The Capital Grille

I'm not a fan of $50 and up steak joints.... My experience is that many of these restaurants are resting on their laurels. They are purely in the game to take your money and not deliver in the expectations they've created. Capital Grille Delivers!!!! I enjoyed the Delmonico and the Lobster Mac n Cheese (very airy, yet still creamy) Deserts where also surprisingly good. I would Recommend Capital Grille over other restaurants in it's class.

Pros: Excellent Food!!! Excellent Staff

Cons: Pricey, but worth it

Posted 04/23/09

We arrived at the charlotte location at about 720 pm.
Sat promply I ordered a bottle of wine because the wines by the glass were a complete joke. Had calimari as a app. very good. then came the soup ( french onion)
the cheese was hot but the broth maybe if your lucky 120 degrees. (Bacteria galore) Then out came the entrees Porterhouse and Rare tuna. Steak was med rare had to let it set on plate for about 5 mins to barerly cooked up to med first bite YUK! have ther heard of salt and pepper? ( even a dry aged steak still need some care)
tuna was good but cancel the ginger rice it was not good and the three dippin sauces ???? a joke wasabi oil ok wasabi and grapeseed oil I get it but stick with the basics wasabi and ginger. the white soy was a plus and the rice wine vinegar or whatever that was cancel it.
the sides sam mash?????? overcooked and no salt.(hint when finished boiling make asap do not let stand in water.) mushrooms where a good coice . so if you like calimari and mushrooms go if not please pass on this one.

Pros: calimari and wild mushrooms

Cons: sams old mash potatoes

Posted 04/05/09

I travel for business quite a bit. I have been to great steak joints in Texas (Bob's), Chicago (Gibson's), Portland (Ringside), Seattle (Metropolitan Grill) and Vegas (Boa and Craft Steak). I have been to Capital Grille in Boston twice and once in Charlotte. This place is terrible. Food is dry or drenched in a sauce. I want a great steak, charbroiled, not burnt, and no sauce. Capital Grille has failed all three times.

Posted 02/23/09

We visited Capital Grille tonight for the very first time, it was "restaurant week" in Charlotte so we wanted to take advantage of the three course special for $30 each. We got there early because we wanted to sit at the bar for a bit. The hostess told us our table would be ready a bit before our reservation time, but to sit at the bar, enjoy, and let her know when we were ready to be seated. We sat at the bar and I asked for a Stoli Doli, which came HIGHLY requested on this very board - well y'all were right on! Delicious (albeit a bit pricey - $12 each). I downed two of them (haha, be careful, they WILL catch up to you, not right away though, I was definitely not feeling too hot during my heavy but heavenly meal). They are strong, but excellent. Anyway, while we were at the bar, I believe it was the manager or head maitree'de came over and said "hope we didnt butcher your last name too badly when you walked in, your table is ready whenever you are." I said to my fiancee, how did he know who we were??? (my last name is kind of hard to pronounce). I was VERY impressed by that personal touch. Then, the main hostess checked my coat and led us to our table, saying "I hope this table is ok, we know you all wanted a private table" (I had requested a quiet, more private table in my reservation on Open Table). Again, VERY impressed by the personal touch. Anyway, the service was great, our waitress and her assistant were fantastic. I got a filet and my fiancee got sirloin, both were cooked to perfection and melted like butter on the knives. The mashed potatoes were out of this world creamy... I ordered a glass of wine with dinner (wound up having too much alcohol tonight but that's ok, it was all great), it was excellent, their selection is phenomenal and broad. Dessert was AWESOME - I got creme brulee and my fiancee got flourless espresso chocolate cake. The creme brulee was AMAZING!!!!!! OVERALL EXPERIENCE WAS AMAZING, I'D GO BACK IN A HEARTBEAT! DON'T MISS THIS PLACE!

