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...

just average 11/30/2005

For all the talk about what a great place to go for our 25th anv. The parking is not the greatest nor the food for the amount of money we spent. The dining area was so dark we request small flash light to read the menu. Cons: parking, lighting more
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Very Disappointing 8/23/2005

My boyfriend took me here for Valentines Day. He wasn't told when he made reservations that it was a fixed price menu. When we arrived, we were sent downstairs to what is known as the 'less expensive' tavern (which wasn't what he had in mind or had booked for), and had to wait around 30 minutes for a table. We were then seated downstairs where two of the items on the valentines menu that we would have ordered were no longer available. Overall it was very disappointing. We spent over $200 including our drinks and had heard such great things. To be seated in the tavern and then have them run out of food on Valentines Day was the ultimate disappointment. We won't be returning. You can have better experience in the triangle, guaranteed. Pros: Reputation Cons: Parking, Expensive more
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Very Disappointing 8/23/2005

My boyfriend took me here for Valentines Day. He wasn't told when he made reservations that it was a fixed price menu. When we arrived, we were sent downstairs to what is known as the 'less expensive' tavern (which wasn't what he had in mind or had booked for), and had to wait around 30 minutes for a table. We were then seated downstairs where two of the items on the valentines menu that we would have ordered were no longer available. Overall it was very disappointing. We spent over $200 including our drinks and had heard such great things. To be seated in the tavern and then have them run out of food on Valentines Day was the ultimate disappointment. We won't be returning. You can have better experience in the triangle, guaranteed. Pros: Reputation Cons: Parking, Expensive more
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Second time around Second Empire 7/16/2005

I have dined twice at your resturant. The first visit was what made me come back.Myself and my guest were taken on a guided tour by one of the mangers. Our opinion was asked about the food and the service. The second visit was just as wonderful. Service was perfect and the food was also. In my opinion your resturant is what fine dining is all about. Pros: scenery, wine list, food more
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Second time around Second Empire 7/16/2005

I have dined twice at your resturant. The first visit was what made me come back.Myself and my guest were taken on a guided tour by one of the mangers. Our opinion was asked about the food and the service. Pros: scenery, wine list, food more
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Way Overpriced 5/19/2005

Pretentious food at unreasonable prices. Small servings, and expense make it not a lot of fun. Definitely an expense account establishment. more
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Service is great! Food is okay. 3/7/2005

My girlfriend and I had dinner here on Valentine's Day. The service was excellent but the food could have been better. The wine was only $32 of the total $141 spent. A little over priced. Better places to in the triangle for the money. Pros: service, ambience Cons: over priced, food more
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Service is great! Food is okay. 3/7/2005

My girlfriend and I had dinner here on Valentine's Day. The service was excellent but the food could have been better. The wine was only $32 of the total $141 spent. A little over priced. Better places to in the triangle for the money. Pros: service, ambience Cons: over priced, food more
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Best in the Triangle! 2/3/2005

I can't say enough great things about Second Empire. Quite simply put, it's just unbelievable, in atmosphere, service, and particularly in food quality. The pork tenderloin was simply fabulous, served over the tastiest and most tender vegetable risotto one could imagine. It was one of those meals I don't think I'll ever forget. The atmosphere was wonderful as well...dining by the beautiful fireplace of a restored 18th century victorian home is quite a special, romantic experience! I can't find a single negative thing to say about this place, other than the fact that the manager seemed to look down upon us because we look a bit young. This annoyed me, but as soon as I tasted the food I forgot all about this behavior. I'd recommend Second Empire hands down over any other restaurant I've tried North Carolina. Second Empire is a must try. I can't wait to go back! Pros: the food!!!, atmosphere Cons: none!!! more
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Best in the Triangle! 2/3/2005

I can't say enough great things about Second Empire. Quite simply put, it's just unbelievable, in atmosphere, service, and particularly in food quality. The pork tenderloin was simply fabulous, served over the tastiest and most tender vegetable risotto one could imagine. It was one of those meals I don't think I'll ever forget. The atmosphere was wonderful as well...dining by the beautiful fireplace of a restored 18th century victorian home is quite a special, romantic experience! I can't find a single negative thing to say about this place, other than the fact that the manager seemed to look down upon us because we look a bit young. This annoyed me, but as soon as I tasted the food I forgot all about this behavior. I'd recommend Second Empire hands down over any other restaurant I've tried North Carolina. Second Empire is a must try. I can't wait to go back! Pros: the food!!!, atmosphere Cons: none!!! more
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Fabulous 11/2/2004

My husband took me there for a special birthday. Everything was fabulous, the atmosphere, the service, the food. The staff took the time to sign my menu with their special greetings, a keepsake. The food was out of this world. Everything was fresh, well prepared and cooked to perfection. I no longer think of the Second Empire as just a special occasion place. The staff struck the right balance of professionalism and warmth. They are genuine while knowledgable. We will be back many times over. Pros: Wait staff more
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Fabulous 11/2/2004

My husband took me there for a special birthday. Everything was fabulous, the atmosphere, the service, the food. The staff took the time to sign my menu with their special greetings, a keepsake. The food was out of this world. Everything was fresh, well prepared and cooked to perfection. I no longer think of the Second Empire as just a special occasion place. The staff struck the right balance of professionalism and warmth. They are genuine while knowledgable. We will be back many times over. Pros: Wait staff more
Reply | Report abuse |

Perfect Balance 4/27/2004

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Second Empire. The old Victorian house maintains a perfect balance of elegance and ettiquette with a menu to match. And the waitstaff, while some say snobby, I say compliment the ambience with their intellect of the menu, the wine and speed of service. I felt like a princess. And let's not forget the kitchen with their delicate presentation of the food which was so creatively constructed I almost didn't want to damage its beauty by eating it. I don't pretend to be a restaurant connoisseur but I highly recommend Second Empire. Pros: Food, Service, Ambience more
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Perfect Balance 4/27/2004

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Second Empire. The old Victorian house maintains a perfect balance of elegance and ettiquette with a menu to match. And the waitstaff, while some say snobby, I say compliment the ambience with their intellect of the menu, the wine and speed of service. I felt like a princess. And let's not forget the kitchen with their delicate presentation of the food which was so creatively constructed I almost didn't want to damage its beauty by eating it. I don't pretend to be a restaurant connoisseur but I highly recommend Second Empire. Pros: Food, Service, Ambience more
Reply | Report abuse |

Excellent choice 3/13/2004

Recently I had the pleasure of dining at Second Empire. The waitstaff was attentive, the food was excellent. The price was much less than I was expecting to pay for the atmosphere and the portions. We were able to pick up our wine glasses and take a walk around the victorian, one of the waitstaff even brought my date and I into the kitchen to see the inner workings as well as to discuss a kitchen dining service they offered. We returned to the Tavern after we attended our venue and were suprised to find a very romantic setting underneath the poshness of the upstairs dining room. Pros: Excellent Waitstaff, Great Food, Great price more
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Excellent choice 3/13/2004

Recently I had the pleasure of dining at Second Empire. The waitstaff was attentive, the food was excellent. The price was much less than I was expecting to pay for the atmosphere and the portions. We were able to pick up our wine glasses and take a walk around the victorian, one of the waitstaff even brought my date and I into the kitchen to see the inner workings as well as to discuss a kitchen dining service they offered. We returned to the Tavern after we attended our venue and were suprised to find a very romantic setting underneath the poshness of the upstairs dining room. Pros: Excellent Waitstaff, Great Food, Great price more
Reply | Report abuse |
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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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