Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern

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330 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27603

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(919) 829-3663
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Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern - Raleigh, NC
Reviews
( 68 )
( 16 )
( 20 )
( 5 )
( 10 )

Best

(see explanation of ratings below) For sixteen years, Chef Daniel Schurr has been knocking it out of the...

Worst

I was very disappointed with a phone request involving a birthday surprise. I spoke with a hostess whose name I have decided not to mention. I explained that I would like to sur...

Great food and service 9/6/2008

My husband took me to Second Empire for my birthday. We enjoyed the food and were pleasantly surprised at the prices. It wasn't cheap, but we were expecting $50+ entrees, based on what we had heard, rather than $20-$35 entrees. The dishes were complex and well prepared and our server was knowledgeable and attentive. He was able to guide us in making choices that we ultimately enjoyed, based on our preferences. (Rock Shrimp Risotto appetizer per his suggestion was divine!) The only downside for us was that there was a loud large party in the dining room, so a little of the romantic ambience was lost. Pros: Good food, attentive service Cons: limited parking more

Great food and service 9/5/2008

My husband took me to Second Empire for my birthday. We enjoyed the food and were pleasantly surprised at the prices. It wasn't cheap, but we were expecting $50+ entrees, based on what we had heard, rather than $20-$35 entrees. The dishes were complex and well prepared and our server was knowledgeable and attentive. He was able to guide us in making choices that we ultimately enjoyed, based on our preferences. (Rock Shrimp Risotto appetizer per his suggestion was divine!) The only downside for us was that there was a loud large party in the dining room, so a little of the romantic ambience was lost. Pros: Good food, attentive service Cons: limited parking more

Great Food 8/5/2008

It takes a lot of work and pots to make a single great dish. I think it is important for people to pay respect to the hard working chefs and staffs in the kitchen. A restaurant business is something I do not want to go into because it is extremely hard to survive without being mean. It will be an ideal work place if everybody is nice to everybody but the reality is far from it. I read the comment below and I understand the stress and tough time he had while working as a server. I usually leave a lot of tip for servers regardless of the quality of service because it is a special occasion for me when I dine here so why not share the occasion with my server too. Anyways, I hope the story about the owner is not true. If it is true then it is sad. Pros: Good food and great service more

Great Food 8/4/2008

It takes a lot of work and pots to make a single great dish. I think it is important for people to pay respect to the hard working chefs and staffs in the kitchen. A restaurant business is something I do not want to go into because it is extremely hard to survive without being mean. It will be an ideal work place if everybody is nice to everybody but the reality is far from it. I read the comment below and I understand the stress and tough time he had while working as a server. I usually leave a lot of tip for servers regardless of the quality of service because it is a special occasion for me when I dine here so why not share the occasion with my server too. Anyways, I hope the story about the owner is not true. If it is true then it is sad. Pros: Good food and great service more

Restaurant 7/30/2008

Loved it, the food and service were fabulouse. Each plate was served with decrative edible adornments. We enjoyed the pumpkin bisque soup creamy tasty delicious. Try this place you will like it. more

Reserved but Not Pretentious 7/21/2008

My boyfriend took me here as a surprise! He had made reservations at 7pm, but due to the storms and failed traffic light at Crabtree, we were 30 minutes late. Unfortunately, he did not have the number to the restaurant to inform them about our delay. The maitre'd had already removed us from the list, but without hesitation or much discussion, forgave our lateness and immediately took us to our seats. Our waiter, Ryan, was excellent. As a worldly traveler, I find that most upscale restaurants often have snotty, pretentious waiters, but Ryan was not. He did not hover and gave formidable suggestions on entrees and wine pairings. My Foie gras appetizer was excellent and my boyfriend's sea scallops were cook to perfection. Excellent choice on the wine, I must say for our entree of bison! One negative and not at all the fault of the Second Empire, but there was a table near us where 4 individuals were rather loud and boisterous for this environment. My Southern upbringing has taught me to use my inside voice and not encroach on other's dining experience while at a nice restaurant. I guess not everyone has manners or has the luxury of being raised not jerked up as a child! Pros: Definitely a romantic date place, unpretentious wait staff who are very knowledgeable Cons: Parking is a wee bit limited more

Reserved but Not Pretentious 7/20/2008

My boyfriend took me here as a surprise! He had made reservations at 7pm, but due to the storms and failed traffic light at Crabtree, we were 30 minutes late. Unfortunately, he did not have the number to the restaurant to inform them about our delay. The maitre'd had already removed us from the list, but without hesitation or much discussion, forgave our lateness and immediately took us to our seats. Our waiter, Ryan, was excellent. As a worldly traveler, I find that most upscale restaurants often have snotty, pretentious waiters, but Ryan was not. He did not hover and gave formidable suggestions on entrees and wine pairings. My Foie gras appetizer was excellent and my boyfriend's sea scallops were cook to perfection. Excellent choice on the wine, I must say for our entree of bison! One negative and not at all the fault of the Second Empire, but there was a table near us where 4 individuals were rather loud and boisterous for this environment. My Southern upbringing has taught me to use my inside voice and not encroach on other's dining experience while at a nice restaurant. I guess not everyone has manners or has the luxury of being raised not jerked up as a child! Pros: Definitely a romantic date place, unpretentious wait staff who are very knowledgeable Cons: Parking is a wee bit limited more

