- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
77 reviews for 42nd Street Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
Review Highlights
-
"The endless hush-puppies can be dangerous and very filling." In 11 reviews -
"They often have live music which is fun." In 6 reviews -
"...had some great Rappahannock River oysters on the half shell." In 10 reviews
Loading...
77 reviews in English
-
Review from Tara M.
Durham, NC
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
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! -
Review from Andrew W.
1/29/2012 6 Check-ins Here
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.Listed in: Dinner in DTR, Glenwood South
-
Review from Ann E.
Raleigh, NC
1/8/2012
A friend and I went here the week after Christmas and dropped a hundred bucks. I always like to go that time of year since the Legistature is out of town and it's slower and no waiting. FYI, 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. 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. It's about the integrity of the establishment. They didn't even seem shamed after being called out and the damage control was delegated to the poor server. Phhhhht. -
Review from Matt P.
Apex, NC
5/14/2012
Wow, great spot. I travel a lot and always walk past the spot in the airport and wanted to hit the original spot before hitting airport location. The food and environment was great! I ordered the Salmon and my wife ordered the Sea Striped Salmon Bass and it was incredible. We were blown away at the flavor and the ambiance at this place. We will definitely be returning during the weekend for the live music and will no question be getting the cheesy potato as a side. That is an incredible side dish by the way!
-
Review from Luke B.
Spring Lake, NC
5/18/2012
Just had a celebratory dinner here. It was a great time. I was happiest with the choice of oysters from different waters to choose from. Mine were great. I had raw oysters to start, and a soft shell crab dinner. Crabs were great, came with a side, a salad, and bottomless hush puppies. Salad was fresh, for the side I got cheese potatoes were were delicious, a cross between mashed and au gratin with lots of cheese. Wife started with muscles and went to a lobster dinner. Her family was from Boston and she thought the lobster was done right, and was big enough to get your fill but not so big that the meat became tough. Great food all around. Service was everything you want - there but not there. Drinks filled, needs met without asking, but never hovering over us. Wife got dessert, but it was so big she ended up taking most of it to go. Lots of local craft beers on draft for those who enjoy. It is not a cheap dinner, (ended up over $100), but then we got all the trimmings. You could probably share a peck of oysters over a couple beers and keep the cost reasonable. First time their but they had a nice selection of fish and seafood. Only word of caution is if you have a none seafood eater in your party the options are limited. But for seafood lover fantastic. This could potentially be a five star review for some. i'm making it four just out of atmosphere preference. It is a louder restaurant and half bar (they were setting up for live music later in the evening). We prefer a little quieter more laid back setting usually, but will definitely go again sometime none the less. If you like like oyster bars, it's the absolute best I've ever been to not located right on the coast.
-
Review from Amanda J.
Raleigh, NC
11/15/2011
Got here juuuust before 9pm on Sunday night. Who knew this place closed at 9pm?? Kind of odd to close so early but anyway.
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! I should have gotten the girls name that seated us - she just threw menus at us and walked away. Minus 1 star for her poor attitude!
We all sat at the oyster bar and all ordered steamed oysters. The servers Tate and Lee were fantastic! They didn't mind that we snuck in at the last minute. I think they were happy to earn a few more tips! The oysters were great - just what we were craving!! -
Review from Bob M.
Raleigh, NC
10/11/2011
Saturday night eating at the bah. My lovely woman friend and I had some great Rappahannock River oysters on the half shell. Beutifully shucked and pristine. Great service and very lively. I really like eating at their bar, as long as you are two.
Max, our waiter was new, but very attentive and wonderful. We asked him for a suggestion for their driest white wine. He consulted with Katie, who knows her stuff...and out came just what we wanted.
Good job, Van! -
Review from Guy S.
Richmond, VA
1/30/2012
Nice atmosphere, if you like it loud, large and busy. The food is good, not great, and certainly not worth waiting an hour for a table, which is what I heard most people being told the wait would be. There is a parking lot, but you'll probably have to park up the street and walk. This feels like the restaurant equivalent of a person who is famous for being famous. Given the hassle just to get in, I'd advise going somewhere else unless you just HAVE to see it.
-
Review from Sean W.
