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42nd Street Oyster Bar, Raleigh, NC

42nd Street Oyster Bar

4.6
4.6
5498 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Top Tags:
A Southern Seafood Tradition Since 1931.

The 42nd St. Oyster Bar is one of the South's most famous landmark restaurants, satisfying thousands of grateful patrons since its humble beginnings in 1931 as a grocery store offering oysters and draft beer.

Our Mission: To provide a remarkable experience by recognizing and appreciating that each guest is the most important person in the world while dining at the 42nd St. Oyster Bar.

We invite you to join us for dinner tonight!

“Eat seafood … live longer

Eat oysters … love longer

Eat clams … last longer"


Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 51 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (919) 831-2811
  • Website
    http://www.42ndstoysterbar.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Joe Rohrer
  • Location
    508 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
  • Neighborhood
    Raleigh
  • Cross street
    West Street
  • Parking details
    We offer one private lot. There is street and public parking also available.
  • Public transit
    RLine stop one block away <br />
  • Entertainment
    Live Entertainment (Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Top 40, Beach, Disco, Dance, Blue Grass, 70's, 80's,) Friday and Saturday 10pm-1pm
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 5,498 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Raleigh

    Most Booked

5,498 Reviews

  1. Brendan

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience and fresh seafood.

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  2. MarkH

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The service and food was very good. The food was hot and was served pretty quickly after the salad. The waiter was on point all evening and very personable.

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  3. CharlesD

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was very tasty, and portion size was plentiful. Service was excellent.

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  4. Herman

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    We've been coming here for years, and this is a family favorite. Seems to be going downhill over the past year or so. Last night was the worst experience. They're short-handed, I'm sure, and we were patient with our server, a very nice guy trying his best. The food was just "meh" and we forked out the nearly $50 for lobster tails for 3 of us, which were dry and lacking flavor! The clams were inedible and the veggies on the side, had zero spices or sauces, and in fact were almost raw! It took forever to get the drawn butter once the entrees were brought out and then the butter and sour cream for the baked potato as well. When we got our apps, we weren't given share plates and so we had to make due without. We won't be back here next family gathering, unfortunately. But I write this review in hopes of seeing improvement so we can keep coming back in the future.

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  5. BarbaraC

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything was great except my lobster tail. It was overcooked and rather dry. Usually it is excellent.

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  6. AlisonL

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    42nd Street Oyster Bar has been a favorite for us for years. We always go there for my Birthday. We love the food and the basic ambience in the fact that there are no television sets blaring at you and there was no band playing too loud in the bar. Our waiter was very kind. I ordered peel and eat shrimp and had to ask for warm cloth and lemons to clean my hands. It would have been nice if he had brought some wipes with the order. Also no melted butter to go with the shrimp. Everyone in our party enjoyed their food. However, the only thing was the table right next to us was VERY LOUD and boisterous making it difficult to carry on a conversation at our table without having to yell. But that seems to be a fact of life at every restaurant these days...

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Food was just okay. Service was slow and waiter was not very attentive.

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  8. JamesT

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    We had great server; can't say that enough! Appetizers better than entrees. Wine and cocktails okay. Seafood bisque has diminished since last had it. Hushpuppies and deserts were fine. More than one of us felt bad after eating. Just wasn't what it used to be. Very loud and bustling.

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  9. BruceK

    Greensboro

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Can't say enough good things about our experience. Starting right with the person who greeted us; our reserved table physically wouldn't work for one of our party of eight. She said no problem and relocated us to another table which better fit our needs. Our server, David, was excellent. The food was exceptional, from the raw oysters to all the seafood entrees we had (we each had a different one). I had the tuna it was prepared perfectly. Would highly recommend visiting this restaurant.

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  10. AngieM

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and service as always!! One of our favorite go to places.

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  11. Jojo

    Greensboro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bacon wrapped filet was seasoned and cooked perfectly! The service was also excellent!

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  12. DeeJ

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our party of four was celebrating a birthday. Our server was fantastic - very personable and very helpful as he was able to provide detailed information about the menu. It was a great evening!

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  13. TomA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food was so good. The 42nd St oyster appetizer is superb. Our server was excellent and very attentive. We’ll be back.

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  14. JordanG

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    As always, a very delicious meal! A little disappointed we weren't able to sit at the oyster bar with a high chair/booster seat. Ordering at the table was still a great experience.

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  15. Brian

    Raleigh

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Still a perfect place to enjoy a great meal with friends. Love the old-school vibe. So many good dishes from which to choose. Service was friendly and fun.

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  16. DanielleL

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    My flounder was not fried done and calamari was too hard. There was no Cajun flavoring as I asked and the black peas didn’t have any flavor as well. But lemon drop was perfect and mussels were good as well

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  17. RobP

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Though the restaurant was full we were seated immediately even though we were early. Our server was terrific! Attentive without being annoying. The food was perfectly cooked and delivered in a reasonable time frame. We were actually surprised at the total bill as it was lower than we expected!

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  18. JosephL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My Partner and I, along with our guests had such a wonderful experience last evening. Would always recommend 42nd Street Oyster Bar. Truly a unique venue!

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  19. Will

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service and delicious entrees cooked to perfection. I had the grilled mahi and my wife ordered the sauteed shrimp. We were not disappointed.

