I've only been here once and my impression is that the food is ok but overpriced. An entree is not that big. However, you will get full from the free hush puppies, which were a little stiff in texture. I might come back to try one more additional dish but otherwise, been there, done that.
Review Source:Wanted my first Yelp post to be positive and it is with having a great meal last night. Â I am not a oyster fan but had plenty of choices. Â I was with a friend who loves the raw oysters and raved on how good they were and all the different types that were to be had at 42nd. Â I went with a combo of a filet/scallops and they were very good. Â First time having scallops but will not be my last. Â A very enjoyable evening to say the least. Â We had a 7:15 res, arrived early and was seated right away (this on a Saturday night). Â Waiting staff (Suzette) was great and informative and kept the hush puppies coming while we decided on what we were going to have for dinner. Â We will be returning.
Review Source:We came here for the first time last night. Â The atmosphere was very cool. Â The oysters and clams were perfect! Â Even my picky little sister liked them. Â I had the calamari and shrimp, which i thought were a little over-breaded. Â The salt and pepper calamari at PF Changs is much better. Â The mashed potatoes were not that great, they had no flavor! Â But everything else was fantastic. Â The server was nice, although he was a little slower than his coworkers.
We also had desert, which was just the highlight of the evening! Â Key lime pie, peanut butter silk pie, raspberry sorbet, and NY cheesecake. Â All done very well.
Hello Raleigh,
Being from out of town it's not often that I just show up somewhere without a recommendation from someone in the area. Â Well, this person knew what the heck they were talking about. Â This place was awesome!!
When I rode up and saw the neon lights, it looked more like a place of ill repute, but don't let that deter you. Â Walk in and you're immediately transformed to a nicely decorated, simple oyster bay and semi high end restaurant. Â There's ample seating at both the bar and the sit down section.
I made reservations and they brought the 5 of us to a nice table in the back which was set aside so we were able to have a nice conversation while dining. Â Our server was excellent. Â He was very understanding of our needs, provided great recommendations and even better service. Â
I started off with 5 raw oysters, one thing I will say is that I find it odd that they don't serve "steamed" oysters in the restaurant portion, only at the bar. Â Why is that? Â anyhoo, the oysters were quite tasty and just as described on the menu which is important since I couldn't tell you the difference between a Blue Point and a Gulf oyster. Â Salads came and then on to the entrees. Â I ordered the blackened grouper which was lightly blackened. Â This piece of fish was served just as if I was on the coast of Florida, vs. the middle of Raleigh, NC. Â OMG, it was decadent. Â A nice, thick and hearty cut of fish that was perfectly blackened and grilled to perfection. Â Collard Greens tasted like they should and to be honest were the best freakin collard greens I have ever had. Â Cooked with ham and well seasoned it was like someones Grandma was in the back preparing them just for me. Â Malt Vinegar was offered but definitely not needed.
I can't say how great this experience was. Â I will be back guys and you should go also.
42nd street, you are awesome!
If the crab legs weren't so delicious and reasonably priced, I might be able to move on to other entrée items and tell you how wonderful those are as well. But sadly, I cannot do such a thing.
I visit 42nd street far too often, and I am not embarrassed about that. The food is consistent, the ambiance is energetic and we always have a great time. As a Raleighite, I love the vintage photos all around the restaurant. I will admit, that we try to frequent during the earlier or later portion of business hours due to the abundance of large groups who seem to find it appropriate to send their children to an "alternate kids table" which does always seem to land in our dining vicinity. However, we have found ways around getting involved in 12-year-old instigated food fights.
The beer selection, is fantastic. NC beers, craft beers, import beers... they have it all.
Aside from my crab leg addiction, I have many times taken part in their oyster selection. In the oyster department, there is something for everyone. Whether you take them raw and shucked at the oyster bar, or topped with a variety of garnishes- they are delicious. The oysters Rockefeller is one of the best I have had.
Another top hit is the bacon wrapped scallops. This is something I find frequently does not meet my expectations at other locations due to the science behind it. The bacon should be crispy, but not burnt while the scallops have a very small window in which they can be considered "perfectly cooked". The 42nd street rendition scores high in all areas!
The other half (who also loves the crab legs but has managed to venture out a little more than myself), loves the catfish here as well.
I could write on, but there is no need as I will be seeing you Wednesday for a birthday celebration! Thanks for the many food comas, 42nd Street!
