Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern

I have been visiting the Tavern for over 5 years and have always felt it was one of my favorite places in Raleigh to take friends and colleagues. Last night we had a terrible experience with poor service and the quality of the food. Cons: Slow and unattentive Service more

My husband and I had the pleasure of eating at Second Empire for his company dinner. To sum up this experience in a single word it would be: amazing. Pros: Great food, beautiful atmosphere. Cons: Pricey! more

My husband and I had the pleasure of eating at Second Empire for his company dinner. To sum up this experience in a single word it would be: amazing. Not only was the taste of the food amazing, but also the presentation and the way the chefs combine the different flavors. We both had the salmon which was cooked perfectly. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate, but not so stuffy that we felt out of place. Would definitely recommend eating here for a memorable occasion. Pros: Great food, beautiful atmosphere. Cons: Pricey! more

We just dined at Second Empire last night, and I couldn't wait to write a review. It was our first time there and we splurged on the chef's cheese selections, wine, dinner, coffee and dessert. Be prepared for a sizable bill if you choose to linger over a long dinner like we did, but it was truly worth every penny. Every bite was amazing. The sauces and accompaniments chosen for each dish are unique and compliment the meat or fish perfectly (I noticed there were vegetarian options upon request too). Also, I've been to fancy restaurants where the food is delicious but in tiny portions - not so at Second Empire! Despite my best efforts, I couldn't finish my meal, and even my husband had a hard time finishing his! After dinner, we lingered over some of the best coffee I've ever tasted, and waited until we had room for their perfect chocolate souffle. Pros: Quiet atmosphere, good portion sizes Cons: Pricey, but worth every penny more

We just dined at Second Empire last night, and I couldn't wait to write a review. It was our first time there and we splurged on the chef's cheese selections, wine, dinner, coffee and dessert. Be prepared for a sizable bill if you choose to linger over a long dinner like we did, but it was truly worth every penny. Every bite was amazing. The sauces and accompaniments chosen for each dish are unique and compliment the meat or fish perfectly (I noticed there were vegetarian options upon request too). Also, I've been to fancy restaurants where the food is delicious but in tiny portions - not so at Second Empire! Despite my best efforts, I couldn't finish my meal, and even my husband had a hard time finishing his! After dinner, we lingered over some of the best coffee I've ever tasted, and waited until we had room for their perfect chocolate souffle. Aside from the food, the atmosphere was wonderful too. The host and wait staff were more than personable - they treated us as genially and warmly as if they were entertaining us in their own home. Upon hearing that it was our first visit, our waiter gave us a brief history of the home, the restaurant, and the chef. After dinner, the host gave us a quick tour as well, showing us the additional dining rooms downstairs. Our experience at Second Empire was truly a culinary treat, and a relaxing, pampering experience. We will be back again and again. Pros: Quiet atmosphere, good portion sizes Cons: Pricey, but worth every penny more

The service was superb and the menu interesting. We have been several times and have mixed feelings about the different times. The desserts and drinks are always impressive. more

Great food, romantic, and staff is eager to please. If you are in town for business then head here or Frazier's, but skip Magnolia. (Magnolia is just a big, snobby fish in a little pond.) Pros: good food, romantic setting, southern service Cons: little pricey more

Great food, romantic, and staff is eager to please. If you are in town for business then head here or Frazier's, but skip Magnolia. (Magnolia is just a big, snobby fish in a little pond.) Pros: good food, romantic setting, southern service Cons: little pricey more

We went here for my birthday 11/08. The service was fabulous. They asked me when making reservations whether or not we were celebrating an event, and I told them it was my birthday. When we arrived, my menu had a happy birthday message printed on it as well as being signed by the owner and head chef. This little attention to detail was continous throughout our experience. It is, however a bit pricey. Expect to be paying top dollar, however I feel that you have to pay to get a real fine dining experience. We usually go to steak houses in the area for events like birthdays and anniversaries, but we have now found our new special event restaurant. The only drawback I saw was that the chef seemed to be into the "new thing" of doing some purees with the entrees, so if you are not into purees or sauces, you probably won't like everything going on in some of the dishes. Expect to get a real sort of "top chef" kind of dinner where everything in the dishes complements each other, but if you are the kind of person who likes to be able to change things around in your entrees, this may not be the place for you. Each dish is obvously clearly thought out and executed superbly, but it's not the kind of place where you can pick your sides. We absolutely loved our experience and will be coming back for more soon! Pros: menu, decor, ambience Cons: price, but you get what you pay for more

We went here for my birthday 11/08. The service was fabulous. They asked me when making reservations whether or not we were celebrating an event, and I told them it was my birthday. When we arrived, my menu had a happy birthday message printed on it as well as being signed by the owner and head chef. This little attention to detail was continous throughout our experience. It is, however a bit pricey. Expect to be paying top dollar, however I feel that you have to pay to get a real fine dining experience. We usually go to steak houses in the area for events like birthdays and anniversaries, but we have now found our new special event restaurant. The only drawback I saw was that the chef seemed to be into the "new thing" of doing some purees with the entrees, so if you are not into purees or sauces, you probably won't like everything going on in some of the dishes. Expect to get a real sort of "top chef" kind of dinner where everything in the dishes complements each other, but if you are the kind of person who likes to be able to change things around in your entrees, this may not be the place for you. Each dish is obvously clearly thought out and executed superbly, but it's not the kind of place where you can pick your sides. We absolutely loved our experience and will be coming back for more soon! Pros: menu, decor, ambience Cons: price, but you get what you pay for more

