The Capital Grille

First of all let me say that the service and ambiance at Capital Grille is fantastic. The waiters truly go above and beyond to meet your every need. It doesn't matter if you are there for once a year romantic dinner, a regular who eats there once a week or dining customers for a business dinner. The restaurant itself has this era gone by charm. It's filled with beautiful painings and low lighting that make you feel like you are eating in an elegant home instead of a restaurant.
I have eaten at Capital Grille a few times in the last year and each time I tell people, to their dismay, that the food is just ok. The seafood is very fresh and well presented. The side dishes are all delicious, especially the lobster mac and cheese. The desserts are very plentiful but mediocre. And the steaks.....are just average. The meat is good quality and well prepared; it is the flavor that is lacking. I have had a better steak from the grill in my backyard. I'm not sure why the meat lacks flavor but I would rather not pay $40 a steak again to try and see if it has improved.

There are other places here in Houston that have better food without the big dent on your wallet.

Pros: Service is phenomenal

Cons: Food could be better

Posted 07/02/09

I've lived in Houston all my life and had yet to try Capital Grille. My lovely bf thought that Vday 09 would be a great chance for both of us to try it out. We went for the 13th to try and cut down on the crowds a teeny bit. We got lucky and snagged a parking space without valet. The restaurant was packed to the gills. We were seated within 5 minutes of our reservation time and greeted by our very pleasant and knowledgeable server Rene. The wine list is extensive with choices in various price ranges. We chose an easy drinking cab and proceeded to go over the menu. Here's what we had:

Shrimp cocktail - 5 large, fresh, dense meat shrimp served on ice with a mild cocktail sauce

Filet and butter poached lobster - melt in your mouth filet, paired with tender lobster claw meat over soft mashed potatoes

Kona crusted dry aged sirloin with roasted shallot butter - a flavorful crust of ground Kona coffee, something different and delicious

Parmesan truffle fries - like McD's on steroids! Crispy fries with salty parmesan cheese and promninent but not overpowering earthiness of truffle

Roasted seasonal mushrooms - cremini, portobello, shitake, and oyster mushrooms in rosemary-thyme-garlic butter

Cheesecake with fresh berries - a great, not too dense, not too sweet cheesecake with strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries

What a fantastic meal we had! The service was attentive without being intrusive. We will definitely be back again soon!

Pros: Steak! (all the food really), location, service

Posted 02/14/09

I just discovered Capital Grille this summer in D.C... we were at the Capital Grille at the Capitol. And so I had to try the Houston location because I couldn't stop thinking about the LOBSTER Mac N Cheese. Yeah, Lobster! It sounds weird, at least it did to me, but it is the absolute best. It's a side dish. The cheese is a high quality combo of a few different cheeses and the lobster is soft and tender--PERFECTION. We went there for drinks and apps before a big dinner party in midtown. There was four of us, we had three beers, an amaretto sour, two orders of Lobster mac n cheese, and the onion rings. The onion rings were very tasty and the batter was crispy, almost like big flakes of panko Japanese bread crumbs, light, airy, crunchy. The bar staff was super nice. They set up a table cloth on our table since we were eating. Half the part was pretty casual, but they treated us very nicely nonetheless. They block A LOT of spaces for valet so you may need to walk across the parking lot if you want to park yourself. Great food, great service. We will be back. You should check them out!

Pros: Lobster Mac N Cheese, onion rings, service

Cons: too many spaces blocked for valet

Posted 01/30/09

I couldn't resist the blue-point oysters which were marvelous, cold, salty .....I had a dozen. Not cheap but very very good. The wine list is super. A wide variety of American reds and whites in a range of prices. The rest of the world selection is not vast but there are many solid choices.
The dry aged sirloin was certainly the best steak I've had in recent memory. Prepared medium rare....it was tasty to the last bite. Service was just right...attentive, not rushed, a real pleasure. I look forward to a return visit.

