For nearly a century, 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill has stood as a Raleigh dining institution, weathering trends and maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality. Executive Chef David Greenwell, a culinary veteran and NC State alumnus, embodies this dedication. His menu philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: showcase the natural flavors of fresh seafood without unnecessary frills. At 42nd Street, you’ll find classic seafood, surf and turf, and Southern sides, prepared with respect for tradition and a focus on highlighting, not masking, the ingredients.
Chef Greenwell’s tenure at 42nd Street speaks volumes about the restaurant’s stability and consistent excellence. Starting under the mentorship of then-Executive Chef Mark Edelbaum during the 1987 reopening, Greenwell returned in 2001 to take the helm. This remarkable continuity – just two executive chefs in almost 30 years – is a testament to the restaurant’s enduring vision. Greenwell himself sees his role as “a caretaker,” emphasizing consistency as the bedrock of 42nd Street’s long-standing success.
When it comes to fresh oysters, 42nd Street Oyster Bar truly excels. Their daily selection typically features six to ten varieties, with a focus on regional oysters from the Carolinas and Virginia. Beyond raw and steamed preparations, the restaurant offers a tempting array of baked oysters ($13.55). Guests can indulge in classic Oysters Rockefeller, Southern-inspired Pimento Cheese Oysters, signature 42nd Street Oysters (stuffed with breadcrumbs, bacon, spicy butter, and parmesan), or the Baked Oyster Sampler for a taste of each.
Beyond oysters, 42nd Street’s menu boasts a range of seafood and grill favorites. The Crab Cake ($12.55 appetizer/$26.95 entree) is a standout, praised for its crispy exterior and generous chunks of sweet, succulent crabmeat within. Notably, this crab cake avoids excessive filler or overpowering seasoning, allowing the crab’s natural flavor to shine. Another highly recommended appetizer is the Blackened Bacon-wrapped Scallops ($12.55 appetizer/$33.95 as part of a Surf & Turf). These North Carolina scallops are described as meaty, smoky, and sweet, with a beautifully charred crust giving way to a tender interior.
The menu further extends to dishes like Pan Seared Hawaiian Ahi Tuna ($31.95), served rare and enhanced by a sesame ginger sauce and wasabi vinaigrette, offering a balance of sweetness and subtle heat. For pasta lovers, the Shrimp and Crabmeat Fettuccine ($22.95) features sautéed shrimp and crab in a spicy roasted poblano pepperjack cream sauce. The Cioppino ($22.95), a hearty Italian-American seafood stew, is packed with scallops, mussels, shrimp, vegetables, and tomatoes. Even the Blackened Chicken Creole ($16.95) impresses, with juicy blackened chicken served over rice and topped with a flavorful Creole tomato sauce.
Side dishes at 42nd Street Oyster Bar are more than just afterthoughts. While options like Collard Greens with ham, Sweet Potato Chips, and Black Eyed Peas with ham are all commendable ($3.50 each), the 42nd Street Cheese Potato is a must-try. This comforting side features silky smooth puréed potatoes topped with a blend of cheeses and broiled to perfection, a recipe unchanged since 1931.
Desserts provide a sweet conclusion to the meal. The Key Lime Pie offers a refreshing sweet-tart balance, while the Peanut Butter Silk Pie ($6.95) is intensely nutty. For chocolate aficionados, the Chocolate French Silk Pie ($6.95) is a rich, cocoa-flavored delight. The combination of the peanut butter and chocolate pies is likened to a sophisticated Reese’s peanut butter cup experience.
With a history stretching back to the late 1920s, 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill offers more than just excellent food; it provides an experience. The restaurant’s lively, authentically retro atmosphere, combined with its consistently good food, exceptional wine selection, and attentive service, makes it a perfect destination for a memorable night out in Raleigh. For those seeking a taste of classic seafood in a welcoming and historic setting, 42nd Street Oyster Bar remains an unmatched choice.