This is a great place in Raleigh that does seafood right, with fried oysters, scallops and shrimp the way you want them. Â didnt visit on a music nite, but understand you can have great music, too. I think the portions are very generous and priced right. Â You have to wait a while to sit at islands, but we were seated elsewhere in bar or booths quickly. Wait staff was very attentive and made you feel part of the family. Â It got a little noisy with whole place full, so not good if you want a quiet place.I will definitely recommend and go back as often as i am in Raleigh.
Review Source:Atmosphere is great for dates, group gatherings, ladies night and everything you can imagine. We tried every oyster available and enjoyed all. You're in good hands when restaraunts give you soy sauce without a strange look on their face. Beer choices and wine are lengthy. Their is too much of a menu selection for someone not to find something he or she likes. A local favorite, must try!
Review Source:This was my first visit here, and the food was delicious! The portions are pretty large. My only complaint there was a slight mix up with our reservations, it was extremely busy Saturday night due to prom & a live band performance, but all was worked out. Â Hubby and I plan to return.
Review Source:Visited 42nd street again for a sit-down dinner on my b-day (I visit 42nd street often, but more for the live music than to eat). A friend had a gift-certificate so I was able to splurge for a change!
I typically get the oysters rock here for an app. as it is the best of this version of oyster that I have had anywhere. I also sampled some of my friends' calimare, scallops wrapped in bacon, and popcorn shrimp, all which were good. I ordered the fried sampler as an entree which consisted of flounder, shrimp and oysters. I enjoyed the entree, but I think I prefer their oysters steamed, and that is only available when you sit at the oyster bar. Our server was excellent, and they give you a free dessert when it is your b-day which is a nice touch. I ordered the key-lime pie and recommend it highly!
42nd street is probably my favorite seafood resto in this area, but not the best I have been to over-all (hard to beat good seafood at the coast). I would eat more full dinners there if it wasn't so dang expensive. Most entrees are $25 +, so I think their food might be a bit overpriced compared to other seafood places I have been to, but they don't have much competition in the RDU area, and are basically an institution, so they can charge whatever they want and still always be packed for dinner.
Wife had mom's night out so I took the kids for seafood. Â We made a 530 reservation through open table and were seated promptly when we got there. Â They had several local seasonal beers to choose from which made the dinner all the more better.
I ordered the friend shrimp and calamari. Â One of the few places I know that lets you order calamari as part of your dinner. Â Both were light and fluffy. Â The calamari dipping sauce was marinara sauce so just ok. Â Good selection of kids meals but a little pricey at 7.99 for chicken fingers and fries. Â The kids did not complain so it must have been good.
I give this place 5 stars for the food and 3 stars for the seating so 4 stars total.
I would call myself a seafood aficionado but that may be an insult to the real aficionados. I've been eating seafood up and down the east coast since I was old enough to do so and this place has amazing oysters. That's why you go here. I've had a couple bites of steak or salad from my husband or dad but the oysters are the real deal. Large, tasty, and shucked right in front of you. Our waiter was incredibly attentive and on the ball. He's clearly the expert as he was the only one NOT wearing shucking gloves (even the managers in ties were wearing gloves) and when he noticed our steamed oysters came out medium rare, he offered to take them back and steam them a couple more minutes! If you don't get the "professional" I'll call him, you're still guaranteed to get an experienced shucker who knows what they're doing.
Unfortunately, you can only get steamed oysters at the oyster bar which they do not take reservations for. If you have a larger party, you're sure to wait a long time for the oyster bar as it takes a while to clear up so many seats in a row. Â Overall, it's definitely worth the wait, just a little more inconvenient compared to other restaurants in the area. Hang out in the regular bar and get an appetizer if you need to. They serve local micro-brews only on draft (fine with me, I'm a fan) and have an impressive wine and liquor menu.
This is always a must eat place whenever I come back to the area. Â You have to sit at the oyster bar and get at least a peck of half steamed oysters. Â Extra large oysters, so meaty and juicy and perfectly done. Â The hush puppies and cole slaw at this place also hit the spot. Â Seriously can't get enough of this place, wish there was one where I live!
Review Source:Love this place. Love the food, love the beer, and love the service. Food is excellent and this was the first place that I tried oysters (sampled a variety of them) and they were delicious. They have a great selection of seafood and its always fresh.
Many beers are from local breweries and are fantastic. The drink list is huge and impressive for a place that is already impressive with their food. Most of the service is very friendly and on top of things. The place is alive and everyone seems to be having a great time either enjoying their food, their drink or listening to music (they have live music on certain nights). Every time I'm in Raleigh, I come here.