Great Food 7/10/2008

I have eaten here twice and enjoyed the food both times. Very nice menu with a good variety of options. We've gotten there early enough where we parked in the small lot behind the restaurant. The wait staff is not as organized as they should be for a fine dining restaurant. They seem to be frantically running around. When the entrees came out, they didn't know who ordered what. I received my wife's meal both times and she, mine. After a couple of glasses of wine, it didn't bother me too much. The wait staff did come over a number of times to check on us. Filled the water and wine glasses frequently and replaced silverware as needed. Food is top notch, just wish the wait staff was a little better trained. I would definately recommend this restaurant with the caveat of the wait staff. Pros: Great food Cons: Slightly unorganized wait staff more

Great Food 7/9/2008

I have eaten here twice and enjoyed the food both times. Very nice menu with a good variety of options. We've gotten there early enough where we parked in the small lot behind the restaurant. The wait staff is not as organized as they should be for a fine dining restaurant. They seem to be frantically running around. When the entrees came out, they didn't know who ordered what. I received my wife's meal both times and she, mine. After a couple of glasses of wine, it didn't bother me too much. The wait staff did come over a number of times to check on us. Filled the water and wine glasses frequently and replaced silverware as needed. Food is top notch, just wish the wait staff was a little better trained. I would definately recommend this restaurant with the caveat of the wait staff. Pros: Great food Cons: Slightly unorganized wait staff more

A Extraordinary Dining experience !!!!! WILL NEVER FORGET IT 5/19/2008

I went here a few year ago and i want to say this is the BEST BEST restaurant i have ever been to i love the Victorain home When we walked in the host was VERY Professional we had a set by the window the waiter was very Knowledgeable he knew everything about the food and wine i felt so Special the server had 3 peolpe helping him so he can Focus more on our Dining experience - the food words can't express it maybe words like Fantastic wonderful marvelous come to mind The bathroom was the nicest i have ever seen for a Restaurant - you can really judge a restaurant by its bathroom - This place is not big but that what makes it better the only thing i would have added was a harpist that what kinda theme there going for anyways - the place is not cheap but let me tell you this is the best RESTAURANT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you must try it for yourself Pros: everything !!!!! Cons: maybe the parking which we didnt have a pro- but there isnt much more

A Extraordinary Dining experience !!!!! WILL NEVER FORGET IT 5/19/2008

I went here a few year ago and i want to say this is the BEST BEST restaurant i have ever been to i love the Victorain home When we walked in the host was VERY Professional we had a set by the window the waiter was very Knowledgeable he knew everything about the food and wine i felt so Special the server had 3 peolpe helping him so he can Focus more on our Dining experience - the food words can't express it maybe words like Fantastic wonderful marvelous come to mind The bathroom was the nicest i have ever seen for a Restaurant - you can really judge a restaurant by its bathroom - This place is not big but that what makes it better the only thing i would have added was a harpist that what kinda theme there going for anyways - the place is not cheap but let me tell you this is the best RESTAURANT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you must try it for yourself Pros: everything !!!!! Cons: maybe the parking which we didnt have a pro- but there isnt much more

Average restaurant 4/13/2008

Average food. Ignoring customers' request and mixing up the orders. People should not spend their money for something it's not important. It's a vanity. I told my friend about it and he just laughed. Not going back. Pros: Nice looking building Cons: not a friendly service more

Average restaurant 4/12/2008

Average food. Ignoring customers' request and mixing up the orders. People should not spend their money for something it's not important. It's a vanity. I told my friend about it and he just laughed. Not going back. Pros: Nice looking building Cons: not a friendly service more

Excellent Valentine's Night 2/14/2008

Just dined at Second Empire for Valentines Day for the first time. This is truly an excellent place for a special occasion. The old house is beautiful and works surprisingly well as a restaurant. I wish I had more time to explore the house, but with so many people bustling around we felt like we were in the way. The staff were all very formal, from their uniforms to their mannerisms. Our server was a little soft-spoken but did a fine job. The menu offerings were not as extravagant as I expected, very traditional offerings like prime rib, striped bass, scallops, salmon etc. I had the salmon and crab cake which was presented in a way I did not expect, with the salmon wrapped around the crab cake, and puff pastry wrapped around the outside, reminded me of a cinnamon roll. The reduction made with Newcastle ale was surprisingly sweet and added a ton of flavor to the dish. My only complaint is the salmon was a little dry and not the freshest salmon I've ever had. My husband's prime filet was tender and flavorful. We ordered a key lime pie for dessert, easily the best key lime pie I've ever eaten, very smooth with the perfect amount of tartness. I was not disappointed, this is an experience you must try at least once if you live in the area. more