Aiea, HI
1/31/2012 2 photos
GREAT OYSTERS! I love fresh oysters... and this place has so many to try. The levels of brinny-ness with the unique flavors of each make it very enjoyable. I would go back just to get oysters! It has a very fun and relaxed atmosphere as well... it has an old school feel and the place is huge! I had the Whitsett Red Oak Amber ale on draft... it was awesome! Great beer and fresh oysters... can't go wrong.
-
Review from Melissa C.
Raleigh, NC
2/16/2012
The oysters here are incredible. Love the food and the vibe of the place. It's pricey but completely worth it.
-
Review from Hy D.
Chagrin Falls, OH
1/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Good selection, portion size, atmosphere, but can be pricey. One of my co-workers had a bad selection. The owner came out and ended up giving him a tour of the kitchen, very nice touch - he genuinely seemed to care.
-
Review from Tara H.
Clayton, NC
11/7/2011
Oyster bar with the oysters on the half shell is the way to go! Thoroughly enjoyed both the oysters and my time at the oyster bar! Great band and friendly servers all around!!
Have been before and wasn't overly thrilled with my meal but honestly~yum to the oysters on the half shell! -
Review from Mike K.
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped by during a recent work trip to Raleigh and couldn't have been more impressed.
First, this place is a throwback, aesthetically speaking. I don't idealize that whole Rat Pack vibe, but if you're into a place with that whole Frank, Dean, and Sammie feel, this is it. Very classic.
The reason I went ist hat some Yelpers raved about the $.50 oysters during happy hour Monday through Thursday. So I bellied up to the bar and ordered 16 raw gulf oysters on the half shell and a Carolina Brewing Company Pale.
The oysters ranged in size from smallish to enormous, with most in the medium range. They were served on steel platters with fresh horseradish and cocktail sauce. All were fresh and delicious.
I will be back every chance I get. $8 for 16 fresh oysters all shucked perfectly? Can't beat it. -
Review from Pam G.
10/10/2011
This was my first visit to 42nd street in quite awhile. When I've been in the past I've always been a bit disappointed with my meal. It seemed like the seafood was always overcooked. Not the case on this visit. A group of 8 of us went for dinner last Thursday night. We put our name in for a table and went to sit in the bar. They have a nice wine selection and apparently on Thursday nights their liquor is 1/2 priced. We got a bottle of Mumm Brut rose bubbly for a very reasonable $30 and some of the folks took advantage of the 1/ priced liquor.
We were pretty content with our table in the bar and chose to stay there for dinner. We started with two kinds of oysters. These were both baked with some cheese and breadcrumbs and assorted toppings. I can't remember the names, but they were both very good. In the past I've enjoyed their clam chowder, but it was really the only disappointment that night. It just tasted bland. It needed salt and hot sauce to give it some flavor. The hush puppies as always were hot and delicious, especially dipped in the butter that they come with. I got what they described as a light bite - fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese and blackened ahi tuna. The main reason I ordered this is because I love fried green tomatoes and didn't even notice the mention of blackened ahi tuna on top. I was sure glad it was there though as it was the star of the meal. The ahi tuna was just fabulous. So tender and just the right spice level. I''m not sure why they describe this as light though. You get 6 pieces of tomato with ahi on top and I could only eat two. DH was pretty happy about that though, since that meant he got to eat the rest.
I also love the cole slaw here. It has a touch of sweetness and just the right amount of sauce. The bathroom is even a lt of fun with the cute little sayings over the stalls and the mirrors. I'm not sure if the green tomato/ahi tuna was a special or a regular menu feature, but that dish is definitely worth going back for! -
Review from Bruce G.
1/9/2011
I am basing this review on many visits to 42nd Street over the years, not just one one visit. I first started going to 42nd street as a member of the Raleigh Jaycees. We would have our after meeting socials there, and that is where I first discovered their delectable hush puppies. We would gather around the bar area and sometimes just hang out there and drink beer and eat hush puppies...a meal in itself! The bartenders have been around forever and are very friendly, and attentive. These are definitely professional bartenders and offer a full bar with wine, beer and liquor.
Of course I would eventually venture off to the oyster bar area, and also on occasion get a table in the dining area. When I am in the Oyster bar area, I often start off with a bowl of the seafood bisque, a creamy and steamy concoction of seafood bits which is probably the best I have had anywhere. Another favorite of mine is their Oysters Rockefeller which is baked oysters with hollandaise sauce and spinach on top. Yum Yum! I have also ordered the steamed oysters many times and even tried the raw oysters with no ill effects. In fact, the oysters have always been very enjoyable! I believe they come from the Gulf and have always proven to be very succulent.
