab is soo fresh and the prawns are huge and "crispy." Mmm... and the cocktail sauce was the best cocktail sauce I've ever had. The bf ordered 3 different kinds of miyagi oysters and they were shucked fresh right before our eyes (his favorite was the huge, sweet Steamboats). 

ATMOSPHERE: I love, heart, adore places that look like the Swan Oyster Depot - even though decades have past, nothing's really changed and nothing big probably will. Even though the place is old, it's timeless and still clean as whistle. The men behind the counter are super friendly, efficient, and kind. Seriously, I'm not even going to complain about the line.

(2008)

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