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Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern Reviews List
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
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 to 300 people. Second Empire is very proud to be the recipient of the DiRoNA Award (Distinguished Restaurants of North America), the AAA Four Diamond Award (Raleigh’s only restaurant with this award) and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1998.
See more Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern details
232 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 232 reviews
5 stars
(167)
4 stars
(53)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(189)
- romantic(160)
- fit for foodies(136)
- notable wine list(105)
- neighborhood gem(68)
- good for groups(40)
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very good indeed. First visit for a couple of years-food better than I remember it; excellent Burgundy too. We ate in the Tavern which is casual but where you can select from the menu and wine list of the upscale restaurant upstairs which is a nice combination."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superb dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Experience & knowledge of waiter on entree ingredients & preparation impressive. Service and timing perfect. Elegant and comfortable setting(main dining room). Will return when in Raleigh again. Chocolate soufflé is delicious!!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic food and a memorable night!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was great and service was exceptional. Will definitely visit again during my next business trip to Raleigh."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 5 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great birthday dinner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good all around! Nice touch wishing me Happy Birthday on their menu!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
excellent experience, so so food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had our first dining experience at Second Empire for our 10th wedding anniversary. All in all it was a wonderful experience. The staff was very professional and welcoming, the ambience could not have been better suited for a romantic special occasion. Our server Randy was on point and helpful without hovering. The only down side was that in our estimation the meal was not par with the price tag. There was nothing inadequate or negative, barring an undercooked filet that was quickly corrected and profusely apologized for. There was just nothing that left us feeling like we were wowed. I'd dine there again in a heartbeat and recommend it to others, but I will definitely temper my enthusiasm about the food being the star of the show."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Gem tucked away downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We found second Empire 2 years ago and are just amazed every time we go back. After moving to NC from NY we thought we left fine dining behind. Boy were we wrong."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The atmosphere was very friendly, not stuffy. The bartender was helpful in wine selections and was also quite friendly. The food was excellent. I thought the scallops were huge and very tender.....a wonderful dish. The veal cigars were a unique dish and very tasty. The waiter was also helpful in describing the menu so we could make good selections. All in all, I would return to The Tavern and Second Empire and I would definitely recommend it to friends for special occasions or just a fun night out."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful evening!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our server was very efficient and well versed in all the offerings. The staff was attentive and pleasant. The meal was well presented and tasty. We will definitely come again!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A must in Raleigh
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you have an special celebration or simply you want to enjoy a nice and sophisticated dinner this is the place. Nice wine list and outstanding service."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 11 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food and service was excellent!!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Perfect preparation and presention and very attentive service."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 13 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome 25th Anniversary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I were in Raleigh for business though the end of the week. Our 25th anniversary was right around the corner so we decided to do something a bit different since we were out of town. We looked at some online reviews but honestly can you ever trust them? Not knowing what to expect, we were thrilled with the decision. Being an architect, the venue was so interesting since we are currently working on our own restoration project in VA. Ashley took care of us and provided us with a wonderful menu. The chef prepared our courses that tasted and looked amazing. Beginning to end of the decadent dessert and after dinner drinks we were treated like king & queen. Thanks so much to the staff for making our anniversary a special memory for us."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"For a pretty penny you get a great dinning experience"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have enjoyed this place a few times. Great fresh mesculin salad with just the right amount of dressing. Loved the grouper!"
Dined on 3/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overall a great experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall a great experience. The armosphere is great....request a table in the room facing the street, its much more open. Service on all our visits has been stellar. The staff is knowledgable without being pretentious!
The food ranges from amazing to so so depending on the dish. The scallops were very good the short rib croquettes were dry."
The food ranges from amazing to so so depending on the dish. The scallops were very good the short rib croquettes were dry."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Special Features: romantic
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Review 17 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
!!WOW !!, You will be impressed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Awesome place for that special occasion. We were definitely impressed from the second we walked in the door. Food was off the chart and the chocolate sufflee was to die for"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent in every way. The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent in every way. The service and food are some of the best around."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have eaten at a lot of places
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have eaten at a lot of places but this restaurant
was one of the best that I have been to. Very
impressive staff and menu. Well worth every
penny!"
was one of the best that I have been to. Very
impressive staff and menu. Well worth every
penny!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, great service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food, great service in a classic house"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My world favorite....
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I live in Seattle and we do have fantastic restaurants, but I must admit…Second Empire is my favorite among all the restaurants I wine and dine at through-out my world travels. You will love the old mansion, abundant service and impeccable dishes."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2009
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Review 22 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second Empire is on of the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Second Empire is on of the finest restaurants we have ever visited. The staff, food and ambiance far surpassed expectations. I have added this location to my top 5 worldwide best restaurants for cost and quality. Don't miss it!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
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Review 23 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and superior
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food and superior service. Made a very special birthday memorable!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 24 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food, amazing service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic food, amazing service. Overall great experience"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 25 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, quality service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food, quality service, and an unmatched ambiance."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place, worth the experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went there for my fiancee's birthday. Great spot, GREAT service, good food. We had the lamb and filet mignon. Food was very good, but you could expect more for the price... ended up being 150. Seemed like filet was slightly undercooked for medium rare.
We were in the Restaurant section. Very, very quiet, too quiet for my taste. I hear the tavern portion is more energetic.
I would return, but at prices like that it's a special occasion only type place. Likely won't return for a long time."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Don Allen Critique
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Obviously the ambiance is great and the food is very good. Service was the best from the top down.
