If you're in the Fisherman's Wharf area and want to avoid the tourist traps and overpriced "seafood", then Crab Station #2 might be the perfect stop. Nestled in between a few other food stalls, down the street from the Boudin Bakery and parking lot, this gem serves up some tasty clam chowder (which I think is served in a Boudin bread bowl) for only $5.50, which is almost half the price of the other restaurants around.It doesn't stop with the chowder though. Order up a whole crab (I got two last time for $12 & $13 each) and watch the master cracker break down your freshly steamed crab, then assemble it all on a plate for you with some lemons, a zesty, horseradish laden cocktail sauce and a crapload of napkins.
The crabs tasted amazing and if you have any bread left from the bread bowl, use it to mop up the tasty roe that's left pooled up in your crab shell.
For me, this is what SF seafood on the wharf is all about. Another great thing about this place is that you might be lucky enough to find a table or some chairs inside their restaurant (which is pretty cozy).
The best seat in the house is the counter on the window facing out towards the street and the stalls. From there you can pig out on crab, listen to the constant cracking sound of crab shells being artfully broken and watch the pigeons greedily eyeballing the tourists food.
Service here was speedy, even though it was packed and more importantly, everyone seemed to be enjoying their food.
Well worth a visit if you're near the wharf.
