Second Empire

Tracy was very easy to work with (although hard to reach at times since she is very busy). She helped make my reception exactly what I had imagined. The food was amazing and the service was great. I had many compliments from guests about both as well as the beautiful backdrop.

Apart from being one of the most beautiful venues in Raleigh, the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was very classy. We booked 9 months in advance for a wedding of 80 guests. We utilized the entire first floor (not the lower tavern), for a sit down dinner and space for a dance floor. Tracy was fantastic to work with and had worked with many of our other vendors before which was great. We also had Second Empire make our cake which turned out above expectations. The location is very desirable, as our ceremony was at Peace College and only a short drive away, we also used a trolley service to transport guests to the beautiful front entrance of the restaurant. A Clarion hotel is located right beside Second Empire which was IDEAL for older guests, or those unable to drive home! :) There is ample parking, restroom facilities and use of outdoor space (for smokers). All the staff were extremely accommodating of our guests and attended to our every need. Would HIGHLY recommend Second Empire as a reception location

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect setting for my wedding than Second Empire. Tracy, the Events Coordinator, helped me from the very start to craft my vision of how my ceremony and reception would shape up. The room where we held our ceremony was beautiful, with a bay window just behind the bride and groom, where the light was amazing. The atrium, where we had our reception, was breathtaking - we were surrounded by glass. The photographer couldn't stop taking pictures of the little details in the decor.

The food was awesome, and yes, we got to eat it! I've now had three wedding guests tell me that when they come back for a visit, they want to go to Second Empire for dinner.

For smaller weddings, Second Empire would be THE go-to location for a wonderful day.

We had our wedding reception here. The food was fabulous, the presentation was great and the food servers were very professional. The wedding cake was done there as well and was excellent. Was a little disappointed in the total cost of the reception as they did not include sodas and other drinks or the gratuity as part of the per person price. The sound system is not great.

Great food, beautiful restaurant, great service! The cake was beautiful although not very sweet, some guests loved it, others not so much but it was definitely a beautiful cake!

We had our rehearsal dinner at Second Empire and it was a fun, delicious treat. Our group fit perfectly in the tavern and every person truly enjoyed the experience.

The food was divine - 5oz filet & chicken breast for $55.00 per guest. I had a small wedding (42ppl) so this was perfect! The Chef came out to speak to our guests about the menu, the service was amazing, the ambiance of the Atrium with tons of candles was gorgeous. They even let us do a sparkler exit off of their historic front porch. I highly recommend using Second Empire Restaurant for your Dinner (only) reception.