My guest and I had the same dinner (filet of beef)and had the same comment. Could have had a bit more taste. My beef had some pretty hefty sections of gristle and my potatoes were bland even the sauce. The best was the desert (Key Lime Pie). While very tasty the portion was very small.
A good experience overall!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view
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Review 28 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Almost perfect
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Second Empire always delivers. The food is outstanding and of course sitting downstairs you have the added benefit of the two menus. Service was attentive initailly but later in the evening we seemed to be looking for our wait staff. After dinner, we were ready & waiting for another bottle of wine and the waiter delivered dessert menus instead. When we made our wishes known, he insisted on taking our dessert order as well - you guessed it - we got wine, dessert and coffee etc... all at once. Felt a little bit rushed toward the end of the evening and it was only 9pm."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything about Second Empire
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything about Second Empire was first class from the reception through to the service and food. An elegant experience and well worth the price."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 30 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service was incredible,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was incredible, from our waiter to the house staff; everyone was suberb. The food was a little on the salty side but delicious courses with small but adequate proportions. The dessert, especially the lemon tart, was spectacular and probably the highlight of dinner. The setting is very intimate with close seating to other tables, so you become very conscious of your own conversation as well as other convos."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love Second Empire and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We love Second Empire and as usual the food, service, & atmosphere were great. I love the way they deliver your food to your entire all at once and setting it down on the table in a synchronized fashion."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
25th Wedding Anniversary
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very professional and very warm. Staff bent over backwards serving my wife and I."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 33 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An extraordinary dining experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"An extraordinary dining experience! Excellent friendly staff! Can't wait to return1"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 34 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We always enjoy having dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We always enjoy having dinner in the Tavern. The food,service and food presentation are wonderful. I really enjoy when they serve everyone at the table at the same time.......we had eight at our table. Great place!!!!! Thank you!!!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 35 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We enjoyed our anniversary
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We enjoyed our anniversary dinner. From the moment we arrived, all of the staff was very attentive. Our food was very good.
The focus on fresh vegetables was excellent and notable in each of our dishes.
While the restaurant is not in our top 5 overall, it was the best we've had in Raleigh so far. (we are recent transplants from Texas)
Second Empire is worth the visit for special occasions and we will return."
The focus on fresh vegetables was excellent and notable in each of our dishes.
While the restaurant is not in our top 5 overall, it was the best we've had in Raleigh so far. (we are recent transplants from Texas)
Second Empire is worth the visit for special occasions and we will return."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second Empire is best in Raleigh
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"After living in Raleigh for years, we've somehow missed this restaurant until now. However, we'll definitely be returning. We went for my wife's birthday and it was amazing. The service was excellent. Our server, Ty, was very attentive and personable. Her knowledge of the dishes and attention to my wife's birthday was very great. Our food was excellent from the breads to our first courses the tuna tartare and the cioppino. Then the main courses of the striped bass and scallops continued the fantastic meal. Both dishes were excellent. Our desserts were incredible as well. My wife loved her Black Russian cheesecake and my chocolate souffle was the best I've ever had. Simply put, best dining experience in Raleigh we've ever had."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 37 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my first visit to Second Empire and will not be my last. The excellent food was only surpased by the outstanding service and atmosphere. Expensive but well worth it for a special occasion."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 38 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and I celebrated
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary at the Second Empire. It truly was an exeptional experience. The service was outstanding, the food was fantastic and no detail was overlooked. We had a wonderful evening and would highly recommend the Second Empire for a special occasion outing."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 39 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
There were two proposals that
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There were two proposals that happened while we were there, so it must be a romantic place. We enjoyed our meal very much. Killer chocolate souffle."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 40 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went with a group from work
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went with a group from work for a team dinner. There was something for everyone. We sat in the Tavern which had windows all around, very nice and bright. The food was delicious, the waitress was excellent. We had a really good time. Would highly recommend for groups or couples."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 41 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lives up to its four Michelin
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Lives up to its four Michelin star status. Stellar service and really excellent food."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, excellent. My pork
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, excellent. My pork chop was a bit overdone but I can't allow myself to give this place 4 out of 5 for food rating based on overall experience. Will definitely be back, many times."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 43 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
From the moment we walked
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, everything was outstanding."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
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Review 44 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our party of five all raved
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our party of five all raved about our appetizer selections which which were followed by entrees that were amazing. The plating of each entree was "eye candy", but the the flavors and textures were exceptional. Five very happy dining guests departed Second Empire last Saturday evening."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 45 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dining at its best in Raleigh
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Second Empire never disappoints. They have an exceptional selection of foods for any palate. If your choice is fish, lamb or steaks, they prepare exceptional dishes that will be both prepared to your liking as well as a delight to your tongue.
This is an exceptionally romantic place that serves as the backdrop to any special occasion you may be having - or for just a great night out. The upstairs dining room is quiet - or select the Tavern downstairs for more vibrant activity. You will be happy with your choice."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 46 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second Empire always impresses!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Second Empire always impresses!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 47 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second Empire First Rate
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We arrived much earlier than our reservation and they accomdated us immediately. The appetizers, entrees and the cheese board we had were visually appealing and exquisite in taste. The wines were also to our liking."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 48 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice dining room, attentive
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nice dining room, attentive staff, good food. Food can be a little "fussy." The kitchen tries to blend flavors and textures that often obscure the flavor of the dish. But for this area of the country, it is a good place for dining."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 49 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 50 for Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We really enjoy the tavern.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We really enjoy the tavern. The food was outstanding and the service was great!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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