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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Broad Street Oyster Company – San Francisco
Broad Street Oyster Company - San Francisco
Photo from Broad Street Oyster Company
Broad Street Oyster Company at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#1153 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
444
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Great service
- Scenic ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Small portions
- Service lapses
The restaurant Broad Street Oyster Company is a vibrant seafood restaurant nestled in the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches.
Whether you’re craving small plates for a quick bite or a full seafood dinner, this spot offers a delightful dine-in experience. It’s an ideal destination for both lunch and dinner, promising a memorable culinary journey by the bay.
Overview: Introducting Broad Street Oyster Company
Broad Street Oyster Company offers a vibrant dining experience, often praised for its exceptional lobster roll and other seafood dishes. Guests frequently highlight the attentive staff and the overall quality of their meals, making it a popular choice for those seeking fresh flavors.
However, some diners have found the portions to be on the smaller side, leading to concerns about the value for money. While the lively atmosphere and scenic views are a draw, occasional issues with service attentiveness, especially when ordering at the counter, have been noted.
Good
7.5
out of 10
444
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
92
negative
30
neutral
322
positive
Broad Street Oyster Company generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall score of 7.5. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 72.5%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit.
This positive sentiment is built on 322 favorable comments against 92 critical ones, out of 444 total customer observations. The culinary offerings, particularly the Food (7.5), are well-regarded, with many appreciating the fresh seafood.
The Service (7.9) also receives good marks for its helpfulness, and the Ambience (8.7) truly shines, often cited for its appealing setting and views. However, the Value (4.2) presents a notable contrast, with many finding the pricing to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful seafood
- Attentive, friendly service
- Stunning views, ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Inconsistent service
With a recommendation score of 7.7, Broad Street Oyster Company is generally well-regarded, particularly for its appealing setting and quality seafood. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and fresh flavors over strict budget considerations, it’s certainly worth a visit.
However, be mindful that the experience can feel a bit pricey for the portion sizes. If you’re seeking exceptional value, you might find it falls short.
Consider it for a pleasant meal where ambiance and taste are key, but manage expectations regarding cost-effectiveness.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Broad Street Oyster Company
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a score of 7.5 and a solid 72.9% customer satisfaction. Many of the 188 positive comments rave about the delicious Lobster Roll, Oysters, and Clam Chowder, often highlighting how fresh and well-made everything tastes. It seems like a great meal is a common experience here.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 52 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Recurring concerns include the portions being too small, especially for the lobster roll, which some found to have too little lobster or occasionally be dry. A few also mentioned bland fish tacos or disappointing fries.
Food
258
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
52
negative
18
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Lobster Rolls
- Fresh Oysters
- Great Clam Chowder
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Little lobster meat
- Dry lobster rolls
Often praised
- foodI ended up buying another one, and then another two. The food was exceptional, leading me to purchase multiple rolls. The atmosphere and service were also rated highly, contributing to a great overall experience.
- lobster rollMy experience was great. If you would like a larger lobster roll, they offer that as an option. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5/5.
- clam chowderMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I enjoyed both the delicious hot and cold lobster rolls and the yummy clam chowder. The atmosphere was nice, and the staff was friendly.
- lobster rollsTheir lobster rolls are a must-order, stuffed with a good portion of lobster.
- oystersThe oysters were perfectly chilled and very clean
- friesOther than the two lobster claw pieces on the top, there was very little lobster in the actual roll. I felt a bit ripped off… on the other end though, the fries were awesome! Great texture and the Old Bay aioli was delicious.
- lobsterThe restaurant boasts a prime location with stunning views, offering a delightful culinary journey. I indulged in their renowned Lobster Roll with butter and caviar, which exceeded all expectations; the lobster was incredibly fresh, buttery, and flavorful. The steamed mussels were also a must-try – creamy with a nice garlic kick, perfectly complemented by fantastic sourdough.
