Ordered the tendeloin and lobster and came out cooked perfect to order. side of sauteed spinach complimented the meal nicely. will go back. decor is swank and sophisticated. nice mixed crowd on a monday night. ate at the bar, both bartenders did a solid job.
(4)
sandra C.
We went here for my daughter's birthday celebration. We had never been there and didn't know what to expect. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed. The decor is a bit conservative, (old money), very relaxed and quiet. We were greeted by our family name. We were seated in a very comfortable area. The food is awesome, but be ready to dish out some serious cash. The service was outstanding, our server was very friendly and paid attention to special details (thanks Valerie). Since we informed that rest. that this was a birthday celebration, they took a picture of our group and printed it out for us to take home ( I love this kind of little details). They have a very extensive wine list, which will not disappoint. Valet Parking is available. Grab that special someone and make a rsvp asap.
(5)
Kyung P.
Went for a company dinner on Thursday night. We had the crab and lobster cakes to start. It was good but not great. I did like the lemon sash that came on the plate though - it was cute. Then I had the chopped salad as I'm not a big fan of bleu cheese dressing (so I didn't have the wedge salad). I had the Oscar Filet and the crab chunks on my filet were HUGE! I ordered all of the sides for the table, and the lobster mac&cheese and creamed spinach were the best! Mushrooms and the spaghetti squash with sweet potatoes were good too. I would stay away from the au gratin potatoes. For dessert, I had the flourless chocolate cake. Can't go wrong. Our server was really helpful and was there whenever we needed anything. Our bill was pretty hefty as everyone was drinking, so I don't know how often I'll be back. Maybe for a special occasion. Ladies - free tampons in the ladies room!!!
(4)
Amanda W.
I classed it up a notch for lunch at the Capital Grille. I think this excellent spot for business lunches is at a disadvantage in terms of location. With the dark wood, ample lighting, and sophisticated decor, this looks like the perfect place for wheeling and dealing. Unfortunately, it's stuck between a bunch of touristy hotels and the Northwestern Medical Center. I think there were three tables occupied during lunch. I did get to see a bunch of cute doctors out the window, though... Food was amazing. I got the sliced filet with mushrooms, and it was very, very good. The side of creamed corn, recommended highly by our waiter, was really very unique and scrumptious, with sweet kernels of corn and not too much cream. The clam chowder was thick and chunky, among the best I've had. The portions were also HUGE (although for the price, they better be!) Excellent service, although maybe a bit over the top in formality. Oh, and I highly recommend making a trip to the restroom. It was fully stocked with all things necessary, including contact lens solution, hairspray, dental floss, lotion, etc. And NO bathroom attendant! I'm glad I was invited to Capital Grille, and I'll be back, no doubt.
(5)
Frank W.
Could I rate this with a sixth star? We went here for my birthday, and the food and service were both outstanding. I highly recommend the kona dry aged bone in sirloin and the sliced filet with mushrooms and onions. The lobster Mac and cheese was also incredible. Our waiter, Ricky was very attentive and happily answered all of our questions. It was pricy, but worth every cent.
(5)
mark g.
This was probably the best meal we've ever had. Wine pairing was a great deal. Wounderful selection of wines. The lobseter bisque was the best with large chuncks of lobster, what a treat. Try the dry aged Kona crusted sirloin, medium rare, you can't go wrong. Everything was prepared and served perfectly. I would say this was the best dining experience I have had. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Shana M.
I work upstairs of ye olde Capital Grille and sometimes the smells of grilled meat wafts upstairs to entice us. Some other times it smells of reefer in the stair wells, but who knows really where that's coming from. I don't take myself here, but someday, when I'm not in the temp. employee ghetto anymore, I will treat myself to lunch sola when I'm feeling saucy. Business lunches are another story. First time I went to lunch I ordered the grilled (ye olde) Tuna Steak which is billed as "sushi-grade tuna". I don't know what that is supposed to mean, but it was ahi tuna, seared on the outside and wonderfully raw and buttery on the inside. It was also Humongous! And excellent and served on a bed of arugula (my favorite green) and I ate every bit. Second time I got a special, which was Grilled Skate with Orzo and other stuff. It was a special so I can't jog my memory with the online menu. It was great, I'd never eaten skate before which is a ray and tastes very light but different from white fish because it's texture is more crispy and tough. Third time I went, my boss was having a breakdown, so we ordered chocolate and 1/2 a bottle of white wine. What an excellent mid-day break! The Flour-less Chocolate Espresso Cake was as dense and chocolicious as flour-less chocolate cake aught to be, but I couldn't detect the alleged espresso. However, the fresh cream, mint and raspberries were a refreshing touch with it. The bread bowl you get with your service is yummy and has a variety of great rolls like pretzel and poppy seed. Service staff is of the all black, long apron, draped white linen variety; very attentive, with good suggestions and honestly good service. The restaurant is also equipped with a comfy, classy atmosphere with big windows for people watching. It's a more formal atmosphere but no one will hand you an ascot if you walk in with jeans and a tee-shirt on. The steak and burgers are supposed to be outstanding too.
(4)
Jennifer H.
Went with a friend over the holidays and it definitely lives up to the Chicago chophouse standard. I ordered the filet mignon with a Kona coffee rub. I was apprehensive at first (coffee on beef?) but it was amazing. For a filet, my cut of beef was surprising large and I couldn't finish it. My friend ordered the Steak au Poivre and it was the size of her face. She raved about it but couldn't finish it either. I also highly recommend the lobster mac'n'cheese. You won't fit into your jeans for a week but it's so yummy. CUT or JJ's in LA are still my favorite steakhouses but this is probably a close third.
(4)
Janene M.
I went to Capital Grille in Buckhead Atlanta and I loved it!! I've been eager to try it again. We went for restaurant week. I was not disappointed. My clam chowder was good. My filet was great!! The flourless espresso cake rich and yummy. Can't wait until I can return again.
(5)
Rich L.
This is my FAVORITE Chicago steakhouse. I also love the peppered Calamari. And the service is great. I love the fact that they change napkins to either black or white depending on what you are wearing. Every restaurant should provide this level of service.
(5)
Jen G.
Lunchtime diner only... The CG is known for its steak and "old boys" attitude. It's also listed in the $$$$ category on OpenTable... But it's in the neighborhood where I work and every so often, it's nice to dine in a restaurant that gives you space and privacy. (I mean, hello--how do you have an affair in one of those teeny-teeny-table places?) From the meat in the "window" next to the hostess stand to the wine lockers for patrons with large disposable incomes to the oversized, leather booths, you get the feeling that lots of important stuff is taking place around you. Lots of interesting choices for the lunch menu. I began with a cup of French-onion soup as did my companion who proclaimed it among "the best ever." From there, we shared a wedge salad. If you like the wedge--and I adore it--this is a good one. Tons of what tasted like homemade bleu cheese dressing and crispy bacon. There were also three chunky slices of tomato. I had to stop four bites in so that I could leave room for the entre...a delicious lobster and crabcake "burger" (basically, a very fancy crabcake with lobster chunks in it.) It came on a bun, but I skipped that and saved room for the fries. We also tasted a Greek-style steak salad with peppercorn ranch dressing that was one of the daily specials. Unfortunately, we didn't have room for dessert, but maybe next time because I'd definitely go back. Oh--and the service was polite, yet attentive and we were in and out in just over an hour. There were also portraits of famous Chicago businessmen--I only recognized the Sears guy--hanging from the walls.
(4)
James B.
Excellent restaurant at which to entertain guests. Elegant, yet not too pricey. Been there often...
(4)
Chris B.
I picked Capital Grille for my birthday dinner because I wanted to try someplace that I'd never been to before. We are now huge fans! Our party of seven asked for suggestions and our server happily obliged. We started with the seafood tower - an amazing assortment of fresh seafood including crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters, and more. Three tiers of fresh shellfish and we devoured it. The porcini crusted ribeye is to die for, and all the other steaks we ordered were perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. Side dishes - lobster mac & cheese (crazy good), creamed corn, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, all yummy. The following week, after looking at Yelp, we found out that Capital Grille was offering "bar bites" - a limited bar menu for those who choose to forego the dining room experience. Once again, we were not disappointed. I had the beef tenderloin sandwiches, three little morsels of prime beef on brioche buns - delicious! My husband had the crab cake sandwiches, three in number and delectable as well. We highly recommend this restaurant. It's not inexpensive for dinner, but the quality and service are superb. They have an excellent wine list. The bar menu is one of the best I've seen in the city - great for happy hour devotees.
(5)
Frank R.
Best steak I've had in a while! Good sides, good salad, but the service and friendly bartender and amazing steak makes this a place I will surely visit again when in Chicago.
(5)
John B.
I have been to Capital Grille so many times. I'd guess at least two dozen. But it never occurred to me to write a review. It's about time! Yes, it's a chain. Ignore that. It's nothing like a chain. Not the atmosphere; not the food; not the service. Everything is exceptional. There was a time, several years ago, when it started to slip a bit. As always, as I was leaving they asked, "How was everything?" I said "fine" and continued out the door. But I stopped and went back in. I told them about the 5 or 6 things I had noticed in my last 3 or 4 visits that didn't match up to my visits the year before and the year before. Three people, including the manager, listed carefully. Honestly, when I returned 2 or 3 months later, it was like the old days. Everything was humming perfectly. Indeed, C and I hosted N's college graduation dinner there and it was incredible. The waiter was so gracious, amusing, and perfectly attentive. It was like out of Hollywood movie. I'm sure N will never forget it. Food: Consistently excellent. My favorite is the mushroom dust encrusted ribeye. All the meat is fresh and prepared to order. Wonderful salads. Atmosphere: Elegant, sophisticated, clubby. I've been to some of the private clubs in town. This is better. Lunch: Few restaurants of this caliber are open for lunch. It's a godsend if you are shopping on Michigan Ave. BYOB: Not this place. But they have the most incredible wine list imaginable. What a wine for $2,000. They have it. Want one for $40. Yes. Price: Pricey, but if you are coming to a place like this, price is not on your mind. You are either wanting a really exceptional experience or you are aiming to impress the hell out of someone.
(5)
LaLaLaLa L.
Delicious! I got the petite filet (kona style) and it was out of this world! One of the tastiest things I have have put into my mouth. The lobster mac and cheese was just as yummy. The service was excellent!!! Very attentive to our needs and even gave us a sample of pineapple shot stuff and a free dessert. Oh yeah, the martinis are strong and tastey. It's kinda pricey... but what do you expect from a fine dining kind of place? Worth every penny! I'd eat here all the time if my wallet allowed it!
(5)
Marcus G.
Fine dining experience. Waitstaff was courteous and knowledgeable. Really liked the atmosphere and open table setting. Food was delicious and cooked very well. Waiter gave option of 1/2 portions of sides which was still enough to share. Great wine list, affordable and high end choices. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars was there was a bit of a wait despite having reservations which they called to confirm.
(4)
Patricia Y.
9 words: delmonico medium rare with 12-year aged balsamic/porcini rub. melts in your mouth. i've gotten this the last 5 times i've gone. my boyfriend and used to go here often because we lived very close to the restaurant. great service every time, very fresh ingredients for sides and salads. brilliant creme brulee, great wine selection. mondavi from the early 2000's was pretty awesome. you can get half bottles of certain wines. i aspire to have a wine fridge in that restaurant one day.
(5)
christine c.
i wasn't too impressed. -1 b/c the waiter was terrible. just terrible! (todd in case you want to try to avoid him next time you're there) -1 b/c the food just wasn't amazing and i was kind of expecting great things based on the reviews i read i went for restaurant week and ordered the clam chowder for the appetizer (not bad, nothing special though), had the kona crusted dry aged sirloin for entree (good, but harder than i expected it to be and i didn't really like the burnt taste that it had - it was a sizeable portion though and i could only finish half of it), and then the dessert i had the flourless chocolate espresso cake (so full that i only ate half of it, but it was pretty good - again, nothing special) i really wanted to try the lobster mac&cheese b/c i heard waiter saying great things about it while i was at david burke's primehouse so i'll have to go back and get that side to go or something. wouldn't want to pay for a whole meal just for a side. liked david burkes a loooooooot better UPDATE. changed it to 4 stars. i dont know why, but the half of my steak that i took home as leftovers is AMAZING. i just went to heat it up in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and it is SO tender, it has SO MUCH FLAVOR (not overwhelming, just right). i LOVE it!!
(4)
Beth W.
This is in my top 3 best restaurants in Chicago! Most times I come here I get the sliced filet which is to die for. The lobster mac n cheese is also the best side dish I have ever had at a restaurant. They also have a great wine selection that compliments the tasty food. It is pricey but if you have the money or just want to treat yourself for a special occasion, definetly check this place out!
(5)
M H.
I have been here twice and both times it was excellent! Both times I got the Delmonico steak and it's amazing. The best steak I've ever had. Their sides, wine, and pineapple martini are also delicious. I highly reccommend this place! Great service, ambiance, and food. Yes, it is pricey but totally worth it.
(5)
Rebecca H.
Arrogant bartenders, but the food made up for it by a mile. Incredible chopped salad with grilled prawns. I also ordered sauteed mushrooms which were totally unusual in a great way, and delicious. Wine list is extensive and fun. Great experience for a business trip in the middle of a cold winter. All the steaks looked awesome...but i didn't try.
(4)
Charlie B.
I have been here twice, and always spot on food. We just had a lunch for co-workers and everyone was really happy. And they treat you right for a birthday lunch: free dessert for the birthday boy/girl and they gave our b-day people a coupon for a free calamari appetizer.
(4)
Camille O.
Ooolala! Wanna' power lunch? This is just the place to plot a health care corporate take-over. Situated in the heart of the Northwestern Memorial medical complex, the steaks might hasten the heart attack, but you'll be in the right neighborhood! Dry, aged steaks, lobster, lamb and veal chops - if you're gonna' go you might as well do it up right. Just make sure the other guy is picking up the tab!
(4)
Rich R.
I took my Fiancee here last week for her birthday. This is her favorite restaurant, so we eat here a couple of times a year. The food is always very good. But, I must say what impressed me the most this time was the service. Every time I eat here, the staff seems to beat my already high expectation for the levels of service. Anter was our server this last time. Let me just list what he did for us and you can make your decision as to whether this is going above and beyond. First, he got the impression that the wine that I ordered wasn't exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a syrah and saw it on the menu and ordered it. He came back a few seconds later and explained to me that it was a blend of multiple wine types and asked me again if I would like it. Because of his proactiveness, I went and changed my order because I really was not looking for a blend. Second, my fiancee and I ordered steaks off the menu. We asked Anter if they still offered them and he said yes and placed the order. A few minutes later, he proceeded to come back to our table and tell us that he added those particular types of steaks to our customer profiles so that in the future they will be suggested by the waitstaff when they first take our order. A little while later during dinner when he comes back to check in on us, he offers to have our picture taken at the table with both a camera from the Capital Grille and my phone camera. He took his time and took multiple pictures for us. Later her returned with a printed picture free of charge. Finally after we ordered dessert, he brought it over and told us it was on the house beause of my fiancees birthday. These desserts are pretty large in size and not cheap. When we finished paying the bill I shook Anter's hand and thanked him for one of the best dining experiences that I ever had. I work in a service industry and always appreciate good service. Anter definitely went above and beyond. Next time I go to this restaurant, I will ask specifically for him. Oh yeah, and to top it off, everything was delicious. Try the French onion soup and ask for a cajun ribeye "the Cowboy" off the menu.
(5)
Jennifer S.
I went here for dinner last night for mine and my boyfriend's anniversary, which I noted when making the reservation on Open Table. When checking in, we were wished a happy anniversary by the hostess, and upon being seated, there was an anniversary card on the table which had signed by several members of the staff. Nice touches. Our waiter was informative and helpful without being pushy, and the food was excellent. Ordered the amazing lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese (mmmmm!), truffle fries, and the steak au poive to share. Steak was cooked perfectly and they even split it in the kitchen and brought it out on our own plates. Again, nice touch. We were brought a complimentary flourless chocolate cake that was delicious and offered a photo for our anniversary, complimentary as well. This place really outdid itself to make our night special, and for that, and the delicious food, I will definitely be back. There are a lot of places in this city to get a nice steak, so I appreciate a restaurant that makes an effort to stand out. Thanks CG!
(5)
Chris C.
Fan of the steak sandwich and truffle fries. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other menu items.
(4)
Tom S.
One of my mantras is "life is in the details" and no restaurant has really exemplified that until I visited The Capital Grille last night. One of the best things about The Capital Grille in my mind is that it doesn't feel in the least like it is part of a chain or restaurant group. In fact, there are Capital Grille restaurants pretty much everywhere, but they are able to keep everything from the greeting to the final valet intimate but professional. And the food is outstanding. My recent venture was a birthday gift from my dearest friend. After a drink at the bar, the bartender told us to stay put and that someone would be by to get us. I'd forgotten all etiquette since it had been so long since I'd been to such a nice place, but we were whisked away before I could think another minute on it. Once we were shown to the table I noticed an envelope with on the table that said "Happy Birthday". I suspected my date had it planted there, but in fact contained within was an elegant note card signed by the Capital Grille management. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and personable and gave us time to look across the menu and listen to the specials. We both started with Capital Grille's Caesar salad that was deemed by both of us as Best of Class ... and believe me, we are Caesar salad snobs. The lemony-dressing, one-of-a-kind "crust plus" croutons and wide planks of shaved Parmesan truly catapulted Capital Grille's Caesar to the top. We both ordered steaks and split a side of their impossibly crunchy-topped Au Gratin potatoes. Perfectly cooked with a rich sauce, they were the perfect foil to my lean filet. Anyone who has read me here before knows that I'm not too keen on restaurant desserts. In general, I don't think they are very good, and most are over-priced for the quality. I had my suspicion, with the card as my first clue, that I was going to be subjected to the "SBD", special birthday dessert, the remains of what would typically be thrown away that night with the addition of a candle on a plate with "Happy Birthday" having been written on it days before and stored in the freezer. I'd heard other stories about how Capital Grille is different and we, in fact, received a large slice of their "popular" flourless chocolate cake and 2 glasses of sparkling wine. It was perfectly lovely, not the SBD, but not the Feast of Desserts I'd heard about from others celebrating their birthday there. The gesture was not ignored and the cake was very good, but I didn't get a taste before the waitress offered to snap a photo and print it out for us. I protested for a moment owing to my "No Photographic Evidence" rule, but the lens was dirty and the photo was blurry enough that you couldn't really tell it was us. In the end I was, as I always have been, very happy with my experience at The Capital Grille and have no reservations in recommending it for a special occasion or business luncheon or dinner.
(5)
Lindsey K.
I went to The Capital Grille for the first time the other night to take advantage of their Generous Pour event. Basically all you can drink wine for 25 bucks and I certainly got my money worth! The best part was that I was able to try quite a few different wines, some that I wouldn't normally pick off a menu and some I probably couldn't afford otherwise! It was such an affordable, great opportunity to have a nice night out on the town. Not to mention absolutely delicious. Seriously. The Capital Grille really lives up to its expectations in food excellence. If you do nothing else this summer, go to the Capital Grille's bar and enjoy the Generous Pour event with a side of lobster mac n cheese. And look for me there.