Pros: Amazing food, great drink offerings, awesome service, classy ambience

Cons: None that I can think of

Posted 01/29/09

Went to Capital Grille this weekend for a relaxing dinner. Sat in the bar/lounge area in the front of the place, bartenders were friendly and very attentive. Ordered a filet, cooked perfect to medium rare, seasoned well. Drink selection ranged from their infamous Stoli Doli (sp?) to Stoli Elit. The Stoli Doli's were kinda fruity and didnt seem that strong, although probably more of a chick drink, but I was told I had to try one. The Stoli Elit drinks were pretty darn stiff and definitely worth the $18 each.

If you come here, plan on dropping some loot.

Pros: High Profile, Nice Afterwork Lounge, Good Food, Stiff Drinks

Cons: A bit stuffy in the main dining area, Smoky in the bar area

Posted 12/21/08

Overall I liked this facility and thought the food was pretty good. For the money I would like to see better food but it is a nice addition to the area.

Try them out!

Pros: A nice addition to the area

Cons: A little pricey for the quality of food.

Posted 09/15/08

Family dining which is great. Wonderful mash potatoes. Espensive but great for speical occasions or to make great impressions. Valet service is recommended.

Posted 08/07/08

Not much else I can say other than one of the best places to eat in Charlotte! The prices are on the pricey side, but they make up for it in the portion sizes served. Well worth the extra money spent! A great place for either a couple or a larger group.
Very friendly staff. Impeccable service!

Pros: Large choice of specialty drinks, great atmosphere, mouth watering food

Posted 08/04/08

After researching many restaurant choices to celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we chose Capital Grille. It was without a doubt the correct choice. The great staff addressed us by name, congratulated us on our anniversary, and timed their visits to our table perfectly while taking care of our every need. The table was dressed with heart and Happy Anniversary confetti and roses. The server took our picture and later presented it to us. Nice touch! They even threw in a wonderful chocolate hazelnut cake and told us to take the vase and roses with us. The manager visited us a couple times making sure everything was excellent and thanking us for choosing them to celebrate this once in a lifetime event. Oh, the food! Outstanding!!! We started with a delicious shrimp coctail with very large, meaty shrimp. The best I've had. I ordered the huge porterhouse steak which was cooked exactly as expected. The filet side of the steak was very tender, juicy and tasty. The sirloin side exploded with even more flavor. My wife ordered a filet with lobster in a perfect sauce. I could tell she enjoyed it from the sighs, rolling eyes and continuous smile. We topped all of this off with a great bottle of Pinot Noir. Some people have commented about the high prices. I feel the entire experience had great value. It was worth every penny. Exceptional service, outstanding food and beverage in clean and beautiful surroundings. What more could you ask for?

Pros: Exceptional Service, Excellent Food

Cons: Valet parking attendant should have opened the car door for my wife vs. me

Posted 06/11/08

This place is amazing. We had a wonderful time! The service and food was perfect. We had a larger group and everything went really smooth.

Posted 03/13/08

wine list was extensive and the food was pretty good, not fabulous, but the atmosphere and service were supurb!

Pros: Incredible wine list, fabulous service

Cons: very expensive and need reservations

Posted 01/12/08

Food just decent and service laughable. Watch your wallet and check your bill! We were overcharged for quite a few things.

Pros: Wine list

Cons: Overcharged

Posted 12/23/07

The food is typical of a chain restaurant, over expensive, average quality, nonchalant service, bad wine selection.
We spent too much on our entrees which were cheesy, buttery and very unhealthy. The wine was poor and the service was good.

Posted 12/05/07

I had an important dinner at The Capital Grille the other evening. Everything was amazing! The staff was very helpful and the food was even better. Our clients were so impressed with this restaurant. They said it was the best service and food that they had in a long time. We really enjoyed ourselves. I will be back.

Posted 11/13/07

I had a large party event at The Capital Grille and it was wonderful. We had a really nice table in one of their private rooms. The atmosphere was perfect. The moment we walked in the door we were greeted with warm smiles. Once at the table we were greeted by two very knowledgable servers. They helped us pick the perfect wine and appetizers for the group. They also recommended some great dinner entrees. Everything was perfect. Everyone in the group enjoyed their time at The Capital Grille. We will have ALL of our events there from now on!!

