Anchor Oyster Bar

This could easily be my favorite spot in SF. It's centered in the Castro and you have to wait a bit in queue (we stood around 50 minutes, it's easier if you're a smaller party of 2-4). When you go inside you're greeted with great service and a nice atmosphere that just butters you up for some good seafood. Their oysters are listed on the specials and we tried all of them. Good selection but what sold me was their golden balsamic vinegar topping. We also tried one of the daily specials, some pan fried scallops and they were really impressive. I'm generally not a scallop person because of the texture but the pan sear changes everything.The clam chowder was decent, I had to try it but in retrospect one could consider skipping so you have space for other menu items.The main dish is their cioppino. It is both massive and insanely flavorful. I liked the variety and balance of all the different seafoods and they include a generous amount of garlic bread for it all. The best part is how drinkable the soup was. Usually I feel like the soups become too salty but this didn't have that problem.Amazing place and if you can afford the time to wait in line absolutely do it.

Amazing cioppino, the garlic bread that comes with it is some of the best I've had.We got the large cioppino which was more than enough for the two of us. Would definitely come back!

Me and my family came here for lunch earlier today and we had a nice time. Today was a hot day in the city so we sat outside which was alright; still really warm out but at least we got shade. I couldn't believe they didn't have any high-chairs for kids? That's so odd and really a first. I highly recommend them ordering some because my 1.5 year old was so squirmy and couldn't stop moving around. It made it tough for me and my wife to sit and eat.I started with a sake oyster shooter which was nice because it gave me a quick rush with all the tangy tomato juice and thick oyster! We then moved on to their Caesar salad. The dressing was perfect with lots of anchovy notes. The croutons are homemade and toasted to perfection. This is my favorite Caesar salad of all time so far. The Boston chowder was thick and creamy, rich, and had lots of pieces of clams and potatoes. It was tasty and delicious. Finally, the main event, our cioppino arrived, topped with lots of shellfish and two freshly sliced garlic breads.The cioppino is different tasting than most of the ones I've tried. We weren't big fans of it to be honest. The strong taste of anise is showcased and dominates the entire dish. It tasted like tomato stew mixed with black licorice and that wasn't a good mix. It was a bit tough to eat because the flavor is so strong. I gave it a C- and that is surprising to me. I'm just not a fan of the taste; everything else in it was great in terms of shellfish portion, nice chunks of fish and tomatoes, thick stew, etc. I'm glad I got to come here and finally try their cioppino. Not sure I'll be back again but I'd highly recommend people coming here to try it. We all have different tastes so lots of people would love that anise flavor.

When I was 18 one of the first things I went to in the Castro was this place. It was amazing. I sat at the counter and had a lovely meal. One of my friends wanted to eat here again and I was so delighted because I've not been there in over a year. I ordered my favorite, which is the Bay shrimp cocktail. They also offer it with large prawns, but I grew up with the Bay shrimp and I'm sticking with them for the cocktail piece. They were delightful, tender perfect the cocktail sauce was perfection. I ordered the garlic bread. It did not disappoint. It is rich, but not too buttery and quite Filling. They had on special the artichokes so I had one in it came along with a special aïoli sauce that was more of a mayonnaise that tasted quite unique and was perfect. They gave us all the extra plates and it was quite a treat as well, and then my friend ordered the cioppino. It was huge. He loved the bib. He was having the time of his life and I had a small meal and we're both delighted to be back in the space enjoying an evening out the staff for courteous, friendly, and patient. Happy to explain anything and are quite attentive. We just come out around 5:30 so there was not much of a crowd, but beware, this place gets packed so you may have to wait for your table 1st come first serve. And sometimes you can squeeze in at the counter, but not always be aware.

VERY limited seating. They close the waitlist about 1-2hrs before closing so get there early!Service was amazing & clam chowder was really good. Crab cake was best I ever had. Other menu was also good, but not amazing.

This was an amazing experience!! The food was very fresh and clam chowder will warm you up on a foggy day. The service at the counter was bright and kind!

I had a craving for oysters and Yelp helped me decide on Anchor Oyster Bar. Firstly, the restaurant is very cute. It's a small place with 4 tables inside, a counter, and some outside seating. I sat at the counter and enjoyed my space for the people watching. I tried some of oysters off their specials of the day and they were delicious. I also got a Caesar salad and it was outstanding. I normally do not like croutons as I find they can be too crunchy. Their croutons are fresh and the perfect level of crunchy. The service was also very kind and attentive. I'd come back for sure.

Really yummy sea food spot! Came here after watching an episode of Mark Weinz on YouTube. The wait time depends on how busy it is, could range from 5 min to am hour so id call ahead. We had the clam chowder (8/10) it was good but i think i like mine a bit creamier with more sea food. The crab cakes were delicious! (10/10) and the oysters were also worth getting we ordered a white wine to accompany our meal and it hit the spot. We love coming here and know you will too The vibes inside feel very San Franciscan. Its a sea themed restaurant, very much meant for dates or a nice dinner with friends or colleagues. I dont really recommend bringing kids here since you have to walk through the kitchen to get to their tiny bathroom. No designated parking-street parking only

Words can't describe how wonderful the food was. The restaurant is quaint. The staff is friendly and Barry a ton of. I will return over and over again and I would invite you to do the same.One more thing I don't even eat clam chowder, but I found myself wanting seconds !

Had a WONDERFUL meal at AOB today. Started with an assorted dozen of the freshest and most perfectly shucked oysters, a delicious Caesar Salad crowned with their amazing homemade croutons, some garlic bread of your dreams and then a large order of their Jewel-in-the-crown Crab Cioppino. This Cioppino is no joke, it's world class stuff that some very skilled soul in their kitchen labored and loved into existence. A veritable mountain of perfectly cooked shellfish and seafood bathed in this highly addictive, deeply flavored, herbaceous and anise laden broth that knocks this dish squarely out of the park. Perfection! Thoughtful and reasonably priced wine & beer offerings (e.g. Rombauer Chard 750ml $56), wonderful service, and charming ambiance solidifies AOB's place as best-in-class for Bay Area seafood lovers.