Shutterstock Olga Lyubkina
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk St.
415-673-1101
Hours: M-Sa. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Price: $$ = Entrees $11-$30
Type: Classic American, Seafood
This 100-year-old postage-stamp-sized restaurant has the best crab, oysters, smoked salmon, chowder and sourdough in San Francisco. The secret’s been out for several years now, so arrive early if you’re looking to snag one of the sought-after bar stools, or take your chowder to go. Either way it’s definitely worth the wait.