Posted 11/13/07

I had been told by everyone in the area that it was a must to have a 60th birthday celebration for my mother. 15 of us booked a table and were excited to enjoy the experience of this wonderful restaurant. I ordered a bottle of champaign that cost approximately $250.00 and instead of bring out out the bottle I chose, the wait staff came out with trays of glasses filled. It made me question what was being served. I then ordered a large bottle of sparkling water for myself that cost $10.00, which was absolutely normal for the water I ordered., but then next thing I know the wait staff came out with 7 bottles and poured them into everyone's water glasses. People in the party told them they didn't want any water so they left the 7 bottles opened on the table and walked away. $70.00 for water is a bit expensive. The 3 lb lobster I ordered was amazing but I did have to ask for lemon and butter. Something that has always been served with any lobster I have ever ordered. For those of you that have ate here can only imagine what the cost of dinner for 15 people came to. When I told the staff this was a celebration for my mother's 60th birthday, they brought out the dessert menus so we could order individual desserts. I couldn't believe they wouldn't have brought out some tiny piece of cake for my mom's birthday. Due to this experience, which truly is a shame, I will not be returning.

Posted 11/04/07

My husband and I went to the Capital Grille a few nights ago for our one year anniversary. I just have to say, I don't know how I can ever go to another restaurant and be satisfied, knowing what great service and food would await me at the Capital Grille. We had the best evening ever!! Our server was knowlegable and friendly, he even took a picture of us at the end of our meal as a momento (and printed it out!) The manager came by to wish us a Happy Anniversary and made great conversation. The food, oh boy the food, the best meal I've ever had hands down. Needless to say, I have a reservation there for lunch next week with a client and the week after with my husband again. I almost feel deprived that I hadn't discovered this restaurant sooner! I'm a new regular!!

Pros: Great for romance or business!! Either way get a Stoli Doli!!

Posted 06/24/07

I went to The Capital Grille for a private event. The room was amazing. We all had a wonderful time! I had a dry aged steak and have never tasted a steak so juicy and flavorful. The sides were great! The dessert is homemade in the restaurant. We got a platter so we could try all of the desserts. They were so good! The atmosphere was great. The private room our group dined in was beautiful. We also had after dinner drinks in the beautiful lounge. The stoli doli is the best drink I have ever had. To top this wonderful food off, the staff is so friendly and helpful. They are right there before you ever need to ask for anything. This is an upscale resturant but the servers are so friendly, not stuffy like other upscale restaurants I have been to. I will go here for all of my special occasions, business dinners, and more!!! You have to try this place!!!

Pros: Its the best!!!!

Posted 06/23/07

We went for my husband's birthday and we had a great meal. We were 15 minutes early and they had our table ready but offered to seat us at the bar or table, whichever we preferred. The service was excellent, with multiple people serving our table. They decorated the table with confetti, gave a complimentary dessert for my husband, and took/ printed a picture for us to take home.

We both ordered the Filet Oscar. My husband prefers his medium well, which is sometimes difficult in a filet; however they cooked a thick piece perfectly without butter flying the meat. Mine was also cooked to medium perfectly and the lump crab on top was fresh and had an excellent delicate flavor.

We had the calamari for an appetizer. Very tender and prepared well with a light battering. They toss it with peppercinis, so it has a little heat, but it's very good. The wine list is extensive but the signature drink- the Stoli Doli is a must. It's made with pineapple that's marinated for 2 weeks, and yet it's not overly sweet, just slightly. Excellent!

We finished off with dessert and coffee. I ordered the chocolate hazelnut cake, and would not recommend it. It was slightly dry and the flavor was, well not quite chocolaty enough. My husband had the coconut cream pie which was very good. If you are a coconut lover you wont be disappointed.

