Woodhouse Fish Company

[Cheesy Oysters]

I didn't see much on the board about the Woodhouse Fish Co on Market so I thought I'd add a quick review. We went last night (Friday) around 5:30 after spending the day at the museums. The restaurant is small so we were glad to get there early and the server let us take the largest and only booth even though we were a group of four. We started off with oysters and calamari. Oysters were very fresh taking and calamari was fried nicely. They came with a spicy cocktail sauce and Thousand Island dressing. Three of us got a cup of clam chowder. I had a taste of my daughter's and it was delicious - flavorful and just the right thickness for my taste. We decided it was the best we had out in a long time.

Two of us shared the Iceberg lettuce wedge with a blue cheese dressing. It came with some beets and croutons and a tangy creamy dressing.

For mains, my son got the crab roll sandwich, I had the two piece fish and chips, and my partner got the crab cakes. Both the crab roll and fish and chips were served with thin cut french fries. My son gobbled up the sandwich. I'm a sucker for fish and chips and they serve beer battered style which is not my favorite. They were good but I prefer a lighter thinner batter. The fish was very good however. Crabcakes were very good with just the right amount of crab - as in lots.

The adults got Sierra Nevada on tap and the kids liked how the lemonade was served - separate simple syrup and water to add to the squeezed lemon and ice.

We were very happy and will return again. We generally head to Fish or Half Moon Bay when we want fish and seafood so it was good to find a spot in the city.

On Tuesday, oysters are $1.

-----
Woodhouse Fish Company
2073 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

[DeborahL]

Went last night to the Market Street location and had the wedge salad, Dungeness crab roll, and fish tacos. Beets with the wedge salad were a nice surprise. Crab roll was to die for (my companion agreed, liked it better than his fish tacos), and the fish tacos were pleasantly authentic according to my companion, who's eaten his share on the beach in Mexico. Thought the prices were reasonable and the service very good, particularly the host/manager. They don't take reservations so he did a great job of keeping people in line happy with his upbeat personality. BUT, this was the LOUDEST restaurant I have ever eaten in. It was worse than some bars. Even shouting, my dinner companion and I could barely hear each other. The food was great, but the decibel level would keep me from returning.

[Mjkeating]

The WFC on Market is actually fun... you just need to have the right level of expectation. They're aiming at the "comfort fish" crowd obviously. I've actually developed a mild addiction to their fish and chips, and their selection of oysters is normally very satisfying! Friendly staff too....

[rworange]

Thanks for the update. I haven't been to the Filmore location but it has a more extensive menu.

[CarrieWas218]

I hit the Fillmore location about once a month (usually on Tuesdays when they have $1 oysters). I always loved the fried clams but have been more and more pleased with their grilled options. Great to have it in the neighborhood!

[Dan Wodarcyk]

I've been to the Fillmore spot twice. First time was the lobster roll. Overcooked and chewy claw pieces and unmemorable fries. Was a bit biased that day because I had my heart set on SPQR across the street but they were closed. Second time was for the fried Ipswich clams. When done right, they're the best clam on the planet, but these were not. Over fried, over breaded. Too bad, because these are the sweetest bellied things you've ever had when done perfectly. Wine list was disappointing as well. Could have offered some more inspired by the glass options.

-----
SPQR
1911 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

[boris_qd]

Agreed, the WFC on Market has horrible fried Ipswich clams. Belly clams can be phenomenal but here they are barely edible.

[SteveG]

My memory is fuzzy, but I think I've seen regulars at the WFC on market either specify different preps for their clams, or buy the clams uncooked to take home and cook themselves. I suspect the raw ingredients are great, just the prep is lacking.

[rworange]

Then something has changed. When I had the fried clams a while backt they were great

[SteveG]

I've had great fried clams there and awful fried clams there. I don't think they ever paid much attention to training their cooks; some of them get it, some of them don't.

[myst]

I also had a chewy and chilled lobster roll. I prefer warm and buttery, so was not my cup of tea. But probably would go there if I lived nearby and wanted fish and chips.