(5)
P H.
Pros: Excellent Prompt Service, great steaks and wine selection. Cons: None What you should know: Opentable member, free soft drink refills, valet service. I have never been disappointed by Capital Grill in Chicago or in Lombard. Excellent excellent service one of the best. As my group was seated my group was served complimentary fresh calamari appetizer which was a great gesture. There after service was very nice as they server sent us thank you cards via mail. For birthdays they will take a picture of your group and every single person received a picture placed in a Capital grill card. Would recommend for clients, anniversary's, adult birthdays, just a great evening with friends.
(5)
adam k.
Yes I know its a chain, but holy cow - they know how to cook a steak. I generally try to stay out of this part of town. I find the $35 nightly parking and the wide eyed Michigan Ave tourists rather annoying. But it is worth a trip down to empty-nester condo-hotel land for a meal at the Capital grille. The food is awesome and the service exceptional. When I recovered from my food coma I realized how much they went out of their way to make my birthday dinner extra special. I will return despite the locale.
(4)
Scott N.
This is my favorite steak house in Chicago- and yes I know it's a chain. The atmosphere, and the food is just superior to everything else. I have gotten sick of Gibson's, Kiefer's, and Ruth's Chris but never this place.
(5)
Anne W.
Great wine list, excellent steak. Don't go without ordering the lobster Mac & cheese, I promise you won't regret it. The service is impeccable and the entire experience was amazing.
(5)
D R.
I took a fairly large and boisterous group here on a Friday night without a reservation and they were happy to see us. They took care of everything without missing a beat. The food and service is at the top level of Chicago steakhouses. I have been to the Captial Grille in Houston (fantastic) and Minneapolis (very nice) and I'm glad we finally have one here. The wine list is extensive, our wine turned out to be excellent, and I had the bigger filet which was a challenge to finish. While leaving our group was looking for a nice local bar and while the receptionist didn't know of any, she went out of her way to find another staff member who was more up on the area. Very helpful.
(5)
Megan M.
Excellent meal! Highlights included perfectly-cooked filet and lobster mac n cheese. The table by the window was nice. The ambience was classy but not stuffy. I'd go back again for sure!
(5)
Robin W.
I've been going to this place since 1997, and I have to say I've never had a bad meal or bad service. My favorite entree is the seared ahi salad. The drinks, although very pricey, are phenomenal. The steak is amazing, tender, and properly prepared. The service is impeccable. It's also in a great location and has valet parking. The same valets work at this location as did in 1997! Certainly would not turn down the chance to dine here.
(5)
Katherine D.
Every time we've gone here, the experience has been amazing. We've been seated fairly quickly, treated with respect and friendliness by the amazing waitstaff, and had a wonderful meal. The decor is very pleasing; white linen tablecloths, lots of hardwood, and mood-lighting. They even have romantic seating for couples. When I went in on my birthday, they not only brought us fried calamari on the house, but a certificate for a free one for next time! On top of that, while I was in the bathroom our server consulted with my family to find out what kind of dessert I liked best, and brought it to me at the end of the meal. How cool is that. I always feel bad when I'm in restaurants that bring out the token cheesecake (which I don't happen to like) and expect me to be overjoyed. The food itself is amazing. I had the filet mignon, which was cooked exactly how I liked it; barely seasoned, sizzling hot, and just the right amount of medium-rare. The broccoli au gratin is always good if you're a cheese fan, the potatoes delish, and the strawberries.. mmmmm. If you want the best server in the house - ask for Aaron.
(5)
Jennifer H.
I went to Capital Grille for a weekday lunch. The place is well done. The decor is preppy, comfortable and elegant without being stuffy. The wine list is large and the menu is accessible. I enjoyed my burger and loved the truffle fries. Truffle fries are popular menu items in most restaurants these days. I've found that it's actually kind of difficult to get them right; often, the oil is overpowering and really weighs the fries down. At Capital Grille, there was just the touch of truffle oil - enough to add the flavor, but not overpower. (Look at me, focusing on the fries at a place like Capital Grille!) I wish I'd had a steak, but the burger just seemed so appealing. I'll go back for lunch for sure, and order a steak next time. This place is just perfect for a business meal, a date, or taking your grandmother to dinner.
(4)
E M.
Excellent! That goes for the food and the service. The lobster macaroni is incredible! My husband gets salmon often and says it is the best he has ever had here! My steak was large and cooked as I like. The taste was great too! I had leftovers! Needless to say this is one of our favorite restaurants. It is pricey, but worth every penny!
(5)
Jane Y.
My husband and I dropped in for lunch here last Friday and enjoyed one of our favorite steak meals ever! We are both huge steak fans and routinely patronize Chicago Cut, Fogo de Chao, Ruth's Chris and Mastro's. For some reason, we had never dined at The Capital Grille until now, and we were very pleased. The lobster bisque was nicely flavored with generous pieces of lobster, and the steaks (which we ordered medium rare) were perfectly cooked. The great ratings for this restaurant are well deserved, and we've added it to the top of our list!
(5)
Josh S.
Great! Great staff and good food. A must go.
(5)
Rebecca Huicha K.
OMG OMG OMG. I LOVE their lobster mac and cheese! I'm definitely not a mac and cheese lover but this has completely transformed my idea of mac & cheese!!!! all m & c lovers, this is a must have!!!
(5)
Jen K.
Went to Capital Grille for my birthday and it was amazing. I got the 10oz filet with a porcini rub and aged balsamic vinegar. Service was also fantastic
(5)
Katherine R.
The food here is good as well as the service, so why the one star? My parents, sister and I were literally snubbed at this restaurant. My Dad and I had been at Northwestern getting tests done and decided to meet my Mom and sister here for lunch one Monday afternoon around Christmas. The menu looked great and it wasn't that crowded so we thought we were in for a treat. We are all pretty attractive, and well-dressed people....you will see why I say this in a moment. When we walked in, we were brought to a table in the corner, in the back of the restaurant. This restaurant was not busy, nor was there a crowd of people waiting to be seated. So why the table in a corner where we were be shunned to? Don't really know who these people are or what they are trying to prove, but since my Dad is a no-bullshit kind of guy, he demanded a table at the front of the restaurant. He is very picky about where he sits anyway, so the little girl that tried to seat us there was quickly corrected. There are many other places in Chicago and around the country that have better food and better service. You can get a nice meal and be treated with respect anywhere but here. There is really no reason to judge people when in the restaurant business, just be happy you have customers nowadays. Not like they will go under for not getting me or any of my friends and extended family's business, but we will never go back. And my suggestion is that you choose elsewhere when you want to spend a little money and have a nice meal. Coco Pazzo across the street is a lot better and not as snobby!
(1)
Carissa O.
My father made reservations for our family due to my Uncle's recommendation and boy am I ever grateful. This restaurant is low key as far as ambiance with lower lighting, cozy seating and a bustling wait-staff. The menu is quite extensive and the specials that were described sounded divine. I would definitely recommend any of the specials as well as any special drinks they would offer. Price is the only sticking point, but considering the kind of wonderful service that was provided as well as portion sizes, I think the price is pretty on-point. I give this restaurant a two thumbs up and hope to return in the future!
(5)
Michelle L.
My husband I celebrated our one year anniversary at Capital Grille this past weekend and couldn't be more pleased. The entire staff went out of their way to make us feel special....the hostess wished us a happy celebration, there was a card and a rose for the occasion on our table, our waiter brought us a plethora of fabulous desserts, and since I can't eat dairy, he also brought us fresh berries and sorbet. Our steaks (mine a skirt steak, my husbands had crab on top) were also phenomenal. Kudos Capital Grille.
(5)
Jet L.
Nice service. Nice food.... I don't have many complaints at all except it is the not the best place i have been to for steak.... pretty good though- very good lobster bisque
(4)
Yo U.
First things first: the bar staff are always great here and the hosts/hostesses are always friendly and obliging. I have always enjoyed my interactions with them. My recent visits have proven to be no exception. However, the waitstaff and busboys, normally very good indeed, did not live up to past standards of excellence on my most recent visit. For one, although I imagine that she was trying to be helpful, our waitress tripped over the line from being helpful, informative and offering wise counsel to telling me what to order when I told her that I wanted my chosen steak blue. She kept insisting that the marbled fat would not cook/melt properly if the steak were prepared blue. I told her that I always order my steak blue and that I was comfortable with that. She then expressed concern that I would not like the end result and that I might send it back. Although she said that she would be happy enough to take it back if it did not prove to be satisfactory, the implication was clear: she did not want me to order that particular cut and ask that it be prepared blue. I relented and went with a cut with far less marbling. The substitute steak was perfectly fine, but it was not the cut that I prefer. When dealing with experienced steak eaters and people familiar with fine dining, waitstaff should be instructed to take the measure of their patrons and back off where appropriate. My exchange with this waitress about my initial choice of steak was unnecessarily long, it made my dinner companions feel a little uncomfortable and it was a wee bit patronizing. This is not a service experience that I will soon forget. Additionally, while a very large party was wrapping up in the main dining room during the 30 minutes after close and we were posing no additionally inconvenience, we had a busboy continually pop-in every five minutes or so to our otherwise empty smaller room while we chatted and finished our wine. There were precious few things left for him to bus. The implication was clear: get out. We were not impressed with this nonsense. His behavior betrays a lack of tact and it came off as being rather rude and unpolished.
(2)
Angie C.
A great place for special occastions...we went to celebrate two birthdays and had a wonderful dinner (although a bit pricey!). They had an extensive wine list and typical steak house menu. Their sides were amazing...I suggest trying the seasonal specials - you can't go wrong! We tried the butternut squash (along with 3 other classic sides)....it was SO good! Creative, delicious, exquisite! Steaks were good, but nothing extraordinary. Service was excellent. The tables are quite close together and large so it wasn't very intimate for a party over 4. Would definitely come back.
(4)
Allyson C.
Despite my earlier admonition against going to chain restaurants in Chicago, I make an exception for Capital Grille and the reason is you should go at lunch and get a great big CA cab and the cheeseburger. It's the best burger I've ever had.
(4)
Bev h.
i'm sure the steak is delicious, but don't overlook the seafood! i had one of the best meals of my life here (twice)- sesame seared ahi tuna steak with ginger sticky rice. came with 4 sauces, each in it's own cute little dish. soooooo tasty. and my tequila martini was right on. and poured at the table, with a mini shaker of extras left for me! the first time i went was last winter, and one of my dinner companions was a regular, so they treated us very well. we all went with the waiter's recommendations, and then proceeded to gorge ourselves in between exclamations of "oh my god!" and "mmmmmmm." what stands out is that i went back almost 8 months later, and ol dude not only remembered me, but remembered what i had the last time! freaky! but kind of awesome. i had a laugh when i made a reservation on my most recent visit. my mom and i were out and about downtown, and i'm telling her about this amazing tuna (she's tuna obsessed) i had. she's like "let's go there for dinner tonight," so i call them, and since the place is pretty dressy, i make sure to ask the hostess if it will be alright that we are wearing flip flops and tshirts. she actually tells me on the phone that she can hook it up as long as we sit in the back corner! cue dirty dancing theme- "nobody puts bailey in the corner!" but i went- the food tastes the same in the corner, and the service is always impeccable.
(4)
Karen K.
For the record - the manager never followed up.
(1)
Phyllis S.
Overall.. stuffy atmosphere, pricey and food barely passable!!
(1)
Tony L.
lobster mac
(4)
Brooke W.
Pretty basic... but never a bad meal;)
(4)
James N.
The meat was great. The wine selection amazing. The service awesome. The side dishes and appetizers were only ok.
(3)
Andrew T.
Spent a 50th birthday here recently and had a fantastic time. Service was excellent but not obtrusive. I love it when the server can make recommendations and I know s/he has actually tried it, knows how it is made, and understands it to be able to discuss it with guests. I made the reservation with comments we were celebrating a 50th birthday, as well as a note to my shellfish allergy (i.e. please don't grill anything I eat next to or after shellfish) and we were greeted at the table with a personal birthday note, a discrete nod to my allergy, and congratulations to the birthday companion. To top it off, Jerry Springer came in right after us and sat behind us with two young ladies, making for an interesting birthday. Oh, last but not least, they brought a complimentary dessert for the birthday and I received a follow-up call three days later to inquire how the service and experience was. Overall, a great experience and I'd definitely go back.
(5)
Joanna K.
went here for restaurant week--first of all, for $33 per person, fantastic value. for that you get an appetizer, main course, sides and dessert. the bone in kona rubbed sirloin was delightful--perfectly prepared and delicious. huge at 14 oz! (couldn't finish it) ordered some oysters on the side for fun--delicious. the clam chowder was good but not specatcular although it had great chunks of clams in it; the herbed salad as started was delicious as was the creme brulee for dessrt. the service was absolutely fantastic; valerie, our waitress, had excellent suggestions and was very friendly and made the experience top-notch. definitely plan on returning!
(5)
Kevin W.
You'd get better service and food at the O'Hare International Airport, terminal 2, Mcdonalds! I'm absolutely certain that Wildfire has better steakhouse food. The salad and dressings sucked, the sides sucked, the sauces sucked and the steak, for its price, was absurdly mediocre! Our server Dan was a major jerk with a chip on his shoulder the size of Utah; his seething contempt for us was persistently oozing forth all night. If you're looking for the absolute best steakhouse in the city, do yourself a favor, go to Keefer's or Mastro's. Although, not the best, they'd certainly do a better job for you over at Joe's(even the Palm). Corporate needs to do a MAJOR-OVERHAUL at this Capitalle Grille!
(1)
Ker T.
This is a really random story, but I think it speaks to both the superior food and amazing service provided by the Capital Grille in Chicago. My friend May and I both are IT consultants who recently began working in Chicago Monday thru Thursday (we previously worked on the same project near Boston and have kept in touch). Last night were walking from the W on Lakeshore, trying to find a decent place to eat, possibly outside. We walked into Cafe Bice to get on the waiting list for an outdoor table a little after 7pm, and May literally ran into a guy inside the door holding a gift box. He was a bit older but dressed better than most 25-30 year olds in the restaurant, great hair plugs that looked pretty real, cool mod glasses - really the only thing that gave away his age was his face was craggy (not in a bad way). He made a joke to May that the gift was for her, she said "how did you know my size?" (she's a little Asian girl) and he guessed she was a size 2 - exactly right. They started joking around for about another minute, he introduces himself as "Commander" and asks us if we wanted to join him and a few of his friends for dinner across the street at the Capital Grille. May and I decided, hey, what the hell - our per diem can't afford us to eat at Capital Grille much, but we were in an adventurous mood. We walk into the Capital Grille and everyone, from the Hostess to the Bus Boy, is greeting Commander, slapping him on the back, kissing his cheeks, basically kissing his a$$. May and I exchange glances, but figure he said he had lived in Chicago for years - maybe they know their loyal guests here? Anyway, then Commander mentions he has a wine locker at the Capital Grille here in Chicago (as well as in NY, Philly and Vegas) and the wine we'll be drinking tonight will be one of the best we'll ever taste. This point is about when we figure out that they're treating us to dinner - very nice of them but certainly not necessary!! We get seated quickly at a table in the back, near the kitchen, in its own little room, and more C.G. employees keep stopping by to say hi to Commander. There are 7 of us in the room at this point - Commander, his friends Jimmy (a "game broker" - he sells wild game to restaurants and claims he can get any animal except Polar Bear, cause its illegal); Jerry, a "alternative travel agent" whose business card claims complete discretion for vacation planning; Nancy, a ball-busting uber-successful IBM mainframe saleswoman; "Big John", Commander's "money collection guy"; and Renee, the girl Commander met in China last year when he was in business that he has flown in for a few days - she looks about 22 years old. The sommelier brings over a decanter of red wine, and pours Commander some, who agrees that its great, so we all get some - and I am not a red wine expert by any means, but its damn good wine. The guy next to me, Jimmy, tells me its $400+ a decanter. (Over the course of the night, we order 4 more.) We order appetizers, and only May, Renee and I need to look at the menu. May isn't a huge red meat fan, so she gets the halibut special, and I order the smaller filet mignon (with the side of wild mushrooms, per Jimmy's suggestion). All of our food was freaking phenomenal - my filet was amazing and I have been to some pretty great steakhouses on my company's dime - and pairs excellently with the wine. I tried May's fish and that was pretty great, too - but I am so glad I got steak. During dinner, Commander is whispering sweet nothings to little Renee, and they start snuggling up together as Nancy tells us how she conquered a man's world, Jimmy talks about eating kangaroo, wild boar, dog (icky), etc and Jerry tells us about some of the trips he's booked (no names, obviously). During all this, the waiter and sommelier observe all of the absurdity, but maintain their professionalism - thank god or May and I may have busted out laughing. After dinner, Commander insists that we all have a sambuca and espresso, so I am staring at the two drinks in front of me - there are three coffee beans floating in the sambuca. Commander makes us take a sip the sambuca with a coffee bean at a time, grinding the coffee bean in our mouth. After eating all the beans, you dump the espresso into the sambuca and drink the rest of it. During this, the waiter brings out a camera and takes pictures of our group, then prints off copies for Renee - and for May and I after we ask for one, otherwise our friends will not believe us when we try to explain what happened. Then they bring out some of the most amazing things I have ever tried - a rich creamy cheesecake with strawberries, a flourless chocolate cake, and a tart key lime pie - plus a coconut cream tart. When the bill comes, Commander and Jerry discretely pay, and Commander is a bit in the bag, but hey - he just spent a $hitload on dinner, so we laugh at his off color jokes - but it really was amusing.
(5)
Jen V.
When I want a nice dining experience and a big ol steak.. the first thing that goes through my mind is... "honey can you take me to Capital Grille"! My hubby and I have encountered nothing but great service and delicious entreees! The bill can be faily high especially if you order a bottle or wine or 2 but since we only go here on special ococasions (or when I AM REALLY REALLY craving it and insist that there is a special occastion) we like to make it a nice dining experience-so why not bring out the bottles?! I remember a time when I took my hubby here for his birthday and our waitress surprised us with the most glorious plate of desserts.. I am talking about a whole array of practically every single dessert they had on the menu, plus a complimentary card for the calamari appetizer for our next visit. Wonderful!! I am a total fat a$$ and probably eat as much or if not more than my significant other so I reccomend the porterhouse (24 oz) with the garlic butter sauce.. better yet try the Delmonico! I love the marbled flavor-yumMmm!The calamari is fantastic...it's garnished with italian peppers- very nice!! Service is impeccable! Why not try this place for your next romantic night or business event.. you won't regret it!!!
(5)
Marilynn B.
It's expensive, but worth it. Great steaks, ambiance and service.
(5)
Anjali K.