Excellent Valentine's Night 2/14/2008

Just dined at Second Empire for Valentines Day for the first time. This is truly an excellent place for a special occasion. The old house is beautiful and works surprisingly well as a restaurant. I wish I had more time to explore the house, but with so many people bustling around we felt like we were in the way. The staff were all very formal, from their uniforms to their mannerisms. Our server was a little soft-spoken but did a fine job. The menu offerings were not as extravagant as I expected, very traditional offerings like prime rib, striped bass, scallops, salmon etc. I had the salmon and crab cake which was presented in a way I did not expect, with the salmon wrapped around the crab cake, and puff pastry wrapped around the outside, reminded me of a cinnamon roll. The reduction made with Newcastle ale was surprisingly sweet and added a ton of flavor to the dish. My only complaint is the salmon was a little dry and not the freshest salmon I've ever had. My husband's prime filet was tender and flavorful. We ordered a key lime pie for dessert, easily the best key lime pie I've ever eaten, very smooth with the perfect amount of tartness. I was not disappointed, this is an experience you must try at least once if you live in the area. more

Even the most cultured girls will be impressed with this place 12/17/2007

Anytime I really want to make a girl feel special I bring her here. The staff is always excellent, they stay out of the way until they're needed, and as soon as you turn around to look for them it's like they just appear. The wine flows, the food is excellent and the ambiance is sure to impress. Don't come here unless you're ready to spend some money, but it's well worth it. more

Even the most cultured girls will be impressed with this place 12/16/2007

Anytime I really want to make a girl feel special I bring her here. The staff is always excellent, they stay out of the way until they're needed, and as soon as you turn around to look for them it's like they just appear. The wine flows, the food is excellent and the ambiance is sure to impress. Don't come here unless you're ready to spend some money, but it's well worth it. more

Great place for an occasion 10/29/2007

I'm always on the lookout for restaurants to go for "special occasions" when we are willing to spend more for a great meal. Only living in the area for a year, I asked some coworkers the best place in town, and they immediately recommended Second Empire. Having eaten at many of the best restaurants in the country from Patina in LA to Saddle River Inn and Ryland in NJ and too many in Manhattan to list, I am not easily impressed. I was very happy here; outstanding foie gras appetizer and great five spice duck breast entree. The risotto side to the duck was a little too smoky for my taste, but well done for what it was. The decor was was really something, with impressive woodwork and dining rooms. Padded/suede walls in the dining room that i was in keep it quiet and relaxing. I would not hesitate to return, as long as I was not in a bargain mood. Pros: Great food, great atmosphere Cons: Service inexperienced, such as when they filled my Pelligrino glass with tap water more

Great place for an occasion 10/28/2007

I'm always on the lookout for restaurants to go for "special occasions" when we are willing to spend more for a great meal. Only living in the area for a year, I asked some coworkers the best place in town, and they immediately recommended Second Empire. Having eaten at many of the best restaurants in the country from Patina in LA to Saddle River Inn and Ryland in NJ and too many in Manhattan to list, I am not easily impressed. I was very happy here; outstanding foie gras appetizer and great five spice duck breast entree. The risotto side to the duck was a little too smoky for my taste, but well done for what it was. The decor was was really something, with impressive woodwork and dining rooms. Padded/suede walls in the dining room that i was in keep it quiet and relaxing. I would not hesitate to return, as long as I was not in a bargain mood. Pros: Great food, great atmosphere Cons: Service inexperienced, such as when they filled my Pelligrino glass with tap water more

Great service, great food 9/17/2007

Great restraunt...attentive service staff, our visit here was early in April and might I say the waiter we had his name was Aaron if I remember correctly was well educated on all the aspects of the menu, and on the wine list. Definetly a great restraunt experience Pros: Great service staff, excellent wine list Cons: noisy more
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Menu for Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern


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The Ultimate Dining Experience in an Elegant yet Relaxed Atmosphere

Owner Message
  • Located in downtown Raleigh?s historic Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, exceptional service and gourmet cusine for an unforgettable dining experience. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern features our award winning Contemporary American Cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Upstairs enjoy the ultimate dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of charm and grace. Downstairs in the Tavern and beautiful Atrium room enjoy a lighter fare menu and more casual environment. The Capitol Room, Raleigh Room, Pine Room and Atrium Room are available for private parties seating up to 55 people or various combinations of rooms for parties up to 300 people. Second Empire is very proud to be the recipient of the DiRoNA Award the AAA Four Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1998.

Editorial
  • In Short
    Located in the lower level of the renovated mid-Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale house, this bar and restaurant is a favorite for after-work cocktails and light meals. Resembling a wine...

  • 8/1/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Open for Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 5:00pm - 10:00pm Tavern opens at 4:30pm
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club, Discover
  • Neighborhoods: Central
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