The Capital Grille

The food is consistent, the steaks are really good. There is a lot of energy here, which helps make it a very fun place to dine!

Posted 11/09/09

fantastic steaks and seafood. Everytime we go here I am thrilled with the food,the service, and of course the crowd makes this place hop!

Pros: great steak and lobster

Cons: parking

Posted 10/15/09

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Posted 07/07/09

we went there last week. it was my mom's birthday.

this place serves the best steak in philadelphia. the service was truly great, considerate and caring! the chef also gave out a complimentary Cr?me br?l?e with a candle on it. my mom loves it!

Posted 04/16/09

its great always go 4lunch

Pros: Example: best croissants in town

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 04/13/09

After a marvelous day spa experience at Heaven Spa we all went in town for a dinner. This was just great.
The place is quite crowded and a bit noisy ,but the food is great. I had a fabulous steak and my friends had lobster and shrimps.
The prices are far from cheap,but well worth the trip.
What a day-Heaven Spa and a incredible steak-it can't get much better than this!

Pros: great food

Posted 11/14/08

My husband and I just went there before our wedding and had a great meal. The meat and lobsters are really great as is the service.
I would really suggest reservationbs as they are very busy!

Posted 11/02/08

I went here on the recommendation of a friend who claims it's better than Morton's. No way. I ordered a Porterhouse steak and a side of asparagus. The asparagus was just fine. The steak on the other hand was not a great cut of meat with too much sinew to be a prime cut. This was not in the same league as Morton's or McCormick and Schmicks. Also, I chose to eat in the bar as I was by myself and wanted to catch a game while I ate. The bartender was reasonably attentive, but slow. In short, The Capital Grille is good, but it's not in the major league and is not a great value because of it.

Pros: Good place for a drink after work with friends.

Cons: Cuts of meat are not up to the price.

Posted 09/30/08

My fiance and I went to the Capital Grille last night for my birthday dinner. It was my first time there but definitely won't be my last. The service is impeccable. We were seated within 1 minute of walking into the restaurant. Our server, Andriana, was warm, engaging and helpful with recommendations. She made a four-star chain restaurant feel like you were in her home and she was the ultimate hostess. My fiance ordered the Kansas City bone-in sirloin, grilled to perfection and seething with flavor. I ordered the pan seared tenderloin and buttered lobster, which I can only describe as two filet "boats" with lobster "oars", in a river of smooth, buttery, whipped potatoes. Just divine. Portions were enormous and we definitely could have done without the 2 appetizer and 2 side dishes. But the highlight of the evening was the gratuitous lemon tart (that served as my birthday cake) and the two glasses of "celebation" champagne. Best birthday EVER.

Posted 08/07/08

The Capital Grille has consistently proved to me that it is a great place for fine dining. The service is absolutely phenomenal. The food and drinks are at the highest standards. I would highly recommend going there if you are looking to have a special evening or just looking for a nice place to eat. It's definitely worth it!

Pros: Great service, food and drinks!

Cons: None

Posted 05/26/08

Dined here with a large group for my birthday. Service was excellent (prompt, informative and attentive). Wine list is extensive. We had the calamari and kobe carpaccio as starters. The calamari as mentioned in other reviews is spicy and excellent. As a dish the calamari is in a league of it's own and a must have at this restaurant. One of the diners did not eat beef. The staff gladly prepared a fish dish to her liking. The aged steaks are great. I had the kona crusted sirloin which was perfectly prepared in terms of the doneness requested. The steak au poivre was also very good. Truffle parmesan fries and creamed spinach were enjoyed as sides by all. They bought out a free dessert for my birthday (flour less chocolate cake). Reservations were made on open table and my friend had mentioned my birthday. They did not need any other prompts. Other desserts like creme brulee and fruit with fresh cream were all well received. This restaurant is consistent for couples and large groups. This wasn't my first time here and I cant wait to return.

Pros: Service, food, wine list

Cons: If you are into beer, you have to settle for mediocrity

Posted 04/19/08

The Kona Encrusted Sirloin is the best steak you will ever have. The only negative is that any steak you have after this one will be inferior. The atmosphere is noisy and not geared toward a romantic, quiet evening.

We were a bit rushed by the waiter when we were there which was disconcerting. The waiter told us to put in our dinner order right away when we ordered appetizers. Our entrees came out 5 minutes after we got our salads and appetizers. We complained and he told us he would put them under the "warmers" if we liked. We opted against that plan and just kept them.

Drinks are expensive ($8 for a cocktail) but this is Philly. Bottom line, go there and try the steak.

Pros: Great steak.

Cons: Loud.

