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    Anchor Oyster Bar

    4.5 (1.8k reviews)
    ModerateSeafood
    Closed 2:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Anchor Oyster Bar Seafood Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    ANCHOR OYSTER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Anchor Oyster Bar

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    Cioppino
    Ted C.

    Super fresh and delicious seafood with friendly service. Came here on a Sunday ~15-minutes before opening and there was already a small line gathering, luckily we were able to be seated outside quickly. For such a distinguished restaurant this place definitely lives up to their reputation. Seafood was fresh and flavorful, the anchor special, clam chowder and prawns definitely stood out for me, however I'd order everything (garlic bread, anchor special, deviled eggs, shooters, Bloody Mary, cioppino) again. I'd recommend the chowder, anchor special, and cioppino if it's your first time to try a little bit of everything they have to offer (and Bloody Mary if it's your cup of tea).

    Kristi Y.

    OMG this is officially my favorite spot for cioppino!! Came here for a girlfriend's birthday and we were ready to feast. I had the Caesar salad with crab and they gave a generous amount of crab meat. We also had 12 oysters to share and they were all clean and kind of meaty. The crab cake was so so good, the outside was fried to perfection, and the inside was full of crab meat. My friend really wanted to try the seared scallops and personally I am not a fan of scallops, but when she said these were the softest and most tender scallops she had ever tried, I was like, fine, I must try this and I totally agree with her. Our main entrée was the cioppino and we ordered a small, which had so much seafood and definitely feeds 2-3 people. The garlic bread in the cioppino was also really good! I'm already thinking about my next visit!

    Crab sandwich (special)
    Caly T.

    Amazing fresh seafood spot!! Very friendly service and love the cozy relaxed vibes. Felt like home with the smaller amount of seating but the noise level was nice. Check out their specials of the day menu before deciding what to get! - Crab burger (special) 5/5: fresh crab portions in this burger, just slightly mayo'd, perfect proportion with the tomato and lettuce - Clam Chowder 4.5/5: creamy and seasoned just right! Only wished for a bit more clams - Cioppino 5/5: best in the city! The tomato broth was nice and thick, seafood was fresh and cooked just right! Nice seafood medley of crab, mussels, clams, shrimp and white fish! Garlic bread on top went so well, needed to order another side of it. - Oysters 4/5: the specials were from B.C. and did not beat our local oysters up north

    Always check the board (or your neighbor's plate) AND ask about the specials.
    Judy F.

    I was picking up something just down the street when I noticed there was no wait at Anchor Oyster Bar. Granted it was a bit in the early side for dinner. Sat at the counter and looked at the specials. And decided I had to have the pan seared dayboat scallops. That Meyer lemon beurre blanc that came with it was so delicious, I switched to eating them with a spoon so I could enjoy as much as the sauce as I could. And I also had the fresh Dungeness crab stuffed petrale sole because the gent next to me had it and it looked amazing. It was.

    Inside
    Andrew I.

    Winter in the city always calls for cioppino, Anchor Oyster Bar was on our list of spots to try. They have a unique setup, you have to get there and place your name on board to be seated. Luckily, we got there once they opened and got seated quickly. Not pictured: we started with oyster shooters, great way to kick off any seafood get down. The clam chowder was a bit watery for our taste. The cioppino did not skip out on the seafood, it's a healthy portion. The broth had some flavor. However, the dish was just missing some spices. The garlic beard was tasty. Overall, it is solid. I suppose expectations were higher than what we got in term of the clam chowder and cioppino. Service was great, they were slammed right away and were on top of it. If you are in the Castro give this spot a try.

    Cup of Clam Chowder
    Diego T.

    We came, we saw, we slurped the sea. My friends and I decided to hit up Anchor Oyster Bar after falling down the delicious YouTube rabbit hole of Mark Wiens food reviews. And thank you, Mark because this place was chef's kiss seafood heaven. ‍ We got there before they opened at 2 PM like we were waiting for Taylor Swift tickets, Why? Because we don't play when it comes to fresh fish and flavor explosions . Pro tip: Get there early unless you enjoy watching other people eat while you stand outside drooling like a lost seagull. We started off with the clam chowder . Hands down the best I've ever had. Creamy, comforting, and basically a hug in a bowl . With that cold San Francisco wind slapping us in the face while we sat outside like brave little food warriors, it hit the soul different . Next up: Caesar salad . I know it's a salad, but WHY did it slap so hard?! That cheesy dressing and the homemade croutons deserve their own Yelp individual review. Lettuce so fresh I felt like I was on a farm-to-table cooking show . Then came the scallops--so creamy and delicate . The crab cakes? Let's just say I took a bite and briefly left my body . And finally... the Cioppino . This dish deserves its own national holiday . Every bite was like tasting a new secret from Poseidon's diary ‍--clams, shrimp, fish, lobster--it was like an edible treasure chest . And don't even think about skipping the garlic toasted bread . Dip it in the broth or you didn't actually eat here. That's the rule . Major shoutout to Alex, our waiter . Part food poet , part seafood sommelier . The way he described the dishes... I was ready to order the entire ocean . His words were smooth, passionate, and buttery--just like my scallops . Small interior , a few outdoor tables , but BIG flavor and even bigger heart . Yeah, you're gonna wait . But is it worth it? Absolutely. This place isn't a hidden gem--it's a sparkly crown jewel sitting right in the open daring you to come get your life changed. 10/10 would sell a kidney to eat here again.

