Insider Pages Reviews for The Capital Grille

5 Stars: Calling all meat eaters....yum! (by fmmulone)

fmmulone — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT

We booked our reservation using 'Open table' a week prior to our reservation, specifying that it was our anniversary. Upon arriving at Capital Grille, we were warmly welcomed by the hostess, escorted to a "Happy Anniversary" confetti sprinkled table, and given a complementary champagne toast! We loved the personal touch. Our evening was further enhanced by a fantastic meal- Porcini Delmonico Steak and side of Lobster mac and cheese. My husband ordered the Kona-Crusted Tenderloin. Our waiter, Adam, was outstanding and provided us with a complementary dessert when we weren't able to choose from the decadent selections! A wonderful dining experience for a young, but mature couple looking to order red meat!

4 Stars: What an Experience!! (by Dawn B.)

Dawn B. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:12:00 GMT

First class menu and top-notch service. Wonderful location in mid-town, close to all. Delicious seafood platter. Large portions. A place to go with colleagues and/or special occasions.

3 Stars: overrated restaurant (by tandyfrmptn)

tandyfrmptn — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

The only memorable thing about my meal was the check. There are just too many great places to eat sea food in New York for me to spend as much as I did. Funny but no matter how much money I make, I guess I will never truly leave the 'class' that I was born in and love.

3 Stars: Nice atmosphere, Steak was just OK (by chefvanessa)

chefvanessa — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Service was good... the waitress was very nice... the wine list was extensive. We had a bottle of cabernet which was excelent. I had the Delmonico Steak from the "Chef recommendations" section i wanted it medium but it was basically well done. that will be my only complaint. Lobster and Crab cakes were excelent.

overall its just an average steakhouse.

5 Stars: GReat!!!!!!! Great great (by Samantha R.)

Samantha R. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:19:00 GMT

Right by grand central station. I don't think I've ever had a more perfect dinner. Sure, I dropped over two hundred dollars on four courses and amazing bottle of wine, but everything down to the service was perfect. As soon as we were done with a dish, the wait staff had our next one on the table. If you are looking to take someone on the perfect first date, of show someone what NY dining is all about, this is the place.

4 Stars: Perfect Dinner... (by jenkin)

jenkin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I don't think I've ever had a more perfect dinner. Sure, I dropped over two bills on four courses and amazing bottle of wine, but everything down to the service was perfect. As soon as we were done with a dish, the wait staff had our next one on the table. If you are looking to take someone on the perfect first date, of show someone what NY dining is all about, this is the place.

5 Stars: Best Steak in Midtown and Amazing staff (by izzodesh)

izzodesh — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I have eaten at alot of steak houses in nyc...the big ones and the little ones from Luggers, Mortons, Dylan's Prime, Ben & Jacks, Sparks, Palm, Prime house, Quality Meat, BLT Prime, and many more but this is still my favorite.

First and foremost the ambiance and the setting of the main dining room is far above the normal decor of steak houses. The staff (Especially our server who we request every time Neda) is experienced and knowledgeable about all dishes. My favorite steak of all time has to be their Delmonico cut with Kona sauce.

Don't ever worry about getting over cooked steak..they have a great system/ variety for temps. You can choose from the normal medium rare to a medium rare plus which is not yet medium.

Wine selection can be great, especially if your company has a private shelf there, but the sides are ok. Nothing like the signature sides at quality meats, but their fresh seafood for apps is a great start. Avoid the lobster bisque at all costs thou it is very very creamy and tastes horrible.

4 Stars: Delicious (by Joann S.)

Joann S. — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:05:00 GMT

An array of rich dishes, including steak and seafood is served here. . For an unforgettable dining experience, start off your meal with the Pan Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers, or the Lobster and Crab Cakes, followed by the North Atlantic Twin Lobster Saut or Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Butter. Prices are reasonable.

5 Stars: Great service, Great steak! (by mfoxjackson)

mfoxjackson — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:00:00 GMT

We went to the Capital Grille this past Saturday night and had a great time. The service was great, as was the wine list and overall atmosphere. We had a 7:30 reservation and were seated promptly.
My husband had shrimp cocktail which he said was very good. I ordered the steak tartare appetizer. It tasted good, the only thing was that the eggs should have been chopped finer and the capers were a bit abundant to have 'hidden' them all under the meat and egg. It made it difficult to tone back on the capers as they were practically mixed in already.
We both had the bluecheese salad and Delmonico (rib-eye) steaks. The steaks were cooked perfectly and tasted terrific. They were delicious!!
All in all we had a nice time, with great food. I would definitely recommend the Capital Grille!