42nd street is a large place with a bar area, oyster bar and main dining area. It's often pretty noisy so don't go there expecting a small quiet place. You may also find yourself waiting for a table for a while during dinner. This place is well known as popular as ever. They have bands on weekends that play in the bar area, starting up around 10:00 or so.
One improvement I always wish 42nd street would make is to open an outdoor dining area. It would be so cool to hang out and eat oysters and hushpuppies on a nice Spring/Summer evening while listening to some live music. They could even heat and enclose the outdoor dining area during the Winter months.
I think of 42nd street as an old friend. I don't visit as often as I used to, but every visit makes for a classy and enjoyable seafood experience.Listed in: DTR, Old Reliables, Cougar Dens, Oyster Bars
-
Review from Ames E.
Raleigh, NC
2/14/2011
If you like fried seafood, all you can eat hushpuppies and cold beer, then this place is for you.
Go for the history, the grease and the suds, otherwise don't go. A fun place for groups who get a little rowdy!
Authentically "old school" Raleigh. -
Review from John H.
4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place! I almost wish I was back in school so I can enjoy this place (instead of being in a different city).
Went here for a couple of beers with an old college friend and had a good time. We sat at the bar and also ate dinner, but the place was super busy (being a Friday night). The bar tenders were cool and helpful in picking drinks and were attentive to our "refills".
The endless hush-puppies can be dangerous and very filling. I had the jumbo lump crab cakes, which were delicious. I'd love to try any of their seafood options and their oysters of course! Doesn't look like they have a bad thing on the menu... the only bad thing is how small our stomachs are since we can't eat everything in one visit.
Parking tends to be a nightmare, but if you don't mind walking... its a good way to burn off the extra dozen hush-puppies one might partake in this place. -
Review from Bill E.
Asheville, NC
4/26/2011
What a great place! It is so nice to get fresh, local oysters. Our server was attentive but not heavily present. The place was busy for a Saturday night but I expected busier although we were dining a little late 9:15. The spicy steamed shrimp were delicious and the fresh oysters were heavenly.
As many others have mentioned the hush puppies are quite good, simple and not greasy at all. Our waitress brought out two samples of white wines when we were trying to decide on a dry white. Instead of just shooting from the hip she went and asked someone and gave us a couple of options to chose from, very well done.
I will most definitely be coming back again. -
Review from Graeme B.
Chapel Hill, NC
10/15/2010
Great restaurant, but I almost broke a tooth.
2 dozen oysters, 5 different types...lovely, until TWICE, I bit into shell fragments. 2 days before I had had a root canal...hurts again.
But the oysters were delicious, as was the Mahi and the Grouper.
Key Lime pie tasted factory made and over sweet ... I suspect, from the almost immediate heart burn that it was made with High Fructose Corn Syrup ... a real no no in a restaurant.
It is a shame, this could be a 4 or 5 star restaurant if their eyes were more on the quality than on the dollar.
Bottom line, and as stated before, stick to the raw bar or steamed oysters. -
Review from Rob W.
Garner, NC
7/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Grouper was delicious! Service was excellent sitting at the oyster bar.
-
Review from Lily P.
8/15/2010
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. -
Review from J. N.
Danvers, MA
3/9/2012
Came here on our first visit to Raleigh and left stuffed and happy. As New Englanders, we have high standards for seafood and it did not disappoint. When we arrived at 8pm on a Friday night we were told it would be an hour wait; less than 10 minutes later we were seated at the bar. We had Cajun fried oysters to start; not very spicy but still very good. My boyfriend had the crab cakes; the meat was super fresh and rich and absolutely delicious. The sweet potato chips were just ok. I had the shrimp and grits; the portion was enormous, the shrimp was cooked perfectly, and the grits were creamy. The cocktail list is a mix of old standards and modern twists, expertly mixed and very reasonably priced. Our server helped navigate the local beer selection and the service was generally excellent. The atmosphere was a little loud, but overall it's a fun, unique spot. We will definitely be returning!
-
Review from Christopher D.