- FoodFood:5
- Lobster RollLobster Roll with butter and caviar, and it exceeded all expectations
- fish and chipsBest fish and chips hands down
Frequently criticized
- lobster rollsportions were incredibly small. For a lobster roll that small 27 bucks seems like a bad deal
- foodthe food just wasn’t hitting it
- lobster rollbig price for a small roll of a 'world famous' lobster roll
- lobsterTo make matters worse, the fries weren't the best. While the lobster looked okay, it unfortunately tasted like salmon. I will not be repeating this experience.
- friesI ordered the 'world famous' lobster roll, but it was a big price for a small roll. To make matters worse, the fries weren't the best. While the lobster looked okay, it unfortunately tasted like salmon.
- oystersThe food is where it fell down for us. Hubby got the 1/2 dozen oysters and felt they were lacking flavor. They weren't the salty, briny flavor bombs he's used to with fresh oysters.
- Lobster RollNow, I’ll disclose I’m a huge fan and New England Lobster Co down in Millbrae, so that’s what I’d be comparing Broad Street’s Lobster Roll to. The Lobster Roll was lackluster… it tasted good, but there was very little “content” to it, especially when you factor in the price. Other than the two lobster claw pieces on the top, there was very little lobster in the actual roll.
- portionsI found it to be a solid place for lobster rolls and oysters, provided you're willing to spend. The food itself was great, but the portions were incredibly small. For a lobster roll priced at $27, the size felt like a bad deal, and the oyster selection, while seemingly central to the restaurant's theme, was also lacking in quantity.
- PastaPasta wasn’t hot at all
- breadI needed more bread
If youre craving fresh seafood and dont mind potentially smaller portions, this place is worth a visit for its standout dishes. Just be prepared that while the quality is often high, the serving sizes, particularly for the lobster roll, might leave you wanting more.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 76.5%, its clear most diners leave happy. Based on 62 positive mentions out of 81 total, guests frequently praise the attentive and friendly staff, often noting how quickly their food came out, showcasing a true friendly professionalism.
However, its not always perfect. While fewer, 16 negative mentions point to some areas for improvement. Concerns include feeling unserviced, especially when sitting outside, and occasional slow service.
There were also mentions of indifferent staff or even rude management, suggesting some inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Service
81
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Attentive staff
- Warm interactions
What people don't like
- Slow, unserviced feeling
- Rude management
- Forgotten outside diners
Often praised
- serviceThe food was exceptional, leading me to purchase multiple rolls. The atmosphere and service were also rated highly, contributing to a great overall experience.
- staffI loved the big yellow booths, coloring page, and comfy seating. It was a great experience from start to finish; they were EXCELLENT with being friendly and helpful. They even brought us some extra fries because they said it took a little long, which was absolutely no wait to us (only 5 minutes or so).
- ServiceService:5
- BSO teamthe whole BSO team provided warm & cold lobster rolls
- PhilipPhilip was great and recommended the smash burger
- attentive staffstaff are very attentive
- attentivenessThey even brought us some extra fries because they said it took a little long, which was absolutely no wait to us (only 5 minutes or so). I was really impressed with their thoughtfulness and attentiveness. I would definitely come again!
- chefEverything was amazing from the food to the service. My partner and I sat at the bar where we were able to chat with the chef and enjoy our food. We highly recommend getting both versions of the lobster rolls to heighten the experience, which was recommended!
- customer serviceCustomer service was awesome
- foodFood came out quickly
Frequently criticized
- serviceyou feel like you're alone and unserviced for the rest of the meal
- Appetizer and entreeAppetizer and entree came the same time
- counter orderCounter order and then you feel like you're alone and unserviced for the rest of the meal
- managementmanagement is rude and sensitive
- napkin or silverwareNo napkin or silverware offered
- orderI went to order a lobster roll to go, but the person at the front was very indifferent. Even with a single item, they messed up my order by not including the fries.