    crab cakes
    Lisi M.

    this has been my favorite spot in the city so far, cannot WAIT to come back. came here for an anniversary and the wait wasn't bad to be honest, maybe 30 mins for bar seating (my favorite). Best oysters, best clam chowder, and best crab cakes. everything was "the best in the city". i only wish i had had the cioppino-- the small portion easily feeds 2 (saw a lot of people eating it) and looked amazing. will definitely try next time. i also have to say this was like my 5th clam chowder in the span of 2 days so i am an expert-- and it was the best. very friendly and helpful service, 10/10 recommend.

    Cup of Boston Clam Chowder
    Amber F.

    Anchor Oyster Bar is a small restaurant located on Castro. They have both (limited) indoor and outdoor seating. I went on a Sunday around 5:15 PM with a party of 4 and was seated about 40-50 minutes later. They have a limited staff and it seems to be always busy, so expect a wait. The hosts and waiters are nice and friendly. There is street parking. I ordered a cup of clam chowder, Steamed Shellfish Combination, crab cake entree, and bread & butter. The clam chowder was very creamy, but I wished it had more of a clam flavor. The shellfish combination was good and I love the broth (just wish it was a bigger portion). It was my first time trying crab cakes and I'm honestly not a fan. Overall, this spot is a good location to grab lunch or dinner. It was $110 including tip for 4 people, but we had smaller portions. Would I come back? Maybe; I wish they served pasta.

    Joanne G.

    Loved my experience at Anchor Oyster Bar. We arrived around 1:30 to put our names down for the 2 PM open. We were able to be seated right away for 2 when the restaurant opened. Service was great and nothing felt rushed. We ordered a half size of the anchor oyster special (6 oysters, 2 prawns, and clams), clam chowder, scallops, and the crab cake entree. Seafood was incredibly fresh and refreshing. Only dish we didn't love was the scallops, which were a bit too salty. However, this didn't take away from an absolutely delicious meal. We were stuffed at the end.

    Rei K.

    If you're a seafood lover--especially oysters--this spot is a must! The place is on the smaller side, but the nautical-inspired decor gives it such a charming vibe. The oysters were, of course, fantastic, but the Cioppino was hands down the best I've ever had. The crispy garlic bread with that bold garlic flavor? Absolutely perfect. It's a popular spot for a reason--great for a date night, and a glass of wine would pair beautifully with the dishes. I didn't have a reservation, just put my name down and got seated quickly, though I'm guessing that was pure luck. I'll definitely be back!

    Cioppino! all that seafood & flavor
    Joyce D.

    Cioppino all the way! Anchor Oyster Bar is easily one of my favorites in the city! We had the crab cake sliders and the cioppino--both were absolutely delicious. The crab cakes were perfectly crisp and packed with flavor, and the cioppino was rich, hearty, and loaded with fresh seafood. The restaurant is small but quaint, with a classic San Francisco charm--think cozy counter seating, warm lighting, and a laid-back, neighborhood feel. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive without being overbearing. It can get busy (not surprising given how good it is), so going a bit early or being willing to wait is worth it. Prices are fair for the quality and portion size--especially considering how fresh the seafood is. If you're in the Castro and craving a comforting seafood meal, this spot is a must.

    Jonathan R.

    Amazing Cioppino!!! This is a must if you're in SF! Absolutely fantastic. Great service & friendly staff.

    oysters and prawn
    Brittney L.

    the cioppino is so yummy...the smaller size is perf for 2. the soup was a bit salty for my liking but it def had the best quality and amount of seafood that ive had in a cioppino so far (lots of crab!!!) the 1/2 order of anchor special (2 prawns, 6 oysters, steamed clams) was also great to share and a fun way to eat a variety of their seafood. everything was super fresh and the steamed clams broth was delish. they also have a basket of oyster crackers at every table. great ambiance but p small place which is why the line gets long. would rec going early around 5, we only waited about 10 mins on a sat

    Crab cake sliders - must try!

