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About
Located in downtown Raleigh’s historic Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, exceptional service and gourmet cuisine 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
PRICE RANGE
US$31 - US$80
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner
CUISINES
American
FEATURES
Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, 有泊車位, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Reviews (1,321)
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1,315 results
Traveller rating
1,114
115
54
19
13
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LanguageEnglish
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Traveller rating
1,114
115
54
19
13
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Reviewed yesterday via mobile

Such a special place with amazing food. Staff is trained to perfection. Food is amazing, salmon was perfect with wonderful wine choices.

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed yesterday

Destiny and Natalie were amazing. A perfect combination of funny, helpful and knowledgeable. The helped me celebrate my wife's birthday and made it a remarkable experience. Highly recommend!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 days ago

Fabulous setting, amazing food and great waitstaff! I highly recommend a visit to the restaurant or the Tavern.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 days ago

Excellent salmon, pork, chicken and duck entrees. The sides for each were amazing. Fantastic desserts to top off the meal. Excellent service and very friendly team.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 days ago

Went there with the family to celebrate my 70th birthday. We had a GREAT experience as we were expecting that. We have been at the restaurant before and have not been disappointed. The chef is one of the best!!!So is the service. Very professional.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 days ago

From the warm greeting through our departure after desert, the entire staff at Second Empire makes you feel welcome and impresses with world-class cuisine and service. We (Vicki and I) brought my 91 year-old mom here for dinner. We were a little early and enjoyed...a wonderful couch seating in the bar area. The incredible bartender assured my mom her Whiskey Sour would be her best ever or it was on her. And of course she delivered. Knowing my mom was 91 and rarely can get out to a restaurant, we had fabulous seats that were easy for her to get to and perfectly situated so she could enjoy an easy view of the restaurant and outdoor passersby. Both Vicki and Joan (my mom) enjoyed the calamari appetizer and fabulous filet mignon. And there was no issue at all with the chefs accommodating my pepper allergy (can you imagine?!); my octopus app and sea bass dinner were extraordinary. Our waiter was equally incredible, always being there at just the moment you needed anything and expert at helping me decide between two bottles of red by Darioush. Clearly an amazing pastry chef created 3 wonderful deserts we enjoyed and shared. An evening to remember, I cannot thank the entire staff enough for a memorable family time together. Fabulous in every way.More

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 5 days ago

Lovely staff. Ambiance was delightful. The freshness and flavor of my food was beyond what we expected. Definitely will return!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 5 days ago

The atmosphere and food were fabulous. Our server, Wyatt, was very attentive. Lovely time with family in an elegant Victorian home. Save room for dessert!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 6 days ago

Classic fine dining in a beautiful setting, however in no way stuffy. Delicious meals (scallops and lamb) prepare perfectly to our request - foie gras appetizer was a delight. Drinks mixed very well. Pricing is what is expected for a meal of this caliber.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

Excellence on every level. Food, service, ambience, and even value! They will make you feel special and welcome. Some of the finest food in the Triangle for sure.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 6 days ago

We celebrated my mother's 80th birthday at Second Empire. It was a wonderful experience. The food was delicious-- my husband said the paella was the best he's had. The service was just as great. I highly recommend Second Empire for a delicious night out!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 week ago

Excellent time. All the staff were gracious and eager to assist. They made the whole evening enjoyable for everyone at our table. From the Foie Gras appetizer to the Chilean Sea Bass, Halibut, and the Empire Seafood Paella every dish was delicious and presentation perfect.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 week ago

Elegant! Wonderful service. Always try to visit when in Raleigh. They set the bar high and always exceed expectations.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Went to this restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday. Second Empire was the perfect choice with amazing food and wine. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Highly recommend visiting.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Wonderful atmosphere, fantastic service and incredibly delicious food!! If you want a quiet evening of fine dining, this is your place to go.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
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Karl C
18 June 2022|
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Response from hackererika | Reviewed this property |
Sandra got it right in her review.
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hai333
8 January 2022|
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Response from tpbragan | Reviewed this property |
The Main dinning room.
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Joseph c
23 October 2021|
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Response from DinedThereSippedThat | Reviewed this property |
It's always best to contact the restaurant directly for up to date information. Enjoy your experience there!
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SECOND EMPIRE RESTAURANT & TAVERN, Raleigh - Glenwood South - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern

Yes, Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 5
  • Service: 5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5