West Lafayette, IN
7/13/2010
I first ate here about three years ago, and was favorably impressed. 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. What was once fresh and mouth-wateringly prepared now feels warmed-over. 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. The care is no longer there; as another reviewer mentioned, the shuckers are leaving bits of shell in the oysters. 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. As it is, I'd go to sit at the bar and knock back a dozen oysters and a cold one. The dining room leaves me underwhelmed. -
Review from Christine W.
Marlton, NJ
7/13/2010
I would give no less than a 5 star. I LOVE oysters and if in Raleigh area this is THE place to go. A great bar and grill. Great old time atmosphere.
Friendly staff. Just kept ordering and eating those oysters. I come from NJ and have access to great seafood. Raleigh lacks good seafood. Trust me on this one.
I recommend over and over.
I want good oysters. Not beautiful decor! -
Review from Jared S.
5/19/2009
GULF OYSTERS!
42nd Street Oyster Bar *should* get 5 stars just for that alone. I was first introduced to gulf oysters a year ago in NOLA and I've been a lover ever since. I've had oysters from basically everywhere in the country and gulf oysters cannot be beat as far as size, taste, sweetness, and succulence. BUT, they weren't cleaned all that well. Bits of dirt and broken shell made them a little gritty. Such a shame.
Anyway, this place also boasts a VERY impressive bottled beer selection. I was able to get my favorite beer, Harpoon IPA.
I came with 6 coworkers and the service was pretty good. They made us wait til our entire party arrived which I absolutely DEPLORE. Just seat us and let us order some apps and drinks. 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. Silly yankee. But I loved em, how can you go wrong with fried? The calamari app was pretty good, lightly breaded and fried. I had a swordfish steak as my main entree with a baked potato and it was good but a just a tad overcooked/dry. Everyone else seemed very pleased with their meals.
And my boss picked up the tab at the end. Can't go wrong with that! -
Review from Chelsy C.
5/25/2010
This review is only for the bar.
Swank, old-timey atmosphere, dim lighting with plenty of neon. Huge, gorgeous fully stocked bar, friendly bar staff.
I was impressed with their micro brew selection. Mainly from the East Coast and Midwest. I enjoyed a Founder's 'Dirty Bastard' ale and a Milk stout from Duck-Rabbit. I also had a delicious custom made oyster shooter from the competent bartender.
I recommend! -
Review from Steve A.
Pine Brook, NJ
9/25/2011
I would honestly say there was no room for improvement. We arrived to a nearly full restaurant, and we were seated immediately. The food was served surprisingly quick for how busy the place was. The atmosphere, staff, music, and food were all equally great.
-
Review from Melodie S.
Cary, NC
7/15/2008 1 photo
Decent seafood, nice environment. Kind of a dark, warehouse atmosphere with an open air kitchen in the center. The oysters on the half shell were all right, though a little gritty and not cheap at $18 per dozen. Pretty standard fare, very basic salads and fried this and that.
If you are in need of excellent seafood I would look elsewhere, but as an easy spot to have a straightforward meal served by a friendly staff, this is a good place to know about. -
Review from James M.
Kingsport, TN
8/29/2011
This is a good restaurant but not great. The menu was a little narrow for seafood however, the oyster selection was better. Beer selection was excellent with several local brews. We walked there but when we left a police officer was standing outside. I would take a cab or drive. The food was a little over priced for a slightly above average restaurant.
-
Review from Lucy F.
Raleigh, NC
9/18/2011
The band that was playing on Friday night was great - interacted great w/crowd. Good music choices. Wish the dance floor was bigger.
-
Review from Jon L.
3/4/2009
I would give this place another star if I could
I've been to this place maybe a dozen times over the years but had my VERY BEST experience in mid Dec 2008 while celebrating my sons graduation from NC State.
We were a group of five and everyone ate the oysters...by the PECK!
You'll like this place if you focus on the food, it's fresh and high quality.
It can be loud and crowded but if it wasn't you would worry.
It's best to go here early if you have a special date or a business lunch.
Otherwise you'll never be able to carry on a conversation.
Go with a crowd, everyone will find something they like and enjoy the festive atmosphere anytime.
Oysters, Oysters & more Oysters! They are fesh and flavorful. They rival any oyster joint I ever went to for the two years I lived in New Orleans.
