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.

Categories: Restaurants-Seafood, Restaurants, Cocktail Lounges

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