Posted 04/08/08

My husband and I were very happy with the service and food at the Capital Grille. After being told by many of our friends that it's the best steak in town, we decided to give it a try. It really is great steak. The calamari was also fantastic - they put hot peppers in it so it is very flavorful. The wine list is exceptional - so many to choose from that you're bound to find something you like. The service was also great.

Posted 09/25/07

We took our two young girls to the Capital Grille on Sunday before High School Musical. Our kids are huge high school musical fans and the 6 year old loves steak so we were trying to make it a special night, and it was. We were not sure if it was the kind of restaurant to take the kids to but they loved it. Everyone made it a very good experience for them, and treated them like little princesses. From giving them each a full coloring book and crayons to entertain them to making a special dish of chicken fingers and fries for the 4 year old. They both had a great time. My husband and I loved the calamari, tender with a little bit of zing from the peppers. I had the lobster crab cakes for dinner, loved them as well. My husband and daughters steaks were cooked to perfection (she likes hers medium rare!!). All in all I would definitely take the whole family back again. We loved it.

Pros: Service, Location, Food

Cons: Noisy

Posted 07/17/07

I HAD RESERVATIONS FOR A PARTY OF 3 ON SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007 @ 9:15PM. WE ARRIVED ABOUT A HALF HOUR EARLY TO ENJOY A DRINK AT THE BAR BEFORE DINNER. AT 9:30PM I CHECKED ON MY RESERVATION WITH THE HOSTESS AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE "VERY BUSY" AND THAT THE WAIT WAS GOING TO BE ABOUT 10 MORE MINUTES. AT 9:50PM I CHECKED AGAIN WITH THE HOSTESS AND, IN A VERY COCKY TONE, WAS TOLD "A TABLE IS BEING SET NOW". AT 10:15PM, AN HOUR AFTER OUR RESERVATION, WE LEFT. AS WE SAT AT THE BAR FOR A WHOLE HOUR WAITING TO BE SEATED WE WERE NOT OFFERED SO MUCH AS A COMPLIMENTARY DRINK OR ANYTHING! WE SAW COUPLES COME IN THE FRONT DOOR AND PROCEED RIGHT TO THEIR TABLE. WE SAW MANY, MANY PEOPLE COME IN AFTER US IN PARTIES OF ALL SIZES AND GET SEATED BEFORE US. I USED TO BE A REGULAR AT CAPITAL GRILLE, BUT SOMETHING THERE HAS CHANGED. THEY NOW CATER TO TOURISTS AND FRIENDS AND DO NOT HONOR RESERVATIONS IF YOU DON?T HAVE AN ?IN? THERE. THEY ARE RUDE AND HAVE NO CLASS. THE CROWD IN THE BAR AREA LOOKS LOW CLASS. I AM NOW HEARING STORIES FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR EXPERIENCES AND UP TO 2 HOUR WAIT TIMES WITH A RESERVATION! IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A NICE NIGHT OUT, SAVE YOURSELF THE AGGRAVATION AND ATTITUDE AND GO TO BARCLAY PRIME WHERE THE FOOD & DECOR ARE BETTER AND THE STAFF AND PATRONS ARE HIGH CLASS. THERE ARE TOO MANY EXCELLENT RESTAURANTS IN PHILLY TO WASTE TIME AT CAPITAL GRILLE. I WILL NEVER GO BACK!

Pros: Good Steaks and that's it.

Cons: Horrendous Service, Does Not Honor Reservations, Employees Have Nasty Attitudes, Bar Area Too Loud, Patrons Too Casually Dressed

Posted 07/15/07

I recently had lunch at the Capital Grille in Philadelphia, and enjoyed the best calamari I have ever had. It was prepared perfectly and the addition of the hot peppers was an excellent suprise. The drink selection was equally as good, as was the service. They even brought me a balck napkin to place on my lap as I was wearing black pants, while my lunch partner received a white napkin to go with her white pants suit. What a great idea, and an attention to detail that you would not find at other restaurants. My filet mignon melted in my mouth, and the side items were as delicious as everything else. I really enjoyed my lunch and will return time and again.

Pros: great calamari, steak that melts in your mouth, wonderful service

Posted 07/05/07

I am starting to become very familiar to the staff at Capital Grill because I am in there so often. If I am going out for dinner and want a guaranteed good meal, I end up here. I have been coming here for a few years and have tried almost everything on there menu. Great steak (obviously) but have a lot of other options. Not much more I can say except it has a great reputation for a reason. Do not be surprised if you have to wait a little while but I assure you, it is well worth it.

Posted 04/12/07

An amazingly high priced steakhouse...where all the filget mignons have to be sent back. I experienced a long wait for a table and service (despite having a reservation). And then, everyone in the party who order the filet mignon was forced to send it back with complaints of overcooking and rubbery texture. Several tables near us also sent back their steaks! This place is seriously overated.

