The Capital Grille

I had the worst meal of my life at the Capital Grille. First, let me say that the menu consists of Steak, Steak, Steak, and more Steak. There is very little seafood, 1 chicken dish, and 1 lamb dish. No pasta, whatsoever. I ordered the grilled swordfish, and it was terrible. My husband (who eats everything) even said it was disgusting and didn't want it. I couldn't even get my dog to try it when I brought it home. The appetizers are OK (we had the smoked salmon platter, though the salmon was more raw than smoked, but whatever.) We had reservations for valentines day, and they sat us at the smallest table you can imagine (about the size of a small end-table) and we were crammed into a room well past the fire code. The wine list was extensive, but they charged $54 for a bottle of wine that I have since picked up at the liquor store for $12 -- not on sale. Since I had to rate it one star at the least, I'm going to say that one star is for the $8 onion rings. Both my husband and my dinners were overcooked. (he asked for medium, he got blackened. I had to use a knife to cut swordfish. Our server was neglectful, and the man serving the next table over ended up waiting on us most of the night. Basically, if you're near any other restaurant, I'd recommend you go there instead of the capital grille.

Pros: Onion Rings

Cons: Bad location, Bad Service, REALLY BAD FOOD, Bad Menu Selection

Posted 02/25/09

CAPITAL GRILLE

I BEEN AROUND THE WORLD ABOUT TWO TIME IN MY LIFE AND THE ONE THING I LOVE IS SERVES THAT?S RIGHT IT COME FIST YOU CAN GET A GOOD MEAL ANY WHERE ABOUT WENDY?S MOMMA BACK YARD YET THE SERVES WITH GOOD FOOD IT THE WAY TO GO FOR ME
WHEN I TALK ABOUT A PLACE I GO TO DIN AT IT HAS TO BE AT THE TOP OF IT GAME
IF I BEEN HERE BEFORE , SAY MY NAME SO I FEEL LIKE YOU ARE HAPPY TO HAVE ME BACK, KEEP NOTES OF SOME OF THE THINGS I LIKE SO WHEN I CALL FOR A TABLE YOU ASK IF ILL BE HAVING ANY OF THESE ITEMS THAT NIGHT BUT MOST IMPORTIN IS HOW WILL MY GUESS FEEL

CAPITAL GRILLE IS ALL THAT AND THE FOOD IS OUT OF THIS WORLD I KNOW WHEN I WALK IN TO 1 IF IN ATL , LAS, OR BOS THERE BE NOTHING NEW I NEED TO KNOW OTHER THEN THE WAITER WHO I JUST MET YET MAKE ME FEEL LIKE WE HAVE BEEN KNOWING THIS FOR A LIFE TIME

IN ADDITION, TO ANY THING THAT ANY 1 WOULD SAY, ?THERE NO VALID!? YOU MAY JUST NEED TO STAY AT HOME WITH THE FAMILY. DUE TO YOU ARE LIKE EVERY 1 ELSE. YOU WANT TO BE WHERE EVERY BODY KNOWS MY NAME TOO, JUST LIKE ME!
PS THE PINEAPPLE

SMILE
MC

Posted 07/04/08

The Capital Grille has a great reputation around the country for a reason. The service was great. The place was full of life, and the food... All members of my party were extremely satisfied. My filet, the potatoes au gratin, the asparagus - all perfect. Quite honestly the best meal I have had in Boston. It's pricey but worth it.

Pros: Amazing Food

Cons: Cha-Ching

Posted 07/24/07

nice atmosphere and good food but NO VALUE FOR YOUR $$$$$$$$$.

this operation is geared for the expense account or high end customers with bucks to burn.

restaurant professionls do not eat at this operation and this should tell you something because of pricing.

regards , chef and restaurant owner, usa, retired

Posted 07/18/07

I usually don't like chain restaurants, but The Capital Grille has managed to remain on the list of frequent places to go for me. I have tried it in different cities, but The one in Newbury Street (Boston) has just been the BEST!! The FIlet is the best I have ever had and I have been there four times and have the best of the experiences. The Calamari is jst SPECTACULAR (watch out if you don;t like spicy food, because then you will in trouble with the Calamari). I really like the quality of the meat at this place and will keep coming back, eventhough it is a chain restaurant. Don't waste your time ordering desserts, they are not good (nationwide). For some reason the chain must have problems getting the right patry chef. .

