Second Empire Restaurant
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: (919) 829-3663
04/21/2008 Posted by Merillion
Unfortunately, Second Empire is not a good restaurant in a number of respects. Parking is a problem. Although there is off street parking, it can only accomodate 2 handicapped vehicles and 8 additional vehicles. Beware parking on the street, because before and after dinner you will be approached by homeless people asking for food and money. The house is a problem. There is a front and also a rear entrance. Both are narrow, because there is a lot of foot traffic (customer, waiter, waitress and busboy), and you will get run over if you get in the way of a server. The bar is a problem. It is very small; very small. You have to take the stair case down almost 1.5 flights to get the bar, which is in the basement. The basement is simply a converted basement for semi-formal dining. Ironically, there are windows to the west of the basement, but they are dirty. The selection from the bar wine list is simply poor...many of the wines are sub-rated commercial wines, and the champagnes are all brut, i.e., no variety. The bathrooms...on the top floor, and again you have to walk up 1.5 flights of stairs to get their. The bathrooms have been updated, but honestly, not updated enough. The service...poor, in terms of busy, frowning staff. No one smiles; everyone is serious; its as though they are depressed. It makes for a poor showing and presentation of the food. Further, you have wait staff hovering over you to take your plate of food away before you are even finished. The food...selection is poor. All of the dishes are chef created, and there are no standard, simple dishes available if you are just interested in having a well prepared, delicious meal. Even the appetizers are bad, in terms of new dishes that have no pedigree or appeal. The pricing....if you like throwing your money away, you've found the right place. All things considered, this restaurant is not a restaurant...its simply a fashion statement where well to do shallow people go!
Pros: None
Cons: Homeless people hovering around the restaurant.
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