42nd Street Oyster Bar

Review summary

1. H

   Heather

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Tonight was the first time in about twenty-five years that my husband and I went to 42nd Street Oyster Bar. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to our memories of it. It wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t great. My daughter and son both ordered fried calamari and shrimp. My daughter described her shrimp as overcooked and dry, and both described the seafood as tasteless. My daughter also got steamed veggies as a side which were barely steamed (all still very crunchy). I got the shrimp and grits which was ok but oilier than what I like. One in our party got the shrimp and crabmeat fettuccine and really liked it. My husband got the cioppino which he thought was just okay. Service was great. We were seated as soon as we arrived (a few minutes before our reservation). Our server, Eli, was excellent. Our food also came out quickly even though the restaurant was very busy.
   

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2. B

   Brian

   Raleigh

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Food was greasy and the tuna was over cooked and fatty
   

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3. C

   Courtney

   Charleston

   14 reviews

   4.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Morgan was an exceptional server we had a great booth and food was delicious our only complaint was ordering & then later being told that two of our small plate orders were out- not available the mahi tuna bites and grouper fingers very disappointed as those are two of our favorites
   

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4. H

   Heather

   Raleigh

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   We were excited to return to 42nd Street with friends as our last experience was great. However, this time, the food was sad. I ordered blackened mahi with a vegetable medley for $35 and it came and the mahi looked like two small burnt burgers along with steamed vegetables. It didn’t look appetizing but I was still looking forward to it but, sadly, the mahi was rubbery. I ate some of the season-less boiled vegetables and went home to eat. My husband got the shrimp and grits and took most of it home so that he could add some seasoning to it as it was tasteless. We also skip the included salads as they are from 1984 - lettuce with shredded carrots and baby tomatoes and dressing. Blah. Our friends picked at their dishes as well that also looked more cafeteria-esque. Really disappointed.
   

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5. J

   Jimmy

   Raleigh

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was excellent, service and the food. We took our kids and mother-in-law for the first time. Will be back. Merry Christmas
   

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6. R

   Ron

   Raleigh

   21 reviews

   5.0

   21 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent selection of raw oysters and other seafood. Delicious!
   

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7. G

   Greg

   Orlando

   17 reviews

   4.0

   17 reviews

   Dined on 15 December 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Overall Ok. Been here many times since 1991, but our 1st time back since 2010 since we moved to Ga. The valet service was off par. Not professional and issues with their computer system. Our server was good. The food was just OK this visit. Seasoning was bland. Sides were good. Had fried shrimp, oysters and fish. Not the best. This is a institution in NC and it was off on this visit. Hope its not a sign of things to come🙄
   

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8. T

   Tony

   Greater Boston

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 15 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great ambience; a varied menu; fresh, tasty seafood; a great wine list and super service make this a go-to choice that's a tad off of the beaten path in Raleigh.
   

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9. N

   Norma

   Raleigh

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 14 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I’ve lived in Raleigh for 7 years and this restaurant has not been on the radar. So glad I finally found it; the best restaurant experience since I’ve been here. All the boxes checked…food, check, service, check, value, check. Ignore the foodie hype and try this if you’ve overlooked it.
   

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10. S

    Sonja

    VIP

    Western NC

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on 12 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3

    Yummy - as always. That's why we keep coming back! Our waitress tonight was wonderful.
    

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