Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern

Always good; whether up too or in the lounge

Reviewed on Google Maps

This place from top to bottom is A class. In service, in style and Amin food. This review of Secind Empire is way overdue. A quaint and mid century home that has been converted into one of Raleigh's downtown secrets. In the day and age of big over sized commercial fine dining this was a nice change in pace. This is a place where you will never feel rushed and the timing of the service was perfect for each course. We came for out anniversary and had a signed menu personally delivered by the chef. I won't mention the dishes below as I expect a year later the menu has more than likely changed. What I will say is I didn't feel bogged down with heavy rich cream. There is a time and place for that of course but this light fare while focusing on quality over quantity was worth every bite. Even the dessert didn't feel heavy. This is not an every nite restaurant although it can be but it is a place that everyone should visit. Raleigh isn't short on quality food but this is highly recommended for any special occasion. Enjoy! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Fantastic experience. Class act 100%. Truly enjoyed it. We've dined all over the place. Second Empire is GOOD!!!

Reviewed on Google Maps

The food is superb, the ambiance is magical, and the staff delivers the highest level of service and courtesy. We celebrated a special occasion around the chef's table which was impressive on all facets: four extraordinary courses, perfect wine pairings and an amazing "reality show" from the highly skilled kitchen team. Highly recommended.

Reviewed on Google Maps

The service at this restaurant is impeccable. The food was prepared and presented excellently. The only extremely slight fault would be that they forgot it was our anniversary. They normally have some minimal extras on special occasions, but this extremely minor slight did not detract from our extremely positive experience. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

This is a must go to in North Carolina. The menu is amazing!!! It was hard to choose what I wanted but I went with dry aged 28 oz ribeye that was the special of the day. This Chef knows what he is doing! If you want a nice restaurant to go to this is the place. Great ambiance, service and food! Thank Jason for delivering such great service!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Amazing service and amazing food

Reviewed on Google Maps

american food, mmm, super good. I love it here. I look forward to a return trip. Not so close to my office, unfortunately.

Reviewed on Google Maps

First time dining here for our anniversary. AWESOME experience.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Love this place for special occasions. Delicious food and impeccable service!

Reviewed on Google Maps

Outstanding location for tasty american food. this place has a good feel to it.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Best meal I have had in three years. Fairly priced for food of such high quality.

Reviewed on Google Maps

4star d oh diamond

Reviewed on Google Maps

Delicious

Reviewed on Google Maps

Very nice place to go for a special occasion. The staff are nice and the food was excellent.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Classy dinner at a historic location

Reviewed on Google Maps

We had a wonderful dinner for 4 with excellent service, outstanding wine pairings and they even handled a picky vegan with grace and ease. It's clear the chef knows his/her stuff, because every dish was outstanding. Carefully thought through ingredient combinations, served in very attractive layouts was the theme. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

We had a really, really good experience for our first visit. The service was exceptional and the meal was so delicious! We will definitely be back.

Reviewed on Google Maps

An all time favorite for my wife and I. Fine upscale dining at its best! The menu comes to life with the many wild caught and freshly harvested food options that marries well with the atmosphere. The experience and food, coupled with the friendly and professional staff makes for a moment to remember. There are not too many places left where you can sell wear a suit and tie and not feel overdressed. For a quite and quaint upscale dining experience, I highly recommend the 2nd Empire. It is a gem in Raleigh! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Amazing food and service. I will definitely be going back. Next time I will request upstairs vice the atrium, however, as the atrium can be echoey and a big party can seem excessively loud if you're trying to have a romantic dinner for two.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Very nice place, kinda pricey but worth the experience

Reviewed on Google Maps

Everything was delicious. Plating was beautiful. And prices are spot on for what you get.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Crab cake was amazing.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great food and service at a reasonable price in a nice setting. What more can you ask for?