3 Stars: Fine dining, but not spectacular (by wisebrain)

wisebrain — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I did not have a bad time. However, it was not the best fine dining establishment I've ever been to. The waitperson was attentive, but not very warm. The food was good, but not great. The prices are high and there are other places with better cheaper food.

5 Stars: Great Service and good foods. Make reservation. (by agkarajit)

agkarajit — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Nice modren set up. Tasty mixed sea foods appitizer and tasty steak. Notable great selection of wine.

5 Stars: My favorite restaurant in NYC (by robbie24)

robbie24 — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I love this place. I love the atmosphere, the food, the wine list, everything. I love the service (most of it anyway). Try to get Tom as your waiter-he's fantastic and cute as anything. Try the lobster and crab cake appetizer- the best in the city. 5 stars!

5 Stars: This is why Franchises Succeed! (by dbrahms)

dbrahms — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Why spend $$$$$ on an "ole time NY steak house" when you can get the same, USDA Prime cuts at this place for less $. And being a franchise, their service is down to a perfect formula for a consistent experience all the time. Several times my meal was slightly off meanign they forogt a topping, forgot a sauce, maybe undercooked a steak etc. To make up for it, this place has consistently comp'ed me on entrees, sometimes desserts etc. Excellent customer service.

They wine list is pretty good too although watch out fir vintage switching. Order a 2001 Cakebread and they may bring you a 2003 / 2003 for the same price.

5 Stars: One of the best steaks found anywhere (by smoothdude)

smoothdude — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I think the service here has been wonderful everytime I've gone and the steaks are delicious. The price is not so easy to swallow but once in awhile it's worth it. A nice way to spend a lunch is here as you can get a sandwich or a burger for a little over 10 bucks...not the best thing on the menu (you go there for the steaks) but to experience a good restaurant for lunch I also recommend it.

5 Stars: great steak house (by priverin)

priverin — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I was in NYC for a few days, and our hotel concierge recommend this restaurant nearby; result: great scene, the waiter was excellent, not up too tight at all, quick and knew his menu very well. The steak was super, wine list for every taste and wallet and you dont have the feeling youve got rubbed when you see the bill. Try it.

5 Stars: Best service I have ever had - hands down! (by kc22)

kc22 — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I chose the Capital Grille to take my boyfriend out to dinner on his birthday a few weeks ago. We were seated in a cozy table in the back of the restaurant. The tables were not jammed together as many NY restuarants are, but we had enough space and privacy. We were then treated to the best service either of us have ever had, and we eat out a lot, by a server named Anthony. Everything from the drinks to dessert was amazing. Not only was Anthony courteous, quick, professsional and friendly but he also went above and beyond the expectations of service to make our evening very special. For example, we ordered a side of augratin potatoes which came out maybe 3-5 minutes after our steaks and Anthony not only comped the potatoes but also treated us to a complimentary glass of wine. (My boyfriend and I did not even notice that the potatoes were late and did not say a thing about it, we only realized this was done after the fact when looking at the receipt).

I would fully recommend Capital Grille for any occasion and look forward to my next trip back!

4 Stars: Great for an expense account ! (by hollywood3)

hollywood3 — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I had dinner here with a friend the other night and the experience was solid. The shrimp cocktail was good, CG salad was fine, and the Kona strip (rubbed with coffee beans ?) was tasty and cooked just as we ordered it. Also, the lobster mac and cheese was decadent and the coconut cream pie was scrumptous. The service was courteous, professional and quite efficient ! However, the total bill was certainly overpriced and being charged $25 for a "glass" of Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages was just obnoxious ! An appropriate place if you're looking for a conveniently located restaurant where you can splurge on a client with a corporate Amex, but for those in the mood for better tasting beef and more "values" on the wine list, just walk a few blocks north to SPARKS.

5 Stars: great steaks, great atmosphere and kind service-but NO BUZZERS! (by droberg20)

droberg20 — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 09:00:00 GMT

i'm replying b/c i read the response about the gentlemen who said there are buzzers in the kitchens to let the chefs know when the food is done....THIS IS NOT TRUE. I am a chef for the capital grille in another location, and i can tell you we are human and cook like eveyone else. We cut all our steaks in house, so how would a timer let you know how to cook a steak and not burn it, overcook, or undercook when every steak is individually different. They are all cut similar, but when doing eveything by hand, no timer or machine can ever tell when a steak is done. I am glad you had a great time there, just wanted to clear this up, as we are talented chefs who work very hard to make The Capital Grille very succesful.