This restaurant is amazing- great food and great service (especially if you sit at the bar and ask for Tim). It's definitely pricey, but worth it.
(5)
k o.
I have to say, I was really looking forward to dining at Capital. I had heard so many wonderful things about the restaurant, but my experience fell short. I was entertaining family from out of town and had called ahead to ask for a bottle of champagne to be ready on the table when we arrived. I had specifically requested that the champagne be put on a separate bill, as it was a gift to thank my family for their efforts to come visit me in Chicago. Upon our arrival, the bottle was nowhere to be found on the table. I excused myself and went to ask the front of the house about my request, and I was assured that the bottle was indeed at the table. It wasn't. The manager located the bottle, brought it over and poured our champagne. The rest of dinner was fantastic. The food was wonderful and our server Abby was great. She was fun and attentive. And they did provide our table with free dessert, which was a nice gesture. At the end of the night, the bill came and the bottle of champagne was on it. It resulted in my family offering to pay for what was intended to be a gift. All in all dinner was enjoyable, but not spectacular.
(3)
Brenda V.
Really great food and service. The private dining room in the basement is cozy and elegant. Valet parking a plus.
(5)
J T.
Cap Grille's a family favorite. We have every event (birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc) here, and for good reason. The food's consistently good and the service spot-on. I introduced my boyfriend and his family to it and they're hooked. Try the Lobster Mac and Cheese.
(5)
Marissa D.
ok...so yes, george and i only came here for post-wedding venue 'shopping' stoli doli's (their pineapple infused vodka martini). but they are fantastic. so we came back again 2 days later after showing our favorite venue to my parents. yes it was 2pm but whatevs. and now i am sad that we are no longer looking at wedding venues because it means no more stoli dolis in the afternoon as rewards for our 'hard work.' but seriously. good stoli doli's and very nice staff. hopefully we will be back soon for dinner!
(4)
Tom E.
I thought Capital Grille was reasonably priced for a really nice steakhouse. Our bill came out to $200 for a great appetizer, soup, bottle of wine, two sides and two steak dinners. The wine list is huge and has selection in all price ranges (half-bottles also available.) The prosciutto wrapped mozzarella was really tasty and the tomatoes balanced out the saltiness of the prosciutto (and I usually hate tomatoes.) The lobster bisque was good, not the best I ever had though. For meals we had the porcini rubbed delmonico and the Kona crusted sirloin. Both were awesome. The lobster macaroni had huge cuts of lobster. The mushrooms were kind of just mushrooms.The service was excellent. The waiter was knowledgable but not intrusive. He made great suggestions. Overall a great dining experience without the Morton Steakhouse price.
(4)
Steve R.
Ritzy-ritz pricey place. We sometimes takes job applicants and/or clients here. It's that type of place. Good steaks, decent menu (haven't had anything bad there), good wine list, great service. (Really, I've never had bad service here.) It's not the type of place I generally would go to for my own liesure, but it's good for what we use it for. I get the impression that's its niche.
(3)
Mike K.
i have done some fine dining in my 60 years all over the country; from gladstones in malibu for crab legs to new orleans for great french cooking at the court of two sisters--but last night was the best meal i have ever eaten and the service was outstanding. our waiter, anter thakur, was very attentive but not over-bearing. my girlfriend and i ordered a great bottle of a 2007 calif chardonnay (yes, i sacrificed the cab because she likes chard) for only $29. then we split an appetizer of crab/lobster crab cakes with large chunks of lobster and no filler--just crab and lobster/$19 for 2 good-sized cakes! then she ordered the ceasar salad with anchovies and i a lettuce wedge salad which was ice-cold with apple smoked bacon and from-scratch thousand island dressing (don't like blue cheese)----both were outstanding. she had the cedar-planked salmon that was melt-in-your-mouth/perfectly cooked; moist and a large portion. i had the filet oscar which was perfect. the filet was tender enough for a butter knife-no steak knife necessary. the top of this 8-10az filet was covered/imean totally covered with crab meat, very young and tender asparagas and the best bernaise sauce i have ever had---and i am picky about my bernaise! i always have said that mortons and ruth chris cannot be beat for a great piece of meat. and chicago chop house isn't bad either but, trust me, capital grille has them all beat hands down. i saw someone with the bone-in ribeye (delmonico) and it looked outstanding also. we left way too full to order their dessert but the walk back to the hotel we stayed at helped!! i almost hesitated to write this because we will be going back often and i don't want any problems getting a table, but this place deserve the cuddos. awesome.
(5)
brett s.
i will have to say that i have been to this restaurant quite a few times, but this is the first time ever in my life that a restaurant manager called to say that they over charged us and were refunding our bill. They completely outdone themselves and are a model of customer service. I know of no other restaurant that would or has ever done this.
Forget the steaks check out the wine list! Awesome! The food was great too. One of the best Lobster bisque soups I've ever had. I tried their Delmonico steak with porcini rub and aged balsamic....... crazy delicious! I was impressed. Not usually a Filet person but I want to try their Filet Mignon with cipolline onions and wild mushrooms next time! Definitely going back!
(4)
Jasmin W.
Great food (especially the steak), but so pricey! Definitely a restaurant for special occasions, but worth it because the food and service is incredible.
(4)
liz d.
Making reservations was painful, considering their limited choice of times, but when we got there, we were seated within minutes. However, our party of 2 was seated facing a party of rowdy men. Considering the tables are practically touching each other, I felt like we should have introduced ourselves. I know the place is crowded, but come on. Even more the reason to give your customers some breathing room. With this said, our waiter was superb. Could not have asked for anything better. Knowledgeable about the menu, specials of the day, and pairings. Although not a large menu, they have options that would satisfy every palate. The swordfish was good, but not great. My S.O. had the Fillet and basically said the same. Now for the main reason I came here? Lobster Mac N Cheese. A little disappointed. I may have heard so many wonderful things about it, that I was expecting more. Don't get me wrong, it was good like the rest of our meal, but didn't blow me away.
(3)
Misi P.
Went here for lunch the other day and had a sirloin burger....I think I got sick from it, but otherwise, it was okay...not as flavourful as a sirloin burger should be. i did like their sea salted french fries though and miniature glass bottles of ginger ale. Nice waitstaff, competent service, just not enough flavour to the food.
(3)
Yvette F.
Outstanding food!!! I actually gained weight from one meal - no kidding. It was that good, start to finish. It's a great place to entertain clients!
(5)
Barb Y.
My family just went here for lunch today and since we were the first guests to arrive this afternoon, we got the BEST seats in the house! The Calamari was excellent because jalapenos were mixed in and I LOVE spicy foods! I ordered a ribeye burger, but I wouldn't suggest it because it was a bit too salty, but I would definitely suggest the Tuna and the Filet Mignon- i took a bite of my mom's and my sister's food... =) The mash potatoes and fries were yummy, but the CLAM CHOWDER is what u really have to try when you go! I mean besides all the other stuff I mentioned. What else? The flourless chocolate cake was yummy especially with coffee! On a side note- the ladies room in this place is very clean and have a lot of USEFUL amenities in case of any mishaps- bobby pins, hairspray, etc... and the waitstaff was great! Very kind and attentive! Check it out!
(4)
Fatty A.
My fat ass ate so much at this restuarant I dont know how I rolled out. We ordered the Calamari with peppers and I felt oily and bloated after eating it. Usually fried calamari at upscale restaurants are light but this one really coated my round belly. The french onion soup was very good here. I am fat and I eat alot of french onion soup. My manatee order fish (manatees only eat seafood) and I had the bone in ribeye recommened by the waiter. The steak was similar to Ruth Chris and pretty impressive The fish was not very good. I would definitely not recommend eating seafood here and I was shocked the fish cost more than my steak! Serves my fat ass right for bringing a fish eater with me. I will definitely go back if I ever visit Chitown again.
(4)
Melissa K.
One of the best steaks I've ever had. I went with some friends and we all ordered a different steak to share. We ended up liking our respective steaks the best. The portions are huge and excellent. And while you're there, get a Stoli Doli. Quite tasty, if you like pineapple martini's. Even if you don't, they're still worth it.
(4)
Ryan C.
Great evening celebrating our anniversary tonight. First our table was ready 5 minutes prior to our reservation. We received a nice table in a small room off the main dining room. Our server, Dave, was stellar. Great explanation of the menu and strong, knowledgeable recommendations. Our cocktails were great - martini w/ blue cheese olives and the signature Stoli Doli. Oscar was top notch on the water service and helping Dave throughout our evening - attentive, but not intrusive. The calamari app (compliments of the chef) was excellent. Lightly fried in garlic butter with hot peppers for a kick - awesome. My wife had the citrus salmon which was cooked to perfection. I selected the bone-in kona sirlion...highly seasoned and cooked a perfect medium rare. As soon as we thought we could eat no more, Dave promptly presented us with a flour less chocolate cake with raspberries, champagne and a Happy Anniversary wish for dessert. In the end, a well delivered meal and The Capital Grille lives up to it's superior yelp reviews.
(4)
J. I.
Everything was perfect! The service was top notch and the food was amazing. I had the filet mignon special and was in pure heaven. Definitely worth the money. The lobster mac-n-cheese lived up to the hype (everyone at the table was raving about it) and the mashed potatoes were great too. Oh, and we also had the calamari appetizer and that was delicious as well! Truly a great dining experience. Would come back again for a special occasion.
(5)
Eric _.
Worth the trip and any price if you are searching for quality. Though it is a chain, it really strives for excellence. I've tried fish(tuna) or filets and everything is great. The atmosphere is very elegant and very professional but comfortable service. The best part, the stoli dolis, pineapples fermented in vodka!
(5)
Tijen D.
I took my husband here for his birthday. He wanted steak and when he heard about the lobster mac n cheese at Capital Grille - he decided that's where he wanted to go. The service was excellent. Our server wished him a Happy Birthday when we arrived and there was a card for him at the table. We started with the salad of field greens because we felt we should order some kind of veggie, however, it was small and basic and not worth the 9 bucks. He had the porterhouse and I had the filet. Our server told me about the different rubs that they offer and I tried the Kona coffee rub. It was fantastic. The steak literally melted in my mouth. The porterhouse was also very flavorful. For sides we ordered the au gratin potatoes and the lobster mac n'cheese (now you see why we needed some veggies!). Both sides were outstanding. The mac n'cheese had large pieces of sweet, tender lobster in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The potatoes were tender and cheesy with a wonderful crispy topping. Our server brought out a complimentary slice of the flourless chocolate cake with a single lit candle for the birthday boy. The cake tasted like a giant truffle, I savored every bite. My husband also ordered a slice of the Key lime pie (which was also complimentary). It was very creamy and limey. It was good, but I personally prefer chocolate. He said it was just good. Finally, our server took our picture and sent it home with us. My husband really enjoyed his birthday there and we loved the food. We needed directions to get to our next location and the hostess asked several servers until one of them could answer that. Really appreciated the excellent service. The manager even followed up with a phone call the next day. I definitely recommend the Capital Grille and would celebrate there in the future.
(4)
Design G.
Great food in the proper setting. Not the gross G.C. crowd but usually dignified and professional. Great for lunch.
(5)
Matt N.
A great steakhouse that for a chain has reason to compete in Chicago. Very good steak in Streeterville setting makes this one of Chicago's better places to enjoy a dinner
(3)
Sydney K.
The best filet mignon I've ever eaten was served at the Capital Grille. A critical aspect of fine meat is the aging process, and the Capital Grille has it down to an art. The environment is classic steakhouse - white linen tablecloths and an attentive staff. One thing I found lacking were the sides - they were a bit dry and uninspired. I enjoy the standard mashed potatoes as much as the next person, but I expect them to be creamy soft buttery, not stiff and lumpy.
(5)
Joe S.
Color me unimpressed with this place. Pedestrian wine list, horrible lighting, lousy lukewarm sides. Usually dry aging improves flavor. Typical bar, decent drinks, pretty friendly staff. You can do much better than CG in Chicago.
(2)
Julia B.
Very good steaks and other types of meats. If your in the mood for a hearty, red meat meal this is the place to go! The steaks were so juicy and seasoned to perfection. If you aren't in the mood for a steak this probably isn't the best place for you because the menu isn't accomodating to many other types of meals. The sides were a bit plain-but the steamed veggies they had were good!
(4)
Kristi W.
Our son graduated from college and we were looking for a place that would make it feel special. We've eaten at Capital Grille in Minneapolis but not the one in Chicago. Great sides like lobster mac and cheese, brussel sprouts, truffle fries. The servers were attentive as always. We had a special bottle of wine that we brought with us for the occasion and they were incredibly accommodating on that as well. We ended with a champagne toast and a sampling of desserts that were terrific especially the coconut cream pie. Nice evening!
(4)
Laura C.
Do yourself a favor and dine here. Not only is the food amazing, the staff is even better. I was planning a group meeting for September and had the pleasure of working with Crystal. In the end the reservation fell through, but that didn't stop Crystal from sending a handwritten note thanking us for considering Capital Grille. Made my day - it was very personal and classy.
(5)
Amy K.
Best anniversary dinner! We were a bit last minute in trying to find a steakhouse to go to for our anniversary, but Capital Grille had a reservation and it turned out to be a real treat for both of us. We were greeted with rose petals and an anniversary card on the table, signed by the wait staff - a very nice touch. The entire staff was gracious and helpful throughout. I got the lobster and my husband had the sirloin. Both were top notch. AND as if that wasn't enough, they treated us to champagne and dessert on the house! We will definitely be going back each year as there wasn't anything more we could have hoped for in celebrating our special day!
(5)
Claire C.
The service was great, food was delicious and flavorful. I ordered lobster and crab cakes, porcini rubbed bone in ribeye and it was massive and delicious. Solid 4 ouf of 5 restaurant.
(4)
Kara G.
My husband, a friend and I went for dinner last night (26th June). We had previously made a reservation for 7pm, however one friend was running late so we had to change to 7:30. I called Capital Grille to ask if this was possible, and they were very accommodating and polite and it was no trouble for them to do so, even with only 30 minutes notice. In the end, the 4th person could not make it at all, but this was also no trouble for them and they re-set our table for 3 people instead. Our server was fantastic. He was so friendly and informative, and patient. My husband and I are British so have accents, and he originally identified them and was asking us geniunely interested questions, without being nosey. We really liked him. He was also very witty and made us laugh a few times. He was knowledgeable about the menu and made good recommendations. He didn't over-sell anything and when we were going to order a third side, he told us we would probably be okay with two. The food was amazing. To start with, we decided to split the wedge salad between us. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and they bought the salad out split 3 ways on individual plates. For main, I had a sirloin steak topped with lobster tails, my husband had a sliced steak with mushrooms and onions and my friend had lobster stuffed shrimp. We shared mashed potatoes and creamed corn. The food tasted fantastic and was cooked to perfection. I am not a huge steak fan, but mine was so tender and tasted so great that I ate the whole lot. The sides were also very nice. It was a good amount of food for the price too. Our server bought us a small sorbet after our main courses, which I thought was a nice touch. My husband and I split a dessert between us - the Cheesecake. It was fantastic - an individual cheesecake with fresh berries and compote. Overall, I give the Capital Grille 5 stars.. the service was fantastic, the food was amazing, and the wine list was huge. The place itself is classy, the bathrooms are clean and luxurious and overall, I could not fault the whole experience. I will definitely go back in the future.
(5)
Sean R.
not impressed by the hype. my ribeye was fatty and chewy and the kona steak was burnt. lobster mac and cheese is okay but lacks flavor
(2)
Mickey A.
My first Restaurant Week experience started off right. Well, if you don't count the rainy and cold day. Soooo... I was looking forward to a lovely evening with some friends and stuffing myself silly with a delicious meal and a tasty drink. And for $33? Hell yes. I did my best to skip the bread in order to save room. Having said that, I started off with the Cesar salad, which was fine. I mean, it's a salad. I ordered the 8-oz filet cooked medium rare. Mmmm. Meat good. Sauteed spinach good. Belly full. Or was it? My creme brulee ended my dinner well. The sugary top was done perfectly, not too burnt or crunchy. I devoured that bad boy in no time...after offering to my dinner companions, of course. My one Stoli Doli wasn't strong last time I was here ( yelp.com/biz/yelp-event-… ). In fact, it was perfect - just as sweet as I like 'em. Can I say how in awe I am of the staff? Nothing but welcoming and having a wonderful memory of their guests. This is definitely a keeper in my book.
(5)
Nancy H.
Fantastic steaks, service, and atmosphere. Minus one star for the mediocre "sides." We came here for our 2-year anniversary dinner. When I made the reservation online, I specified that we were celebrating our anniversary in the comments section. Upon seating, there was a handwritten card on the table that was signed by each server! What a sweet touch! Most of the times, my comments (for anniversaries or birthdays) go forgotten. Needless to say, our meal started off perfectly. The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and DARK in here with sturdy dining room furniture. Do dress well - at least put on some jeans. You will be very underdressed wearing shorts and flipflops. We got the wedge salad ($10; bad - overly dressed), a bowl of lobster bisque ($10; good - with large chunks of lobter), lobster mac & cheese ($15; bad - the cream never fully thickened, and the pasta was too al dente), sliced filet with cipollini onions and mushrooms ($43; great - until I tasted the Kona, which took steaks to another level!), and the Kona crusted dry-aged sirloin ($43; stupendous - the absolute best steak I've had since I can remember!).
(4)
Franky A.
Classic Chicago steakhouse. A true original. Highly recommend coming if you're visiting town. Stick with the best.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Amazing and truly expensive. Truffle fries were outstanding. The sea bass melted in my mouth. Had a taste of the flour-less chocolate cake which was amazing! Great night.
Excellent service. Was in and out within an hour when I went there during a workday. Great steak. Go during lunch for reasonable prices!
(4)
Sarah G.
UPDATE: Was contacted by Crystal from the restaurant, she apologized & offered to send a GC to us so we can give it another shot. I look forward to posting again once I've dinned there. I always appreciate when a follow up is received, it's a good sign.
(2)
Kenya C.
Lobster Crab cakes is a must try! Thee best! Lambs Chops are fantastic. I've tried other Capital Grille locations in other states, wasnt impressed.
(5)
Renee E.
To be honest, I may not have ever experience The Capital Grille, were it not for a relative who gave my husband and I a gift certificate for our wedding last year. I'm so glad we went. I'd only ever sat at the bar for drinks, so it was nice to venture on down to the dining area. Definitely doesn't feel like a chain, which was well appreciated. The atmosphere was really relaxing. Our service was top notch. We started with the tomato, mozzarella and basil salad (which for some reason was not listed as a caprese, but who cares?) We told our server that we were going to split it and it came out nicely arranged on 2 separate plates. We saw many going out to the dining room and it really looked like a very large portion for just one person. I'm a recovering vegan/vegetarian, so I really don't know much about steak, much less enough to trust myself to pick a good choice (even when I ate meat, I was more a fowl than a cow person), so I asked my server if she would recommend the dry aged or the filet mignon. The sliced filet mignon with cipollini onions and wild mushrooms won out. Man, it was SOOOOO delicious! It really was a perfectly cooked, lean slice of yum. My husband ordered the porcini-encrusted Delmonico, which he enjoyed, but probably would've liked my filet better, as there was quite a bit of fat to trim off of his steak. For sides, and I appreciated that we were offered the option of ordering smaller sizes, I chose the seasonal squash with maple butter, which I could not stop eating and the haricots with roasted tomatoes. The sides rounded everything out nicely and left me too full for dessert! Next time I go back, I need to save a little room.