Reviewed on Google Maps

My fav location for quality american food. Visited about four, it was not full. I've had nothing but pleasant experiences here and plan to keep coming back. Reminds me of a restaurant in Philadelphia that I enjoyed. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Very good food. Love the house. Parking was a bear.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Excellent food and service

Reviewed on Google Maps

Can definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Wonderful place to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. For was wonderful, wait staff very professional and knowledgable. Ambiance was delightful.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Best restaurant experience I have had in the Triangle. Wait staff was attentive and professional, the food was spectacular, from the duck cigar to the ribeye. Will definitely return for another gastronomic experience. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Beautiful historic setting, modern take on French/southern cousin, impeccable orchestration of service, knowledgeable/informed/attentive/friendly staff.

Reviewed on Google Maps

The Victorian house holds many wonderful rooms and the bar downstairs is excellent. Thank you to our bartender for being so attentive and informative. Dinner upstairs did not disappoint. The starters were spot on and the presentation and flavor of the mains were perfect. My barramundi was excellent. Our waitstaff were also spot on. I recommend this restaurant for special occasions as well as for weekend getaway dinners. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Everything was top notch from the food to the service everything was great! Our server William was great! Knowledge of the menu and even off menu items was spectacular! Perfect evening!

Reviewed on Google Maps

Food was excellent! This was the first time visiting restaurant and will definitely return whenever I come back to Raleigh. Restaurant was able to accommodate a party of 12 at 9pm. Our waiter was superb! Was willing to split checks separately (Many restaurants won't allow for our size of party). Would definitely reccomend. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I have only eaten in the Tavern portion of this restaurant but, contrary to its name, the food is spectacular as is the service - both bar and table - and the wine list is very good. The "upstairs" of Second Empire is more formal. We've been to Second Empire before and loved it. This visit was no different. The food is very good (flavorful, well prepared), good selection and the service has been consistently very good as well. You can sit in the main dining area for a quieter dining experience (where we were) or choose the tavern for a more casual time. Highly recommended. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Outstanding location for delicious american food. This place does it for me. I had a brother come into town and he asked me to go back here. This place has a cool atmosphere. I can see why they have so many good reviews. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

If I could give more stars I would! We went for our anniversary and they printed customized menu with our names on it and the head chef signed it. Service was top notch and the food was amazing - would highly recommend and we will be back! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Came for the Chef’s Table. It was...in a word...EXQUISITE! Best food I have ever put into my mouth. Damn good service too! A dinner to never forget. Four spectacular courses - including prawn, scallop, tuna, and lamb. They have the cleanest most efficient kitchen that I have ever seen. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday @ Second Empire. It seemed like everyone knew my name from the second I walked in! The food was amazing. Bryce and Ashley are the 2 best bartenders in the city and Caitlin my server never missed a beat and knew every ingredient of every dish... it’s like she’s been quizzed on it everyday! Her shirt was impeccably clean and ironed as well. That was a nice touch. I can’t wait to come back! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

We had dinner reservations at 7, for a group of 5 adults and 3 children 9 and younger. The atmosphere was relaxed but upscale. The service was very attentive and patient with the children. The food was incredible, and made to order. It was an amazing experience and we thank the staff for such an enjoyable evening out. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Perfect romantic dinner spot. The quality of the food never disappoints and the ambiance is very special. It is very quiet there so again, perfect for a special occasion. It is a beautiful 1880 home with quite a history behind it. The architectural style, hence the name, is ornate and lovely. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

This restaurant sits in a beautiful old house in downtown, and has a great old country french inspired vibe.The food was excellent, though a bit more traditional for the price and level of restaurant. The cheese selection was amazing, the firsts were excellent, and all of the meats were expertly cooked. The dessert selection was also amazing.I recommend this place for a more traditional nice dinner, that has a lot of class, and is reasonably priced! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I would start with the last thing first. Amazing desserts! If you are a chocolate digger (like I am), go with homemade ice cream. One of the smoothest ice creams I have ever had. Really nice servers and lovely staff.It didn't take long to get the food.All in all, really good.Hope you have a good time! :) More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

A dining experience truly unsurpassed in the greater Raleigh area. The cuisine has an incredible combination of flavors, the location and atmosphere are picturesque and romantic, and the staff is as friendly and helpful as the come.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great experience. Jeremiah was a top class server, as was the rest of the staff. They have a small parking lot behind the building.

Reviewed on Google Maps