I rarely give 5 stars but after our visit on Monday night for a quick drink and a couple of apps, I feel 42nd Street deserves it. Â We were early for an event across the street and so we decided to go to 42nd St for a cocktail and a little something to nibble on. Â We sat at the bar and our bartender was great from start to finish. Â We ordered an appetizer of the cajun fried shrimp which might have been the best fried shrimp I've ever had. Â Perfectly cooked and seasoned- my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Â The oysters (a certain kind, can't remember as I don't eat oysters) were .50 each so my hubby ordered a dozen of those and raved about them. Â They were HUGE and apparently delicious. Â We'll definitely be back!
Review Source:42nd Street is my parents' #1 restaurant request every time they visit me in Raleigh, and we've made it a tradition to dine here at least once on each of their visit the past few years.
Great location off Glenwood South (close to downtown); fun, retro atmosphere; great bar area with fun local bands after 9pm. Fried scallops were amazing on our last visit. Also love their great selection of Oysters and fresh fish.
We had great service on this visit too - definitely a great option for groups and out-of-town guest!
Once upon a time, I frequented 42nd Street nearly every week for 25 cent shrimp and oysters at the bar. Sadly, this special no longer exists and price hikes drove me and my group of friends away from frequenting as often, but I still come here once in a while. The food is pricey, but always delicious. The service is also the best around! I love sitting in the bar area, but they don't offer the full menu. I have never had a bad meal here, but my favorites include the crab cakes, the shrimp & grits and the norfolk shrimp. I recommend making a reservation if you want to sit in the dining room.
Review Source:Been here twice. Â I've had similar experiences both times and feel like I can form a solid opinion.
Let me start by saying I don't east oysters. Â I do however love seafood. Â They have a pretty decent menu overall. Â They have fish, some chicken dish, and steak. Â A little something for everyone.
I've gotten fish both times. Â The fish has been very very fresh which I can appreciate. Â Everything they serve from the fish, to the hush puppies and veg and salad are all fresh. Â But thats about all the good I can say about the food. Â I find the oyster bars food very very bland. Â It would be nice if they had some kind of different toppings for their fish. Â Sadly though, unless they have a special (which they didn't either night I went) the only "topping" is flavored butter.
I found the veg to be bland as well. Â I'm not sure if this place uses seasonings or not or perhaps I should just bring my own. Â Give me some seasoning and some sauce. Â Show me you can make my taste buds dance!
I love the atmosphere and the service has been probably the best I've had in Raleigh. Â Superb. Â But I just can't get over how bland their food is. Â If I do go again I would probably try their steak or call to see what their specials are...
Since this is my 200th review, I figured I should review a pretty awesome place. And since I got a meal here paid by someone else, I figured that qualified. Restaurant week didn't hurt, either.
Came here on a Friday night during Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week. Checked out their rather impressive beer list (well, not really, but it was better than I expected for a restaurant of this caliber) and picked a local option. Good start to the evening.
The hushpuppies were a pleasant surprise. Didn't expect them to be brought out. They weren't the best I've had, but they were pretty good, and being free is always welcome.
Because it's an oyster bar, I'm morally obligated to get the oysters on a half shell. They were nice and big, as they should be, which is a welcome change from other seafood places. Fortunately, I had a tablemate who was also interested in them, so I was able to trade some of those and also try the baked oysters; they were amazing. VERY well prepared and flavorful without masking the oyster.
Ordered the blackened Mahi Mahi. Came out medium rare, which happens far too infrequently. I really appreciated the preparation.
What blew me away was the peanut butter pie that came on the pre-fixe menu. I never order dessert when I'm out, since I don't have a sweet tooth. But this peanut butter pie was amazing. Silky and smooth and super peanut-buttery. Easily the best peanut butter pie I've had.
Service was decent. Not the best I've had, but passable for a place like this.
And yes, someone else picked up the check, which just enhanced the entire experience.
I occasionally  visit the area for work from California.  I had heard good things about 42nd Oyster bar and I finally decided to give it a try.  Overall, I was really impressed .  I ordered fresh catch Grouper, which was outstanding, and one of the freshest and best tasting pieces of fish I have ever tried.  The fish came with standard sides of salad and baked potato which were good as well.  They also have an excellent selection of local beers on tap.
42nd street is a great place for fresh seafood and they have good customer service.
You know you have landed on a historic Downtown Raleigh favorite when you cruise into the parking lot and find not one, but 8 House Representative license plates. For some reason I hadn't been to our local yocal seafood place for dinner in years. Of course, I've stopped in for an occassional bevie or to see a band, but the clientele tends to get a bit older as the night progresses.
