Venue Image

Hours

Lunch M-F 11:30-3:00
Dinner M-F 3:00-11:00
Sat 5:00-11:00
Sun 5:00-10:00 Live Entertainment Thurs
Fr

Parking

Free lot

Pricing

Medium ($$)

City's Best

42nd Street Oyster Bar & Sfd   

508 W Jones St
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-831-2811
www.42ndstoysterbar.com

Rating: 4 out of 5  (16 Ratings)   Read Reviews (16)    Rate and Write a Review

42nd Street Oyster Bar is somewhat of a Raleigh institution. It entered the Raleigh dining scene way back in 1931, when owner J.C. Watson took over a grocery store and started serving oysters to his customers. Two years later, it became the first business in Raleigh to serve draft beer in a frosted mug. The tradition of beer and oysters lives proudly lives on today, as 42nd Street is one of the most popular eateries in town. Patrons come here in droves for raw oysters and clams on the half shell, clam chowder and spicy steamed shrimp. Specialties include lump crab cakes, soft-shell crab and fish such as halibut and catfish that can be broiled, blackened or mesquite-grilled. Of course, this is the South, meaning you can always get most seafood served calabash style -- that's deep fried and served with fries or a baked potato and slaw. 42nd Street also carries a nice selection of steaks and pasta, as well as sides like their famous cheese potato, black-eyed peas and collard greens. Live music takes over the small stage near the bar on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. That makes the wait for a table longer, but well worth it.

User Ratings and Reviews Rate and Write a Review

16 Ratings and Reviews

Order by: Oldest | Newest
debsingssongs
Review rating 5 out of 5
Nothing Like It!
By debsingssongs on 07/14/2006
As a native daughter of Raleigh, I must say that the 42nd Street Oyster Bar is a fine institution. Since I am somewhat of a regular, I am warmly greeted by the host and the wait staff. The oysters and the other seafood items are superb. The live music is an added treat! As far as seafood houses go, this is the tops! The wait staff is always on the move! This kind of reminds me of a New York City establishment, thus the name 42nd Street. Without reservation, I highly recommend the 42nd Street Oyster Bar. See you there!
user image
Review rating 5 out of 5
From the eyes of an employee
By gratitude1965 on 10/14/2005
As former Staff Member I would like to note that after 18 years no job has meant more to me than my time at 42nd Street Oyster Bar in Raleigh, NC. Though my time was short it was without a doubt the best job I ever had. My first experience was a date with an engineer from Zebulon. Drunk but in a Limo. Brad Hurley and his staff made us feel welcome and wanted. I was so happy about my experience I quickly returned to apply for a server position with the establishment. Not only was I hired but for 8 months I had the time of my life. Waiting on celeb's such as Alexander Julian, Political Figures, and local celeb's was great. Plus my fellow coworkers always made me feel wanted and needed. Great care was given to every dish before delivering to our customers. With a staff of Expeditors, Runner ands Servers not only quality but efficiency , quality and Customer Satisfaction was and I believe still is the driving force of this establishment. When we made a mistake we did our utmost to amend the situation as quickly and effectively as possible. I hope you too will give 42nd a try. Whether on a date, Business, Church, after work drinks or All are welcome. Please remember that if you are drinking please do not drive. Raleigh has very stiff DWI penalties for such actions. Trust me it totally is not worth it. Enjoy!
user image
Review rating 5 out of 5
Great Food
By morrisplbgco on 08/15/2005
Great Food and atmosphere.
user image
Review rating 5 out of 5
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By rogerncarol on 02/26/2005
Excellent food, excellent service, excellent pricing and a great atmosphere. Drive approximately 45 minutes to dine there 5 or 6 times per year.