42nd Street Oyster Bar has closed for good, but you can still buy some merch
Last weekend, 42nd Street Oyster Bar turned out its lights for good, closing the curtain on one of Raleigh’s most iconic restaurants.
Though the shucking has stopped, the bar is still giving fans a chance for memories.
After countless requests, 42nd Street will offer merch for sale starting next week.
Co-owner Brad Hurley said the merch the restaurant had on hand sold out quickly after 42nd Street announced it would close on March 30.
Since then, the owners have worked to build an online store to offer one last round of souvenirs for one of Raleigh’s all-time favorite gathering spots.
The restaurant posted on its Instagram account Thursday that the online store will open next week. It will offer T-shirts, hoodies, coozies, pint glasses and hats, all bearing 42nd Street logos.
The restaurant ended its century-ish run last Sunday after a month-long farewell. Built by the late Angus Barn co-founder Thad Eure, Jr., and helmed by co-owners Hurley and John Vick, 42nd Street Oyster bar stood for decades as a downtown Raleigh destination for average Joes and the state’s political luminaries.
After 38 years, Hurley and Vick decided to close the restaurant after being unable to work out a new lease with their landlord.
While fans can score some swag, the fate of the restaurant’s memorabilia is less settled. The owners posted that no decision has been made yet on what to do with the many pieces of decor, including fiberglass fish, license plates and photos from the walls.
“If it goes to auction, we will definitely post on our social media,” they said.
This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 1:26 PM with the headline "42nd Street Oyster Bar has closed for good, but you can still buy some merch."