One of the reasons I've strayed away to other more fashionable haunts is 42nd street is exactly as it always has been. Granted, maybe they don't need to change. They do a mean business there. But, the ambience is a bit stale and the food and presentation hasn't exactly kept up with the times.
That said, they have some top notch bartenders who will serve you one of the strongest and tastiest martinis in town and the seafood is fresh.
What you should know...
Food allergy sufferers: they cook shellfish items in the hushpuppy frier sometimes, so don't go snacking on the puppies. You could end up at the hospital. Also, the menu is extremely limited for non fish eaters and vegetarians. Not sure I even saw chicken on there.
It's a lot of food... the quality is hit or miss. I ordered the Snapper w/lump crab meat. The crab was the real deal and loads of it. I was impressed. The rest of the meal... Â It was ok... I wouldn't drive 45 min for it or anything or wait in a long line.
If you are having a serious seafood itch though go...you won't be disappointed.
I'm embarrassed that I've looked at 42nd St Oyster Bar from my living room window for 2 years and I just visited this weekend!! Â We'd been putting it off for so long as the exterior looks so un-inviting....almost strip club like with the neon pink lighting around the top of the building. Â We also try to dine outside if at all possible and that's not an option here....
However - after putting it off for so long, we decided to stop in for dinner one Sunday evening and we were very pleasantly surprised. Â The inside looks completely different than I had envisioned...I was expecting something much more pub like, but it's quite upscale and large, yet quaint. Â It feels almost like you're dining at a fish market. Â We sat at the oyster bar and loved watching the shuckers shuck the oysters. Â (As an FYI, if you're interested in steamed oysters, you have to sit at the oyster bar to enjoy these.) Â We got a couple of different raw oysters and they were very good despite the fact that it's not oyster season. Â I can't wait to go back during the fall now!!
In addition to the few raw oysters, we got the seared ahi tuna appetizer, blackened tuna bites, and grilled grouper. Â Everything was delicious! Â The seared ahi tuna was among the best I've ever had. Â The tuna bites actually tasted like steak bites with the blackening seasoning which was interesting but a little too greasy for my liking. Â The grouper was served simple - nothing fancy, just grilled. Â I thought this was perfect! Â They really allowed the fish to speak for itself and not cover it up in tons of butter or oil or spices. Â As a side we opted for the cheesy baked potato (an original recipe). Â It was good - and a small portion thankfully. Â
I like that the menu changes daily (on the website and the actual paper menu) so they're always offering daily specials. Â On the back of the menu is a list of all their wines by the glass and beer options, both of which are terrific and plentiful. Â They have won the Wine Spectators Award for several years running now. Â If a bottle to share would better suit you, they have quite the extensive bottle menu with many great choices. Â We got the muscadet (by the glass). Â It was listed as the 'ultimate oyster wine'. Â It was terrific - it went with the oysters perfectly as well as my grouper. Â
Ignore the exterior and give this place a fair shot - it's a gem in the downtown area.
Great dinner! Went there with the hubby for an anniversary celebration. The endless hush puppies was a bit dangerous! We both loved our meals. My mahi mahi was perfectly cooked and so were the shrimp and scallops. My husband's blackened swordfish was gone within minutes of getting it.
The apple pie with the rum sauce was simply decadent!! Perfect ending to the evening!
Blending right in the blue power station across the street, 42nd Street Oyster Bar is one of Raleigh's oldest restaurants. Don't be scared away by the prices of entrees on the "house specialties". Instead, head to the oyster bar and order a beer and a peck of steamed oysters to share with a friend (or a special someone). If you're really hungry, start off with a cup of clam chowder or seafood bisque.
At the oyster bar, service is usually fast. Some of the best hush puppies in Raleigh will appear almost immediately. For the oysters, you will want to get a setup for each person (a setup includes butter, cocktail sauce, and coleslaw). Shortly after steaming, your oysters will be shucked right in front of you and you can start throwin' 'em back.
On the menu is an assortment of seafood, steak, and chicken dishes. I've only ordered off the menu once, and it was a flounder cooked to perfection.
They had the occasional Groupon back in the day, but I haven't seen any deals recently.
On the weekends, they have live bands... but they are clearly aimed at a generation or two older than mine. Last time I went, they had a band called Soul Play, who did all covers.
Tip: Make sure to visit the bathrooms and look at the walls. I'm not sure about the women's room, but the men's room is hilarious. The urinals are designated "fast" and "slow" lanes, depending on how many beers you've had.
A friend and I went here the week after Christmas and dropped a hundred bucks. Â I always like to go that time of year since the Legistature is out of town and it's slower and no waiting. Â FYI, Â I've been going to this place since 1973, spanning multiple owners, format changes, etc.