Try to get a seat at the Oyster bar...you'll get better service because of easier access by the wait staff.Listed in: Top Restaurants
-
Review from Niko X.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2009
A good seafood restaurant is often hard to find inland... actually they can be pretty hard to find on the coast as well, given the tendency for restaurants to promote a view and exorbitant tourist prices over quality of food.
42nd is as hard nosed true oyster bar as can be. It's in what you would call an "up and coming" part of town--code for shitty post industrial area. The building itself is an old garage/warehouse, converted and painted. The styling is decidedly art deco. The restaurant itself is HUGE... including an oyster bar that goes on and on and on. Despite the size, you don't feel lost inside if you tuck into one of the cavernous cozy wooden booths. However, while this was charming, the seating was less comfortable than a traditional Catholic church pew.
The staff are dripping with down home southern charm. Despite my wanting to deduct IQ points for the southern accent, I do have to say I am quite impressed with effort these people put in to please, however hokey it may be.
Rather than going for a meal I decided to order a sampling of a la carte items. I was highly upset that raw oysters on the half shell could only be ordered in half dozen increments. I even offered to pay more than half the cost of six and they still wouldn't let me. That seemed out of character given the culture of the waitstaff. I mean I don't think it would be unprecedented for only one person in a party who eats raw oysters. I don't know too many people who can eat six by themselves.
Anyhow I got over it and ordered a cup of clam chowder, a large mixed green salad and a plate of a dozen steamed little neck clams. I was especially impressed that I had a choice on how steamed I wanted these clams... I chose medium.
The clam chowder was average (as I expected since most restaurants buy premade); but the little neck clams were absolutely delicious. They were huge and meaty, and they were cooked exactly as I ordered them. Melted butter was provided, and they were steamed in a very light garlic broth. I enjoyed every last one of them. The salad was also of note. For $5 it included several types of lettuce, boiled egg, and many extras like olives, tomatoes and onions. This impressed me as seafood places are known to slap iceberg lettuce with a few shards of romaine, top it with sliced white onions and call it a day.
It's cool to say that I recommend a seafood restaurant in Raleigh. -
Review from Pearl M.
Apex, NC
2/20/2011
There was a pretty horse with a white carriage at the curb, maybe waiting for a newly wed couple? I haven't been to the 42nd Street Oyster Bar since I worked downtown and they used to be open for lunch. The food is as good as I remember, well, actually it's better than I remember! I have a shellfish allergy and you probably wonder what I'm doing in an Oyster Bar! I can't enjoy the shellfish, but I love this place!
It is so crowded and hard to find a parking place, even with the auxiliary parking across the street! Met my friends at the bar while we waited for our table, it wasn't too long of a wait for a Saturday night.
We were seated at a table by the pit, where they bring out and steam and shuck the shellfish. Our waiter brought us their famous hushpuppies, which are hot and crisp on the outside and so tender on the inside. Their hushpuppies are flavorful and are incredible! There has to be onions in the batter, the taste was just awesome.
The waiter was great, he was attentive and helped us with our selections. They have an extensive menu with lots of fresh seafood and lots of selections, so many great choices! Our waiter didn't bat an eye when I told him I was allergic to 95% of what was on the menu, lol. I ordered the Ribeye medium rare. Oh Yum! It was so tender and grilled to perfection. The meat was tasty and rich, full of flavor. It's an incredible steak! The baked potato was soft and fully cooked no lumps at all. The plate also had a colorful steamed squash medley, with yellow and zuchinni squash and broccoli.
The girls shared a peck of oysters, lightly steamed (they are still somewhat raw). Our waiter brought out the bucket and shucked them at our table and placed them on tins with cocktail sauce and butter. The girls really enjoyed them. They poured them onto saltines and added hot sauce, and wolfed them down! They said they were so good. We all shared the Sesame Crusted Rare Ahi Tuna Sweet Wasabi & Sesame Ginger appetizer (flown in fresh from Hawaii), the taste is amazing, it's only seared on the outer edge and sliced thin, and it is raw in the center. The meat is hefty for being so tiny. It's sushi grade and has a zing! Not hot or too spicy though, just right. One of my friends ordered the cheesy potato, it's served in a paper tray the size of a small baked potato, about 4 inches long and about a 1/2 inch high. Needless to say, there wasn't much there for $3. She said it was good, very cheesy, just not enough for the price. That's when I changed my order to a baked potato with cheese on the side.
