I hate to say this but I think this restaurant is overpriced. I have eaten at a lot of nice restaurants and I don't mind paying a lot for great food but the food here was just okay. The... More

I hate to say this but I think this restaurant is overpriced. I have eaten at a lot of nice restaurants and I don't mind paying a lot for great food but the food here was just okay. The appetizer was good, I had the New Zealand venison salad. I wish that I could say the same for the entrée but I really disliked my grilled salmon. It was the worst salmon I have ever had in my life. It was dry and zero flavor. Dessert was vanilla bean crème brûlée and that was excellent. They did have an excellent wine menu. Overall, the experience was okay. I loved that actual restaurant. It is located in a historic home and is beautiful. The waiters were actually a bit stuffy, though. The food was hit or miss.
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I'm a huge wine snob, and never will get wine out usually just because wine lists places tend to be not only overpriced, but filled with absoute garbage. the wine list at second empire is a diamond... More

I'm a huge wine snob, and never will get wine out usually just because wine lists places tend to be not only overpriced, but filled with absoute garbage. the wine list at second empire is a diamond in a rough. they have lots of great wines availible and an excellent food menu to complement them. By the glass or by the bottle the wine is priced decently, and is actually good bottles worth drinking out.
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The Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern located in downtown Raleigh offers rich-tasting food and expensive wines. Located in an historic home, the atmosphere is elegant. Their chef is first class... More

The Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern located in downtown Raleigh offers rich-tasting food and expensive wines. Located in an historic home, the atmosphere is elegant. Their chef is first class and offers tantalizing items for the clientele. The menu changes periodically. Second Empire is great for a romantic evening or first date. Bring a valid credit card. Second Empire is expensive. Four dollar signs expensive. $$$$
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I really love hanging out at second empire. there is always a really neat group of people there and I have had a truly terrific time on every visit Ive ever made there. The staff here is super... More

I really love hanging out at second empire. there is always a really neat group of people there and I have had a truly terrific time on every visit Ive ever made there. The staff here is super friendly as well. i would definatly reccommend it to people n the hillsboorough street area as a cool place to go.
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Second Empire is located in a beautifully refurbished old home in downtown Raleigh, between NC State and the Capital Building. The ambience is lovely with crystal chandeliers, a sweeping staircase,... More

Second Empire is located in a beautifully refurbished old home in downtown Raleigh, between NC State and the Capital Building. The ambience is lovely with crystal chandeliers, a sweeping staircase, hardwoods, and a classic decor. The food is always delicious, the desserts are even better. The menu changes periodically, so it is fun to go back and see what changes have been made to the menu. The wine list is extensive, the wait staff is attentive. This is a favorite restaurant in our house for romantic, kid-free dining.
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