We had patronized this restaurant and really liked it, but it went downhill to the point both the food and service are quite poor. We took my mother in law, who lives in France, here and she was appalled at the poor service and mediocre food. I had to apologize to her since at one time this was a decent... More

After making our reservation online I got a call to see if we would like to eat in the dining room or the Tavern. After being told the Tavern was less formal and more lively I choose the latter. We found the Tavern to be formal and surly not lively. I have not eaten in the Tavern before and we... More

(see explanation of ratings below) For sixteen years, Chef Daniel Schurr has been knocking it out of the park in this beautifully restored mansion in downtown Raleigh. Great wine list with a large selection of wines by the glass. They've expanded the tavern area (downstairs) which has a slightly less formal feel (and two television screens). Allow 60-90 minutes. About... More

This restaurant is a house converted into a restaurant. It is right next door to the Clarion Hotel. The menu is different with things like braised rabbit. We started off with a cheese plate with three different cheeses. They served some fruit and assorted crackers and bread to compliment the cheese. Next I had a corn and crab chowder which... More

I was invited to a family dinner at this magical place. We had a private room with our own wait staff. Our head waiter introduced himself to the group and proceeded to inform us of our dinner selections in great and exciting detail. Their house salad dressing is refreshing and light. You can't get enough of their homemade bread! My... More

This review is for the main dining room. The restaurant is set in an old mansion and there are rooms for eb=very size of party. This is an area of the country I am completely unfamiliar with and I relied on review sites - they were correct. The setting is Southern genteel with service to match. They say they have... More

We have eaten at Second Empire twice now. First time in the Tavern with friends and the meal was very good. As good in fact as you would expect in a restaurant with this reputation. The menu selections and specials were also very good. In the Tavern you also get to select from both the Tavern and main restaurant menu.... More

Went to the restaurant for a private group dinner and this place did not disappoint. Even with a group of 30+ everyone was pleased with their dinner. Great overall experience.

We attended a rehearsal dinner at this restaurant. It is a lovely setting and the room accommodated about 50 people. The wines were very good and the dinner which was a choice of the filet or salmon were both excellent. I would love to go back again and look over their menu as a regular diner.