Review of 42nd Street Oyster Bar, Raleigh

            We’ve been to 42^nd Street numerous times, and every time, it has been great.  In fact, I believe this is easily the best seafood restaurant in Raleigh.  Upon entering 42^nd Street, you’ll notice a bar for drinks off to the left, a huge oyster bar that surrounds the kitchen right in front of you, and the dining area off to the right.  There are many large fish and classic pictures of Raleigh on all the walls.  You can find archaic relics all around the restaurant, like a water heater from the 1940s that was once used to steam oysters, or the original neon signs from the 1950s, or even the mural above the oyster bar.  However, all of these remind the people of Raleigh of the history of the 42^nd Street Oyster Bar and its continued excellence over the years.

            Typically, Megan and I both start our meal with a cup of the Seafood Bisque.  It is creamy, hot, and chock-full of seafood.  It may not be the best we have ever tasted, but it is close; and in the Raleigh area, you won’t find any better.  Since most meals are served with a salad, we always choose the Caesar.  It includes Romaine, tomatoes, black olives, shredded Parmesan, and homemade croutons.  The dressing is great, but rarely do you see olives and tomatoes in a Caesar.

            Our two favorite dinners are the Pan Seared Hawaiian Ahi Tuna and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.  When they advertise their Tuna as “Jet Fresh from Honolulu,” they aren’t kidding.  It is one of the best pieces of tuna that I have ever eaten, and I’ve eaten it sliced right from a caught fish.  They serve it seared, meaning it barely touches the pan and it is mostly rare, uncooked tuna.  However, that is exactly the best way to eat it.  42^nd Street drizzles the Ahi with a Wasabi sauce and a ginger sauce.

            The Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes can come either sautéed or fried, with a Remoulade sauce on the side.  We always order our Crab sautéed.  This way it is cooked in a pan, and then finished under a slight broil.  The crab cake is mostly lump crab, the way that it should be. Thankfully, they keep it simple and do not include fillers like peppers, celery, or other unwanted things.

            All of their meals come with a side.  By far, our favorite is the 42^nd Street Cheese Potato.  Since the restaurant name is in the dish, you know that it is a specialty that you have to try.  Basically, it is mashed potatoes mixed with cheese placed in a potato-sized tin, then topped with a heavy amount of cheese and broiled until soft and melted.  Most of the time, it is a cheesy, delectable side that goes with anything.  Occasionally, it can be slightly greasy.

            No matter how you look at it, the 42^nd Street Oyster Bar is an institution in Raleigh.  The food is great, the service is very good, and the atmosphere is fun, yet romantic.  We absolutely love the 42^nd Street and there is no seafood place that is even comparable until you get to the ocean.  Whenever we are there, I am always tempted to try oysters for the first time in my life, because they look so good, but I just can’t bring myself to do it, yet. 

Category	Scale 1-5 stars
Food Quality
Food Creativity
Service
Atmosphere
Value for the price