I have always been attracted by Second Empire's curb appeal and vintage ambiance. Due to a tight purse, I always would sigh in passing and say to myself that one day Im going to dine there. Well, a year or two passed and I couldnt stand it anymore. One of my dear friends came in from out of town to visit. She had to go to dialysis and still remained her chipper and high spirited self. I came to grips that everyday can be a special occassion. Just because.We splurged and laughed like old times. Staff was very courteous and attentive. Food was just wonderful. I cant even recal everything that we ordered, but I know I dined sufficiently and savored every morsel. I think I'll take my sister there when she comes to visit. We were seated in the dining room by the bay window wich was quite nice. Pros: A complete package Cons: I don't frequent it as often as I would like<< (Im Available To Make It A Dinner Date w. A Fine Gent) more

I have always been attracted by Second Empire's curb appeal and vintage ambiance. Due to a tight purse, I always would sigh in passing and say to myself that one day Im going to dine there. Well, a year or two passed and I couldnt stand it anymore. One of my dear friends came in from out of town to visit. She had to go to dialysis and still remained her chipper and high spirited self. I came to grips that everyday can be a special occassion. Just because.We splurged and laughed like old times. Staff was very courteous and attentive. Food was just wonderful. I cant even recal everything that we ordered, but I know I dined sufficiently and savored every morsel. I think I'll take my sister there when she comes to visit. We were seated in the dining room by the bay window wich was quite nice. Pros: A complete package Cons: I don't frequent it as often as I would like<< (Im Available To Make It A Dinner Date w. A Fine Gent) more

My wife and I were flying into Raleigh this January and wanted a good meal for lunch. I read that Second Empire was a Wine Spectator awarded establishment and that it was set in a old mansion. We dined in the tavern. We were were very impressed with the setting, which was converted from an old root cellar, with exposed brickwork all around. There were I believe three dining area; one close to the street with windows, the other by the bar, and another used for the main upstairs dining room as overflow. The wine cellar also located off to the side. My wife had the trout (she always tries to get the local specialty) while I had a risotto with duck comfit.. I asked the water for a wine recommendation for this meal and I think we settled for the Malbec for South America. There was a corn muffin server lady (???) and she brought us each a small warm muffin with 'nice' butter. Got my taste buds flowing. This was a good start. Our meals arrived not long afterwards and both were very good, especially the trout. Full of flavor and well prepared. My risotto had peas and nice chunks of duck. fish was served with beans and other veggies and I was sorry when it was gone, ( I eat other peoples meals, no one can stop me.) Dessert was great also, something called Chess Pie, another special. I recommend this place and will go back given the opportunity, perhaps for dinner upstairs. Oh, and our waiter, who resembled Michael McDonald (Stewart' from MadTV) gave us a tour upstairs in the mansion and a history lesson at the end of the meal. We felt we got good quality and service for the price, which was around $50. Pros: good food Cons: I was never arrested more

My wife and I were flying into Raleigh this January and wanted a good meal for lunch. I read that Second Empire was a Wine Spectator awarded establishment and that it was set in a old mansion. We dined in the tavern. We were were very impressed with the setting, which was converted from an old root cellar, with exposed brickwork all around. There were I believe three dining area; one close to the street with windows, the other by the bar, and another used for the main upstairs dining room as overflow. The wine cellar also located off to the side. My wife had the trout (she always tries to get the local specialty) while I had a risotto with duck comfit.. I asked the water for a wine recommendation for this meal and I think we settled for the Malbec for South America. There was a corn muffin server lady (???) and she brought us each a small warm muffin with 'nice' butter. Got my taste buds flowing. This was a good start. Our meals arrived not long afterwards and both were very good, especially the trout. Full of flavor and well prepared. My risotto had peas and nice chunks of duck. fish was served with beans and other veggies and I was sorry when it was gone, ( I eat other peoples meals, no one can stop me.) Dessert was great also, something called Chess Pie, another special. I recommend this place and will go back given the opportunity, perhaps for dinner upstairs. Oh, and our waiter, who resembled Michael McDonald (Stewart' from MadTV) gave us a tour upstairs in the mansion and a history lesson at the end of the meal. We felt we got good quality and service for the price, which was around $50. Pros: good food Cons: I was never arrested more

Tavern @ Second Empire is out of this world. If you sit in the tavern you can order from the tavern menu AND the upstairs menu, both of which are fabulous. The service is extraordinary. The staff even knew we were celebrating our tenth anniversary and had a special menu for us signed by the chef as well as a complimentary dessert. Make sure to tell them if you're celebrating something special! more

Eating in the Tavern at the Second Empire is a real treat. Every dish is served elegantly and this is a wonderful place to go for a special occasion meal. more

Great food in a unique and attractive venue. Wait staff is very good, chef and team are well-known and excellent and overall experience is one of the best in Raleigh. Location downtown requires a bit of planning for parking. more

We recently attended a private party here and I have to say the food was exceptional! The wait staff was very nice and was always asking if we needed another drink. It was nice to have them go to the bar and get them too! more

We went for a special occasion and they had a set menu. It felt a little like an assembly line. The food was ok, but the atmosphere was terrible that night. Maybe if you go on just a regular night it would be better? more

The Tavern is in the basement of Second Empire. It's more casual but you can order from both menus. The foie gras is phenomenal. A great place for a romantic evening!! more