We had a wonderful dining experience and I would recommend this as a great place to eat, enjoy friends and family, date night, special occasions and functions. Casual place to relax and enjoy good food. Next time, I'm going to try the lounge for live music and dessert!Listed in: Food places
-
Review from kay w.
Raleigh, NC
9/11/2011
Went there for dinner. Nice seafood place. Loved the sea scallop dish:)
-
Review from Brad M.
New York, NY
6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clearly a bit of a tourist trap but certainly an enjoyable time and meal. You go here for the oysters which were from New Orleans when I went. They are shucked right in front of you as you eat and they like to serve them steamed. Doesn't mean you have to get them steamed. They have all sorts of ways you can order them and tons of other seafood. We tried a bunch of steamed oysters and a sampling of all the baked/grilled oysters. Everything was very good. Really nothing to complain about. The place is very old and has lots of history so if you're into that worth checking out and picking the brain of the staff. They have a decent but small collection of local beers so you can enjoy something other then a bud light. Prices are reasonable and there is plenty of places to sit down. If you're there with a small group 1-3 you might want to go sit at the bar. You get to see everything that is going on and interact more with the staff.
Keep in mind that this place is popular and a little touristy. Make sure you make reservations or go on off hours to avoid a line and waiting!
All in all, I'd certainly come back from some solid oysters and a good brew. Enjoy! -
Review from Brian W.
Raleigh, NC
12/17/2008
42nd Street is certainly a great place to get really good - and often local - seafood. But it's also a great place to go and see some of the obscure local bands. The bar area is pretty cool and comfortable and stays open later than the restaurant (1:00am on Fridays), and makes for a good venue. You usually will see a lot of cover-bands and the like, but good ones.
The restaurant is enormous, and has several different sections - including a mile-long oyster bar. Even so, it is often CRAZY busy on weekends... every time I've been I waited for a table for half an hour or more. If you think of it (which I never do) definitely make a reservation on Fridays and Saturdays. -
Review from Kun P.
Chapel Hill, NC
6/18/2008
Holy crap, I don't see how people keep going back to this place/let alone stay busy/why it's still in business.
I'm basing this review based off of two attempts (I can't even fathom why I went here a second time aside from the fact that it was a freebie dinner, but still regret it). Bear in mind, they do have good oysters on the half shell. That's about the only thing I enjoyed. Value for dollar, not the place to venture.
Anything fried will borderline rip your g.i. system steer clear of feeling rotten in an alley corner. First time I tried the crab cakes (too much hint of filler), second time around was seafood platter, Norfolk style. Maybe someone went ape*%&$ with the salt shaker, but my right hand was dedicated to my water glass on both occasions trying to recuperate from all the salt infestation.
Outside of sushi, I've still yet to find a reliable place to go for solid, fresh, consistent, seafood. The blue-light power-plant array across the street can't lure me back here anymore. -
Review from Louise O.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2008
I liked the atmosphere...very original and lively. The raw oysters were probably the best thing on the menu, the entire party agreed on that. But, they don't indicate where the oysters come from. We tried all of the oysters on the menu with the exception of the steamed because those are only served at the oyster bar. The baked oysters were okay, but the oysters were completely overwhelmed by the cheese. I recommend the fried oysters that were juicy and had a light batter--also came in a very generous portion. The oyster stew consisted of 3 oysters in a cream broth.
The calamari appetizer was also generous, but predictable and boring. Skip the crab cake--way too much filler and a bit on the salty side. Skip the buffalo shrimp, it was a little soggy.
I ordered the steamed Maine lobster as my entree. I enjoyed it, but wish they gave out bibs 'cause the juice spatters when you crack the claw. The others in my party ordered the seafood pasta, and grilled fish special. The fish was overdone and the seafood pasta was drenched in cream and bland.
For dessert, we shared the "belly popper" which was an ice cream sundae and the french silk pie. They tasted great together. -
Review from Keri G.
Garner, NC
7/29/2011
I always have a great time here. Last night I had oysters but everything else is always tasty. Service is usually good. They often have live music which is fun. Martinis were 1/2 price last night. I dont have anything to complain about when it comes to this place.
-
Review from Christopher H.
San Clemente, CA
6/8/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Old school feel to it. The food was good. The classic Oysters were a hit. Beer and wine list go for days. Service was excellent. Really friendly. And the music was pretty great too.
