Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern: Fine Dining in a Historic Raleigh Mansion

Set inside one of downtown Raleigh’s most striking landmarks, Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern has spent decades earning a reputation as one of the Triangle’s premier destinations for special-occasion dining. Housed in the restored Dodd-Hinsdale House at 330 Hillsborough Street, it pairs award-winning contemporary American cuisine upstairs with a relaxed, convivial tavern below, giving guests two very different ways to enjoy the same historic address.

A Landmark on Hillsborough Street

The restaurant occupies the Dodd-Hinsdale House, a Second Empire Victorian mansion built in 1879 and often described as the last significant example of that French-influenced architectural style in Raleigh. Named for the prominent families who once lived there, the elegantly restored home retains the graceful proportions, tall windows, and period detailing that make dining here feel like a step into another era. The building’s careful restoration is a large part of the experience, blending downtown convenience with the intimacy of a grand private residence.

Upstairs: Refined Contemporary American Cuisine

The upstairs dining rooms are where Second Empire makes its name. Under Executive Chef Daniel Schurr, the kitchen serves a seasonal menu of contemporary American cuisine built around fresh ingredients and classic technique. Guests return year after year for polished plates such as a five-spice duck breast, a beautifully executed rack of lamb, and delicately seared sea scallops, all presented with the kind of attention to detail that fine dining demands. Because the menu changes with the seasons, there is nearly always something new to discover alongside the enduring favorites.

Downstairs: A More Casual Tavern

For a more relaxed evening, the Tavern downstairs offers the same commitment to quality in a warmer, more approachable setting. The tavern bar opens earlier in the afternoon and pours a thoughtful selection of creative cocktails, local beers, and boutique wines, making it a comfortable spot to settle in before dinner or to enjoy a full meal without the formality of the main dining rooms. It is a favorite among locals who want the Second Empire experience in a low-key key.

Awards and Recognition

Few restaurants in the region can match Second Empire’s shelf of accolades. It has been recognized with the AAA Four Diamond Award, the DiRoNA Award, and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, reflecting both the kitchen’s consistency and a deep, carefully curated wine program. Those honors, earned over many years, help explain why the restaurant remains a go-to choice for anniversaries, business dinners, and other milestone celebrations across Raleigh and the wider Triangle.

Planning Your Visit

Second Empire serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is closed Sunday and Monday. Because seating is limited, reservations are strongly recommended for the upstairs dining rooms, while the downstairs tavern offers a more spontaneous, walk-in-friendly option. Located at 330 Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh, the restaurant is an easy choice when the occasion calls for history, hospitality, and genuinely memorable food. Reservations can be made by phone at (919) 829-3663 or online, and the restaurant is happy to accommodate special events and private dining.