This Tiny Restaurant In San Francisco Serves Oysters To Die For

As everyone knows, San Franciscans love standing in line for their food. OK, we actually don't, but we do know when it's worth the aching back and feet for a taste like none other. And this tiny restaurant, which has been serving fresh oysters and impeccable seafood for over a century, is well worth the wait. In fact, they just may serve the best oysters in San Francisco.

Swan Oyster Depot opened its doors at 1517 Polk Street back in 1912 by four Danish brothers. It's been owned by the Sancimino family since 1946.

Why is there always a line? There's only about a dozen stools available at the crowded counter.

Best time to jump in line? Monday through Thursday, right before the counter opens up at 10:30am. Or just get your food to go. Keep in mind the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Here's the type of fresh display that greets you.

Once you grab a seat, there's plenty to look at, from the sports memorabilia to the foreign currency, to the stack of crabs waiting to be cracked.

Of course, you gotta get the oysters.

But oysters are not the only items on the menu: There's plenty of other fresh seafood, including Dungeness crab, shrimp, prawn, lobster, and smoked trout and salmon.

Other favorites: the shrimp salad, sea urchin, and clam chowder. All are perfect complements to a glass of San Francisco-brewed Anchor Steam.

Or you could indulge in Anthony Bourdain's favorite: fresh sourdough bread dunked in crab roe (that'd be the crab innards).

Fun fact: Oysters are jam-packed with nutrients, including iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. In fact, just two oysters will put you at your recommended daily amount of zinc, an essential trace mineral. So, go on and slurp up!

Looking for more hole-in-the-wall restaurants in San Francisco? Check out this list of some of our favorite small, hidden gems.