(5)
Karen C.
The only way I was going to ever get to eat here was if someone else was paying, so yay for a work-lunch outing! I went with one of the $15 lunch "plates" options... and I admit, $15 for what I received was well worth it, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be back on my own dime. I had the Corn Bisque (sweet, creamy & delicious), Lobster Roll (YUM. Giant pieces of lobster, and it wasn't overly mayo'd) and Truffle Fries (no explanation necessary. Delicious). I only deduct one star because we were seated next to the server station, servers had to bump into my chair to get to the water pitchers, yet my glass pretty much always remained empty. Kind of annoying. Other than that, the food was great, and I'd love to go back.
(4)
Colleen P.
This review is long overdue because I don't ever write Yelp reviews but felt I needed to for Capital Grille. I have been to a lot of other Chicago Steakhouses...Mortons, Gibsons, S&W, Chicago Cut...you name it. But Capital Grille is the ONLY one that I keep coming back to. Everytime the service is amazing and the food is delicious. Some of the other viewers stated that they are overpriced, but I think they are compareable to most others and the service and food is that much better. Whatever it is Capital Grille is doing, I hope that they continue to do it. Any occasion there is I make a reservation here...birthdays, anniversary, work dinner. I highly recommend the porcini rubbed delmonico with balsamic and the butter poached lobster tail (which you can add to any meal).
(5)
Monte H.
Rather faceless and impersonal steakhouse. Never heard of it until a $50 gift card arrived from Amex. Checked it out, twice (got 2 gift cards). First time was pretty decent, had the swordfish I believe. Tasted good. Service was OK. The room/decor are nice but it feels a bit corporate and flown-in from the east coast. 2nd time was a different story. Went on a Thursday night and it was busy. Waiter was a bit distant and aloof. Got the lamp chops. Tasted OK and were a bit undercooked. I've had much better at a lower price elsewhere (Greektown!). Won't be back until Amex ups the ante and sends me $100 gift card. And then maybe, just maybe, I'll pay them a visit. Oh yeah, the mixed drinks are watery and overpriced. Avoid!
(2)
Elliott D.
I had a great experience at this location. I'd never been to a Capital Grille before even though I have passed them both in the city and out in the suburbs. I suppose I'd never gone because I'm always a little skeptical of chains when we have so many good independent steakhouses in Chicago. That kind of thinking was a big mistake. When I went there with my dad it was both of our first visits so we weren't quite sure what to expect though I had heard good things. This is a little bit on the expensive size but it's comparable to similar steakhouses and the service matches the price. The service was great. We were seated right away and our waitress was friendly and attentive. She made some good recommendations on food and it was all a hit. We started out with the fried calamari which was a great adaptation of a classic. It had a great kick to it because of the peppers sprinkled throughout the platter. We followed that up with soup. My dad had the clam chowder and said it was pretty good; not necessarily anything special but good. I had the French Onion soup which was delicious, even though I'd basically say any decent Onion soup with great Gruyere on top is a-ok with me. For my main course I had the Delmonico steak with a mushroom sauce on top. It was delicious. The steak was cooked at a perfect medium rare and the sauce was a wonderful compliment. I'm a huge fan of mushrooms and these were particularly well cooked and seasoned. We shared the lobster mac and cheese which had a great taste and was generous with the lobster meat. I also had grilled asparagus which was nicely seasoned with sea salt and olive oil cooked to perfection. To sum up, it's a great steak place and this location has wonderful service as one would expect at a more upscale restaurant.
(4)
Michele M.
The Capital Grille was excellent. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The service was absolutely extraordinary. I found the Chilean Sea Bass to be outstanding. The texture of the fish and the blend of flavors were perfect. Our table shared the creamed spinach and lobster mac and cheese sides. Both were remarkable. I did love the lobster mac and cheese. I can see why so many reviewers commented on it. The entire experience was delightful. I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Chicago.
(5)
William S.
Steakhouses are serious business in Chicago (and throughout the Midwest for that matter). I've dined at other 'top-tier' steakhouses in Chicago, St. Louis, NYC, Dayton, Cleveland, Cincy and Columbus. They know beef in this part of our country. What we get in terms of a steak Cali is a joke compared to what people are used to here. My favorite out of all of them is possibly an unconventional choice even for most Chicagoans: the Capital Grille. CG has lots of competition: Gene & Georgetti, Gibsons, Wildfire, Joe's, churrascarias and celeb chef steakhouses . I know CG is a chain, but I like...correction love this restaurant for steak and for its unparalleled service. It's clear to me now, service especially at a steakhouse is critical to one's happines :)) Try it once and I'd love to hear what you think. The service environment here is un-f*&^ingbelievable! It's attentive and I feel waiters are keeping an eye on you from "the back of their heads". For me, no other steak establishment in Chicago rivals Capital Grille's standards for service and quality of meats. In fact the meats here, taste just as good (and when flavored with porcini, waaaaay better) and well prepared as any of the somewhat tired standards in this town. I love the Porcini rubbed Delmonico, Dry-Aged Porterhouse here. It sounds contorted but it's not. The 12 yr old balsamic drizzle (reduction) that comes with it is just right, if it were a leap older, it would be paired with dessert. I love this steak with a delectable Amarone or a fine azz Malbec. CG does this dish right to put it simply. I am a firm believer in a traditional unadorned grilled steak but here I make the exception. If you prefer an undressed steak, you can ask for that at CG also. I have ordered and enjoyed a grilled filet and the steak was grilled to my liking with charred edges the way it's grilled at Gibsons and some favorite steakhouses in St. Louis and Cincy. Outside of Argentine/ Brazilian beef, midwest beef surely comes second when it comes to flavor and CG Chicago tops this list for me. Ya ya, there's Wagyu and Kobe but those to me are on a different plane altogether and will not compare them here. Finally, the sides ooooh the sidez. They're very good but who has room when you have the best steak and an amazing wine to go with it. I just like some asparagus or a plain salad after my steak and that's just how I roll. Service-wise, the CG in Chicago, has shared with me the most attentive focus compared to most steakhouses I have visited. I've visited other CG locations: in LA, Ohare and in Jacksonville. All are ok, good, but is just not the same, the politeness and service levels are there, but not the same. Every single visit at the dtown Chicago location was consistent and superb. On top of that, I'm not on the receiving end of stodgy attitude from a Peter Luger/ Gibsons waiter (that well-worn steakhouse staff attitude that bores me to no end). I'm paying you good money, treat me well g-DAMMIT!! Finally, the best 'user experience' at a restaurant to me is when your senses and palate are heightened from the well prepared food, how the service delivery feeds and nurtures that high and you are smiling an hour after you've left the restaurant. Yeah that feeling....when you just had soul food! Food is not theatre here, nor is it cerebral. It's about feeding the soul. Tonite is my 11th time here. I notice, CG Chicago and thank you. Visits: 10+
(5)
Anne B.
We love the Capital Grille. Been to a couple in Washington/Virginia area, but this was our first time to the Chicago instance. We kept it simple with a steak (cooked and seasoned perfectly!) and shared creamed corn (not too "creamy" but so fresh and sweet I sigh when I think about it). The service is always friendly and warm, not stuffy, but elegant and attentive- perfect! My one disappointment, as a Californian who can rarely get to CG, is that they didn't have my favorite CG dessert- the Key Lime Pie! It is bar none the most luxurious orgasmic key lime pie ever. They apparently decided it didn't belong in the Midwest or some such nonsense. Well... I had to settle for the cheesecake, which was completely outstanding... but I really was breathlessly anticipating the KLP all day, so I was completely devastated for at least 30 seconds...
(5)
Michael S.
Wow... Total winner for restaurant week! Didn't know this was a chain, nor do I care as the food and service here was the best I had out of all the restaurants visited during restaurant week. Clam chowder: Not really a standout, but this was really good. Caesar salad: Same as the clam chowder. Kona crusted steak: My, my... this was really good. Had Ruth's Chris the night before and I think this steak was just as good if not better than Ruth's Chris one. To be fair though, they are different. I appreciated that it didn't have all the gratuitous butter that Ruth's Chris had, but I did like both a lot. Capital Grille's steak was nice and juicy and I really liked the kona crust. Flourless chocolate espresso cake: Not a chocolate guy, but OMG!!! This was so dense and just really good. By far my favorite dessert I've had in a while. Just so good especially with the espresso notes and not just chocolate. Creme brulee: Well, it's creme brulee. I wouldn't say it's better than other creme brulees, but this was really good. Really nice sugar crust to crack here. Food was really good... Service was even better. I don't remember the waitress, but she was really nice. I thought it would be pretentious here, but this was not the case. You can check Alisa M's review for the name of the waitress as I don't remember. Overall, just had a great experience which is the way I think restaurant week 2011 should end for us. Yes, the place is pricey sans restaurant week, but this is one of the places that I know I'll be back to regardless of specials. Totally worth the cost and more!
(5)
Shelby S.
Great steak, as you'd expect, but also some nice departures from the traditional steakhouse menu. Well-appointed, steakhouse-style atmosphere (a bit dark and moody). Well-trained and properly-attentive service (much-props, Caleb B). Huge sides, but they do splits, so still workable for singles and pairs.
(4)
M K B.
Celebrated my birthday @ Capital Grille & the staff could not have been more attentive & welcoming! Food was outstanding, particularly the stone crab claws. Kimber our waitress had recently relocated yet provided excellent recommendations & conspired with my friend for a birthday surprise dessert. Worth every dollar!
(5)
Rod C.
Outstanding! This is what I expect from a steak house in Chicago! The service was impeccable, and the food was incredible! The Delmonica steak was one of the best that I've had in Chicago! Try the Mac'n'cheese as an appetizer! I highly recommend dining at the Capital Grille!
(5)
Stephanie L.
OMG....who am I turning into....giving 5 stars to a CHAIN....GASP!~ Dammit! Im going insane....(throw some glitter, make it rain....) So I went here the Friday before Restaurant week and then I ended up going the Friday of Restaurant week so I can comment on both experiences. First time, we sat at the bar....love sitting at the bar. As an extra bonus you get complimentary still or sparkling water if you eat at the bar....SHE SHE SHE. The wine selection was impeccable. Fantastic whites. We ordered a whole lot of food because everything sounded so good. Caesar salad (with white anchovies....YUM! I know its gross but they are so good), sushi grade sesame grade tuna (YUM!), lobster mac and cheese, and one of the dry aged steaks....all of it was fabuloso...I went to the bathroom to unbutton my jeans at the end....it was HOT! I really hook, line and sinkered him there. Second time, we sat in a booth (love booths). We all decided to get different things and share. So we tried the mixed greens & caesar salad for apps....both good. Kona sirloin, filet, and salmon....oh man...the kona preparation was AMAZING!!!! It was so rich, but I ate the whole freaking thing. The sides were just ok....mashed potatoes and the spinach....I really think they should have offered up the lobster mac n cheese...the desserts we had the ice cream, chocolate cake and some pudding thing....I cant remember after two bottles of wine. All of it fixed our fancy The great thing about this place for restaurant week is they are actually offering stuff off the real menu with lots of selection. Some of the other places are just trying to give you crap to get in there and say you have ate there. I would go back. Although, I think its fair enough to say that twice in a week is enough for a LONG time.....
(5)
Cindy M.
Had a great time, service and food was excellent. My steak was amazing but my favorite was the lobster Mac n cheese. A few others had fish dishes that were also very good.
(4)
Ernest S.
I went here before and I thought the place was pretty average. The ambiance and service were great but the food was just okay. I even had the famed delmonico and it was good but I still didn't understand why people loved Capital Grille as much as they did. This time though, I tried the 12 year aged balsamic with one of the petite filets I got and that sauce hit it out of the ballpark for me. That and the impeccable service/great ambiance makes my rating 4 stars.
(4)
KB C.
Keep it simple- I just had a pc of Filet Mignon, green beans and a couple glasses of wine. All were cooked to perfection...except the wine of course. It seems that every time I drop in the Capital Grille, it's always good solid food. Not one complaint. If you're a traveler, sit at the bar and order up. Not too many greasy dudes hanging around to bother you.
(4)
Steve K.
My experience was pretty good. Took out the gf and it did not disappoint. Our server Jan was great. She really took great care of us. It was our first time here and we really did not know what to order. She made some great recommendations. Truffle fries were amazing. Porterhouse was incredible. The dry aged ribeye was really good. Overall a good dining experience. Will be back.
(4)
Matt C.
My final dinner out in Chicago, The Capital Grille did not disappoint. My parents came to town and we decided on hitting a classic Chicago steakhouse; the GM at my restaurant put The Capital Grille on her short list. We had an early reservation, so the restaurant wasn't full. We were seated at a nice booth and had a server who, as the evening went on, loosened up and was enjoyable. He was confident, polite, and extremely knowledgeable; the only thing he lacked was a really upbeat demeanor. As far as the food was concerned, we were not disappointed. We shared a few appetizers (including a delicious calamari) and each ordered a different steak and preparation for entrees. Each steak was cooked perfectly to order; our server helped us with temperatures and knew exactly how the kitchen would prepare and cook each steak. Each treatment was done well, too -- Oscar, au poivre, etc. Yes, I name-dropped, telling our server that I worked for a restaurant around the corner and was being transferred across the country. But I still found it very thoughtful when the kitchen sent out a complimentary dessert tray for us. Nice touch. Wine list was fantastic, as well. Moderately reasonable selections and our server offered tastes when we weren't sure what to get.
(4)
Julia S.
Came here for lunch, to celebrate a co-workers birthday! What a delight! Excellent service and delicious food (think: carrot/ginger soup, seared scallops with a side of truffle fries and some flowerless chocolate cake for desert). Life is not bad at all.
(4)
Jennifer T.
We went here for my birthday a few days ago. I'm one who likes to do something more familiar and comforting on my birthday rather than try a new place because who wants to be let down on their birthday? The Capital Grille didn't let me down! The breads brought to the table were really good. I had a really good filet mignon and the hubs had lamb stuffed with a cheese, I don't remember what kind but it was a special of the day. We shared a side of yummy mashed potatoes as well. Our waitress, Abby, was really nice. Always attentive, even though she had a few other tables including one of at least 12 right next to us. She noticed there was a birthday card for me, so after our meal she brought out a lovely chocolate dessert with a lit candle and took our picture with her camera! I've never been to a restaurant that gives me a nice picture and card for my birthday. It was a great experience and we can't wait to visit again!
(5)
Kathleen C.
I still really enjoy Capital Grille. I think the food is fantastic, and service is superb. I have been there many times, and have always been very pleased. However, I have to make a comment.... Dear Capital Grille: You charge $40+ for entrees....these meals are wonderful. Service is attentive, helpful and not overbearing. I realize you want to have little amenities in the bathrooms...please...put the Target lotion in a different container! For the prices charged for food (which I'm not complaining about), please either buy upscale lotion (that you haven't written on with marker) or put it in a plain, non-descript container. It seems silly that everything else is done so nicely, but in the bathroom, there are mismatched, random containers cluttering up a little stand. It could look so much better! Thanks!
(5)
Carlos S.
The restaurant is nice. I felt the service was a bit snobby as they asked us like 10 times why we where there (we where we'll dressed and had reservation). I had the fillet mignon which for me was a 6/10 and my wife had a NY strip and her s was 8/10. The vallamari was good 7/10. The asparagus was 6/10. Creme bulle was 8/10. The gruet sparkling 7/10. Would I go back? Probably not. Check was $175.
(3)
Chris G.
Edgar behind the bar is a class act. The filet mignon. Honestly? Heavenly. So much flavor. Silky. Flour less espresso dark choc heaven. Crab cake burger knocks it out of the park. It's great to have this posh lunch time offering available. Never underestimate the joy of lunchtime classic jazz either.
(5)
Ivankah S.
I was so excited about finally trying Capital Grille. Especially after a co worker raved about their pineapple martinis. I usually head to Joes seafood or Maestros for a special dinner, but thought I'd try something new. A few friends and I came on a weeknight to celebrate a small milestone. The restaurant is beautiful and service was good. However, the food was just not up to par. Especially for the price. We started with the cold shellfish platter and pineapple martinis. The martinis were good but tiny and VERY expensive for a tiny martini. I ordered salmon which was extremely salty. So salty my lips kinda hurt after dinner! My other friend had steak with gorganzola and truffle butter. Super salty! The halibut was very plain. We ordered brussell sprouts that came out very under cooked. The only dish that was good were the scallops. The bill came out to around 450$ (4ppl) I don't mind dropping some cash for dinner, but I just want it to be a bit more exceptional for that kind of money.
(2)
J. Spencer M.
A true top notch steak house in Chicago. The services is formal and attentive. The appetizers are impressive and delicious. We ordered the multi-level seafood tower and it was spectacular. Great oysters and shrimp. The steak (the most important part!) was excellent. I had ordered it medium rare and it was a little on the rare side but this seems to be the tendency for steakhouses of this quality. I will return someday, but there are so many competitive steakhouses in the area that it's hard to repeat.
(4)
Jessica M.
Capital Grille took me by surprise when they were listed on the 2015 Chicago Restaurant Week for $33 per person with a three-course menu that included steak. The deal was too good to be missed. My first course was a bowl of hearty clam chowder with a slight hint of black pepper. It was rich and creamy, making it especially desirable for the cold weather. For the second course, I chose the 8 ounce filet mignon over the other two steak choices because I prefer a smaller portion with more natural flavors even as irresistible as shallot butter is. The steak was perfectly done at medium rare. My only complaint was the meat being slightly rough on the edges. And finally, I ended my meal with a sweet and classic creme brulee. It was standard and much more tolerable than my friend's sugar-stacked, flourless chocolate espresso cake. A line was formed as we were leaving at 9pm. You may take that as a hint at how solid they are.
(4)
Fred H.
Normally a steak guy however I tried the tuna with ginger rice and found a new favorite. Large pan seared tuna with white rice and a trio of sauces. Added the lobster mac n cheese for one of the best meals ever... Can't miss the Stolli Doli pineapple martini.
(5)
Jamie B.
Eh I don't know what happened but it's not as good as I thought. Last night's tuna was practically inedible as it was wayyyy over salted. Saltier than my husband's steak and I have no clue how that's even possible. I had to cut the seared crust off the tuna because it was inedible. The tomato and mozz salad was also a miss- lacking balsamic and the tomatoes were milly. Would return for a drink and snack at the bar, do dinner elsewhere.
(3)
Toni R.