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    22 days ago

    The food is wonderful, the service folks are lovely and it the place has been here since i came here years ago. Wonderful place.

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    Anchor Oyster Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Anchor Oyster Bar

    What form of payment do they take?

    Happy hour menu?

    No.

    What day do they have their oyster deal on?

    How likely are they to seat a group of 6?

    They have outdoor seating that may accomodate a group of six, no reservations though

    What is the best time to go with the least amount of wait time? Is 4:40 pm a good time?

    Ohhh mannnn! 4:40 is better than 6! Anything after 5 requires a wait. Out of all the times I've been there, the shortest wait for me is on Saturday, just before they open for lunch. But I've only tried this once so not sure if it was… Read more

    What happened to all the ol crew? Went 5/20/17-no mama no papa no michael...

    Don't know the answer because I don't go often enough. Once in a while but love Anchor. As I'm sure you know they're pretty nice so I'd ask a current employee.

    View All 10 Questions

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    Sotto Mare - Best damn cioppino

    Sotto Mare

    4.3(5.9k reviews)
    3.1 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$$
    Outdoor seating
    Family-owned & operated

    Sotto Mare is one of those classic San Francisco spots that every seafood lover needs to…read moreexperience. If you're looking for incredible cioppino, this is the place. Their famous "Best Damn Crab Cioppino" absolutely lives up to its name--loaded with fresh seafood, rich tomato broth, and incredible flavor in every bite. It's the kind of dish you'll be thinking about long after the meal is over. Be prepared to wait, especially during peak hours. This place is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike, and the line is a testament to how good the food is. The wait is well worth it. A helpful tip: dress in layers. Seating can be limited, and you may find yourself dining on the patio, where San Francisco's weather can change quickly. Being prepared will make the experience much more enjoyable. Located in the heart of North Beach, the restaurant is surrounded by one of the city's best neighborhoods. The lively atmosphere, local character, and walkable streets make the visit feel like a true San Francisco experience. Outstanding seafood, a neighborhood feel, and one of the best bowls of cioppino you'll ever have make Sotto Mare a must-visit. No wonder the locals keep coming back

    It was worth the wait to sit outside because indoors was too hot, stuffy and cramp…read more Do make a reservation if you have a big group. Came here for the cioppino and will come back again. Just be ready for that acid reflux!

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    Sotto Mare - Steamed clams and mussels is really fresh. And the portion is big!

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    Steamed clams and mussels is really fresh. And the portion is big!

    Hog Island Oyster

    Hog Island Oyster

    4.4(7.7k reviews)
    3.4 miEmbarcadero
    $$

    I've been searching for an oyster bar close to home and decided to give this place a try. The wait…read morewasn't bad, about 30 minutes, and honestly worth it. Our server was amazing and very attentive considering how busy it was. Everything was on point. The oysters were delicious, the cocktails were yummy, and they had one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever had. Definitely did not disappoint I'll absolutely be returning.

    A visit to Hog Island Oyster is a must when you're exploring San Francisco's waterfront. The clam…read morechowder is hands-down the best I've had anywhere--and I've sampled chowders all over my travels. Rich, creamy, and loaded with fresh clams, it stands out because it's made with fresh shellfish and a clean, natural flavor that isn't weighed down by excessive thickening. The fish and chips were equally impressive. The fish was light, flaky, and perfectly cooked, wrapped in a crisp batter that never felt greasy. Every bite tasted fresh and expertly prepared. The patio seating is a must if the weather cooperates. Sitting outside with views of the San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, and the constant activity around the Ferry Building elevates the entire dining experience. Whether you're enjoying oysters, chowder, or a cold drink, it's one of the best waterfront dining spots in the city. Come hungry, grab a seat outside if you can, and don't leave without trying the clam chowder. Between the incredible seafood, relaxed atmosphere, and unbeatable views, Hog Island remains one of San Francisco's standout dining experiences.

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    Inside

    Hog Island Oyster - Seafood Stew

    Seafood Stew

    Hog Island Oyster - Oyster Bar Mix: a selection of the above oysters | $26 (6pcs)

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    Oyster Bar Mix: a selection of the above oysters | $26 (6pcs)

    Anchor Oyster Bar - seafood - Updated May 2026

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