Cons: service, bad filet mignon

Posted 10/25/06

This is a gem of a restaurant. I go here often and the food (especially steak and lobster) is always great. I love their desserts also.

Posted 06/07/06

My boyfriend and I went there for the first time for Valentine's dinner this year, we went a couple days after just to not get caught up in the hassle of the whole V-day hype. We were surprised to see it so crowded for an early Wednesday night! The wait staff was very prompt and friendly. We were seated promptly and offered an array of wine. My boyfriend was in love with the Casear salad, and my lobster bisque was amazing. Our steaks were cooked to perfection! Even though the ambience great, we found that it was too noisy to be very romantic. For dessert they brought us a complementary dessert, bc they knew we were celebrating our special night- which was very thoughtful. I will definately come back again- but perhaps which some friends rather then a romantic outting.

Pros: great steak, wine, service

Cons: noisy, very crowded, limited parking

Posted 04/26/06

Dry aged meat is SO much better than the wet aged at the big name steak house chains. I'll take dry aged choice over wet aged prime any day. That brought me in. As a single diner, I'm used to being ignored. That was not the case. Very attentive service. The service made my meal exceptional. Thanks. The only downside was the cost of giving a 50% tip to properly show my gratitude at the quality of the service.

Posted 07/10/05

Arrived 10 minutes before my reservation and was offered cocktail while waiting. Was seated several minutes early (was alone, maybe aiding in seating me). Asked server for wine suggestion; after asking about my tastes, suggested I try a White Zinfandel...agreeing, he brought me bit of the wine to sample. Tasted it and, assuring him I liked it, he filled my glass. Was brought a New York Times as I waited for my meal. Shrimp cocktail: great appetizer. Filet mignon(s): perfectly prepared...delicious! No "flabby" sauces as reported in some reviews. Mashed potatoes: light and fluffy, with skins included. Took half order on suggestion of server; it was plenty. Sauted mushrooms: likewise fantastic. Skipped desert as I was stuffed. Restaurant staff aided in hailing a cab. $75 check was high but well worth it for such an outstanding dining experience. I felt absoluted pampered, comforted, and catered to.

Pros: food, wine, service

Cons: price

Posted 06/14/05

I went with a group of couples, 6 people in total, and the total bill was $300 including alcohol. It was a great evening. While waiting for our table we had a cocktail and the large bar in the front. We were taken to our table within 15 minutes. Our waiter was extremely attentive and had good suggestion to make our dining experience pleasurable. Most of us had filet topped with crab. It was delicious. The ambience was relaxed, yet upscale. If you have the money to spend, and want a great experience and great food this is the place to go.

Posted 06/05/05

it was probably my fault, but i had no idea how expensive this restaurant was. the service was pretty slow, but it was the sunday before valentine's day, so i don't know what it's like otherwise. the entrees do not come with any sides, which i thought was ridiculous for the prices they offered. the atmosphere was nice, and i had a really strong pineapple and vodka drink (i don't know what it is called). but really, that restaurant is way too expensive for its own good.

Pros: food, drinks

Cons: expensive, expensive, expensive

Posted 02/13/05

We had a horrible experience at the Capitol Grille this past Saturday evening. From lousy service to fair food, we'll never return. No waiter to take our order (a group of 8 of us) until 30 min.after being seated (despite multiple requests), Went downhill from there. Go to Barclay Prime or Morton's for the same $$,better food and much better ambiance and service!

Posted 01/10/05

Having worked as a server in 2 of the cities best known steakhouses, I can honestly say that Capital Grille has it hands down over all the other steakhouses!! My boyfriend and I eat there often if we're in the mood for a steak and a martini, it's off to Capital Grille! And ask for Rob!

Pros: upscale crowd, steaks, size of drinks

Posted 06/13/04

The atmosphere, the staff, the food everything was fantastic. A shared cold plate appetizer contained oysters, an abundant number of giant shrimp and a split lobster tail, with claws. The Porterhouse steaks were delicious and served as ordered rare. Single orders of side dishes, whipped potatoes and creamed spinach, were more than enough for two people and again were outstanding. Its definitely not inexpensive with the above, a bottle of wine and 2 coffees the bill came to around $170 before tip. But as The Simpsons Mr. Burns would say Excellent !

Pros: Warm feeling, Mixed crowd

Cons: Very Expensive

Posted 03/11/04

Capital Grille serves the best steak in the city. The atmosphere is both chic and cozy. We always request Josh as our server, simply because he is the best. The bar is one of our favorites. The selection of wine by the glass is one of the best around. Finally, don't skip the lobster bisque!

