Downtown on the corner of Jones and West streets lies a true Raleigh institution. Originally a grocery store offering oysters and draft beer, 42nd St. Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill has been bringing the taste of the Carolina coast inland since 1931. Hour-long lines made up of state politicians, Old Raleigh’s finest and Triangle visitors, all assembled here for seafood delicacies caught by 42nd St.’s own boats off Southport, N.C, attest to the enduring difference that fresh-off-the-boat fish can make. Servers clad in red suspenders and bowties scurry across the black-and-white tiled floor amid the art deco décor, running out each steaming plate as soon as it’s ready. (The goal is shortest time from ocean to plate, you see.) The dining room is fairly loud, especially when the after-work crowd starts filling up the bar area, but the service has a reputation for excellence. Recommendations include steamed oysters, seafood bisque and twin lobster tails. Classic Southern sides include black-eyed peas, collard greens and cheese potatoes. The lounge area offers half-shell oysters and clams and peel-and-eat shrimp specials from 5 to 7 pm weekdays. A lengthy list of beer includes multiple local brews. Live entertainment Thu–Sat nights. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly.