On New Year’s Eve, my dad and I set off for Swan Oyster Depot for lunch. When we arrived, we were delighted to see that the line wasn’t that long. No sooner had we gotten in line, the woman in the group in front of us said that they were the last customers in line because the restaurant was closing early. A quick check inside confirmed that this was true. Fortunately, my dad remembered that Woodhouse Fish Co. was nearby, so we hopped on a bus to Fillmore.

Luckily, we were able to be seated immediately. I had previously had my heart set on clam chowder, my dad’s on raw oysters. Woodhouse Fish Co. had both, which made us very happy campers. My clam chowder was perfect, not too thick, with more clams than filler potatoes.

Likewise, my dad enjoyed his oysters. He observed that it was probably in our favor that we ate at Woodhouse Fish Co. instead, because Swan Oyster probably would have run out of items by the time we were seated, as they would be closed for several days.

Having never tried a clam roll, I was curious enough to order one. I was expecting fried rubbery strips of clam but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more like a oyster po’ boy.  I also have a weird obsession with lobster rolls (mainly because they are few and far between in Los Angeles) so we ordered the larger size and split it. Both rolls were served with coleslaw and fries.

All in all, it was a satisfying lunch. The restaurant was packed by the time we left, with people waiting for tables. Quite possibly some of them might have arrived, after finding Swan Oyster Depot closed. So, when life gives you lemons, go to Woodhouse Fish Co.

Location – 1914 Fillmore St, San Francisco, 94115. Second location at 2073 Market St.
Website – http://woodhousefish.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – Only at Market St. location.
Pesco-Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Limited to sides – though I have seen my uncle make a meal of coleslaw and vegetables here.
Gluten-Free Options – Yes