Overall service was excellent. Servers were knowledgeable and very prompt! Great place for a special evening for two or for a business dinner. Our bill was close to 200 including tip, expect to pay more if you order a bottle of wine etc. It was worth every penny. We will definitely go again!

Pros: Filet Oscar, excellent flavor, juicy, cooked perfectly. Stoli Dolis!

Cons: Be careful what dessert you order. Ask your server for suggestions.

Posted 05/17/07

I tend to agree with "roadraged. " The prices are rediculously overinflated. The only thing that set this place apart was the amazing service. But considering just our 20% tip for our dinner-for-two was $30, I can see what motivates the waitstaff. We really could not get what the fuss was about. The waiting area was virtually nonexistent. The bar was noisy, crowded and smoky. Our food was ordinary at best. For at least half the price, we could've gotten a better tasting steak at a nearby steakhouse. Not to mention, during the holiday season, reservations need to be made AT LEAST a month ahead of time. And I definitely discourage bringing chldren.

Pros: Fantastic service. Valet parking. Coat check.

Cons: Average food. No waiting area. Loud, smoky bar. Rediculously high prices. Easy to pass by on busy downtown Charlotte streets.

Posted 04/07/07

This restaurant is so overrated. I hear all the stuff shirt bankers talk about how fantastic, how great..... oh please. every single time someone want to go out to a place they say there. I know it is for nothing more than to say Oh I went to "capital Grill" last night, big deal. The prices are so over inflated, steaks are just OK, appetizers taste frozen and the wine selection is just alright. My husband one of the biggest red meat eaters on the planet has gone away from there saying let's go grab something else after dinner to maybe make me feel satisfied not bloated and robbed after the bill arrives. No different than any other steakhouse in America. Just really a bunch of people who are crying for attention and should be crying from their wallets being emptied.

Pros: Great service, good martini's & If you need to feel important for dropping $50 on lunch

Cons: Average food, high priced, too stuffy, old banker place

Posted 03/06/07

If you have a corporate card this is the best lunch venue in the city. The food, service and drinks are impeccable.

Pros: everything

Cons: not a date restaurant

Posted 02/23/07

Excellent appetizers, entrees and good place for happy hour. Sit at the bar for apps and cocktails if you want a more casual experience. It's pricey but worth it. Get the calamari and try a stoli doli!

Pros: Quality food, consistant

Cons: Pricey

Posted 11/23/06

Best steaks in Charlotte in a fine setting with wonderful service.
I wish this place was closer to home, it would be a weekly visit!

Posted 11/22/06

it was great to have a steak cooked medium well and have it actually come to you as medium well. atmossphere was great. they prepared this lovely seasonal vegetables with squash and nuts etc.. luckily i had some before they discountinued it. Wine list is like no other. staff is very attentive and attractive. location is great. parking is right around the corner in the lot. seems like the crowd like to drink stoli dolis.

Pros: location, steaks cook to right temperature

Cons: don't have one in my town

Posted 10/11/06

Ate at the capital grille for the first time for our anniversary and it was excellent. It was a total experience from the start. Made the reservations online and specified that we would be celebrating our anniversary. We were seated at a very nice and romantic table and treated to a complimentary desert. They also had heart confetti sprinkled on the table and the desert was served on a plate that read happy anniversary. They were a bit late when seating us however, they more than made up for it by taking care of the drinks we had ordered while waiting. Service was great as well as the food. Highly recommend the calamari as an appetizer...very tasty!! The wine selection is also wonderful and quite extensive. Highly recommend The Capital Grille, especially if celebrating a special occasion.