Pros: steak

Cons: some noisy people

Posted 11/03/08

Thanks to you folks at the Capital Grille for a delightful experience. My first visit (lured in by your participation in the End Hunger Benefit) and I pray, not the last. The food out of your kitchen is mouth-watering; I loved the Creme Brulee, best in town I believe. Great choices on the wine list. Lastly, but above all, you've recruited spectacular servers; from the moment one enters your establishment, all were cordial, jovial, knowledgeable and PERFECTLY attentive. Indisputably, first class, keep it up!

Pros: All-encompassing fine dining. Some places in town could learn a thing or two...

Cons: If you are concerned about value - Expect quality, Not quantity.

Posted 08/18/08

Wow!!! Now this is a place to go! The service is first class and the food is spectacular! The kind of place that you would go on a special occasion or if you just want to treat yourself. Bring your walet though! But WELL WORTH! Keep up the great work guys!

Pros: These guys have got customer service figured out. Thank You!

Cons: wish it was a little less pricey.

Posted 05/28/08

I visited this restaurant for the first time last weekend after hearing rave reviews. I must say the hype is true. Every detail from start to finish was executed perfectly. The porterhouse is a dry aged in house and was the best I have ever had. The service was professional but not stuffy allowing my date and I to have a great night. Highly recommended!

Pros: Great food, professional and fun service, great bartenders

Cons: None

Posted 02/29/08

My wife and I have dined here on numerous occasions, most recently a few weeks ago. We lvoe the ambience and the food never fails to satisfy. However the staff are sometimes left wanting (wine service was not knowledgable or broad) and the arrogance is what I'd expect in Rome or Paris, not in Houston.

Overall, steaks were cooked as requested and delivered promptly. Appetizers and desserts were great. Food is very good - let down by poor service

Pros: Steak

Cons: Service

Posted 12/29/07

The only way I really enjoy Capital Grill is if 1) I have had a least 3 drinks before arriving or 2) I am with a large group and I want to enjoy their company.
My business requires me to travel and eat out about 20 times a month.
Luckily, I can chose to eat where ever I wish to, however when I am in Houston I will only go to The Capital Grille if I have a client that is in love with it must be good because it is so expensive or the two reasons above.
The food is only ok. The servers try hard and often succeed but the noise and the cost for what you receive
just doesn't work.

Pros: Good Valet service

Cons: Loud, so so food, Overpriced.

Posted 11/25/07

I went to The Capital Grille last night w/ a friend that also loves to eat fine food. The restaurant's decor & service were first class, but I like to focus on food. We had the calamari, lobster bisque, lettuce wedge, & lobster mac & cheese. My friend had the veal chop & I had the Delmonico steak (bone-in ribeye) for our entrees. The calamari was good. The lobster mac & cheese was ok. That sounded different so we just wanted to try it. I was very disappointed w/ the lobster bisque. I thought the bisque was very bland & the lobster not fresh. I'm very picky with steak. My friend's veal chop was pretty good, but the Delmonico was amazing. It was one of the best steaks I've had in a long time. I shared a lot of it w/ my friend becausse I couldn't keep her off of my steak. It was cooked perfectly, good color on the inside, tender, & very flavorful. I was very disappointed in the lobster bisque, but if you love steak, you have to try the Delmonico steak.

Pros: food, service, ambience

Posted 09/25/07

I went to the capital grille for the first time on a sunday afternoon. Two friends and I were the only ones there. The ambience was INCREDIBLE felt like old hollywood. This place is known for their steaks but I just had the warm spinach salad- DELICIOUS! Our waiter was nice and attentive. Definitely going back!

Posted 09/09/07

I went to a co-worker's birthday dinner at Capital Grille. I've read plenty of great reviews about the restaurant and the Grille's Demonico 22 ounce steak. Now, I can see why. If you try ANYTHING at Capital Grille... try the Grille's Domonico steak. It's a little pricey at $41 bucks but oh man it?s delicious and well worth it. Capital Grille dry age their steaks so this steak was EXTRA tender and full of FLAVOR. They dry age it for 30 days if I remember correctly. I got my steak medium rare and it was off the hook! haha. Not to sound cheesy but I took my first bite and my friend pointed out? damn that must be good because you?re smiling. The lobster and crab cake was really good too. Service was excellent and informative. C.G. has a huuuuge wine list!