This was by far the best gastronomy I've experienced. For starters the wine list, cocktails and desserts were on an iPad. Our waiter, Matthew Miller was very knowledgeable about the wines and the food. He was also patient, he took his time to help us find a great wine. The crab cakes were excellent, moist and meaty and the corn was a great touch. The scallops and risotto was on point. Scallops were cooked to perfection, moist and perfect texture. Lastly, the lobster mac was delighting. By this time I was full but every bite was very flavorful. To top everything off, we were bought out a surprise dessert platter with chocolate cake and cheesecake!! In the middle there was a message inscribed in chocolate, "congratulations." My friend was expecting.
(5)
Sharon C.
i brought my brother here for dinner on their second-to-last night in chicago, and (a) do not be intimidated by what yelp calls "dressy" attire, because people were wearing t-shirts and cargo shorts and (b) it was approximately $60/person, but i would say it was so worth it. we got: BRUSSEL SPROUTS: can we just talk about brussel sprouts for a second and how sad it is that they have such a bad rep but when they are freaking delicious. these were delicious. they were very, very good. 5/5 SOCKEYE SALMON WITH CHIPOTLE GLAZE: this is what i got, because i wasn't very hungry. which was perfect, because this wasn't very good. i can't put my finger on what exactly it was, but, unfortunately, i wasn't a huge fan. 3/5. STRIP STEAK & PORTERHOUSE STEAK: these two are what my brothers got, and they agreed that the dry aged strip steak was better, but they absolutely destroyed both of them. like they were gnawing the last bits of meat off the bones. it was kind of embarrassing, actually. 5/5. overall, i would come back, but i probably wouldn't the seafood - even though it was exceptionally instagrammable.
(4)
Norm J.
Yes, this is a chain restaurant; but I'm still giving this location of The Capital Grille 4 stars. Living so close to this Capital Grille I've been here numerous times and always enjoyed my dining experience (lunch and dinner). The service you receive here is always stellar and the food is always delicious and filling. My last time dining here was last night for a friend's birthday and again the dining experience was first rate. When we were seated at the table there was a birthday card waiting for him that was signed by all wait staff (nice touch). For starters we had a cup of French Onion Soup which was standard, but still good. Our selection for our entrees was the 14oz Top Sirloin with the Lobster Mac & Cheese and Oscar Style Roasted Potatoes. * The 14oz sirloin was cooked to perfection, flavorful and filling (I bought about 7oz home - ha dirty). * The Lobster Mac & Cheese was good, but I would have liked more lobster in the dish. * The Oscar Style Roasted Potatoes was something I haven't seen at our restaurants. The crab meat was plentiful and made me a happy man. The roasted potatoes were good, but the asparagus could have been cut a little thinner. At the end of the meal our server Aaron M, who provided amazing service to us, brought out a celebration platter which consisted of a mini flourless chocolate espresso cake and mini cheesecake. Both desserts received two thumbs up from the birthday boy and from me because they were free!
(4)
Liz J.
Very rarely do I have an A+ experience at a restaurant, but the Capital Grille surpassed my every expectation. Came here for my boyfriend's birthday dinner last night. I called the day before and told them it was his birthday and we were met at the door with Happy Birthdays from everyone we encountered. They seated us in a huge booth adorned with balloon confetti and a happy birthday card signed by all of the staff members. The service was prompt and top notch--our waiter Aaron explained the menu options in detail and was attentive without being overbearing. The drinks were strong and the food--ABSOLUTELY delicious. I chose this place because of the reviews for the lamb chops (my bf's fave dish) and they held up to the reviews. Fantastic flavor. They were initially a little too rare for my BF's taste, and Aaron took them back and customized them to my bf's liking (and even had the foresight to bring an extra plate while we were waiting so my bf could eat the sides). We also ordered the salmon and the lobster mac n cheese, both delicious. At the end of the evening, Aaron brought us a happy birthday cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake AND sample-size glasses of Stoli vodka that had been soaked in a pineapple for 14 days (yes, 14 days). All in all, EVERY facet of this experience was A+. We agree it's our new favorite restaurant. Ask for Aaron! Bonus: my boyfriend is a political junkie so the decor (portraits of politicians) took it over the edge!
(5)
Laura C.
For a chain restaurant, Capital does a decent job on steaks and service, but stay away from the extras. $12 for a wedge salad will you get an 1/8th of a head of iceberg, covered in pre-made bulk dressing and a few out of season tomatoes. The clam chowder was decent, as is a can of Progresso for a fraction of the price. We were upsold on the Kona coffee rub, which added a touch of flavor, but not the best value. Meat quality was excellent, but the plates are pretty barren in terms of appearance. Desserts are generous in size, but run of the mill in selection. Basic creme brulee/chocolate tortes/pies will do the trick, but as an ex-bakery cook, they are a bit lackluster. Service by far will bring me back here. With just the right amount of humor and upselling skills, the service team knows what they're doing. This is Chicago, though, and there are way too many better steakhouses to pay this one a second visit.
This place was amazing. I was definitely underdressed in jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt but my fiancee was looking great as usual. Go figure. Haha. Even though I looked like a bum we received a very warm welcome and were seated immediately at 5pm. Yes, 5pm, that's supper time in Iowa where we're from. We are very well traveled though and we've ate at a lot of swanky places but The Capital Grill Chicago is now by far my favorite. We both had the Lobster Crab Cakes which the chef personally paired perfectly an amazing white wine. I've had some pretty great crab cakes in the past but these things. I literally cut my bites in half and chewed extra slowly so I could savor these that much longer. They were absolutely amazing. For our main course we both had an off menu item, the Filet Oscar topped with Crab and a side of Asparagus. This was yet another breath taker. The Filet was so tender it could be cut with a dull spoon and the flavor was perfect. The asparagus was nice a crisp. Everything was just amazing. Plain and simple. Our wait staff also outdid themselves again by selecting the perfect red wine to go with our steaks. I wish I could say I tried their desert but they did not skimp on the portions at all so I was stuffed. This is by far my new favorite restaurant in the Chicago area.
(5)
Azin J.
Came on during restaurant week and got the wedge salad, Caesar Salad, 2 top Sirloin & the creme Brule and flour less espresso cake. Everything was GREAT! Our server Matthew Miller was AMAZING and amazingly attentive. I would definitely ask to be seated in his section next time.
(5)
Justin B.
While the warm bread served before the meal was a disappointment, and the wedge salad was a bit too heavy on the dressing, the Capital Grille's Signature Cheeseburger, Truffle Fries and the Chocolate Espresso Flourless Cake were so good that I almost forgot what opened the meal. Goodness, this was amazing. And the place just reeks of tradition, class and old people...seriously, there are pictures of presidents and battlefields on the walls, so at least you won't get pummeled by hipsters as you enjoy your steaks. A friend who joined this meal got the dry aged sirloin salad...that meat was incredible. This was close to five-star territory, were it not for the subpar opening round. Our server was very swift, and thanks to the chef for cooking my burger rare, just like I asked. Why can't more restaurants get that part right???
(4)
Edward W.
We've been here several times now. Always a top notch meal in a great steakhouse. Service stands out.
(5)
Mike G.
In the past I'd always shied away from Capital Grille, turned off by its pricey entrees ($45-$55). Walking by last night on our way to dinner the sub-zero temperature enticed us to duck inside for a quick glass of wine. SPOILER ALERT: We stayed for dinner and probably too many drinks. We sat at the bar which was warm and cozy, just what we needed on a cold night. We ordered several appetizers (asparagus, caesar salad, lobster mac, au gratin potatoes) which were all great and reasonably priced. I wouldn't hesitate to go back and I apologize for any disparaging comments I may have previously made to my friends about this place.
(4)
Kawone H.
Fantastic service defines the Capital Grille! For several years, I have planned to give this place a try. It offers one of the best, if not the best, Restaurant Week menu for a steakhouse. Excellent options are available. Connie was a breathe of fresh air as a server. She explained the menu, even the secret menu options. In fact, the entire staff seemed to be onboard to make customers feel welcome and appreciated. I would love to return. The classic decor stands out with high ceilings and wood paneling. The food was great. The signature Kona crusted sirloin was cooked perfectly and tasted great! Honestly, the side dishes were just that, a nice side show. I enjoyed them, but wanted to focus all of my attention on the main attraction Kona crusted sirloin. The wild mushrooms, however, were some of the best of Chi steakhouses. Look, Capital Grille is not the best steakhouse in town. It is, however, one of the better ones and a top notch restaurant for overall dining. I love the fact that your server will have the valet get your car and bring your keys to you. That is full service. Thank you for a great dining experience!
(4)
John T.
One of the best meals I have ever had. My gf and I started with the Blue Point oysters that came with a great vinegarette and cocktail sauce and also some lobster bisque. The oysters we're extremely fresh-tasting and delightful, while the soup was out of this world. Our main dishes were a pricing rubbed demonic steak finished in a balsamic glaze that absolutely blew my mind and a seared tuna that was sushi grade deliciousness. As a side dish, we got the lobster mac and cheese that, if possible, was a dish to bathe in...it was THAT good...for sanitary reasons, though, I wouldn't recommend it. We finished the meal off with a great creme brulee that I'd definitely put towards the top of my list of city's best. From service to food quality, this place was top notch through and through.
(5)
Jackie M.
For a traditional and chain steak house, Capital Grille would be a 4 stars. However, for a Chicagoan point of view, Capital Grille is really A-OKAY average good steak house. Chicago is very competitive when it comes to Steak: David Burkes, Mastro, Sullivan, Chicago Cut, Gene and Georgetti, Chicago Cut, and etc. Compared to the local offerings, capital grille would not be first choice. I was there Saturday night for restaurant week 2015. It was a good deal for dinner prefix menu $33 and secret menu of adding a lobster tail for $10. Ceasar salad - average salad Kona crusted dry aged sirloin 14oz - Choice of 18oz for additional $10. I ordered for medium rare which was cooked as requested. It was lean and good, but not amazingly unforgettable. It a good average steak, but I wouldn't pay $44 regular price for average. The kona crust added more flavor to the steak. Chocolate espresso flourless cake - It came with a generous slice which was bit too much for one serving. It was more of a dark chocolate mousse. The first few bite was good, but it was too heavy to finish. I also sampled the classic creme brulee which was good and average of what it's expected. The lobster tail was presented in a broth of butter mix. It was already deboned from the shell. It was cooked just right (not overdone). Overall, it was a good experience and good company with friends. (it was my bday dinner). I probabaly wont try this place again. Been there, done that. Valet was $14 and coat check available. Great service!
(3)
Meg B.
Very tasty steaks! And really good & professional service! Wade M.! Thank you so much:)
(5)
Tom D.
We don't often choose a steakhouse for dinner but our first night in Chicago we were in that red meat state of mind. This Capital Grille is the perfect combination of being classy, very comfortable and not at all pretentious. We started with a couple of salads, Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing and also Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette. Both were tasty and perfectly dressed. The steaks followed, a Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter and a large filet mignon. Both came medium rare and were melt in your mouth tender. Also ordered the lobster mac & cheese (Yum!) and asparagus for sides. Our server was especially helpful. I was looking at the wine list and she suggested I try the Malbec that was being served by the glass and by bottle. It was excellent and one of the least expensive wines on the list. If you are craving a steak Capital Grille is a great place to satisfy that urge.
(5)
John S.
Went to dinner to celebrate a birthday and it was fantastic. We were greeted at the door by a friendly staff and lead to a table in a private room. After being seated we were moved to a better table because there was a group in the room with some small children and the children were crying so we appreciated that. We had the calamari with peppers as an appetizer and it was enough for four people. We then had the wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon and each serving was a half of a head of lettuce. Definitely filling. For the main course I had the bone in ribeye steak and I must say it was the most tender steak I have ever had and I have been to all of the steakhouses downtown. The flavor was great and it was cooked just right. While we were waiting to decide whether to order dessert our server came by with a slice of complementary flourless chocolate cake and a coconut cheesecake. We were then offered two glasses of complementary sparkling wine for the birthday toast and we accepted. Overall, it was a great evening and the food was fantastic. We have been to the Capitol Grille many times in the past but I must say that this was probably the best meal we've ever had there and will keep going back.
(5)
Karl K.
Perfection. Definitely the place to bring someone important. ------------------------- So my former colleagues and I were excited to meet up with our mentor in Chicago. After discussing various options, we decided to go to Capital Grille. This was an outstanding choice. Very sophisticated venue. The front of the restaurant has private lockers for the VIP's / regular patrons. We got a decent spread, including: Calamari and banana peppers - great combo. The spice of the hot peppers definitely cuts through the grease of the dish. Garlic Parmesan fries - double fried. Crisped to golden perfection. Simply delicious. Filet oscar - a 10oz filet mignon topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and a butter sauce. Perfectly cooked medium rare steak (I mean they are a steakhouse, right?). Each morsel was an umami-filled, melt in your mouth experience. On a funny note, we were contemplating an order of Opus One, proprietary blend. For $135, we thought this was a relative bargain with minimal markup. Then the waitress said, that price is for HALF a bottle. Oops. Dinner for four was $680. Like I said, not an everyday thing, but definitely the place to go if you want to make a good impression.
(5)
Francis R.
Easily one of my favorites in Chicago... If you're looking for legit steak, look no further! I've been here on more than one occasion, but I have to give some props to the waiter we've had on multiple occasions, Mr. Scott Johnston! If you have Scott as your waiter, you're in for a treat for the night! Super knowledgable & friendly dude! He's definitely been around for some time and can point you in the right direction for whatever it is you're looking for. The service has always been nothing short of spectacular and the food amazing! I recommend the lobster mac n cheese, delmonico, & the kona crusted dry age steak! The kona crusted dry age seems to be the most popular and on their menu year round, so definitely a solid option! On a final note, if you're celebrating anything special, DON'T BE SHY. They take care of you whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any sort of special day! Til next time, cheers!
(5)
Jerry T.
Great friendly service and a nice atmosphere. The food was solid even though on the salad I had a little less Goganzola Cheese would have not been so overpowering. The Bone in Filet I had was very good. The salmond however was overlooked. Good-not great and a bit pricy but recommended.
(4)
Gina C.
Can U say Delish! The steak was 2 die 4, the Lobster Mac N Cheese melted in my mouth, not 2 mention the asparagus and crab cakes were 2nd to none!! This will be my go 2 place 4 fine dining in Chicago and other cities where they have a presence.
(5)
Jean L.
I'm a little shocked that I haven't written a review til now. I've been here three times now and it's still by far my favorite steakhouse. I'm a little embarrassed that this is the case, given that it's a chain. But the customer service is so nice, not-overwhelming (a flaw many steakhouses have) and just suave. My favorite thing here is the porterhouse, although the lobster mac and cheese is one of the best. This location really does do it big on anniversaries, birthdays, etc. I've had anywhere from cake to champagne. I can't say enough good things about this steakhouse, and they've even managed to perfect the "greasy but not too greasy" steak.
(5)
Jenny D.
4 1/2 stars Can't stay away for long, I came back to Capital Grille again 2 days after my first visit. This time Dave was my server. He was just as nice, polite, and attentive as Valerie. Since I was dinning all alone, he let me ordered half portions at half prices, so I have more choices. Guess what I had for dinner again? Lump of crab cocktail of course, followed with lobster bisque, which by the way is much better than Capital Grille in Costa Mesa, CA. Half portion of fried calamari and half cream of corn. Follow by creme brulee, of course. Such a delicious meal for my last night in Chicago. Not sure when I will be in town again. At least I got the chance to say goodbyes to Valerie before I walked out the door. Definitely will miss Chicago and its fine dining all together.
(4)
Stephy S.
Extremely fancy place! Our waiter even gave us his business card at the end of the meal...aka that type of fancy. Too bad he didn't know I can't afford to come here regularly ;) We came here for a business dinner, and our Rep ordered everything under the moon for us. Crab cakes, lobster mac and cheese, tater tots, mashed potatoes, etc. All very good sides, I recommend the mac and cheese definitely. I got the "one-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter." it was amazing!! The others got "Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with 15-Year Aged Balsamic," which was also beautiful in taste. Great meats. For dessert we got strawberries/cream, coconut cream pie, and creme brulee. The coconut cream pie was to-die for. I would've licked the plate if it was not a business dinner. All in all, great service and amazing food. Must haves of the night: the One-In Kona and Coconut Cream Pie!
(5)
Dain O.
Would have to agree with review by "Jamie B" regarding the saltiness of the tuna, however it was far from inedible. Not sure where she's dining, the tuna was great, however I wish I ordered steak like the rest of my family as they loved it. Outstanding service you would expect at a place with this reputation. 4 stars because the server brought out "free desert" that was included on our bill. Sounded like an honest mistake, but I would double check your bill after they bring "free desert". Also, I don't like this trend of the drink menu on an iPad. Takes away from the classy feel. Also, there was a TV encased in a frame with a still of a painting..? Real 1st world problem here but it made me think way too much about why this was there.. is this another trend like the iPad? Are they really that cheap to project a painting rather than buy one? Overall, I would highly recommend this place if you're looking to celebrate or have the money.
(4)
David S.
The Maine lobster was amazing! And their wine selection is great. Also their chocolate ganache cake. Wow. Just wow. Definitely eat here if you're in town.
(5)
Jin U.
If you ever come here for a dinner, make sure to ask for Charlet Dupar-Fernando for your server. Most restaurants of this caliber are already well known for their great wine selection and incredible dry aged steaks. But Charlet went above and beyond when it comes to providing the most incredible experience at this type of restaurant. Ok, food. Food is awesome. AWESOME! I've never had such incredible dry aged steak. The flavor was just pouring out from the meat. Mashed potatoes? Smashed. Grilled asparagus? Crunchy. Half pound of Alaskan king crab legs? DELICIOUS! I had the wine tasting course. Ok, it was "just" Kendall-Jackson wines, but man did they pick out the best nes! They were all delicious (even the white wines), and Charlet's descriptions were spot on. I know sommeliers that don't come near to her accuracy. But what I must emphasize the most, was their service. I went with my niece and her parents. She's only 17 months old, still at the stage where she cries unexpectedly, pretty loudly. But the only reaction we got from the workers was "aaw, are you ok?" and "does she want a high chair?" And when we asked if she could get just corn on the cob, which wasn't even listed on the menu, Charlet went and made sure my niece got it. Incredible! In the type of restaurant that usually would turn us away at the front door? It was a great experience. I want to come back for sure.
(5)
Tony Z.
We went to the Capital Grille last night for the Generous Pour and everything was Great! Great! Great! The wines served were great. The Generous Pour concept was a lot of fun. We enjoyed tasting different wines until we found the one for appetizers and another for dinner. The Chardonnay we had to be one of the best we've tried. Congrats to whoever came up with this idea. The food was great! We began with prosciutto wrapped mozzarella and dined on Filet and Lobster and NY Strip. The steaks were cooked just right and the lobster melted in your mouth. The service was Great! We sat at one of the tables in the bar area and Melissa was attentive to our needs and was very helpful with "The Generous Pour". I don't know how much longer the Generous Pour runs but if you have ever wanted to go the Capital Grille the Generous Pour is one more reason to go.
(5)
svetlana k.
Great dinner with reasonable prices for a steakhouse. The restaurant itself is a bit outdated, definitely does not have that sexy hip vibe that most Chicago restaurants do nowadays. A couple of people were really dressed down on a Saturday night dinner. So if you want to come for a special occasion, maybe this is not the place because you'll feel out of place dressed up next to someone in their mom jeans and sneakers. The service was spectacular, very knowledgable server. The wine list was extensive and the prices were reasonable. As we were not that hungry we decided to split the dry aged porterhouse 24oz ($48) and the lobster Mac n cheese ($16). The steak was delicious and properly cooked to a medium rare. The server brought out our steak on separate plates, nice gesture knowing we were sharing it. One with the bone in and the other with the fillet. The lobster Mac n cheese was cheesy goodness! Maybe the lobster is not exactly necessary as the cheese overpowers the lobster flavor but overall great dish! One of the best Mac n cheese I've had in the city. Also, really good bread basket to start off the meal. Overall, a great dining experience. Not too loud either so you can enjoy a relatively quiet meal without shouting at each other. Definitely will come back.
(4)
Bernice K.
First time in Chicago we wanted a fine dining experience. The food was amazing, however our server Heidi was horrible. When we asked for a drink list she brought over an iPad. That was fine but she never removed it from the table It sat there through our whole dinner. When our food came she asked how it looked and that was the last time she stopped back until it was time to drop the check. We had another server stop by and ask us how everything was cooked (even though she passed by half a dozen times), a busboy who brought water over and handed it to her she turned to walk away and he pointed to our glasses. We watched as all the other tables were being presented with wet towels. Well you know we didn't get any of those. We were so disappointed we will not visit again .
(2)
Cali S.
Came to this spot after loving Capital Grille in other locations around the US. I dined in a back room with my boyfriend and a group of friends. After trying lots of Filet steaks around Chicago, I wasn't extremely impressed with the quality of steak at Capital but I LOVE the service that was provided by the waiters. They were all very accommodating and the spot has a great ambiance. They serve a great Calamari appetizer that has a little kick to it. Compared to other Steak houses such as David Burke's, Gibsons, and Chicago Cut. Chicago Cut has the best steak but Capital Grille has the best ambiance and service hands down. I'll definitely be back. Also, if you haven't already read it in the other hundred reviews, don't pass on the lobster mac!
(4)
Mihir P.
We came to Chicago location for restaurant week. I've been to CG in Boston and San Francisco locations before which were amazing so I was expecting better. Clam Chowder was wonderful. My porcini rubbed filet was burned on the outside and that was unpleasant. I couldn't taste much of the porcini. Green beans were undercooked and all I could taste was super strong ginger or something which I didn't enjoy. Chocolate cake was decent - dense and served with fresh raspberries. Keep in mind, I am not much of a dessert person. Service was excellent at first but then became less personable - I will admit we were camping and just kept ordering wine after dessert. So originally I was going to give this a 2 or 3 star rating but the next day I received an email survey and pretty much wrote the same things I did above. Within hours, the General Manager called me and asked me about the experience in more detail. He profusely apologized which was very professional but think he over did it since the experience wasn't all that bad - but that is the 5-star standards they have which is super commendable. I haven't received that from the highest rated steakhouses in Chicago with similar or worse experiences. So PROPS to Capital Grille. I will no doubt be back!
(5)
Kathy B.
Delicious! Top notch service, soothing old school ambience one block from the Magnificent Mile. I had the filet mignon, others in my group had the salmon, and the special of the evening tournados of beef with various rubs. All delicious! The lobster bisque was to die for. Two bottles of wine from their extensive selection. Cosmopolitans all around, delicious. And a Baileys and coffee for dessert. The perfect evening! Pricey, but worth it for a special occasion.
(5)
Rocky N.
disappointed. Steak was not done right. I asked for medium rare. I got a bloody mess. By the time the server came back around and got the steak done again, every one was done eating. I tried the steak again and this time it was way over done. Didn't eat anymore of it. Paid 48 bucks for 2 bites of poorly done steak. When I asked to have it taken off the bill, the server told me I would have to wait for a while to speak with someone. I just paid it and left. I have been a Capital Grilles all over the country. Usually everything is great. I have never had this kind of experience.
(2)
Dayna R.
One of THEE best steak dining experiences I've had!!!! Had a bone in prime rib which was a great cut cooked to perfection. The lobster macaroni and cheese is scrumptious!!!!
(5)
Monique B.
Surprisingly, I have never been to this particular Capital Grill and am not the biggest fan of the ones I've been to in other cities. However, it's restaurant week, so I got my friends together and we went over to check them out for dinner. I'm a fan. The service was good, attentive and personalized. Adam, our waiter was very nice and gave my friend a whole box of the bread she liked to go with our leftovers. He also suggested a wonderful bottle of red wine that paired nicely both with my steak and my friend's salmon. Let me start by telling you that the restaurant week menu is a value, even at dinner because it's a $33 menu, not a $44 menu. The menu comes with a salad to start (I forget the other option), a choice of steak (6 oz. filet or larger dry aged sirloin), salmon & something else, maybe chicken as the entree and a choice of creme brulee or flourless chocolate cake for dessert. The Ceasar Salad was good, nothing amazing, and a little light on the croutons and extras, but heavy on the cheese. I had the filet and my friend had the salmon and we both ate until we were full and had some left to go. My steak was perfectly cooked, but since it was a filet it had a little less seasoning because it's such a lean cut of meat. The entree comes with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans which were both good, but nothing amazing. We added a side of lobster mac & cheese and brussel sprouts and those sides were absolutely delicious. I had the creme brulee and my friend got the chocolate cake. I'm not a chocolate person, and the cake was very chocolatey, but my creme brulee was delicious and I only planned to have a bite or two, but looked down and it was gone. Overall, a great evening and I'll have to come back to try them again.
(4)
AJ H.
I visited for the $22 lunch special during Chicago Restaurant Week and got the wedge salad, seared salmon andthe flourless espresso cake. My mom ordered the same except with creme brulee'. The meal was tasty, but I'm glad we got everything for a discounted price, because had I paid full price I would have been a little disappointed. The wedge salad was supposed to have blue cheese, tasted the flavor, but not any blue cheese. The salmon and green beans were solid, but lacked flavor. I'm glad I asked the server to cook mine throughly instead of just having it seared because raw with no flavor would have totally turned me off. Both desserts were delicious! The servers are extremely attentive and very knowledgable. Being that I don't eat meat, and The Capital Grille is a steak house, I will not hold them to too high of a standard for the fish. I did see people ordering the burger for RW and it looked spectacular. So had I been a meat-eater I think my experience may have been different.
(3)
John S.
One word, superb! That's all I can say. They are superb in every way! Everything I tasted was top notch. I can't wait to go back. This time I will finish the tuna entree that is so big they float it in on a boat!
(5)
Sara B.
Delicious chill spot, great bartenders, amazing food! I started simply, with a bloody Mary, and then I had to have a cup of chowder. Nom nom, so good and creamy! And then I decided to try the steak tartare, which is a house specialty and highly recommended by the bartenders. Yummm. And then it was dinner time, and I was still hungry. Hungry enough for a 2lb lobster, which was scrumptious. Biggest lobster I've ever had. THE CLAW MEAT WAS DIVINE. Ps - try the white wine by La Cana, so light and crisp.
My bf and I came here during the restaurant week. We were seated right away, the host was very friendly. We ordered from the restaurant week menu. The server was friendly and attentive. My coworker recommend this place and the menu was very reasonable price. It was $33 pp and you get a appetizer/soup entree and dessert each. The steak i order was a little bit salty. Everything else was pretty good. I would recommend this place
(4)
Jared D.
I'll get to this below, but Zack is the man. Came here last night for an early Valentine's Day dinner. They were offering a really great deal for restaurant week ($33 for dinner), so even though it's not my favorite steakhouse in Chicago, it was still very good. Food: We got the bone-in sirloin and filet, which were both perfectly grilled. The mashed were heavy on the butter, but tough to stop eating. Green beans were fine, but nothing special. The prosciutto wrapped mozzarella was tasty as well, and you get 6 on a plate, so that was a filling app. Service: This was the highlight for us. Our waiter, Zack, was super attentive and really made the dining experience an enjoyable one. He figured out we were there for V-Day, so brought us a champagne toast and a coconut cream pie for dessert (on the house)..so that was customer service at it's best. He made the steakhouse dining experience a memorable one and I would definitely recommend Zack as your waiter.
(4)
Matt H.
As a chain, and one that didn't start in Chicago like Morton's, Capital Grille has some serious uphill ground to make up if it wants to be taken seriously in the city. ...you know what though? It can hold its own. The food is always delicious, and the service is very good. They tastefully make a big deal out of special events. Most steakhouses portions are huge, but these are probably excessive. Capital Grille is the only steakhouse (so far) on our Chicago steakhouse tour where we all left with that uncomfortable "somebody needs to roll me home" or "I should have worn the stretchy pants!" feeling from a Thanksgiving Day style food coma. CG isn't at the very top of my list for steakhouses, but it's solidly in the second tier.
Fantastic, I think they specialize in aged steaks. Don't come here if your worried about cost, as the prices are higher, not terrible though. I had the 10 ounce fillet and it was one of the top three steaks I have ever eaten. Excellent steak, I did not order any glaze or special sauces as it did t need any. I also only order steak medium rare if that helps anyone. Of the sides I tried the mashed potatoes and the Mac and cheese were excellent. The creamed corn and scalloped potatoes were not as much to my liking though others in our party did like them. We also did the largest seafood appetizer, I forget the name but it started with 'grand' in the name and was $99.00, it too was excellent.
(5)
Matt F.
Wow!! Bone in filet. Almost thought I went to heaven. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection.
(5)
Yvonne B.
We were feeling down after visiting the Signature Room and needed a quick rebound back to good restaurants. Our experience at the Capital Grille was just what the doctor ordered. Although we were downtown Chicago the decor of The Capital Grille reminded me of an exclusive country club or lodge. Large portraits of men followed us everywhere we went. We were ensconced in dark wood, high ceilings, and chandeliers. The space was expansive but had a row of booths for seclusion and possibly multiple rooms. The servers were smartly dressed, professional, and friendly. We loved ours. He spoke with pride about the quality of the food and the generosity of their Restaurant Week menu. Indeed, we had plenty to choose from. My salad and M's soup were alright. I had the Capital Grille Cesar Salad with anchovies. I've never had anchovies on a Cesar Salad before and it was a welcome experience but not one that I would care to repeat. Anchovies or not, there's only so much anyone can do with a Cesar Salad. We both got steaks - two different cuts and preparations. I wish I could remember what they were called because they were both fabulous. Mine were two juicy medallions that were synonymous with goodness. I recommend discussing the steaks with your server because I am confident that he/she can steer you true. We also enjoyed our sides: green beans and mashed potatoes. These were delicious but we ended up taking them home and eating them later. Lastly we had dessert. We had a rich chocolate cake and cheesecake with seasonal berries. M preferred the cake and I loved the cheesecake. It was treated like creme brulee on top and worked perfectly with the fresh fruit. We were so excited about The Capital Grille that we looked up other locations on our phone and discussed planning vacations to the cities where they were. We were so giddy about it. Those vacations might have been flighty fantasies but we probably will visit their Chicago location again.
This is a truly lovely venue and the service is great. I was not impressed by the food. My steak was fairly bland and my brussell sprouts were bland as well. There are just too many great steakhouses in Chicago for me to come again anytime soon.
(3)
Alyssa H.
Never disappointed after a meal at Capital Grille. Everytime my boyfriend's family is in town, we make a point to make it to Capital Grille for a nice family dinner. The hostesses, waiters/waitresses, and chefs are very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend Capital Grille for a nice evening dinner!
(5)
Catherine W.
Yummy!!!! Scallops were scrumptious!!! Great wine list!!! Sit at the bar, that's where the action is!!
(5)
Reggie H.
Great service from the the phone to reconfirm reservation to the end of the meal. Had my company 25 year anniversary here, and Capital went all out for me... The complementary anniversary desert plate was OTC... Thumbs up on service, food, and presentation.
(5)
Sara A.
My favorite place in the city, they never failed to impress me. Their lobster Mac and cheese, Parmesan truffle fries, fried calamari are the best in the country Their steaks are superb, they also allow sharing of steaks and orders in a nice neat way. What more can you ask for?? Oh yes and if you ever had space at the end of the meal, flourless chocolate cake. And they pack your take away nicely and neatly.
(5)
Howard L.
Another great Restaurant Week dinner we had at this Capital Grille. At $33 pp, it's still the best RW deal out there. They dropped the kona crusting on the 14 oz sirloin steak (which is what I had again) on the menu, but upon asking, still offer it at no extra charge. All was top notch as one might expect here - food quality and service. The decor is pretty much the same at all CG's. This one was a little different from all the others in that they offer a steamy hot towel before the dessert course. I had their delectable clam chowder and flourless chocolate cake for the other two courses. Wife had same except a Caesar's salad instead of clam chowder. Their valet parking is $12 which is very reasonable for this ritzy area of Chitown. Overall, a very nice RW outing that's really hard to beat.
(5)
Billy C.
Brought clients to dinner here and it was pretty good. Luckily, we got there early and pre-dinner rush hour. We got seated right away, and even compared to Wolfgang or Morton's, I can understand why Michael Jordan liked this place so much. 2 words: Good food.
(5)
Rach H.
Had a wonderful time this past weekend! Checked it out for restaurant week and was not disappointed. My filet was cooked to such a perfect medium rare I couldn't get enough. Matthew took care of us and made the experience that much better. We will definitely ask for him again. Restaurant week or not, I would definitely recommend.
(5)
Jennifer W.
I've had dinner at Capital Grille several times over the years, and I can safely say that is my favorite steak house in Chicago. The ambiance is elegant yet comfortable, the food is delicious, and the service is truly exceptional. First I'll start with the ambiance. It's nice enough to go to for a special occasion, but it is spacious and cozy as well. The ceilings are high, the tables are set far enough apart, and it just as an overall elegant look. Now on the the food. Their calamari with hot peppers is the best calamari I have ever tried. It's so delicious! As for steak, I am always partial to filets, so that is all I can comment on. But it is also the BEST I've had. It's always perfectly cooked, seasoned and it's very tender. I'm not big on side dishes, but the mashed potatoes and lobster mac and cheese are always good. Finally, the service plays an equal part as the food in making me want to return. The servers are kind, helpful and respectful. Each server that I have had has gone above and beyond to make it an above average dining experience, and they succeed. This is a great spot to go for a birthday, anniversary or other celebration...or if you are just craving a great steak. :)
(5)
Christine T.
Always elegant yet unpretentious or snobby. The service is top notch and the food on equal footing. Returning to the windy city by way of food snobville-San Fran it's a great scene with Lobster bisque served traditionally east coast style with Sherry to finish table side. Lobster Mac and cheese side was a generous serving and as delicious as the simple pairing suggests. Want to see the best of all in Chicago fine dining...look not further. I forgot to mention, the kitchen is open later than most, or at least we were given a great reception at our arrival of 9:30 p.m. when others turned us away.
(5)
Harini P.
OK. Allow me to explain my review. This gets a 3 star for its category as a high end, expensive restaurant. I had their specialty dry Agreed steak that was hide but meh, it was OK. Not really tender, not beautifully marbled or flavorful. For the prices charged, it should have melted with a hard stare. Their mushrooms cooked in oil is divine I counted 5 different types of wild mushrooms and as a fungi lover (only edible ones not the gross, scary things that grow on walls and on some men's toes) I was in heaven! They were perfectly coooked and heavenly. The customer service was as one would expect in a place like this, awesome.
(3)
Daniel R.
Not much to say other than The Capital Grille is the BEST, most consistent steakhouse in the Chicagoland area. Jim Lyman's team are all perfectly-trained, friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. The food is perfectly prepared and served in a timely fashion. The wine selection is very good (although I'd like to see "The Prisoner" and St. Suppery on the list). I look forward to my next outstanding dining experience here.
(5)
Karolina S.
I had a wonderful meal here. The food was very good. The steak was perfectly prepared and the sides had a lot of flavor to them. I literally finished my food in like 8.2 minutes. Which is probably unhealthy but I couldn't help it. The wine selection was good. Now, granted, outside of Boone's Farm, all wine is good wine to me. However, the Catena Malbec we selected went sooooo well with our steaks that it almost made me really want to stop being such a wine wh*re and settle down with this bottle. Maybe order a crate or two and start a family?... Anyways, Our server was very professional and helpful. The restaurant has a very sophisticated feel to it, big paintings, dark lighting. I was feeling reaaaal classy. Loved it!
(5)
Yao W.
This traditional American steakhouse provides traditionally smoked steak. The 2015 restaurant week menu allows you to try a bit of everything. Though not striking, it has high quality food.
(4)
Chris T.
A very delicious steak indeed! Came here for dinner on a Friday night, and while we did end up waiting at the bar for a table much longer than the time we were quoted, it gave me a chance to discover their signature cocktail: The Stoli Dole. It's probably one of the best cocktails I've ever had: they allow Stoli Vodka to infuse with pineapple over 2.5 weeks and the result is a delicious drink that I would definitely go back for. I've seen a lot of raving about the lobster mac & cheese, but I have to say it was just ok. It was much more mac & cheese than it was lobster. As for the steaks: I had the Delmonico, and while it was very good, it was a bit on the sweet side for me because of the rub. I would probably try something different next time. My friend had a perfectly cooked porterhouse, simple and delicious. The service was good too.
Birthday dinner. Best service I've ever experienced. Beautiful restaurant. Food was outstanding. Good scotch whisky selection. Outstanding experience from start to finish.
(5)
John M.
We came to this temple of moophagy to celebrate my stepson's graduation from psychiatry residency. I must say that every detail was attended to with care. The staff knows your party by name. Three of us ordered Doly-Stoly pineapple cocktails that were expertly prepared and which had just a hint of sweetness. I ordered a demi of nice Bordeaux anticipating what lay ahead. Our table ordered the big porterhouse, two sirloins au poivre and a filet oscar. The steaks were big, generously cut, and wonderfully tender. The au poivre brandy sauce was celestial. For sides we got mushrooms, creamed spinach, and potatoes au gratin. That was plenty for four people. The sides are wonderful, especially the profoundly sinful potatoes au gratin. Alas, no room for dessert. This was truly a splendid dining experience. Yeah,..... I'd go again.
(5)
Fontane L.
Great steak, and great service. Despite the stuffy decor, I found the staff to be friendly in a personable way. Got the sirloin with sides -- truffled fries, roasted wild mushrooms, and grilled asparagus with lemon oil. Everything was delicious, and they even had a separate menu for our gluten-free friend! The meat was perfectly cooked, and the portions were generous. Would come back! As long as we're willing to pay a pretty penny...