5 Stars: Excellent steaks! (by prodgers)

prodgers — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 09:00:00 GMT

This was my second time at Capital Grill and again it was a pleasurable and relaxing dining experience without any hassle. Everything is fabulous about this restaurant from the gentlemen's club decor to the excellent food. My steak was cooked precisely the way I requested it, the seafood-extremely fresh, excellent wine selection and last but not least, a thumbs up to the friendly and personable waiters who contribute to the ambiance. Need I say more. Very highly Recommended!

4 Stars: Best steaks in the city or anywhere (by jackryan)

jackryan — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 09:00:00 GMT

Forget Ruth, Frankie, or any other steak places, this place as the best meat in town. Sides are all great, appetizers are all good. I've been to 4 in the country and although this one wasn't the best out of them, the meat was still good.

My only gripe is that the chefs....apparently they don't know how to cook it without some buzzer that sounds to let them know it's done. So it's kinda on a timer or machine? We sat back by the kitchen and the entire time we heard 'BEEEEEEEEEEP' every couple of mins. It was very annoying.

5 Stars: OUTSTANDING FOOD! GREAT STEAKHOUSE! (by equianes)

equianes — Fri, 26 May 2006 09:00:00 GMT

A BUSINESS MAN'S DREAM! GREAT ATMOSPHERE! GREAT LOCATION! ABSOLUTE GREAT STEAKS! EXTENSIVE WINE LIST. PRIVITE DINNING WAS EXCELLENT!

5 Stars: Highly recommended (by nina79)

nina79 — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I took a friend out for a birthday dinner and had a wonderful time! The food was amazingly good - fresh oysters for appetizers, juicy dry aged steaks for entrees (we both agreed it was one of the best we've ever had) and delicious desserts! The restaurant itself is stunning, very good for group dining and perfect for a romantic date. We came in half an hour earlier than our reservation on a weekend, and they were able to seat us promptly. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. The prices are pretty reasonable compared to other fancy restaurants, it is worth every penny. Will definitely go back there again!

5 Stars: Consistently great food and service (by glennr)

glennr — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 09:00:00 GMT

I've dined at The Capital Grill in Manhattan twice and numerous times at the Boston restaurant. Last night we celebrated my son's 26th birthday with dinner in NYC. Our reservation was promptly honored even though we arrived a little late. The ambiance is "masculine luxurious" and very comfortable. We all had salads and steak acompanied with luscious mashed potatoes and delectable creamed spinach. The porcini rubbed delmonico is heavenly and the sirloins were excellent. The wine selection is great. My son and daughter enjoyed the wonderful martinis while waiting for my wife and I to arrive. Service was very attentive and professional. There is no getting around the fact that the meal is pricey but considering the quality of food and service and the costs at competing steakhouses, I consider it a reasonable value for a fine dining experience.

5 Stars: Best Steak in NY...and great martinis too! (by 123christian)

123christian — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 09:00:00 GMT

The experience is always fantastic at The Capital Grille. The steak never disappoints and the service is always top notch. This is for me the best porterhouse in NYC and maybe the US at a great price. Always consistent and full of flavor, the steak here blows away other "traditional" steakhouses that pass out fatty hunks of meat as prime cuts! Who are they kidding?

Come to the Capital Grille and you will never get a bad cut of beef

5 Stars: Perfectly cooked steaks with excellent service. (by teq)

teq — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 09:00:00 GMT

I went here for my one year anniversary and it was great! They honored my reservation request for a booth and sat us immediately. Our waitress Karen was the best. She was knowledgable about the various wines and was always around when I had to ask for something. The thick cut steaks came out perfect (not overcooked) and were filled with flavors. Overall, it was a pleasant experience!

5 Stars: Great Steaks & Killer Wine List! (by patefoiegras)

patefoiegras — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 09:00:00 GMT

Philip Johnson architecture with Dry-aged beef and hard to find wines make this spot awesome. The staff has great hospitality!

5 Stars: User review by mbarbeito (by mbarbeito)

mbarbeito — Wed, 08 Jun 2005 09:00:00 GMT

The Capital Grille has one of the more impressive dining rooms I have ever seen. Aside from the ambiance and beautiful surroundings, the food is superb and the service is friendly, yet professional