Just a tid bit of information? the waitress was telling me the Domnico?s cut is a prime cut which has more fat marbling? which means more flavor. The other steaks on the menu were a choice cut vs a prime cut. Go for the prime cut!

I'll be going again for another special occasion. =)

Pros: service, wine list, food

Cons: nothing

Posted 07/22/07

The best food, service and atmosphere in Houston! Everytime I come to The Capital Grille, my expectations are exceeded! Not only is the food the best but the staff make you feel like part of the family. I love bringing clients and family there. They are always talking about it for months after!

Pros: Food, service, personality

Cons: None

Posted 07/13/07

Wow. I wanted a fantastic meal for my birthday and I was not at all disappointed. The steak was the best I've had, the cold seafood platter was fresh and delicious, the whole meal superb.
The service was impeccable - thank you Tony Fasfassian for your "right on" information about the wine and food and all your attentiveness. I highly recommend The Capital Grille and please ask for Tony.
He listens...and delivers! One improvement I would've recommended would be a bit more kick to the cocktail sauce. Its a bit bland. But don't let that stop you from enjoying one of Houston's best!

Pros: Service, Food, Wine

Posted 07/04/07

I've had dinner at Capital Grille four times in a year and everthing is really good, from the mac and cheese to the tuna. To THE FEllAS call ahead and tell the receptionist if this is a speacial occasion. For me it was my anniversary and the watier took a picture of my wife and I and put it in a little Capital Grille frame. Just go and treat you and that special person in your life, it is WORTH IT.

Pros: Great food!

Cons: Pricey

Posted 05/27/07

The steaks at Capital Grille are really in a food group unknown to any other restarant. The steaks are dry-aged here in their own vault, and served to perfection with your chosen compliment of side dishes or appretizers. The Porcini rubbed Delmonico steak with Balsamic vinegarette was absolutely delicious and incredibly tender. The side dishes of creamed spinach and scalloped potatoes were plentiful and scrumptously accomodating as a compliment to our meals.
Impressive service, and romantic, subdued lighting add to the dining experience, especially if you are with a date or someone special.

Pros: Delicious Steaks, Excellent Wine List

Cons: Expensive

Posted 11/25/06

Simply put, great service and great food. Our waiter ordered for us and did a very good job. My wife had the Delmonico Steak and I had fish. Both dishes were excellent. My wife swears it is the best steak in town. We also had their signature french fries, an off the menu item. They sprinkle truffles on the fries, which make them taste very delicious. We will definately come back.

Pros: Great food and service.

Cons: Hard to avoid valet parking - no one drives my car but me :)

Posted 10/06/06

My brother and I had the opportunity to visit the Capital Grille while visiting Houston. We had an absolutely outstanding experience from the internet/phone reservations to the bar to the dining experience. The hostess, bartender and servers -- namely Emily -- were all top of the line. Since the food has not yet been mentioned, we both indulged in the massive 14 oz. filet, which was hands down the best either of us had had the opportunity to treat our taste buds. While waiting for our main course, which also was complemented by ridiculously good au gratin potatoes and asparagus, Emily treated us to TCG's Fried Calamari and Stoli Doli...both were unchartered territory for both of us and we couldn't have been more satiated. The former included some mild peppers that make it unique, and the latter, the juice squeezed from a pineapple soaked in Stoli vodka, was a solid complement to the calamari.

You know, the only downside to a meal and experience like this is that EVERYTHING else pales in comparison!!!

