Executive Chef David Greenwell at 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill believes in letting the quality of his ingredients speak for themselves. His menu shuns trendy buzzwords and contrived dish names, focusing instead on delivering classic seafood, surf and turf, and Southern sides with straightforward descriptions. Chef Greenwell, an alumnus of NC State, emphasizes, “Most seafood has mild flavors that need highlighting, not masking. Simplicity is important.” His journey with 42nd Street began in 1987 under then Executive Chef Mark Edelbaum, and after a brief stint elsewhere, he returned in 2001 to take the helm. This remarkable consistency in leadership – only two chefs in almost 30 years – speaks volumes about the restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition. Greenwell himself sees his role as “a caretaker,” ensuring the continued success built on consistency.
When it comes to 42nd street oyster offerings, this Raleigh institution truly shines. Oyster lovers will be delighted by the daily selection, which typically features between six and ten varieties. With a focus on regional freshness, approximately half of these oysters are sourced directly from the Carolinas and Virginia. Beyond the classic raw and steamed preparations, 42nd Street elevates the oyster experience with baked options ($13.55). Guests can indulge in Oysters Rockefeller, the Southern-inspired Pimento Cheese Oysters, signature 42nd Street Oysters (richly stuffed with breadcrumbs, bacon, and parmesan, enhanced with spicy butter), or the Baked Oyster Sampler, a perfect introduction featuring two of each delectable style. For those seeking the quintessential 42nd street oyster experience, the variety and quality are unmatched.
Beyond oysters, 42nd Street’s commitment to seafood excellence is evident throughout the menu. The Crab Cake ($12.55 appetizer/$26.95 entree) is a standout, earning high praise as exceptionally crafted. Its perfectly crisp exterior gives way to a succulent and sweet interior, packed with generous chunks of crabmeat. Notably, this crab cake avoids common pitfalls – it’s neither bogged down by fillers nor overwhelmed by mayonnaise or Old Bay seasoning, allowing the crab’s natural flavor to shine. Another must-try is the Blackened Bacon-wrapped Scallops ($12.55 appetizer/$33.95 as part of a Surf & Turf). These North Carolina scallops are slightly spicy, wonderfully meaty, and subtly smoky, with a delightful charred crust that yields to a tender, juicy center.
Further exploration of the menu reveals a range of enticing dishes. The Pan Seared Hawaiian Ahi Tuna ($31.95), served perfectly rare, offers a sweet and nutty flavor profile with a touch of heat from the sesame ginger sauce and wasabi vinaigrette. The Shrimp and Crabmeat Fettuccine ($22.95) is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish, featuring sautéed shrimp and crab lumps in a spicy roasted poblano pepperjack cream sauce with red bell peppers. For a hearty and comforting option, the Cioppino ($22.95), an Italian-American seafood stew, is loaded with scallops, mussels, shrimp, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Even the Blackened Chicken Creole ($16.95) impresses, featuring juicy blackened chicken slices atop rice, finished with a robust Creole tomato sauce – a spicy and satisfying choice.
Most entrees include a side dish, and additional sides are available for just $3.50 each. While the Collard Greens with ham, Sweet Potato Chips, and Black Eyed Peas with ham are all commendable, the 42nd Street Cheese Potato stands out. This classic side, made with silky puréed potatoes topped with a blend of cheeses and broiled, has been a menu staple since 1931, offering pure comfort food satisfaction.
To conclude the dining experience, the dessert menu offers delightful choices. The Key Lime Pie provides a refreshing sweet-tart balance, while the Peanut Butter Silk Pie ($6.95) is intensely nutty. For a richer indulgence, the Chocolate French Silk Pie ($6.95) delivers a deep cocoa flavor. The Peanut Butter and Chocolate Silk Pies together create a decadent combination reminiscent of a Reese’s peanut butter cup mousse.
42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill, with its history tracing back to the late 1920s, boasts a vibrant and authentic retro ambiance. Coupled with its exceptional 42nd street oyster selection and consistently delicious food, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and attentive service, it provides all the essential elements for a truly memorable night out in Raleigh.