Posted 09/12/06

Made a reservation through the website to take a friend to dinner to celebrate her birthday. Specified a seating preference, which they honored, and specified the nature of the occasion. Was surprised and pleased by the number of small, thoughtful touches--"happy birthday" confetti waiting for her in the center of our table; a small vase of roses presented to her; a free birthday dessert of her choice. The service was unobtrusive; the food (e.g., lobster bisque as an appetizer, grilled salmon as an entree) was excellent even though we didn't order any of the 'house specialty' steaks; and the birthday honoree indicated she never felt rushed even though it was Saturday night and the restaurant was quite full. Of all the "special occasion" meals I've had in Charlotte, the set-up and presentation of this meal outclassed them. The food was perfectly prepared and they graciously accommodated our request to take home leftovers, as the portions were twice the size we needed. Recommend portion size be taken into account in deciding how many menu items to order and in evaluating the price--the quality of the food and the experience made it well worth the money spent. Nice blend of comfortable and elegant; subtle rather than showy. Website describes well the masculine-toned decor and the range of menu items.

Pros: Attention to detail, unobtrusive service, food

Cons: Request to be seated away from the trophy heads if

Posted 06/10/06

I went to the Capital Grille with my boyfriend because a co-worker reccomended it to us. The dining experience was like none I have ever experienced. Waiting on you hand and foot. Steaks were fantastic. Wine was great and the a la carte was a nice touch. I highly reccomend the Capital Grille for any couple or family. But be prepaired to spend some $$, appetizer, salads, entre, dessert, and cocktails were all $200.00. Oh, and that included a $40 tip.

Posted 09/09/05

The service and food were great. We will go back as soon as possible.

Posted 06/09/05

I dined at The Capital Grille for the first time last week. I attended a meeting in one of the private rooms and was blown away by the food and service. I can't wait to go back for a romantic dinner or drinks and apps in the lounge! MY NEW FAVORITE RESTAURANT!

Posted 06/04/05

Ok, the steaks ARE oustanding, especially the delmonico or the filet with the roqufort butter mmmmmmm. And the wine list is never ending. But let's skip around the middle. To start with, the calamari is so yummy....and I don't even like calamari. You can't go wrong with the french onion soup, although I'm not sure how you're supposed to eat it "properly" because it's sooo gooey. And to end the evening, PLEASE save room for the homemade cheescake. It truly is sinfully delicious. Word of advice, if you don't have room, get it to go.

Pros: service, food

Posted 05/16/04

I've been to all the 'nice and upscale' steakhouses in Charlotte, and the filet here was by far the best. The other restaurants are not bad, but when you can eat here for the same price, or slightly higher, it only makes sense to get the best for your money. I've eaten here several times, and enjoyed it each time.

Posted 04/26/04

I was impressed with the quality of service. I have not seen a more attentive staff. Great Eats!!!!!

Posted 05/14/03

This is an excellent place for a romantic dinner for two. I highly recommend it. The staff is excellent with two servers attending our table. The food was first rate. A little pricey but overall excellent.

Pros: Good Atmosphere, Located Downtown, Excellent Food

Cons: Expensive

Posted 12/01/02

If you are trying to impress someone this is the place to go. Superb personalized service. Excellent steaks and beautiful decor. The day we went we had forgotten our umnbrella. Our server escorted us back to the office with umbrella in hand. Now that's what I call service.

Posted 10/16/02

From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, the service was the best I have had in Charlotte. They were very attentative, but unintrusive. And there is only one word to describe the food and the wine: Amazing!!

Pros: Service, Food, Wine

Cons: Busy, Need Reservations

Posted 08/26/02

Definetly a classy atmosphere. And you have to have reservations or you don't eat. It's possible they have valet parking but I can't remember. The steaks are great order one side item. The portions is enough to share with your date. That came straight out of a waiter's mouth. Don't expect to order the typical cheese sticks or chicken fingers as an appetizer. Sorry, you find it on the menu. They have an extensive wine list. Expect to spend at least $100.00 for two. That includes 1 or two drinks.

Cons: pricey, limited menu, don't look for wings

Posted 07/25/02

Forget the food, get yourself a couple of Stoli Doli's at the bar and have a good night

Posted 07/15/02