(4)
Vikki P.
Capital grille is consistent in delivering a high quality experience including atmosphere, quality food and respectable drinks. Definitely a high end dining experience you won't regret. Of all the places I have eaten this is just one of those places where you simply can't go wrong and will never be disappointed.
(5)
Matt M.
The steak is wonderful. The service is second to none. We went here for a graduation dinner and we were not disappointed. The food was phenomenally cooked. I love the ambiance. I felt like I was in the private members only club with the brothers from Trading Places. I wanted to bet someone a dollar I could build someone up and tear them down but I was busy stuffing my face. The only downside is the crowding. You feel pretty close to your neighbors on all sides. I know real estate is tight downtown but lets play the dollars-i-pay-for-dinner-real-estate-game.
(4)
Melissa S.
I'll preface this review by saying we were there during restaurant week, so that often means service at least is atypical. The food was overall decent - I must say the Caesar salad and sides (especially creamed spinach!) were excellent. Unfortunately, what should be the star of the show and my husband's reason for living, the steak, was just average. Having been to pretty much every higher-end Chicago steak house, I must say that Capital Grille's steak is toward the bottom of the list. Service was just decent - but again, it was restaurant week.
(3)
Max M.
3.5 stars My first visit to Capital Grille fell short of expectations. I had big expectations. "I had a great piece of steak there" I was told by quite a few people. IMHO, the steak was decent, but it certainly didn't rival Peter Luger's, CUT Las Vegas, Maestro's Chicago or even Gilt Bar. The service was excellent, though. Our server was very warm and professional. He was better than another server. When my $48.00 24 oz Dry-Aged Porterhouse arrived well done on both sides (I had ordered medium rare-medium), I alerted the nearest server. Her reply was that I should cut the center???????? The logic of course is that the center is thickest so the temperature is perfect in the center. So, you want me to pay $48 for a 24 oz piece of meat despite the fact that the only part I will enjoy eating actually weighs 8 oz. Hmmm.......No..................don't think so. SERVERS: When a patron gets a steak that is anything less than to their liking (especially for a $48 steak), just bring it back to the kitchen. MANAGEMENT: Don't put pressure on your servers to save money. It's not worth it. You lose more in the long run from decreased traffic. My server was a bit sharper and handled the situation beautifully. The second steak was cooked perfectly and therein lies my disappointment. The steak tasted good, but I was expecting bliss. I will come back and try their signature steaks: The Porcini crusted steak or Kona Coffee crusted steak. Maybe that's where the magic is. We'll see....
(3)
Phil A.
Truly as good as it gets. The dry aged NY Strip au poivre with Courvoisier cream sauce is The Most Delicious Thing On Earth®. Wow. This place makes Smith & Wollensky look like a joke. You will not be disappointed at Capital Grille.
(5)
#NAME?
Came here with my boyfriend's family, and was very happy we were seated in an area so that we could talk-I had not met them before so everything had to be perfect, which it was- Drinks: Everyone enjoyed their drinks, I had the Cosmopolitan and it was good, could be stronger but it was good- Food: I opted for the Filet but had it prepared the Kona crusted way, oh my goodness...I couldn't stop eating that steak! It was amazing-Cooked Rare and the seasoning on that steak was amazing- The sides we had were the Au Gratin potatoes and the Green Beans, all were so very good- I would highly recommend the Kona crusted style, lots of flavor and the shallot butter on top sets it off-
(5)
Brooke B.
Capital Grille does it again. I came to this restaurant about 5 years ago and remember really liking it so I tried again and it delivered. We ordered the filets and the kona beef - they were both really great. The French Onion soup was the best I have had. My husband said the Oysters were really fresh and amazing. The lobster mac and cheese was really rich, but amazing and the truffle fries are a must! The sommelier was really helpful and we enjoyed our bottle of Cabernet. The atmosphere is really romantic. It is definitely worth the price!
(5)
Crisi B.
Great service. Delicious steaks. Decadent dessert. The night we went they were having a California wine special. The waiter helped us pair the wines with our order. We were very pleased. Dinner here was a nice reward after a difficult day. The place is just extremely pleasant.
(4)
Aurore L.
First steak house experience at full price!!!!!!! What a celebration indeed! Sarcasm aside - our visit to the Washington DC of all grills, the Paris of steakhouses and the London (Rome? Tokyo? no - Moscow) of bars (can NOT forget about the bar, yo) was worth every penny. Which makes me wonder how I would have been received if I had, indeed, used pennies to pay the bill.....probably not a good idea but might be worth the giggle if I ever find a wallet big enough. Me thinks that this kind of establishment is not very keen on practical jokes. Every Capital has its monuments. This one is no exception. And the landmark here is called "The Stoli Doli Tower". Never heard of it? Well....picture a huge, HUGE glass jar (complete with a little tap please) filled, crammed, packed, over-gorged with perfect pineapple slices lovingly macerating in vodka. It is so glorious that you don't even care about the price. Smooth as a baby's bottom. Or as Justin Bieber's cheeks. The Bohemian Cocktail (peach vodka, berry cordial syrup, topped with sparkling wine and raspberries) was a close second in my taste-buds records. Elegant, feminine, sexy and vibrant - the Esmeralda of drinks for all the silk lovers. As for the meat......let me just sing the words: - dry-aged steak au poivre with cognac and cream sauce - porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12-year aged balsamic Throw in the midst some lobster mac-n-cheese and creamed spinach, a glass of Garnacha and there you have it: the most talked about but rarely seen culinary boner. But I digress and got lost in the Red Light district here. My apologies.
(5)
Sherry D.
Wow. We went for Restaurant Week on a busy Saturday night. I can only talk about the restaurant week menu, as we didn't look at the full menu. Filet...like butter. I'm a big Wildfire fan and all I can say is that Capital Grille has one of the BEST filets I've ever eaten. Hands down. Hubby had the ribeye with shallot butter. Cooked to perfection. For $33 each we had: Ceasar Salad / Clam Chowder Filet / Ribeye Creamed Spinach / Mashed potatoes Chocolate espresso cake / Creme brulee I wish I could afford this place more often. Thank you Restaurant Week! Our waiter Ryan, was simply fabulous. You could see how it would be easy for the servers to be snobby. It's a classy place. He was divine. No issue with ordering from the special menu... he was used to it and absolutely accommodating. I wasn't a fan of the room where we were seated. It was off to the side away from the main action. I like being in the main dining room, so I should have mentioned it when I made my reservation. We will be back.... when we can afford it!
(5)
Josh G.
I ate here with a group of people for dinner. The service was great. I recommend Dan as a server; he was personable, competent, and professional. I got the classic cut of a Delmonico steak seasoned and broiled to create delicate porcini mushroom crust with a light drizzling of premium 12-year aged balsamic. It was absolutely huge. We also had the Lobster and Crab appetizers. All good. Try the Lobster Mac N Cheese as well. The pricing is high, but the taste and service is great. You also get a BIG steak.
(5)
Stacey F.
Of all the steakhouses in all of Chicago, still pretty tough to beat. And the truffle fries are to die for.
(5)
David C.
Sister came to town to visit for Christmas, and I wanted to take her somewhere for steak. Unfortunately, the famous Chicago-only steakhouses were mostly fully booked when I called, so I decided to take a chance on Capital Grille given 1) close proximity to where I live, and 2) good reviews I had heard. First thing to notice is the decorations at this place. A nice, classy set of decorations with oil paintings, wooden wine racks, and just an overall old-world feel to it. We arrived a few minutes early, but the Maitre'D sat us right away in a cute little booth. We were impressed by the wine list. Not wanting to get completely hammered, we asked for the list of wines by the glasses, which although noticeably shorter, was still ample for our purposes. (Short interlude: bread came out during this time. I love bread, and their toasty, warm, buttery bread did not disappoint. I had to cover the bread to keep from looking at it, because I was having trouble controlling myself from taking a piece every time the bread sat in front of my eyes. Alas, such a strategy did not pan out. I just kept eating.) Our Waiter, David (whom you should ask for), came by, to tell us about what they had going on in the kitchen that night. I loved his attentiveness to details, and how he knew what they were cooking in the kitchen. Clearly they've spent time on this. What he proposed sounded amazing, but I just wanted steak. Of course, David told us about the Chef's specials, which got my sister interested. I personally just wanted a good steak, and he recommended the 24-oz porterhouse, which I got. We also had an order of sauteed spinach for added texture to our food...okay, to feel less guilty about our dinner. I ordered a glass of Spanish red, and my sister had a Riesling. I love Spanish red wine, and this wine just went down smoooooth. So flavorful. I could not put it down. Like a party in your mouth. Then our beautiful steaks (med rare) came out. I spent 30 seconds just taking in the aroma. It was wonderful. The sirloin, a little toughter than the tenderloin, was nevertheless juicy/flavorful. Oh, and the juices...the meat juices...'twas the nectar of the GODS!! And then the silky, buttery tenderloin. I was left speechless. It reminded me why I loved meat so much. Animal proteins is good for the soul. I had a couple bites of my sister's delmonico tenderloin. It was scrumptious. Definitely a different flavor. I can't comment on too much of this, as I did not have too much of it. But sis liked it. Our waiter, who was attentive throughout although we never felt his presence when we didn't want to, came by with the desert menu. He was already 2/2 for recs, and so I asked him. He rec'd the Cheesecake. When I questioned him, he retorted: "I haven't led you astray yet, have I?" Shamed and without a good comeback, I acquiesced. We had an order to share, but they ended up cutting up the cheesecake in half onto two plates so we could each have our own plate. (I love this kind of attentiveness to detail...it shows they really try). So let me tell you about this cheesecake. It was made with ricotta cheese as opposed to cream cheese, and it certainly gave it a much fluffier yet creamier texture than any cheesecake I have had. The crust was moist yet crunchy, and wow, the layer of cream-bruleed-styled burnt sugar on top added a crunchiness and smoky sweetness that I had never before had in my gustatory adventures. And of course, the berry sauce on top. Hmm hmm hmm. Sour & sweet. Yum. And some berries, which were fresh but not straight from the berry plants, but who could blame them? We ate dinner in December of Chicago. 9.5/10 for this. Our bill came, and it was very, very reasonable for a prime time steak house in Chicago. What was amazing was the manager came out with a holiday card (we had dinner on the 23rd of December) to wish us happy holidays, and for a holiday present a $$GIFT CARD$$ for my next meal!! I guess now I just have to find a nice lady-friend to take to Capital Grille. In summary, I had a blast here. Easily one of the best meals I have had this year (on a list that includes sushi in Japan carved out, right in front of me, from a humongo tuna caught in the waters a few hrs prior). I would go back, in a heart beat, although if I keep going back, I'm not sure my heart would keep beating. I just want to say, though, I was thoroughly impressed by the level of service here. I loved how everyone, from the manager to the Maitre'D to the waiter took the time to learn my name. It certainly showed respect. You know, respect is a two way street, and I truly respect this restaurant.
(5)
Scott M.
Just held my company Christmas party on Friday night. The service was great. Ask for Dan Skweres if you want a great dinning experience. The food was exceptional. We had a 3 lbs. lobster tail as an appetizer for the table. We had steaks, lamb chops, and the tuna. Everyone was blown away by the food even my guy who ordered his steak well done. Deserts, Coconut Crem Pie and Tera Misu(???), were delicious and the after dinner ports topped off the evening. No one went home hungry or unsatisified.
(5)
TruReview O.
Planning a special dinner for my carnivorous husband seemed like a snap when I made reservations at Capital Grille on a Wednesday night a few weeks ago. I have attended business dinners and private events at their suburban location, and I was sure he would love it! I was SO disappointed. When I made the reservation I informed them it was a special occasion. They treated it as such when they sat us in the booth next to the door...did I say door...it is a curtain that keeps air from the freezing cold chicago winter out.....(which it did not). We ordered a VERY nice bottle of wine and had to wait for 15 minutes while our waitress came back to ask what we had ordered again. Very frustrating. When we ordered dinner he went straight for the steak which was a great call. I went with the chef's recommendation which was a filet with lobster. The lobster was NOT fully cooked and I couldn't send it back because our waitress didn't come back until our meal was virtually consumed. I asked her to get me new lobster since I did not eat the undercooked lobster which had been sitting on my plate for 35 minutes waiting for her to return. Instead she took the lobster off of my plate and returned the same lobster to me in a dish saying it had been recooked! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! So for $325.00 we had a great bus boy and an undercooked meal in a freezing yet not full dinning room. Needless to say I am very disappointed. My expectations had been set by my previous visits. I will not return .
(1)
Jason S.
We ate here on recommendation of my father, a regular there. The lobster bisque was ok, but the brandy kicked it up to a solid four. Without, it was a bit too fishy (not like lobster, but fish). The wedge salad, while overpriced, was good. The quality and quantity of blue cheese made me feel not so bad about the price. The cheese was very sharp (a good thing), but still very creamy. The wife had the caprese salad and loved the variety of tomatoes. Right up front our server told us of a "one left" bone in filet mignon they had cut extra, so we told him to reserve to right away. It was a good thing we did, as he had to stop several other servers from telling about it. I inquired of the steak au poivre or the porterhouse. He recommended getting the porterhouse au poivre, which I did. I ordered it my usual medium, but ended up looking, tasting, and feeling more like well done. Plus the amount of peppercorns made any steak flavor COMPLETELY disappear. To be fair, this was the first time I had ordered au poivre, and learned from my mistake. Why one would do that to such a wonderful piece of meat, I don't know. I pointed out the well done-ness of the steak, and he said it was due to it being a dry aged steak. Again, first time for a dry aged. I've had a 45 day wet aged before, and found it lacking. He offered to get me another steak cooked rare or med-rare. I ordered it med-rare, and had him leave the au poivre off. This was what I was after. Meat so tender, I was able to cut the fillet portion with my fork. The flavor of dry aging, which is why it is so expensive, came through beautifully. For sides, we ordered the mushrooms, fries, and creamed spinach. The mushrooms are an absolute buy if you are a fungus head as we are. The spinach was good, but not great. It had an unusual flavor I enjoyed, but the wife didn't. The fries are a bit of a mixed basket. The truffle flavor definitely came through, and they almost had a creamy mouth-feel, despite being fried. The mix part is they also kind of reminded me of fried I've had cooked in dirty oil, for a tenth the price. As for service, both our waiter and the bus-man were very attentive without being intrusive. Water glasses were promptly refilled, as were the San Pellegrino glasses with the bottle being kept on ice. The knocked star was for not mentioning the need to rarify my dry aged steak one notch. Also, I was still charged for the au poivre after canceling it. Also, everyone else in the room (6 tables) was given a free desert or two, while that wasn't offered to us. It may have been the $20 of meat they trashed earlier, but I still felt a bit slighted. Also, the mood spot lighting was like the Eye of God was looking at me. It was the only one in the room that was bright white, versus light tan(?). It was literally blinding me from the reflection off the silverware. We did change to the next table over, and it was much better. The server and manager both attempted to adjust it with no success, but they didn't seat anyone else there after our complaint. As we were finishing, a party with several children was seated near by (thankfully they were as well behaved as my own) and the staff did accommodate their kid tastes. I saw some regular Mac-n-cheese and chicken fingers go by. They also brought the kids food out much before their main entrees arrived, which as a parent tired of eating cold food, I really appreciate. I would not bring my kids here however, as a $200 dinner for just the adults is a bit more special than a family restaurant.
(4)
Taryn T.
This is a really, really solid place if you're looking for a nice dinner out with your family or your s.o. (or if you have to make a last-minute reservation and want a guaranteed yummy place that won't be all booked up). It's pricey, but you can count on the fact that your meal will be awesome. I had the seared tenderloin with butter poached lobster - it was phenomenal (and tender indeed!) and I split the side of asparagus with my friend (definitely big enough to share). The atmosphere is definitely quiet and comfortable rather than trendy and buzzing, but there's nothing wrong with that. I saw a lot of families and couples of all ages here - this place definitely doesn't target any one demographic in particular. Service was friendly, informative and relaxed. I will definitely be coming back here with my family.
(5)
BOB M.
The Porterhouse was the best ever cooked the way I ordered it (so a good vet could bring it back to life) Good service and Lobster bisk was excellent.
(5)
Liz B.
Definitely the most expensive place I've ever eaten at. However, for reasons I will not mention, my dinner was completely on the house. I am SO lucky and thankful that I got to experience this amazing dinner. I will list what I ate because there is no other way to explain how good this food is. You must try everything I mention. Because I'm on yelp, and you trust me. Apps: -Lobster Crab Cakes -Field Greens Salad w/ Parmesan vinagrette Entree: -Sliced Filet with Mushroom sauce (mushroom sauce does not give enough credit) Sides (share): -Lobster mac&cheese -Mashed Potatoes -Potatoes Au Gratin Desserts (SHARE) -Pumpkin cheesecake -Flourless chocolate cake -Coconut custard pie Wine -Some organic Pinot Noir. Ask for it if you're feeling lucky There is meat hanging in glass cases but its totally okay. Do NOT come here if you don't plan on getting steak. You must get it. Thank you Capital Grille for my first (and definitely not last) steak experience!
(5)
Hrayr A.
The food is very, very good and the service is outstanding.
(4)
Deez N.
One of the better steakhouses in the city, chain or not. But you have to order right. The things to get here are either the kona crusted sirloin or the porcini rubbed ribeye. They are unique and excellent. Overall, steakhouses are a bit pricey, and capital grille is no exception to that. But in terms of consistency and the unique taste of those 2 rubbed steaks, I am a fan of cap grille. Im also a fan of mastros, but each will do the job if craving that big chunk of meat.
I went to the Capital Grille for the first time in many years (the last time was Boston, maybe 2004 or 2005?) for their Summer "Generous Pour" event and was very happy that I did. For $25, Capital Grille is doing sort of a "bottomless" tasting of 9 different wines picked out by George Miliotes (Master Sommelier). Daniel (our waiter) was able to intelligently guide us through the various wines, glass by glass, and was happy to clear away a glass we didn't like, or freshen up a favorite. The wines were really unique, and covered a broad spectrum of tastes (light, full-bodied, international, domestic, etc.) but the standout favorite was the Tarmima Hills, a new, trendy Monastrell from Spain. It was fun learning about and tasting them all, though! As appetizers we had the pan friend calamari with hot cherry peppers (I'm picky about my calamari and spicy is not my thing so I could have done without this) and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with vine ripe tomatoes (perfection). Apparently Capital Grille makes their own mozzarella, and it's to die for! As a main I ordered the bone-in Kona crusted dry age sirloin with shallot butter. The cut of meat was substantial, and it was prepared to my liking but the Kona rub (made from coffee) was so delicious I could have done without the typical 2 cups of steakhouse butter drenched on top. Also, I can never finish my steak but the leftovers make a nice steak salad the next day, just slightly less so with cold, fatty butter on top. This is probably my own doing, though, always order sauces on the side. As sides we got lobster mac and cheese (delicious!) and sauted spinach (impressively fresh). For dessert we tried the flourless chocolate espresso cake (so-so) and the strawberries capital Grille, which was accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream (also house made). I'm never that blown away by steakhouse desserts, but I'm a sucker for handmade ice cream/gelato/lemon ice. All in all, Capital Grille seems to be a rare breed of steakhouse that's genuinely interested in attracting new clientele and keeping up with food/wine trends all the while not forsaking its bread and butter (in this case, steak). Plus, $25 for at least 9 generous pours is one of the best kept secrets in town!
