Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

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Closed

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🥂 Fine Dining

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Raleigh

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fine-dining

4.8
Elegant American dining in a historic 1879 Second Empire house with refined cuisine, superb service, and a robust wine list in Raleigh.

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$$$$

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fine-dining

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Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

Raleigh

$

Experience elegant American dining at Second Empire in Raleigh's historic 1879 mansion. Perfect for special occasions and exquisite meals.

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About
4.8
(
1813
)

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern offers a fine dining experience in an exquisite historic Victorian mansion, blending American classics with innovative dishes crafted from premium local ingredients. Guests benefit from attentive table service and a curated wine and cocktail program in a romantic, upscale setting, perfect for anniversaries and special occasions.

What to Expect:

    🏛️ Dining in a beautifully restored 1879 Second Empire style house
    🍽️ Expertly prepared American cuisine with local specialties
    🍷 Extensive wine list and crafted cocktails
    🎉 Ideal for celebrations and special occasions with attentive service

Important Information:

    – Price Range: $50 to $100 per person
    – Reservations: Recommended and accepted
    – Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entry, parking, seating, and restrooms
    – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM, closed Sunday and Monday
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📍 Local Insights

🏛️ Historic Setting: Dining in a beautifully restored 1879 mansion enhances the experience, making it perfect for special occasions.

🍴 Signature Dishes: The duck breast, lamb rack, foie gras, and key lime pie frequently receive praise and are recommended must-tries.

🍸 Celebratory Touches: For anniversaries or celebrations, the staff often provides personalized signed menus and attentive service.

🕔 Dinner Timing: Peak busy hours begin around 6 PM with dinner service closing at 10 PM; reservations recommended especially on weekends.

⏰ Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 5 PM to 10 PM

Wednesday: 5 PM to 10 PM

Thursday: 5 PM to 10 PM

Friday: 5 PM to 10 PM

Saturday: 5 PM to 10 PM

Sunday: Closed

👉 Best For

Special occasions, anniversaries, romantic dinners, fine dining enthusiasts

Also In

Best of Denver

Top 10 Restaurants in Raleigh

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

330 Hillsborough St
,
Raleigh
,
NC
27603

Open in Google Maps

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Second Empire stands out for its exceptional fine dining experience, praised for exquisite American dishes and impeccable, attentive service. Guests love the historic setting, romantic ambiance, and thoughtful touches like signed menus for special occasions. While mostly quiet and ideal for celebrations, a rare negative review mentioned a moment of kitchen tension during a chef’s table event.
Last updated on
December 9th, 2025

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Watersports Rentals & Experiences

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Duck breast; Lamb rack; Foie gras; Key lime pie; Empire chocolate soufflé; Aleppo Margarita; Extensive wine list; Craft cocktails; Private dining room; Chef's table

📆 Best Times to Visit

Dinner from 5 PM to 7 PM is ideal; weekends are busiest especially around 7–8 PM. Reservations strongly advised for peak times.
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