Pros: Thumbs up!! Dramatic Steak, Delicious CALAMARI. Decent wine list with moderated options.

Cons: ok service, very noisy.

Posted 07/09/07

I have been to many grills and this one is the best. The service was impeccable and the overall quality of the meals was outstanding. I started with the steak tartar and would recommend it to anyone. The menu had a very nice selection although I tend to pick up if there are any vegetarian meals at expensive restaurants, didn't see any here. Well I guess that would be another reason for them being famous for their steaks; not to mention cuisine to die for. I would highly recommend The Capital Grill to anyone who can afford it. If you?re like me and can?t really afford it, then it is worth saving up for.

Pros: Great meal and service

Cons: A bit expensive

Posted 06/27/07

The food was great - we both ordered steak although the portions are larger than I would have liked. Great dessert (we skipped starters). Our waiter was very attentive and remember our wine (we ordered by the glass) when asked for a second glass. It was a birthday treat and I sneakily asked the waiter for something special with the dessert - he didn't bat an eyelid and said he'dl arrange for something. Cool !!!

Pros: Good food, great service, nice atmosphere - a few romantic couples in the restaurant and mix with some tables with children all within the same room - they know how to run a well oiled restaurant!

Cons: The price may not suit all pockets. Selection for wine by the glass could be larger - but this is a minor point.

Posted 01/01/07

Having been profoundly disappointed with Smith & Wolenskies and with a mediocre experience at the Palm, I was beginning to think Boston didn't have decent steakhouses. I was delighted to have the Capital Grille prove me wrong. The steaks were incredible (I had the Steak au Poivre and he had the Kona rubbed Strip Steak) as was the appetizer, the side of mushrooms and the dessert. The wine list is extensive and, as you can expect from a high-end steakhouse, on the pricy side. The "cheap" bottles run for $30, with most bottles starting around $40 and moving rapidly up. We were seated promptly and had a great server -- he was straight forward, friendly, personable and knew when to leave us alone so we could enjoy our meal. Yes, it's a bit noisy but not oppressively so -- my partner and I were able to have a conversation without raising our voices. I wouldn't call this a romantic date spot, but it's a great place to come for a fabulous steak or other generous (and perfectly prepared) piece of meat.

Pros: Steaks, Service, Private club atmosphere

Cons: Difficult to get reservations

Posted 12/17/06

I can't believe this place is this well-reviewed. I ate their on the firm's tab recently for a recruiting event. Service was good, but ambience was terrible. Granted, we were seated in front of the kitchen, but it was just NOISY in this place. Like I couldn't hear the specials it was so loud. Second off, the food was above-average, but they were charging some fairly hefty prices (luckily I wasn't paying).

I got the filet mignon for dinner which was way too salty - and I like my foods salty! It was also a touch overdone despite ordering it medium rare - I'm happy I got the larger portion because at least the inside was still juicy (my friend who got the smaller size said his was somewhat tough all the way through). I also got the lobster mac and cheese which was essentially inedible - WAY too salty which was extremely disappointing.

I did get the shrimp cocktail and raw oysters which were very enjoyable (but I rarely have disliked either of those dishes anywhere).

Service was prompt and polite, though tough to overcome the noisy ambience and disappointing food given the price.

Posted 11/07/06

I was terribly embarrassed to have arranged a corporate lunch here. Two members of the group were vegetarians, and there is literally nothing vegetarian on the menu. I've never had that happen before, and was very surprised to have encountered that in a higher-priced national chain. We paid for our beverages, I apologized profusely to the affected parties, and we all left. Very disappointing.

Pros: None - our party had to leave

Cons: No vegetarian menu items

Posted 10/31/06

It is what it is. capital grille is high class and caters to the heavy hitters! i don't mind that the prices are high because its well worth it! they took great care of me and i love the food, ambience, and service! A++++

Pros: great food. you definatly feel your in a high dollar place and they treat you as such.

Cons: it is a little loud, but it proves that everyone wants to be there!

Posted 08/19/06

The Captial Grille is good, for sure. But it doesn't really live up to the hype. I've been there a handful of times, and I have always had a good steak and good side dishes, but it doesn't ever feel like it's worth the exorbitant prices. It's just a steak. There is nothing creative about the dishes, and since everything is a la carte, the bill creeps up even higher. It is what it is. I personally prefer something more when I am shelling out that kind of money. Also, like someone else mentioned, the place tends to cater to rowdy, high-rolling businessmen with big expense accounts. And although the service is anything but poor, others may feel like they've been a bit left out of the game.

Pros: good steaks

Cons: not as good as its reputation

Posted 07/04/06

Great steaks and even better service. Very good clam chowder and very large sides

Posted 05/07/06

Best steak I have had in a very long time. House salad, French onion soup, mashed potatoes and asparagus were terrific. Very, very pricey for a steak house, and EVERYTHING is extra. Key lime pie had something missing. Atmosphere was noisy. Not romantic. Dress requirement is too casual. Very disappointed that the waiter forgot our anniversary after two reminders, although he was very attentive, when we could find him. Food A+, Price C-, Service B-, Atmosphere B. Will I go back? Maybe, maybe not!!!

Pros: food

Cons: price, atmosphere, service

Posted 12/26/05

I went here for my gf's bday and I must say this was the absolute Loudest restaurant I have ever been too. There were these two tables of about 10 screaming the entire night. You would think at a restaurant where the avg meal is 35 dollars people would have the sense to not act like a bunch of frat boys, obv had no idea what the word class means. The food was pretty good (the sliced filet very good) and after we ordered a 300 dollar bottle of cristal the service got remarkably better.
Despite the good steak and service the loudness will keep me away for a long time, def. not a romantic spot AT ALL!!

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: Loud, LOUD, LOUD

Posted 12/21/05

I took my boyfriend for his birthday, and it was a great experience! The atmosphere is great, lots of old, original paintings, and dark, rich colors. Our server was very attentive without being intrusive, and the service overall was about making the diner feel comfortable and attended to. The lobster and crab cakes were an excellent appetizer, and the steak was superb. Our server brought us a slice of chocolate and espresso cake with a candle in it, which was also outstanding. It was an unforgettable experience.

Pros: food, atmosphere, service

Cons: expensive

Posted 11/11/05

I have been to the Capital Grille a few times when I visit Boston for work and it never disappoints. Always busy so book but the ambience is fantastic and the food is awesome, the steaks are always well prepared and the sides compliment them well. It's not cheap but worth the money.....wine list is excellent and not over-priced like some and the deserts finish off a great meal.

Pros: Food, Wine, Ambience

Cons: Busy, Busy, Busy

Posted 07/11/05

The food and service were terrific - -first rate! My wife and I will go back as soon as possible.

Posted 06/09/05

I was lucky enough to dine at the Capital Grill and what an experience it was. I got the Delmonico Au Pouvre and my girlfriend got the fillet mignon. Both were cooked to perfection. For sides we had the creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. The spinach was great and the mashed was creamy with chunks of potato. The service was great, although we got seated at a tiny two seater table that stuck out into the middle of the room. The atmosphere was extra phancy, with dim lighting and oak furniture. The service was great and treated us like executives. If you're looking to splurge on a tasty steak, look no further.

Pros: Quality, Steaks, Side Dishes

Cons: Expensive, Parking, Loud

Posted 05/02/05

Whether you're looking for steak, poultry, or seafood the Capital Grill is the best in town. Do not miss out!

Pros: Excellent Food, Attentive Service, Great Atmosphere

Posted 03/11/04

Sad to say, but unless you go to Grill 23, you have no choice but to get an average steak in MA.

Like Morton's, the other "chain" top-shelf steak place in town, The Capital Grille offers a lot in the way of glitz and glamour, but when the food hits the table, it's suprisingly average looking.

While some cuts aren't cooked to order, other cuts just aren't good... well, cuts. It's better than average, for sure, but when you're paying between $30 and $40 for an entree, you want the best... and this isn't it. Also, though out server tried very hard, the bus help were still not of the grade that this type of establishment demands. Silverware was slow to be replaced, as was water to be refilled.

Pros: Ambience, Menu, Decor

Cons: Uneven food prep, Bad busing, Blah presentation

Posted 10/30/03

I love the waitstaff... though i'm friends with many of them, but i just lvoe the atmosphere and the way you feel when you're there. they treat you with such respect and the waiters inform you so much about the evening you will be having. overall the place is amazing, food is incredible... wish i was there now

Pros: waitstaff, food, service

Posted 09/29/03

STEAKS WAS TOUGH...SAT AT THE BAR AND SERVICE WAS SLOW..........BREAD WAS GOOD....
EVERYONE IT SEEMS IN BOSTON RAVED ABOUT THIS RESTAURANT SO I TRIED IT AND WILL NEVER GO BACK............

STEAK WAS TOUGH AND ORDERED MED RARE AND CAME OUT WELL DONE.......I TRAVEL 2-3 DAYS PER WEEK AND EAT OUT A LOT.......BELIEVE ME THE PEOPLE THAT THINK THIS IS A GOOD RESTAURANT DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: PARKING FOR LIMOS, GOOD WINE SELECTION, FAIR DESERTS

Cons: OVERPRICED, VERY CROWDED, WAITSTAFF??????

Posted 08/23/03

I WORK AT A RESTAURANT AND FOR OUR MANAGERS CHRISTMAS GATHERING WE WENT TO THE BLUE MAN GROUP AND DINED AT THE CAPITAL GRILL. I HAVE TO SAY THAT IT WAS THE BEST DINING EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD. T-BONE STEAK I COULD HAVE CUT IT WITH A BUTTER KNIFE AND THE SIDES FED 3-4 PEOPLE THEY WERE HUGE AND DELICIOUS. THE WAITSTAFF WAS ALSO GREAT AND INFORMATIVE. THOUGH EXPENSIVE, THE MONEY YOU SPEND IS WELL THE WORTH IT. IF YOU LOVE STEAKS YOU GOT TO TRY THIS PLACE.

Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, ATMOSPHERE

Cons: NO PARKING

Posted 08/23/03

I came here a couple of months ago for the first time, and ever since, every time I walk by Capital Grille on Newbury, I think, "mmmm.....", salivating over the amazing to-die-for Delmonico Steak I had there. It was absolutely the best steak I have ever had, crispy fatty edges, incredible taste - I can't wait to go back for another one!

Pros: Delmonico steak, wine selection, good service

Cons: none

Posted 06/10/03

The Capital Grille Simply has the best steaks I have had in Eastern Massachusetts. Extremely flavorful and cooked as ordered. The other foods I have tried are superb and the drinks well made.
Service was excellent.

Pros: Great Steak, great food, great drinks

Cons: parking, expensive

Posted 02/03/03

Who doesn't love a great steak? That's what you'll get here. The price is worth a great meal. Also, the service is excellent. Not a hint of pretentiousness in the wait staff or the atmosphere.

Pros: Great steak, Excellent Service

Posted 01/18/03

For a Capital Experience, The Capital Grille is Capital. However, plan on spending some Capital. The food, service and atmosphere are worth the price. Primo!!

Pros: Cooked to perfection, Impeccable Service

Cons: Not close enough, A bit Pricey

Posted 01/12/03

Over all the place was noice but the waiter had an attitude. When I return I will be sure not to get him.

Pros: Good Food

Cons: Waiter with an Attitu

Posted 01/02/03

the hype probably ruined it for me. my friends have also adored this place and told me the steak was to die for. I finally had a chance to visit last night and the food, though quite good, was not all i had hoped it to be. the prices were moderately high, and though well worth it, the food isn't as great as some other places around the area. with a huge collection of fine wines however, the capital is quite good if you're a connoisseur, that was the best part i liked myself. ask your waiter to help you with some suggestions. the service here is however the best i have ever had, kind, friendly and very informative wait staff. cheers to them for making my meal that much more enjoyable.

Pros: Good Service, Great Wines, Good Atmosphere

Cons: Need Reservations, Popular Place, Very Hyped Up

Posted 01/02/03

This is THE best steakhouse in Boston. It's top-shelf, but the waitstaff make you feel right at home - no attitude. The steaks are great, of course, but the other entrees are equally great. This place is my all-time favorite.

Posted 12/18/02

I recently went here for the first time and although it was on the expensive side, the food especially the steak was phenominal! There were 8 of us and everyone had steak (different cuts) and we were all
raving about them!!!

Posted 12/18/02

I found the rest. to be very noisy. The meals were $$$$ and I thought the value was theer.

Posted 12/18/02

Smallish portions, but fantastic food. Steak cooked perfectly - side dishes are expensive, but fabulous. Vegetables prepared to a crisp finish.

My favorite steak house.

Posted 12/18/02

I've been to the Capital Grille (both Chestnut hill and Newbury St) and the Nerbury St. is by far the better of the two.

Although, I agree that the Capital Grille is a very, very nice restaurant - I do not agree that it's the Best 'Steak' in Boston. Ambience, service are exceptional, but the food was average. I've had the filet, as well as the porterhouse, and was not impressed with the food. I believe that Grille 23 was better.

One think I can't believe why Morton's wasn't on the top10 list!!!!?????
Morton's is by far the best steak I've had and it continues to impress me everytime I go.

Pros: Service, Ambience

Cons: Food, 'Older-crowd'

Posted 12/17/02

STOLI DOLI'S ARE GREAT, SERVICE IS GREAT, LOCATION IS GREAT BECAUSE THERE ARE LOTS OF OPTIONS FOR AFTER DINNER W/ IN WALKING DISTANCE. GREAT STEAK.
NEWTON SPOT HAS A TOTALLY DIFF VIBE. LOTS OF BLUE HAIRS

Pros: LOCATION, SERVICE

Posted 12/04/02

The place is huge and very masculine. They give you tons of everything and everything is worth eating tons of! I don't even eat beef and there was plenty on the menu for me. One of the best salmon's I've ever had.

Pros: great service, excellent food, huge portions

Posted 11/19/02

This is by far the best place to get a steak and chow down on some great seafood ... the cold shell fish platter is to die for!!! Scrumptous. The staff is usually courteous - usually a wait for the table - the drinks are always made perfect and the wine list is endless -- Great Choice.

Pros: Romantic, CLean, Fantastic food.

Cons: Noisy, Parking, usually a wait

Posted 11/05/02

While not in the same league as some of the better steak house in Chicago or New York, it is one of the better ones in Boston. Dined there once, on business with a decent size "crowd". Was quite pleased with the way things went and how guests felt. My steak was done to my liking.
Tony

Posted 10/20/02

The worst dining experience here. I called ahead for lunch to reserve space for 10 for a staff lunch. The receptionist said they would do their best to accommodate us when we arrived. When we arrived they sat us at 2 round tables that couldn't be adjoined. There were 3 free square tables around us. We asked to move and told they were reserved. The tables were never filled. We asked three times to be moved and were greeted with arrogance We will never go again. They basically told us that people walking in off the street were more important than a party of 10 that called ahead for a business lunch. It'They think that they are the best restaurant in town and have an attutude to go with it. Go to Abe & Louies or Grille 23 instead. MUCH better service, staff and steaks!

Cons: Service, Attitude, Expensive

Posted 10/20/02

yes, it is a testosterone heavy restaurant with the dark wood, oil paintings, and nearly all-male waitstaff, but the capital grille is hands-down the best place for steak in boston. i would eat there every night if i could afford it.

Posted 10/06/02

I felt that this restaurant is a rip off of Grill 23's hard work. Although the food was good, if you're going to spend the money, go to the real deal. Grill 23

Pros: Good Meats

Cons: Not romantic

Posted 09/26/02

The decor on Newbury Street location is better than the food. The bar is real nice. I enjoy eatting at the bar. The item I like best is the baby lobster appetizer.

Pros: Nice Bar, Nice Large Tables, Comfortable Chairs

Cons: Parking, Very $$$$ valet

Posted 09/19/02

I was very pleased with every aspect of our dining experience. The atmosphere was vey comfortable, it was classy without being pretentious. Our waitress was very professional and very informative answering all of our questions. Both of us had incredible meals. The steak practically melt in your mouth. I will be back very soon.

Pros: sevice, quality

Posted 08/10/02

The Capital Grille is by far the best for steak... It is not a restaurant that you would be able to afford often.... it is pricy, but worth every penny. If you are looking for a great steak... this is the place to go....

Posted 07/30/02

We had a wonderful experience at the Capitol Grille. The steaks and fish were cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. Salads and chowder were enjoyable as well. The one setback I can find is the setting of an old boys' network, though I'm sure that's a plus in the books of many of the men who dine there. Overall, it's a steakhouse I find to be superior over Grill 23.

Posted 07/06/02