Since 1977, this charming nautical spot has been the go-to for fresh seafood, with standout dishes like cioppino and sweet raw oysters that keep diners coming back.
"At Anchor Oyster Bar in the Castro, you’ll slide up to a bar seat and build your seafood-themed spread. That spread should include the Boston-style clam chowder, which is silky smooth, incredibly creamy, and really well-balanced. You’ll get a mouthful of clam, celery, and potato in every bite, and there’s plenty of free bread for dipping, too. Never leave here without at least a half dozen of whatever fresh oysters are scrawled on the whiteboard." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez
"This Castro spot is a classic seafood bar with anchors and life preservers tacked all over the walls, and a menu of icy oyster platters, pool-sized cioppinos, and some of the best clam chowder in town. It’s also sourdough paradise. Don't say "no" when the server offers you a plate of tangy bread—and then another—and never resist dousing a piece in your soup of choice." - julia chen 1, patrick wong
"Anchor Oyster is a neighborhood classic, holding it down in the Castro since 1977. The cioppino is jammed with mussels and crab claws, and don’t be shy about accepting the bib — it’s a full garlic steam facial. Anchor also slings oysters on the half shell, creamy clam chowder, and garlic bread." - Dianne de Guzman, Justine Jones
"Crab season is back at this Castro neighborhood gem, where diners can tuck in to crab cakes, crab cocktail, and cioppino of epic proportions swimming with crab claws." - Becky Duffett, Eater Staff
"At Anchor Oyster Bar, there’s an aquarium’s worth of seafood to choose from. The old-school Castro spot is home to Olympic swimming pool-sized bowls of cioppino, creamy clam chowder, and a daily selection of oysters. And admiring the nautical-themed decor, like light-up anchors and life preservers hanging on the walls, is all part of the experience. Just one visit is all it’ll take before a trip to this spot becomes a weekly occurrence. The ideal way to play hooky for an afternoon is to set a “busy” block on your calendar and slide up to the bar for some oysters, golden-brown crab cakes, and wine. " - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez
