Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Anchor Oyster Bar – San Francisco
Anchor Oyster Bar - San Francisco
Photo from Anchor Oyster Bar
Anchor Oyster Bar at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 102 of the guests
#328 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
604
Reviews
83.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Small space
The restaurant, a charming Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to a truly cozy dining experience. At Anchor Oyster Bar, you can savor fresh catches in a casual yet trendy setting.
This spot offers a delightful escape where you can enjoy small plates, a full bar with cocktails and wine, or simply a great cup of coffee. It’s a perfect place to unwind and indulge.
Overview: Introducting Anchor Oyster Bar
Anchor Oyster Bar offers a charming, intimate setting, often described as cosy and clean, making it a pleasant spot for seafood lovers. While the atmosphere is generally well-received, be aware that the space is quite small, which can impact the overall experience.
The culinary offerings are a definite draw, with many praising the fresh seafood and specific dishes like cioppino. However, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies with certain items, suggesting not every dish hits the same high mark.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
604
Reviews
83.9%
Satisfaction
61
negative
36
neutral
507
positive
Anchor Oyster Bar earns a strong overall score of 8.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands at a good 83.9%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 604 customer remarks, with 507 positive observations outweighing 61 negative ones. The kitchen truly shines, with Food scoring an excellent (8.8), frequently highlighted for its quality.
Service also performs well at a good (8.1), though wait times are a common point of discussion. The Ambience is rated good (7.5), appreciated for its quaint charm, while Value comes in as average (5.7), suggesting some diners find the pricing a bit steep or inconsistent.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious seafood
- Attentive, friendly service
- Cozy, charming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Limited seating
- Value concerns
If you appreciate fresh, well-prepared seafood in a quaint setting, Anchor Oyster Bar is certainly worth considering. The kitchen consistently delivers on flavor, and the staff generally provides attentive service, contributing to its strong 8.8 recommendation score.
However, be prepared for potential waits due to its popularity and limited seating. While the food justifies the visit, some find the overall value average, so manage your expectations regarding pricing and space.
It’s a solid choice for a focused seafood experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Anchor Oyster Bar
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 89.6%, both firmly in the good to excellent range! With 326 positive comments out of 364 total, diners consistently rave about the exceptional quality and freshness of the seafood, especially the delicious cioppino, fresh oysters, and Dungeness crab. Expect generous portions and incredible flavors that make every dish a delight.
However, a small number of the 21 negative comments noted occasional inconsistencies. Some found the cioppinos flavor less robust than expected, while a few experiences with oysters mentioned a muddy aftertaste or less-than-stellar quality. There were also isolated remarks about overcooked linguine with clams or the chowder being a bit meh, ' but these appear to be rare exceptions.
Food
364
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
21
negative
17
neutral
326
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional fresh seafood
- Cioppino is outstanding
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Oysters sometimes inconsistent
- Chowder can disappoint
Often praised
- foodThis restaurant is one of those present in the Michelin Guide, and it justifies its presence in the guide. We were very well attended to and ate very well! We ordered the Anchor Specials, with oysters, shrimp, and seafood, which was very good, and also a Caesar salad with crabmeat.
- oystersMy first time at Anchor Oyster Bar was a delightful experience. I found the restaurant by Googling "oysters near me, " and Anchor was conveniently located just a 6-minute walk away. While there was about a 30-minute wait, we passed the time with a glass of wine across the street at Swirl on Casto.
- cioppinoWhat a spectacularly good place for those of us who love oysters and seafood. The cioppino was a delicious dish! We were very well attended to, accompanied by a good Pinot Grigio.
- CioppinoIn retrospect, the small, which is also huge, would have probably served all three of us, as we ended up taking some of the Cioppino home. The Cioppino might be the best I've had in San Francisco, which is saying something since San Francisco is the birthplace of Cioppino, and many restaurants brag about theirs. To accompany the Cioppino, I highly recommend the garlic bread, which perfectly soaks up the tomato base.
- seafoodWe weren't sure what to expect regarding the flavor profile of cioppino, but we were completely blown away. We highly recommend it, as it's packed with delicious and fresh seafood. The oyster platter was also fantastic.
- garlic breadMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the Anchor Special, which came with a bottle of house Chardonnay and garlic bread. The portion size was generous enough to share, yet so delicious that I wanted to keep it all to myself.
- clam chowderThe spot is cute and quaint, the food is spectacular, and the service is top-notch! I ordered an oyster shooter, house salad, clam chowder, and half size of the Wild Bluenose Sea Bass Puttanesca Pasta 🤌🏽🤌🏽.
- FoodOMG this will be a must stop for us
- clamsWe enjoyed ourselves immensely. We had the oysters, clams, and shared a whole Dungeness crab prepared with garlic. Everything was delicious and fresh.
- Caesar saladCaesar salad featuring sweet prawns and tangy anchovy dressing
Frequently criticized
- cioppinoThe cioppino was a disappointment this visit.