Pros: From the service and the ambience to the delectable food, you won't be disappointed

Cons: The only downside...you probably can't eat here everyday

Posted 08/13/06

I recently visted your restaurant for a business dinner. I found the food to be exceptional, the wait staff to be professional and the wine selection was out of this world.
I routinely dine at some of the finest restaurants in my home city of New Orleans and know something about fine dining. Your restaurant out-classed the finest restaurants in New Orleans. I will conduct all of my business dinners at your restaurant from now on.

Pros: Steak and Wine selection.

Cons: None

Posted 07/23/06

WE ARE FORTUNATE TO VISIT HOUSTON OFTEN. DINING AT THE CAPITAL GRILLE IS ALWAYS A TREAT. THIS IS OUR FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THE RESTAURANT OFFERS A LOVELY ATMOSPHERE, PROFESSIONAL AND FRIENDLY STAFF, OUSTANDING FOOD AND AN EXCELLENT AND EXTENSIVE WINE LIST. STEVE, THE MANAGER ALWAYS GREETS US WITH SMILE, REMEMBERS US BY NAME AND IS KNOWLEDGEABLE OF OUR WINE PREFERENCES. WE LOVE THE CAPITAL GRILLE. WE ALWAYS LEAVE FEELING SPECIAL AND EVEN A LITTLE PAMPERED WITH EACH VISIT.

Pros: GREAT STEAKS AND SEAFOOD, GREAT WINE CHOICES

Posted 07/22/06

Everything my wife and I had was truly fantastic. I guess the dry aging really works because our filets were not only tender, but the most flavorful we've ever tasted. The cold seafood platter was tremendous. Lobster shrimp and raw oysters-oh my. I will say this, the Capitol Frille is a bit pricey, but when my wife told me it was the best meal she had ever eaten-I viewed it as money well spent. The service was also extremely friendly. Sometimes I hate when the chef/manager/ and/or owner come out to tables(the Artie Bucco Effect). However, the manager Steve was actually so classy and down to earth-that I actually enjoyed meeting him. Then again, I might be biased because like myself, I learned he was from Mississippi.
Bottom line-

Posted 07/18/06

Its elegant, dark-wood interior makes you think that this is how the Old Boys' Network decorate. However, the staff & service are anything but pompous or snooty. Yes, there are alot of Suits & their polished & poised wives dining, but everyone is there to appreciate a fine meal. I had the lamb, cooked to my liking, succulent and tender. Tony, our waiter, suggested to order spilt sides since we wanted to try the mashed and lyonnaise 'taters, great idea, wonderful accompaniment. My co-worker order the special- Aussie sea bass, which she absolutely enjoyed. We shared a huge wedge of the Hazelnut choco cake for dessert - the cake not too sweet & balanced with the mousse filling. I forgot to ask about the individual wine cubbies that housed wines/liquers for some recognizable names. Overall an excellent and elegant dining meal, for any special occassion.

Pros: Quality of food, elegant setting, great service

Cons: Have to valet, parking very limited, should make RSVP

Posted 06/21/06

I felt out of my league walking into this galleria area restaurant but quickly got over it with the wonderful service my party received. You can dress casually or to the nines and fit right in. The signature drink, the Stoli Doli Martini is to die for. I highly recommend the Delmonico steak with vinegrette and mushroom rub. Absolutely wonderful!

Pros: Ambience, Quality, Service

Posted 01/29/06

Captial Grille offers the best steak, wine list and atmosphere. No other restaurant can compare and their steak tartar is excellent. My husband and I enjoy romantic dinners together there, and have entertained large groups, they are perfect for both.

Pros: service, location, atmophere

Posted 12/20/05

this place is pretty over rated. i had some kind of steak, but i don't really remember what i ate...enough said. it is a little too crowded to be romantic. the wines are over priced...marked up 4 to 5 times, but i suppose it is to be expected for it being in the galleria area. i do commend the staff. they are very knowledgeable and well trained.