- ownerThe owner is money driven and doesn’t care about anything else.
- person at the frontthe person at the front was very indifferent
- timely mannerI strongly advise anyone dining here to avoid sitting outside at all costs, as you will likely be forgotten. I did not receive anything in a timely manner and had to go inside repeatedly to get utensils, napkins, and water. The water station even ran out of water, which was also annoying.
- tipasked to tip like there's more service
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience here, with friendly and efficient staff being a common highlight. While a few reports mention slower or less attentive moments, the service is generally a strong point. It's definitely worth trying for a pleasant interaction.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the ambiance! This spot really shines, boasting a fantastic score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93%. With 66 positive remarks out of 71 total, guests consistently rave about the "amazing views, " "fun vibe, " and "thoughtfully designed" spaces, often highlighting its "prime location" and overall great atmosphere.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as indicated by 3 negative comments. A few folks mentioned issues with sitting outside and feeling forgotten, while others found parking to be a challenge. There was also one instance where the place itself felt a bit gross, which is definitely something to keep in mind.
Ambience
71
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning water views
- Lively atmosphere
- Thoughtful design
What people don't like
- Outdoor seating issues
- Difficult parking
- Unclean feeling
Often praised
- atmosphereThe lively atmosphere is perfect for a casual feast
- locationand the location couldn't be beat
- vibesvibes were great
- viewThe view from the large windows of the water was perfect
- viewsBeautiful views from the dining room
- Atmospherethe restaurant is gorgeous with retro vibes overlooking Alcatraz.
- ambianceambiance and service stand out
- cleanlinessabout their cleanliness
- great viewCompared to what other places charge, it's a great spot for a good lunch. I recommend taking the booths by the window for a great view of the coast. You won't regret your time here.
- amazing viewsThe baja fish tacos, clam chowder, and oysters were decorous. Furthermore, the staff were extremely knowledgeable, contributing to a great overall experience with amazing views.
Frequently criticized
- parkingThey have beer, micheladas, soju Bloody Mary, and wine. We find it easiest to take BART and Uber since parking around Ghirardelli Square is hard. You have to try this spot if you love seafood.
- placeThe place itself felt gross
- sitting outsideavoid sitting outside at all costs because you will be forgotten about.
If you're looking for a place with a truly stunning atmosphere and incredible views, this restaurant is absolutely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential parking hassles and perhaps opt for indoor seating to ensure the best experience.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found a silver lining, noting the affordable price and reasonable food options, especially compared to other expensive areas. A few even appreciated the parking program offering discounts, making the overall experience feel more accessible. Out of 34 customer comments, 6 highlighted these positive aspects, suggesting that good deals can be found if you know where to look.
However, the general sentiment leans heavily negative, with 21 comments. Many found the restaurant pricey and a tourist trap, feeling the amount of food was too small for the cost, especially with sides being extra. This leads to an overall feeling of being overpriced, reflected in a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 17.6%, despite an average score of 4.2.
Value
34
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Accessible prices
- Reasonable food
- Parking discounts
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Small portions
- Tourist trap feel
Often praised
- pricesthe prices I found to be very accessible
- affordable priceaffordable price compared to other expensive areas
- affordable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was very delicious and served at affordable prices. I particularly enjoyed the lobster roll with hot butter, which rocked.
- parking programgotten on the parking program with 50% off
- reasonable foodamazing reasonable food
Frequently criticized
- priceNow, I’ll disclose I’m a huge fan and New England Lobster Co down in Millbrae, so that’s what I’d be comparing Broad Street’s Lobster Roll to. The Lobster Roll was lackluster… it tasted good, but there was very little “content” to it, especially when you factor in the price. Other than the two lobster claw pieces on the top, there was very little lobster in the actual roll.
- pricesprices definitely make you do a double take
- amount of foodseems high for the amount of food we got
- caviarthe caviar is absolutely unnecessary. For the amount you get at the price you pay, there's no need
- generous tipdisappointing to be treated this way after leaving a generous tip when I ordered at the counter.