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  20. AdamB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and food were great! Highly recommend!

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  21. mamayum

    Raleigh

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We have been coming here for so long that even though the inside, of course, has changed from the first times we were here, the seafood remains always very good. Lots of shared meals here!

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  22. 1968foodie

    Toronto

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All four people in our party were delighted with 42nd St. the food was superb—shrimp and grits, cioppino, and crab cakes were excellent. Side dishes were equally delicious. Our server, I believe his name was Eric, was perhaps the best server we have ever had, attentive without being pushy, skilled at describing the dishes, pleasant and friendly, truly professional in his approach. He even arranged for the overly loud background music to be turned down when we asked! Each dish was carefully prepared, it’s hard to believe that so busy a kitchen in a large, full restaurant can achieve consistent excellence. Outstanding in every way.

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  23. Robin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I would like to thank both the assistant manager and manager for working diligently to get my husband’s license plate displayed. We surprised him yesterday with both the reveal and a scrumptious dinner. David, our waiter was awesome. Again thank you for the bottom of my heart!

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  24. rossmck

    Raleigh

    269 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    269 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We go to 42nd Street Oyster Bar at least one a year. It's holding up its standards well. We had great oysters, grilled swordfish (excellent, according to my wife), Norfolk Crab (delicious, according to me!), and key lime pie. All superb. Great, enthusiastic service. One of our favorites -

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  25. WendyW

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated my son’s and sister in law’s birthday here recently. I got the Asian Sea Bass! Very good! Everything on the table was good but Carson our server made our experience very enjoyable!! He was personable and attentive but gave us our space and let us celebrate and he joined in at the appropriate times. All a great experience but Friday night was one of the best!

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  26. ReggieM

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful experience at 42nd! The seafood and experience are the best!

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  27. AlexP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service from all the staff. A landmark restaurant that lives up to it's reputation.

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  28. AmyBeth

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely experience at 42nd Street Oyster Bar! Our server, Carly, made our experience joyful - can't wait to come back!

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  29. DM88

    Wilmington

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've dined at 42nd Street Oyster Bar several times. It's always very good. They simply do things right.

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  30. StevenP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best seafood we’ve ever had. What a wonderful experience. We’re looking forward to our next visit.

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  31. NashCox

    Wilmington

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    The food was all right. Nothing to write home about. We got several appetizers ranging from crab dip, raw oysters  and baked oysters. The oysters were nice and fresh baked oysters pretty good, and the crab dip was just all right. My grandfather got fried fish and said it was pretty good. My girlfriend got crabs, legs and said they were below average. I myself ordered food as well, but never received my meal which brings me to why I give the service a one our waitress never refilled any of our drinks. We had to ask others to get new drinks. Our waitress disappeared quite literally for 30 to 45 minutes, overall I don’t think I see myself coming back the foods good but not for the price point. This is a less than average seafood shack in wolves clothing.

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  32. MShelB

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is my overall favorite restaurant in Raleigh and has been for nearly 40 years. It is consistently really good food. We prefer to sit at the oyster bar for the experience but the dining room is good too. Last night I had snow Crab legs, and they were excellent. My favorite dish is the cioppino. I've rarely had less than a great meal here.

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  33. NealD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Except for the fact that two of the items we ordered had run out, it was very good.

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  34. JamesT

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    I've been twice, and I thought it was great both times. If you're in the area, well, it's worth the stop. We didn't know they wouldn't serve steamed oysters at a table kinda of a bummer. They really never gave us an option to sit there, but next time, we will know.

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  35. RyanH

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and Server were excellent! We love to dine here!

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  36. cutlgtn

    Charlotte

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    42nd Street is our go-to place when in Raleigh. Our waiter, Carson, made the evening so much fun. The best selection of oysters around! The non Oyster folks enjoyed other options. 42nd Street worked with us last minute when we added a member to our party.

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  37. Danny

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    My second time here, was better this time, bacon wrapped scallops are excellent.

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  38. Cindy

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    For the price, I felt the food was only mediocre, the salad was bagged lettuce, not fresh, the cheesy potatoes were good, but they came in a little pie throw away tinfoil and the seafood was just okay. The service was good, but we felt rushed by the waitress throughout our entire dinner when we were just trying to enjoying our time out together.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I went for my Birthday. My server was kind and knowledgeable. Our food was AMAZING hot and delicious. My reservation time was honored we were seated quickly. The cherry 🍒 on top they allowed me to chose any dessert from the menu complimentary in honor of my Birthday. I appreciate this gesture it made me happy and one of the reasons why we are repeat customers. Ciao

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  40. TomC

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mark is the best oyster bar server. Overly friendly and pleased to be around.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

FAQs

42nd Street Oyster Bar does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats. 42nd Street Oyster Bar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (919) 831-2811.

42nd Street Oyster Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 5498 OpenTable diners.

42nd Street Oyster Bar does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 51 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for 42nd Street Oyster Bar

508 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    West Street
  • Neighborhood
    Raleigh
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We offer one private lot. There is street and public parking also available.
  • Public transit
    RLine stop one block away
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Joe Rohrer
  • Entertainment
    Live Entertainment (Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Top 40, Beach, Disco, Dance, Blue Grass, 70's, 80's,) Friday and Saturday 10pm-1pm
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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