42nd Street Oyster Bar & Sfdsimilar businesses >

919-831-2811
Picture for 42nd Street Oyster Bar & Sfd
City's Best

508 W Jones St
Raleigh, NC 27603
Fax: 919-831-2917

Average Rating 4 (16 Ratings)

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Find this business under: Restaurants-Seafood, Restaurants, Cocktail Lounges

  • Credit Cards Accepted: Cash, MasterCard, Visa

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.

16 Ratings and Reviews

  • Review rating : 4out of 5   TBrendaat - 08/04/2008

  • Review rating : 5out of 5   MrLobo2 - 06/13/2008

  • Review rating : 4out of 5   Bigg JP - 05/19/2008

  • COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY

    Review rating : 1out of 5   nextell2 - 12/03/2007

    OUR COMPANY HAD A CHRISTMAS PARTY THERE ON DEC 1 THIS YEAR, WE HAD A REALLY BAD EXPERIENCE AND WILL NEVER GO BACK AFTER GOING THERE FOR YEARS, CALL ME AT MY WORK FOR DETAILS, 919-554-9100, ASK FOR CHARLES

  • Best crab cakes ever

    Review rating : 5out of 5   kellysext - 08/26/2007

    My wife and I live about 75 mins away and don't mind the trip to eat here. I would suggest the crab cakes, best I've eaten anywhere including Outer Banks. The seafood stew/soup is also incredible but not listed on the menu. Fun atmosphere. Probably my favorite restaurant.

  • Best seafood in town

    Review rating : 5out of 5   bettysueanders - 06/30/2007

    My family and I have been to eat here on 4 different occasions and you can not get better seafood any where else in Raleigh that would even begin to compare to 42 Steet. My son loves raw oysters and they have got to be good for him to eat them like he does here. Every time we go he will eat up to a peck and a half by his self. All I can say if you don't like eating here theres just more room for my family and I. GREAT JOB TO ALL THE EMPLOYEES AND DON'T CHANGE A THING.

  • Great Place and Great people

    Review rating : 5out of 5   pfcajun - 05/02/2007

    Every time I have been there has been greated with a friendly smile and attitude of appreciation. Love the food especially the raw oysters. Always a wonderful place for my wife's birthday and anniversary.

  • scolded by a manager!?!#*"@

    Review rating : 1out of 5   jhcoleman5 - 04/06/2007

    I'm certain there are laws about packing too many people in a restaurant, but that's not my main point. We made the mistake of going in on a saturday night and since it was an hour and a half wait and we could not get near the bar we crossed the street for a civilized moment and a cocktail. While in the middle of our dinner a manager scolded us for not telling anyone that we were leaving the building.....blah,blah,blah...I have worked in restaurants for thirty years and have NEVER heard about scolding the customer! Perhaps if the food was good it would be worth putting up with, but it's not and we will never make this mistake again!!!!

  • Nothing Like It!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   debsingssongs - 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!

  • From the eyes of an employee

    Review rating : 5out of 5   gratitude1965 - 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!

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