- happy hoursbetter happy hours anywhere else
- overpricedHorribly overpriced
- parkingWould not honor 50% off parking
- price tagmade the high price tag hurt more
- priceypricey with no sides
If value is your top priority, you might want to proceed with caution. Many find this spot overpriced with small portions and extra costs for sides, making it feel like a tourist trap. Be prepared for potentially high prices, or seek out those rare positive deals.
How are the prices at Broad Street Oyster Company?
On average, you’ll spend around 44 per person – from 65 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average is 44, many diners actually spend a bit less, with a good number of options in the 21 – 40 $ range. There are also some pricier choices, making for a pretty wide spread.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think 44 per person feels like a fair price for a quality meal. It’s not a budget spot, but it offers good value for what you get.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Broad Street Oyster Company
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Incredible View, Pricey Lobster Rolls
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. We tried one of each flavor of their lobster rolls, and they were great. The view from the restaurant is also incredible.
However, the prices are very high and the portions are small.
- lobster rolls8
- view10
- prices3
- portions3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Seafood Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, especially considering the price. I was shocked to find bacon in clam chowder, which is unheard of for a New Englander. Additionally, the shrimp were not de-veined, making them unappetizing.
The so-called cocktail sauce was also not what I expected. For seafood, it felt like a disgrace. The price was also a major issue; paying $45 for tuna tartare felt excessive when you can get much tastier and similar dishes on the East Coast for half the price.
- clam chowder2
- shrimp1
- cocktail sauce2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Surprisingly Delicious Smash Burger!
I wouldn't typically order a Smash Burger from an oyster company, but I'm glad I did! Philip was great and recommended the smash burger if you want something filling, and I loved it! It came with crispy but soft French fries on the side and an assortment of sauces.
COME HERE AND EAT GOOD FOOD!
- Smash Burger9
- French fries8
- Philip9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Amazing Lobster Roll Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing, primarily due to their incredible Lobster roll. They were generous with the lobster, and the roll itself was perfectly toasted and buttered. The lobster was extremely fresh, and the dish was topped with what I assume was Kosher Salt, served with a side of lemon.
Everything about it was perfection, and I'll be reminiscing about the flavor for a long time. The service was also quick and friendly, with no long waits for my order. I had an amazing experience, thanks to the gentleman with golden locks – definitely search for him when you visit!
- Lobster roll10
- lobster10
- roll10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Tasty but pricey lobster roll
My experience at the restaurant involved a warm lobster roll. It was tasty, but I found it to be pricy for what it was. On the positive side, the food came quickly.
- lobster roll8
- food came quickly9
- price3
What Broad Street Oyster Company offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Broad Street Oyster Company?
At Broad Street Oyster Company, you can enjoy a casual dine-in experience for lunch and dinner. They offer convenient counter service for quick bites and accept reservations for planning your visit. Catering services are also available, bringing their fresh seafood offerings to your special events.
What kind of atmosphere and menu items can you expect at Broad Street Oyster Company?
At Broad Street Oyster Company, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. Their menu features delicious seafood, including small plates ideal for a quick bite. You can also enjoy a selection of alcohol, wine, and beer to complement your dining experience, ensuring a complete visit.
How does Broad Street Oyster Company generally score with customers?
Broad Street Oyster Company holds an overall score of 7.5. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.7), Service (7.9), and Food (7.5), though Value (4.2) is a common point of concern.
What makes the ambiance at Broad Street Oyster Company stand out?
The restaurant is frequently praised for its lively atmosphere, gorgeous retro vibes, and stunning views of the water, making for a memorable dining setting.
Are there any common concerns regarding the value at Broad Street Oyster Company?
Yes, many customers feel the prices are high for the amount of food received, with some describing portions as incredibly small and the overall experience as overpriced.