When the check arrived, I had been charged more than a dollar more for one item than the published price on the menu. Â I mentioned this to the server and after a lot of waiting and hoopla, the amount over the menu price was deducted and the new check was ceremoniously returned for my approval and more waiting.
Folks, of course it's not about the one dollar. Â It's about the integrity of the establishment. Â They didn't even seem shamed after being called out and the damage control was delegated to the poor server. Â Phhhhht.
Got here juuuust before 9pm on Sunday night. Â Who knew this place closed at 9pm?? Â Kind of odd to close so early but anyway. Â
The hostess was not pleased at all to seat us but thankfully there was another couple that walked in with us so the hostess was outnumbered! Â I should have gotten the girls name that seated us - she just threw menus at us and walked away. Â Minus 1 star for her poor attitude!
We all sat at the oyster bar and all ordered steamed oysters. Â The servers Tate and Lee were fantastic! Â They didn't mind that we snuck in at the last minute. Â I think they were happy to earn a few more tips! Â The oysters were great - just what we were craving!!
Saturday night eating at the bah. Â My lovely woman friend and I had some great Rappahannock River oysters on the half shell. Â Beutifully shucked and pristine. Â Great service and very lively. Â I really like eating at their bar, as long as you are two.
Max, our waiter was new, but very attentive and wonderful. Â We asked him for a suggestion for their driest white wine. Â He consulted with Katie, who knows her stuff...and out came just what we wanted.
Good job, Van!
good food from this place....the fried corn bread stick was super good.
Snow crab legs could have had more meat, cheese potatoes was not that interesting, crab cakes were the best in north carolina besides AN but not as good as maryland.Margaritas were 1/2 off and pretty good drinks, key lime pie about par. Oysters are pretty good there and worth getting. Calamari also veryyy good, tuna tartar (don't get it) is ehhh....
The service was very good, and it was fun to hang out there in general since it had an older feel to it and you didn't hafta be dressed up.
I would give no less than a 5 star. Â I LOVE oysters and if in Raleigh area this is THE place to go. Â A great bar and grill. Â Great old time atmosphere. Â
Friendly staff. Â Just kept ordering and eating those oysters. Â I come from NJ and have access to great seafood. Â Raleigh lacks good seafood. Â Trust me on this one. Â
I recommend over and over.
I want good oysters. Â Not beautiful decor!
I first ate here about three years ago, and was favorably impressed. Â I would have given it four stars for service, quality, and quantity.
Service levels still remain high, but the kitchen just doesn't perform like it used to. Â What was once fresh and mouth-wateringly prepared now feels warmed-over. Â The raw oysters are still yummy and succulent as ever ('cuz you're doomed if you start serving stale mollusks at a raw bar), but everything from the chowder to the grilled fish to the oysters rockefeller is trending toward the salty-bland style of chain-food. Â The care is no longer there; as another reviewer mentioned, the shuckers are leaving bits of shell in the oysters. Â A little grit is to be expected (they are filter-feeders, after all) but shell detritus is just plain sloppy.
This makes me sad because this place used to have a lot of character and could have been a destination in itself. Â As it is, I'd go to sit at the bar and knock back a dozen oysters and a cold one. Â The dining room leaves me underwhelmed.
GULF OYSTERS!
42nd Street Oyster Bar *should* get 5 stars just for that alone. Â I was first introduced to gulf oysters a year ago in NOLA and I've been a lover ever since. Â I've had oysters from basically everywhere in the country and gulf oysters cannot be beat as far as size, taste, sweetness, and succulence. Â BUT, they weren't cleaned all that well. Â Bits of dirt and broken shell made them a little gritty. Â Such a shame.
Anyway, this place also boasts a VERY impressive bottled beer selection. Â I was able to get my favorite beer, Harpoon IPA. Â
I came with 6 coworkers and the service was pretty good. Â They made us wait til our entire party arrived which I absolutely DEPLORE. Â Just seat us and let us order some apps and drinks. Â You'll probably make more money and you'll definitely be able to get us out quicker and get the table filled again!
You get hush puppies to start the meal which I have to admit was my first time ever trying them. Â Silly yankee. Â But I loved em, how can you go wrong with fried? Â The calamari app was pretty good, lightly breaded and fried. Â I had a swordfish steak as my main entree with a baked potato and it was good but a just a tad overcooked/dry. Â Everyone else seemed very pleased with their meals.
And my boss picked up the tab at the end. Â Can't go wrong with that!
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