- oystersthe oysters oddly enough... weren't good
- CioppinoCioppino seemed a little more thin than I remembered
- Dungeness crab souptold that it was "half and half"
- Maryland crab cakescrab cakes are just not the same outside of Maryland Baltimore areas
- breadThe bread served was cold though
- chowderSkip the chowder, it's kinda meh
- flavorThe service was great, as usual. My only slight disappointment was the Cioppino, which seemed thinner and less robust in flavor than I remembered. However, everything else was delicious.
- hypenot what you might expect for the hype
- linguine with clamsLinguine with clams were over cooked
If you're seeking top-tier fresh seafood, especially cioppino and oysters, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there are minor, infrequent hiccups, the overwhelming majority of experiences point to a truly delicious meal. Come hungry and ready to enjoy some fantastic flavors!
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.3%. Based on 116 positive remarks out of 150 total, guests consistently praise the friendly staff, attentive service, and knowledgeable servers who make everyone feel like family. The team is often described as professional, accommodating, and fast, ensuring a great dining experience.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 23 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. The most common concerns revolve around the long wait times and the lack of reservations, with many mentioning significant waits to get a table. While the service itself is generally excellent, be prepared for potential delays before youre seated.
Service
150
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
23
negative
11
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Professional service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- No reservations
Often praised
- serviceI ordered the scallops, oysters, garlic bread, and rock bass, and everything was absolutely delicious. The service was great, and it's refreshing to find a spot in SF where the price of the food was justified and with it. I will definitely be returning.
- staffIt was one of the best meals I've had in 2024. I loved being the last table in the restaurant, and the staff was so nice. The food was fantastic, and we even received a free order of bread.
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, offering some of the best seafood in San Francisco. Although it's a very small restaurant, the service is great and it's definitely worth the wait. One drawback is that they do not take reservations.
- ServiceThe oysters are fresh and the rest of the menu options are equally delicious. Service is also excellent and friendly.
- servermy server was very informed on size and flavor qualities
- wait timeIt was worth the wait though
- waiting timeWe waited about an hour with my 6 year old nephew, he said it was more than worth it!
- teamwhen the whole team paused closing and helped me look
- ServersServers were very nice, no issues there at all
- wait staffour wait staff was excellent
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeBe prepared to wait! The food was definitely worth the wait though!
- long waitit’s definitely possible to have a long wait
- waitIt's a top SF restaurant for me. Be aware that it's a small space, so be prepared to wait, and it's not ideal for large groups.
- serviceSome of the service is a bit slow
- hour waitworth the hour wait for us
- lineThe line was quite long
- linesThe staff was fantastic, and the food was delicious. I highly recommend getting there early to avoid the lines, as they do not take reservations. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience.
- reservationsthey do not take reservations
- staff vacationI came by for a late lunch while visiting San Francisco, only to find a sign saying closed for staff vacation. This was after traveling across the city specifically to eat there.
- tableTook about 40 minutes to get a table
If youre looking for top-notch service from a friendly and knowledgeable team, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially long wait, as they dont take reservations, but many agree the experience is well worth it.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.5 and leaving 77% of customers satisfied. With 57 positive remarks out of 74 total, guests frequently praise the cozy place, charming decor, and the unique New England feel. Many appreciate the various seating options, especially the outdoor seating with heat lamps, making it a great spot for a date night or a casual meal.
However, it's not without its quirks, with 10 negative comments pointing out some challenges. The main concerns revolve around the small space and limited seating, which can lead to long waits and make it less ideal for large groups. Some also found the patio to be a bit chilly, even with heaters, suggesting that certain areas might not always offer the most comfortable experience.
Ambience
74
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
10
negative
7
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Outdoor seating with heaters
- Charming decor
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Small space
- Not large-group friendly
Often praised
- atmosphereThe place is small and cosy. Perfect place to be on a rainy afternoon.
- AtmosphereOMG this will be a must stop for us
- interiorI enjoyed the freshest seafood, beautifully prepared and presented. The interior is small and simple, nothing fancy but very clean. I highly recommend this place; it's easy to see why Anchor has gotten mention by Michelin for seven years in a row!
- cleanlinessit was super clean
- decorGreat and cute decor
- localsThe locals where open arms and full of chatter
- locationThe location is great
- restaurantVery cute and quaint restaurant
- AnchorAnchor is tiny, charming
- Anchor Oyster BarThe Anchor Oyster Bar, I haven't been here in years
Frequently criticized
- seatingThe presentations are great, and the flavors are fresh & clean. Get there early, as the seating is very limited and the waitlist can be long, but it's well worth the wait. I had the Boston clam chowder, a 1/2 order of the Anchor Special, and the smaller portion of their Cioppino, which is big enough to share!
- atmosphereatmosphere can be a bit dizzying around the kitchen just from constant movement
- experiencea more pleasant experience
- large groupsnot large-group friendly
- patiothe patio was freezing
- small spacesmall space, be prepared to wait
- tourist trapIt looks like a tourist trap but actually it's not!