Posted 03/07/04

I ate dinne at the Capital Grille last week and this number 1 position in Phialdelphia is warranted. The beef (I had a porterhouse) was fantastic. Aged, melt in your mouth and done to perfection. The service was average and the price was pretty high. If the service were better, I would increase my ratings across the board.

Pros: Food, Wine selection, Parking close by

Posted 03/07/04

Heard many good things about this steakhouse but i was very dissapointed. Had a reservation and waited over 30 minutes for our table and theplace wasnt even full. Atmosphere is too dark for me, servers were a bit too much asking me to fill a form out after my dinner. To my surprise i recived a postcard from my serversdays later. No thanks i get enough junk mail...Ill try another plce next tme

Pros: location

Cons: too dark, waited too long

Posted 08/21/03

After being seated in a quiet booth the experience got even better. Our server Christian was extremely knowledgeable and honest. The Steak Tartare was excellent, the salads were good(next time I will skip the salad and save room for the sides). Then the entrees the 2lb lobster was beatifully presented and more than enough for 1, the sirloin with a roquefort butter sauce was cooked perfectly through and the sauce only enhanced the flavor of the excellent cut of beef. The creamed spinach was great and you have to try the onion string and cottage fries. THe meal was topped off by a complimentary Tiramisou for our anniversary. The finest dining in Philadelphia. Sorry, Smith & Wolensky, Saloon, and Ruth Chris', their is better game in town. To assure a great dining experience you must ask for Christian to be you server. See you soon CG.

Pros: Great Service, Excellent Flavor, Perdect Service

Posted 08/08/03

The service here needs to be improved. If you want charge hefty price then the service need to be up to par. Some of the help were poorly dressed and very informal in their srevice more like the Outback. I don't mind the Outback but there price reflects what you get.

Pros: great dining room

Cons: bad service

Posted 05/14/03

ATTENDED A CONFERENCE AND CONSIDERING THAT THE FOOD WAS PREPARED FOR 30 PEOPLE,IT WAS EXCELLENT AND THE SERVICE WAS GREAT.STEAK WAS PREPARED PROPERLY AND WAS EXTREMELY TASTEFUL.
EXPENSIVE(AS YOU WOULD ASSUME) AND VERY DIFFICULT TO GET A WEEKEND RESERVATION. ALSO,SOMEWHAT NOISY

Pros: GREAT STEAK, VALET PARKING, GOOD SERVICE

Cons: EXPENSIVE, NOISY

Posted 02/03/03

Quality and a first class establishment. Worth it if you can get past the acrimonious reservation procedure.

Pros: Food, Decor

Cons: Reservations, Staff attitude

Posted 02/03/03

Always a great bar to relax and meet people. Service is top notch. Steaks here are terrific and side dishes also.

Pros: Good service, friendly staff

Posted 01/12/03

I asked for a "premium Merlot" that I'd enjoy before and during dinner. Bogle Merlot at $12/glass. Touted steakhouse, celebrity clientele, private wine lockers. I had been charged more than the bottle's value. Bogle is $8.95.

Lyonnaise - overly saturated. Hearts of palm salad - worst dressing - the quality found in a cafeteria salad bar. Steak was fantastic. Mashed were out of this world. Second visit - Tartare - fantastic presentation. It had the right seasoning, obvious quality. This would have gone great with champagne or a premium vodka too. It brought to mind an alternative to a caviar appetizer. Impressive!. I chose from the former-Stag's Leap, a CA by the glass and not cheap. Quality of food was no better than any other high end steakhouses. Maybe I'm not cut out gastronomically. I'm no celeb.

Pros: Ambience, Location

Cons: Pricey drinks, Crowded

Posted 01/11/03

I ate at this restaurant for a business lunch and was very pleased by everything! The service was amazing, I even got a personalized thank-you note in the mail the next week from my server! The food was absolutely amazing and the ambiance was very elegant. I truly enjoyed my meal and I can't wait to go back! You must try their specialty Aged Angus...you can cut it with a butter knife!!

Pros: Attentive Service, Quality Food

Cons: Very elegant setting, Need reservations

Posted 01/06/03

After a slight mixup with the reservation, this dinner turned out to be excellent.

Posted 12/26/02

EXPENSIVE FOR WHAT YOU GET, OVERRATED, HAD A RESERVATION, YET MADE US WAITED ALMOST AN HOUR MORE THAN CALLED FOR!

Posted 12/22/02

We were asked by the bartender if we were there for any special occasion. We told him it was our anniversary. During the meal, our waitress brought us an anniversary card. We thought that was a nice touch.

Posted 12/18/02