Woodhouse Fish Company - Seafood, San Francisco

2073 Market St, San Francisco CA 94114
(415) 437-2722
Parking: street parking
Hours: 11:30-10pm daily (until 10:30pm Fri, Sat)
http://woodhousefish.com/

Last Visited: March 21, 2015

Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

An old classmate recommended Woodhouse Fish Company one day when we were chatting about lobster rolls and which place has the best one.  I was actually in the neighborhood planning to go to another restaurant, but since I found parking right in front of Woodhouse, it was clear that this was meant to be.

The place is cozy with the door and a short wall separating the the two sides of the restaurant.  You place your name on the waiting list posted on the blackboard in front of the kitchen.  Various fishing gear decorations are sprinkled throughout the restaurant and there are even framed pearls (likely from the oysters served) found atop specific tables with titles revealing that they were found at that table on a certain date - a cute personal touch.  Even the floor tiles have crabs running throughout the design.

- New England Clam Chowder Cup - This thick bowl of chowder is unique because of the developed bacon flavor that runs through every bite.  There are lots of clams and chunky potatoes and just a hint of sour as you finish off each bite.  I noticed that a lot of recipes call for serving clam chowder with sour cream, so if you like that style, you'll enjoy this.  Good.  $7/Bowl $10

- Lobster Roll - I love lobster rolls.  This one is definitely at the top of my list, just behind one other place.  The bread is grilled and buttery - each bite is so scrumptious with the lightly dressed lobster chunks sprinkled with small diced celery and chives.  It's cool and refreshing lobster sandwiched by a warm crispy buttery bun, oh so good.  The fries were also crispy and golden.  The creamy coleslaw has very thin slices of granny smith apple throughout.  Wonderful.  Regular $18/Large $27

- Fish & Chips - Anchor Steam beer battered wild Alaskan cod with shoestring fries and coleslaw - It's been a long time since I've had fried fish with batter this good.  It's so light and flaky - somewhat reminiscent of the lightness of tempura, it's perfectly crispy.  The fish is fresh and flaky too.  The tartar sauce is pourable, so not very thick, but has good flavor.   I haven't been this impressed with fried batter in a while. Must try. Two Piece $12/Three Piece $15

Service was very friendly and they checked on us during the meal. Our server anticipated our needs, asking if we planned to share the dishes and bringing us a steak knife to split our lobster roll. The only thing that could have made service five stars would have been to check on us before we finished off the lobster roll and fish.

The atmosphere can get very noisy, especially when there are large parties.  It can be difficult to hear with the tile floors, and some of the tables feel close together.

Tuesdays are $1 oyster days and they also offer specials like Soft Shell Crab BLTs and Roasted Salmon.  The food is delicious.  I heartily recommend Woodhouse Fish Company.