Business Details
29 Years
experience
Experience Fine Dining at Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
Since 1997, Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern has been a cornerstone of fine dining in Raleigh, NC, offering an unparalleled combination of historic elegance and culinary excellence. Located in the meticulously restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, a circa 1879 landmark, we have earned prestigious accolades including the AAA Four Diamond Award, DiRoNa Award, and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Our commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and world-class service creates a dining experience that caters to both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. The restaurant features multiple private dining spaces, including the Pine Room and Atrium, accommodating events from small dinners to weddings. Our executive chef, Daniel Schurr, crafts innovative menus that reflect decades of culinary expertise, complemented by an extensive wine list and artisanal desserts.The Tavern provides a more casual atmosphere with craft cocktails and a curated menu, while the Chefs Table offers an exclusive kitchen-side dining experience. Our dedicated staff, including Special Events Coordinator Ashley Dyson, ensures every guest receives personalized attention. With 20 years of operation and recognition as Raleighs only AAA Four Diamond recipient, we continue to uphold standards of excellence established at our founding. Whether hosting a rehearsal dinner or savoring a weekday meal, guests experience a seamless blend of history, ambiance, and gastronomy. Our mission remains to deliver unforgettable moments through food, service, and the timeless beauty of our historic venue.
Services
Fine Dining
Private Dining
Weddings
Chef's Table
Tavern
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We hold the AAA Four Diamond Award, Raleighs only recipient since 2004.
- Our venue combines historic architecture with modern culinary innovation.
- Private dining rooms accommodate events from 25 to 65 guests.
- Menus feature seasonal ingredients and award-winning wine pairings.
- Executive Chef Daniel Schurr brings decades of fine dining expertise.
Associations and certifications
- AAA Four Diamond Award
- Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNa)
- Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
What people say
Award-winning cuisine
Unforgettable experience
Historic elegance
Seasonal menus
Expert service
Services
Fine Dining
Our main dining experience features Chef Daniel Schurrs seasonal menus using locally sourced ingredients. Diners enjoy elegant surroundings in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale House, with award-winning wine pairings and personalized service. This service caters to guests seeking refined meals in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Private Dining
Multiple rooms accommodate events from 25 to 65 guests, including weddings and corporate functions. Spaces like the Pine Room and Atrium offer customizable setups with audio-visual capabilities. Our staff coordinates menus and logistics for seamless celebrations in historic settings.
Chef's Table
An intimate kitchen-side experience for 2-4 guests, offering direct interaction with Chef Schurr and his team. Guests observe meal preparation while enjoying multi-course tasting menus. This service provides unique access to culinary techniques and personalized storytelling.
Tavern
A relaxed setting with exposed brick walls serving craft cocktails, local beers, and a simplified menu. The Tavern includes a lounge area and outdoor seating on the front porch. Ideal for post-work drinks or informal meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Weddings
Full-service wedding coordination in historic indoor and outdoor venues. Includes floral arrangements, photography assistance, and customized menus for ceremonies, receptions, and bridal luncheons. Packages accommodate up to 65 guests in elegantly restored spaces.
People
Kim Reynolds
Owner / Manager
Kim Reynolds oversees operations at Second Empire, combining business acumen with hospitality expertise. With decades of experience in fine dining, she ensures the restaurant maintains its award-winning standards while preserving the historic venue's integrity.
Daniel Schurr
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Daniel Schurr crafts seasonal menus that have earned Wine Spectator and AAA accolades. His culinary vision focuses on local ingredients and innovative pairings, creating dishes that reflect both tradition and modern technique in the restaurant's 20-year legacy.
Ashley Dyson
General Manager / Event Coordinator
Ashley Dyson manages daily operations and specializes in event planning, coordinating weddings and private functions since joining the team. Her attention to detail ensures seamless execution of events ranging from intimate dinners to large celebrations in the historic venue.
Questions
What makes Second Empire's dining experience unique?
We combine historic architecture from the 1879 Dodd-Hinsdale House with award-winning cuisine and personalized service, creating an atmosphere that blends elegance with modern culinary innovation.
Do you offer private event spaces for weddings?
Yes, we provide four private rooms accommodating 25-65 guests, including full coordination services for weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners in our historic downtown Raleigh venue.
What awards has the restaurant received?
We've earned the AAA Four Diamond Award since 2004, DiRoNa recognition since 2005, and Wine Spectator honors annually since 1999 for our culinary excellence and wine program.
Can I visit the Chef's Table experience?
Our Chef's Table offers an exclusive kitchen-side dining experience for 2-4 guests, featuring direct interaction with the culinary team and multi-course tasting menus with wine pairings.
Is the Tavern section casual dining?
Yes, the Tavern provides a relaxed atmosphere with craft cocktails, local beers, and a simplified menu in a brick-walled setting featuring both indoor and outdoor seating options.
How far in advance should I make reservations?
We recommend booking reservations at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekend dining or private events, as our historic venue maintains limited seating capacity to ensure quality service.