If you're looking for a charming, intimate spot with a cozy vibe, especially for a date or a small group, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially limited seating and a wait, as its popularity means it fills up fast.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some shining moments! Many diners found the 5.7 score to reflect a place where prices were reasonable and the food justified the cost. With 8 positive opinions out of 16 total, guests often praised the incredible value and felt the price of food was well worth it, especially with a friendly corkage fee option.
However, the value proposition is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 50%. There were 7 negative opinions, highlighting concerns about prices being unreasonable for quality and some finding the place overrated. Watch out for random fees like SF mandates and a credit card surcharge, which can add up.
Value
16
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the cost
- Incredible value
- Reasonable corkage fee
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Unexpected fees
- Expensive wine list
Often praised
- pricesPrices are as reasonable for what I've seen dine-in restaurants in SF
- billThe bill was reasonable
- corkage feeI suggest you cross the street to Swirl, buy a bottle of wine, and enjoy it at Swirl while you wait. Anchor also offers a $15 corkage fee, so you can bring in any bottle of your choice. We started with crab cakes and oysters.
- price비싸도 돈값을 한 음식이었다.
- price of foodI ordered the scallops, oysters, garlic bread, and rock bass, and everything was absolutely delicious. The service was great, and it's refreshing to find a spot in SF where the price of the food was justified and with it. I will definitely be returning.
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- valueIncredible value cioppino
Frequently criticized
- amount of seafoodless amount of seafood
- credit card surchargeMy experience at the restaurant was a mix. The food and service were good, but there were unexpected random fees, such as sf mandates and a credit card surcharge.
- overrated placeoverrated place
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found it to be overpriced and overrated. We ordered 12 oysters, two clam chowders, and two beers, and the bill came to $100.
- pricesThe prices are unreasonable for the quality
- sf mandatesrandom fees like sf mandates
- wine listShort and rather over priced wine list
If youre looking for a place where the food often justifies the cost, especially with their corkage option, it might be worth a try. However, be mindful of potential unexpected fees and some opinions that found the overall experience overpriced for the quality. Its a bit of a gamble, so go in with open eyes.
How are the prices at Anchor Oyster Bar?
You’re looking at roughly 58 per person – reported by 102 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
When we peek at what everyone else spends, prices are quite spread out. Its not just clustered around the average; youll find a good mix of diners spending less and others enjoying a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 102 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Seafood Restaurant, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option, allowing for different budgets while still enjoying quality seafood.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Anchor Oyster Bar
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Anchor Special and Crab Cakes!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious! I had the half Anchor Special and some crab cakes, and I can confirm that all of it was delicious. I would highly recommend this place and I am already looking forward to returning!
- Anchor Special10
- crab cakes10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Fresh Seafood and Great Service Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best cioppino and garlic bread I’ve ever tasted. Everything we ordered, including the oysters, mussels, and panzanella, was incredibly fresh and delicious.
The service was great, and I would definitely come back. The only downside is that they don't take reservations, so you might have to wait for a table, but it was worth the wait.
- cioppino10
- garlic bread10
- oysters9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Lovely Place with Great Food and Service!
I had a lovely and cool experience at this restaurant! The decor was great and cute, and the service was awesome, with a special thanks to Padro. The food was delicious.
I'll definitely be back soon!
- decor9
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Worth the Wait!
I heard about this place through word of mouth, and it's all true! Come hungry because the portions are nice sized. The presentations are great, and the flavors are fresh & clean.
Get there early, as the seating is very limited and the waitlist can be long, but it's well worth the wait. I had the Boston clam chowder, a 1/2 order of the Anchor Special, and the smaller portion of their Cioppino, which is big enough to share!
- portions9
- presentations9
- flavors10
- seating3
- waitlist4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Seafood and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I really love the parklick for this restaurant; it is comfortable and cozy. The food is truly excellent seafood.
The waiter did a great job of letting us know what the dishes were and sold them with mouth-watering descriptions, especially for the specials. The night we went, the corn chowder was a standout, and its description instantly sold me. The oysters were lovely, and the crab was delicious.
The food was truly outstanding.
- parklick9
- food10
- seafood10
What Anchor Oyster Bar offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Anchor Oyster Bar?
At Anchor Oyster Bar, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of offerings including small plates, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails, perfect for lunch or dinner with table service. It’s also a good spot if you’re dining with kids.
What service and accessibility options are available at Anchor Oyster Bar?
Anchor Oyster Bar provides outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout services. You’ll find a bar onsite and a gender-neutral restroom. The venue is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance and seating. If you bring your dog, they are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
How does Anchor Oyster Bar rate overall?
Anchor Oyster Bar achieves a strong overall score of 8.4, with customer satisfaction at 83.9%. Its Food scores an excellent 8.8, Service a good 8.1, Ambience a good 7.5, and Value an average 5.7.
What are the culinary highlights at Anchor Oyster Bar?
Patrons frequently praise the fresh seafood, especially the oysters and cioppino, noting the quality and preparation.
What should I know before visiting Anchor Oyster Bar?
Be aware that the restaurant is small with limited seating and does not take reservations, often leading to long wait times. Some guests also mention concerns about value and unexpected fees.