Pros: staff

Cons: mediocre food

Posted 05/08/05

Went to the Capital Grille on a Sunday special occasion primarily because our other choices for restaurants were closed. We were not disappointed, and were very pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was great, service was very good, the wine list was spectacular, and the steak was one of the best I've eaten anywhere. Along with the mound of onion shavings and perfectly prepared asparagus, the total meal was well worth the price. Since my wife had very little to drink, I had opportunity to try several of their reds by the glass and I was very happy with their offerings. Afterwards in the bar, an after dinner port and cigar were a great way to finish off the evening. All in all, a great experience, and we'll definitely be back.

Pros: Wine Offereings, Steak, Atmosphere/Service

Posted 11/28/04

I dined at The Capital Grille, Saturday March 6th, 2004 and I must say that I have been to many Steak houses and this one rates at the very top.

I had the BEST bone-in rib eye I have ever had and I have dined in some of the best steakhouses in the country.

The service was terrific. Very attentive and professional staff.

I highly recommend this restaurant.

Pros: Great steak, the best, Tremendous waitstaff, No children.

Posted 03/07/04

Rating Texas Land as having the number one steak is like rating McDonalds the number one burger. If I want a quick steak and am willing to sacrifice taste I'll go to Texas Land. If I want to eliminate the screaming kid next to me, eliminate the waitress who has had 5 industry jobs in 6 months, and perhaps have a wine selection that will go with my cut I'd chose Capital Grille in a heart beat.

Pros: good parking, demographics of crowd, quality produce!!

Cons: location

Posted 05/14/03

I originally thought this restaurant was overrated but after visiting it for the second time I changed my mind. Our food and service were excellent this time around and I'm looking forward to dining there again in the future. Thanks Sarah D.

Pros: wine list, excellent service

Posted 04/22/03

We have eaten at the Capital Grille several times and each time has been incredible. George and his staff are meticulous, thoughtful, energetic and humorous all of which makes for a great experience. The steaks are the best (go for the larger size as it is only a few bucks more) the lobster bisque is like the heavens. Also they have a Stoley drink which is vodka and pineapple and is a must try. The selection of wines is well thought out (there must be over 400 bottles) and reasonably priced. If I were going to die tomorrow, I would have my last meal here for sure!

Pros: Wine list, Steaks, Lobster Bisque

Cons: None apparent

Posted 02/03/03

I am not sure about the people that are leaving Negative Ratings, if they know anything about Steak Houses, and Ambiance...maybe they should travel a little and learn...Great Restaurant, Great Ambiance...Very Good Food, the Steak Tartare is GREAT!!!

Posted 12/30/02

The Calamari as an appetizer was good and the mixed shellfish appetizer was good. The dry aged 24 oz Sirloin Steak had no taste at all. It was a lot of meat but had no flavor! It reminded me of a steak you would get up in the NorthEast. The service was good but for the price and taste of the food I think you can find much better elsewhere. If you want a truly mouthwatering steak try Pappas Steak house on Westheimer. I had a Ribeye there that is out of this world.

Pros: Ambience, Wine, Scenery

Cons: Overrated, Bad Steak, No Taste

Posted 12/15/02

For those who haven't visited this elegant steakhouse, its worth a trip just to enjoy the decor. The food is excellent and the waitstaff remember your name. The wine list is incredible and the signature "Stoli-Goly's" will make you feel happy about life.

Pros: Wine List, Steaks, Salads

Posted 10/17/02

Great place to see and be seen... The food and service are as good as the people watching. We saw every day people, Houston big wigs, and even a few pro baseball guys. Our server was fantastic and took great care of us and our guests, and the food was melt in your mouth perfect. It is a must try place.

Pros: service, food, great people watching

Posted 08/28/02

The steak at The Capital Grille is so tender, you don't have to chew it. Also, the wine list is incredible!

Posted 08/16/02

One of the best! Ask for Kyle or Bryan, both excellent servers....steaks and calamari are excellent, great wine selection, nice atmosphere....one of our favorite places.

Pros: EXCELLENT

Posted 06/27/02