(4)
Chris S.
Great steakhouse. Nothing to complain about.
(4)
Paul O.
Really great burger. I wish it was on the menu all day long.
(4)
Kim H.
We came here for our wedding anniversary and included a note about it in the reservation. When we arrived there were rose petals, a beautiful long stem rose, and a happy anniversary card at the table...awesome! Now the food left more to be desired. We had the crab cakes which were phenomenal. My husband ordered the sliced steak with wild mushroom and I ordered the tenderloins with lobster, both were ordered medium. One of my tenderloins came out well done and the other was partially medium and partially well. They did end the night well with a complimentary creme brule and flourless chocolate cake on the house. Overall, I've had better experiences with steak/beef and expected more for the money.
(3)
Lixin Z.
Mother's day! Where I take my mommy for dinner. My criteria for fancy dinning are 1. Expensive; 2. Slow; 3. Tiny food portion; 4. Dark; 5. Okay taste but not worth the value. The Capital Grille rarely fulfill any of the criteria which was surprising, mostly in a positive way. We were hanging somewhere downtown Chicago while a lady called to double confirm my reservation (which I made a while ago via Yelp). That was very thoughtful and definitely an efficient marketing strategy running a business, particularly during this special moment of the year. We lived rather close to the place so we walked over for dinner. Was slightly lost but prob was because the direction we walk towards. Found it eventually. No waiting, we got a good spot right away. Food wise, the portion was shockingly HUGE. I ordered a steak (don't quite remembered the name) and my mom got a tuna. The tuna was DELICIOUS, but the steak was okay, personally thought it was a bit over-done. Also, come'on, this is a fancy restaurant, they could've done a bit better job on the plate decor. Dessert, we ordered a chocolate hazelnut cake. I wasn't sure if it was for mother's day but, man, that was hell a lot of cake. The waiter was pretty great, but again, I wish they could've done better, nothing specific, but I feel slightly awkward sitting there eating (but after all, maybe that's how fancy restaurants should make you feel?) Another thought, the atmosphere was great, except when I was trying to use restroom, I noticed it was somewhat hard to move around since that place was really packed and seats were way too close to each others between tables. Should've done better on that as well. Overall, nice experience. But to be a five star restaurant, Capital Grille still needs some more improvement.
(4)
Aida G.
Went on a Saturday night. It was deff busy but not too overcrowded. We ordered a bottle of their Riesling and the Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with Vine Ripe Tomatoes...The best tasting tomatoes I've ever tasted. My salmon was good, his porterhouse was fantastic. So glad there's a local capital grille!!
(4)
Boon K.
I come here because I took my BF to the philly location on his birthday because he wanted a good steak and we just started dating. So I took him here for tradition. The service was great. They had a birthday card waiting for him and it was signed by the staff. You can't go wrong ordering the coffee rub steak and the ice berg salad but this time they the waygu beef and it was perfection. The came out a great chocolate cake and candle for him.
(4)
Linda H.
Great food!!!! I would have given them 5 stars but I think their prices are too high.
(4)
Dave P.
All their steaks are aged and delicious. The bread and crackers they give you are really good too.
(4)
Adam B.
Excellent steak, and the seafood tower was perfection. Very enjoyable experience from a picky diner.
(5)
Mandy A.
In making the rounds of Chicago Steakhouses, this was always on the list but never a high priority. My husband picked this one as his Restaurant Week choice and we went on a Friday night before going out to a concert. I should have known better not to gorge on steak before going to stand in a crowded bar for a couple hours but the temptation was too great. The first thing I noticed was the level of hospitality and personal treatment this place obviously takes seriously. They have a card with your name on it and everyone from the hostess to your server knows your names and calls you by them. Interesting tactic. I started off with the pineapple infused vodka on a recommendation from a coworker and it was great. I almost thought he just gave me pineapple juice it was so smooth. The RW menu was pretty straightforward. Honestly I couldn't even tell you what the other entrees were because my eyes went straight to the 8 oz filet. We both got the caesar salad but I think there was a house salad and clam chowder as options. We both got the filet, they let the husband put blue cheese on his which was nice. They split an order each of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes for us to share which was a perfect amount. Seriously steakhouses need to get the side portions UNDER CONTROL. The steak was perfect and I almost stopped our server to ask how it was seasoned but I didn't because I'm a chicken. It was delicious. I ate it all. And then all of the sides because they were great too. Then dessert came... I got creme brulee, my standby. And husband got the flourless chocolate cake. I ate all of mine and then half of his. I couldn't stop, it was like fudge! So rich and decadent. YUM. The best part? They called my house a week later to make sure we had a great time and enjoyed ourselves. That is just crazy but I will remember that next time I'm thinking about a steakhouse...
(5)
Lyn B.
Was really looking forward to going here, so Restaurant Week was a great excuse. The service was top-notch. There was someone waiting for us upon arrival to open our cab door, and at the end of the night someone hailed a cab for us so that we could wait inside rather than outside in the cold. When we walked in, someone helped us to get seated right away, and another person immediately took our coats to the coat check. Our waiter was very helpful when it came to recommending wine and certain dishes. We had a great seat in the front of the restaurant looking out onto the street, which at night with the snow falling was really beautiful. Finally, at the end of the night, our waiter brought us complimentary champagne to celebrate the anniversary of our engagement. It was so thoughtful, and was a nice added touch! The food was solid. We started with the fresh greens salad and the Caesar salad. Both were just okay- nothing special. The presentation was actually sub-par, but both tasted fine. The steaks were the main event, and the real deal! I got the torpedoes, and my husband got the kona-encrusted steak. Both were perfectly cooked to how we ordered them, and had great flavor! For sides, the mashed potatoes were awesome, and the creamed spinach was very good too! For dessert, the chocolate cake was excellent, and the creme brulee was good. Overall, I wouldn't rush to come back here, but was definitely a fan and would look forward to returning if someone else wanted to!
(4)
Aimee C.
Very nice restaurant to try good food and spend time with family. However, the seats are kinda small. Be sure to dress up for this restaurant if you don't want to feel awkward.
(5)
Jeff R.
Since it was my first time at CG I was thrilled that they offered us a generous three course meal. We started with a single lollipop lamb chop, as well as appetizers of calamari, prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, and caprese salad. The mozzarella is made in house, which was quite delicious in the prosciutto. I loved the calamari served with hot Cherry Peppers. It was fried but not too over done, and the peppers added a nice kick (maybe too much depending on the person). The regular caprese was only ok compared to the other sides. My main course was the Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter (pictured at top). It was a very tasty piece of steak. I loved the blackened crust, which had Kona (i.e. coffee) in it and the shallot butter was an excellent addition. The portion size was plenty for me and if I had any self restraint I should not have finished my plate. In addition to the steak, there were sides of lobster mac 'n cheese and spinach passed around. I thought the mac was good, but Erica knows her mac and said it was one of the best she's had in a while. Something I've forgotten to mention were the wine pairings. For each course we had two different selections (as could you if you take part...). The highlight to start was the Marquis de la Tour, NV (sparkling wine), while my steak paired well with the delicious Chalk Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006. Each main had different pairings so the Tarima Hill Monastrell, 2009 was a top choice with Erica's fillet. Finally, the dessert course arrived with a delicious wine called The Portly Gentleman from Australia. It went perfectly with our flourless chocolate espresso cake and strawberries in vanilla ice cream. I'm not much for chocolate cakes but this was excellent and the ice cream and strawberries hit the spot. I was lucky our server was extremely generous in his offering of the "port." A real nice way to end the meal. I don't know many people that have been to The Capital Grille but count me as one of their fans. It was a generous (wink wink) event that allowed us to experience their high quality food as well as preview a fantastic deal for wine drinkers. I really enjoyed my steak (something I haven't said in a while), and thought our appetizers and sides were equally impressive (followed by a rich and satisfying dessert). Any meal is going to taste a little better when you don't have to see the bill, especially when good wine keeps flowing too. But I would recommend TCG and will keep it high on my list for a good steak dinner in the city. AND don't forget to go now while the Generous Pour event is available.
(4)
C R.
This is high end restaurant which won't disappoint from the moment you step in. The wait staff exceptionally attentive and very knowledgeable about the preparation of the food. You can go for business dinner or a great dinner with your significant other. They made you feel comfortable as my friend and I were a bit underdress. Definitely try the lobster and crab cakes, the fresh mozzarella, tomato & basil salad, Kona crusted sirloin, the glazed salmon. If you have room, share the flourless chocolate cake. The wait staff will also help you with your wine selection if you are wine savvy like me. They are there to help out. So, do not hesitate to ask questions. It is on the pricey side, but well worth it. So start saving your pennies. You will have a fantastic dining experience. Bon Appetite!
(5)
Jill W.
It was my last night in Chicago and I wanted a steak. I asked around and was told to go to the Capital Grille. I was seated at a table in the back, facing the kitchen. It was amazing to watch the food fly out of there with the care and precision that I would expect from a great restaurant (yes, I've watched many Kitchen Nightmares episodes and I don't think Gordon Ramsey would find anything wrong with this place!). My waiter, Paul, was superb! If you go to this restaurant, ask to sit in his section, you won't be sorry. He brought me a sampler of the house cocktail, which was some vodka thing that tasted very yummy. He was knowledgeable of the entire menu, wine list, etc. All I had to tell him was what I liked and he immediately gave me recommendations for wine and food which were spot on. I went for a bottle of the syrah because they were out of the Malbec, which was my first choice. Dinner consisted of the spinach salad with warm bacon dressing (can't say no to anything with bacon), the truffle fries, side of mushrooms, and the procini Delmonico drizzled with the aged Balsamic. I usually like my steak rare, but Paul explained that with this cut of meat, a medium or medium rare would enhance the flavor of the steak. Once again, I listened and boy was I glad I did! The meal was to die for! At the end of the meal, I was stuffed with a half bottle of wine to go and I didn't want to take up his table, so Paul found me a spot at the bar to watch the hockey game and finish my wine. Stacy, the manager, was extremely helpful and welcoming and I saw her come back to the kitchen area to check on the staff and the food from time to time, very impressive. Carlos, the bus boy was extremely friendly and certainly brought a huge smile to my face. Honestly, this was a perfect night. The service here was top notch, my needs were anticipated and met before I knew I needed anything. This is going to be one of my go-to restaurants every time I am back in town. Now time to try the Capital Grille in LA and see if it compares... the bar has been set pretty high tho!
(5)
Allison V.
I have been here a couple of times and loved it both occasions. My most recent experience was for my birthday with my boyfriend and parents. We also celebrated father's day. Our server was great and even gave us his card at the end of the meal for our next dinner. Caesar salad was great. We were also brought out a sample portion of their lobster bisque. A variety of bread is in a basket on the table. There is a giant wine selection and the servers offer suggestions which is nice. There is also beer and full bar. The beer list is small and could use some help in the microbrewery department, but that was not a problem. My dad and I opted for the double cut lamb rib chops......these are prepared perfectly and melt in your mouth. nom nom nom My boyfriend and mom chose the 22oz Porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12-year aged balsamic. This steak was gigantic and flavorful. They recommend that your share the sides. We ordered a full onion ring, a full Sam's mashed potatoes, and a half sauteed spinach. Since our serve overheard it was my birthday he brought a special dessert plate to our table which included the flourless chocolate espresso cake and the creme brulee. The creme brulee was out of this world. The flourless chocolate cake was served with berries and the berries were the highlight of this dessert. Cappuccino was also had and tasted great after a hearty meal. My parents were happy. My boyfriend and I were happy. It was a magnificent place to celebrate our special occasions.
(5)
Ashley C.
I came into the Capital Grille with my mom and two of her friends for lunch. We'd just gotten an email regarding a $15 lunch so we decided to check it out before the deal expired. Interestingly enough, the items offered on the $15 fare were of no interest to me, and while the Stoli Bolis (martinis made from Stoli vodka and pineapple fermented in a large jar kept on the bar for weeks at a time) are always great, the mint lemonade seemed more lemon-y and less minty for the $3.50 they charged for them. While this restaurant is beautiful on the inside, smells of steak and truffles in the air, each and every detail is addressed by the staff, from the waitress ensuring that the valet had our car, to the glasses being refilled without being asked, etc... I just am somewhat disappointed in the oddness of the taste of the lobster roll featured on the $15 'summer' menu..it was a big letdown.
(3)
Vee V.
Ask to be seated in Heather's section. She will treat you like you're the most important person she's met today. This was our third trip to the Capital--all three dinners were fabulous, and each experience was completely different, but in a good way! Perfect timing for each course, no feeling of being rushed in the slightest and some of the best food I've ever eaten. I'm now telling myself "it's only 4 hours away"....
(5)
Gian Marco D.
This is a great place for steaks, with excellent service and great food. The ambience is discrete, with an appropriate distance between tables. Dimmed lights make it perfect both for a business meal or a date.
(5)
Corinna K.
Nice classy place and perfect for a business lunch/dinner. Corner location was in a nice busy area and easy to find. I was here for a business lunch a few months ago to become aquainted with some new colleagues. Atmosphere was very nice with dark rich colors and the server and staff were all polite, friendly and efficient. The food was very very good. Loved the bread! The chunky clam chowder was smooth, creamy and delicious with just the right amount of saltiness. The lobster and crab stuffed shrimps entre was scrumptious! When I saw just three shrimps on a plate served, my first thought was "I guess I won't be full". But let me tell you, don't be fooled by the lacking impression. Those shrimps were HUGE! And they were stuffed....make that totally overstuffed...with chunks of lobster and real crab meat. One of the tastiest, perfectly cooked seafood that I ever had. We ended with creme brulees for dessert which was a sweet end for a very nice meal. Definitely recommend especially for business-type events. Might be a bit on the stiff side for families who would enjoy a more casual atmosphere.
(5)
Barbara B.
This is my favorite steak place in town. Kona crusted sirloin. Caesar salad. Creamed spinach. Creme brulee. As my friend says "eating here makes me feel like a rich old man." The staff is phenomenal and so is the food! Perfect place to celebrate.
(5)
Sunil D.
The one push back I ever get about this place, when I claim it in my top three steakhouses is: "but its a chain...." If you can shake that stereotype, CG is one of the best places in the city to go with clients, a night on the town with the guys or a special date. Their service is top notch and really makes you feel comfortable whatever the occasion or crowd your with. The decor is over the top, in a good way. It has the feel of a grand ballroom, with huge wine displays and high ceilings. The only negative to the layout is the bar is small/cramped and in the flow of traffic. Then again you're not coming here for the bar. The food is unbelievable, I've never had a bad meal in the dozens of times I've been here. Steaks are always perfectly cooked and portions are always huge. My go to is the kona rubbed sirloin, which I was strong armed by a waiter to order a few months back (if you don't like it, I'll give you your money back was his claim). It has an unbelievable unique flavor that I can't begin to explain, so you'll just have to order it next time. Other highlights are - The wedge salad, calamari with banana peppers and the best mac n' cheese ever, loaded with lobster chunks. The wine menu is huge and although I'm no wine aficionado, the waiters have always been knowledgeable in recommending a reasonably priced selection that tastes great. The place isn't cheap, but I always leave here feeling like I've gotten my moneys worth. With that said, be sure to snag a reservation during Chicago's Restaurant Week. Unlike their competitors they don't downsize the portions and menu's for the fixed price offering. Your three courses meal end up being less than the price of a regular priced entree/steak. I usually avoid RW because of the "modified menu" offerings from most restaurants, but CG is one of the best values in town during that time.
(5)
Jaime D.
Food was OK. Service was decent. A bit over priced, but that's what you expect in a steakhouse.
(3)
Dan L.
The service was very personal, and attentive. The porterhouse steak was excellent, and the au gratin potatoes side was very tasty. The steam spinach was a bit over cooked but not bad. Nice mahogany paneled motif and ambiance; like the traditional American chophouse that it is.
(5)
Jeremiah Z.
When I go out for a steak, chain places like Capital Grille or Ruth's Chris are usually not at the top of my wish list. But as a foodie, you have to respect talent and a good product and I believe that's what you get here. I feel that its a safe choice when choosing a steakhouse in Chicago and they serve prime aged beef so thats definitely good. I wouldn't say its a place I go for the atmosphere, but the interior is nice enough and we all had a good time. The service is excellent though and that counts for alot in my book....probably the main reason I'd take this place from 3 stars to 4. I've had some appetizers here that are just average and the same for dessert. And its expensive just like the other top steakhouses in the city so be prepared to pay. I don't like that you can go to this place in multiple locations here in Chicago as well as nationwide....that takes away from Capital Grille a little in my eyes. But its a minor point and the steaks here will definitely satisfy!
(4)
Julia B.
I was beyond excited to come here during restaurant week, as $33 for a 4-course meal here is a steal. The other several times I've been here I was not responsible for the bill, thankfully, as it is pricey, but definitely worth every penny for a special occasion. First of all, whoever thought the lobster mac n'cCheese is a genius, pure genius. This is by far my favorite dish here, and it's only a side. I realize that Capital Grille might not be the first restaurant to serve such a delicacy, but they definitely do it the best. The lobster pieces are medium-sized and perfectly tender and the mac n' cheese is, well, you just need to try it; your tastebuds will thank you. The clam-chowder is great, but the lobster bisque is phenomonal (I am noticing a trend here). Second of all, the steaks, oh my the steaks. I had the Kona-crusted 8 oz filet this time (usually 10 oz although I thought it was the perfect size) and it was cooked to perfection (medium well for me). Crispy kona crust outside and tender, juicy, succulent meat on the inside with a tiny bit of pink=perfect. Probably one of the top 10 steaks I've had in my life. I also remember the sirloin being equally delicious on a past visit. Finally, the desserts are beautifully displayed and taste even better than they look. I was with a group of girlfriends so we just got one of each of the desserts available on the price-fix menu which included ceme brulee, flourless chocolate espresso cake, chocolate & vanilla ice cream, and cheesecake (given to us bc they were out of sherbet) All were tasty but the cheesecake was by far the rest. And I don't even like cheesecake! Not only the food was amazing, but the service is some of the best I've had in Chicago; the waiters here are very attentive. Also, their wine list rocks! Come here hungry and be prepared to eat a lot and leave in an absolute state of gastronomic satisfaction.
(5)
Jeighsen C.
We were celebrating 2 birthdays while visiting Chicago so diner was a must. Our server Dave P. went above and beyond to impress everyone at our table. His presentation of the menu was very informative, pace of meal was wonderful and desert was great. My is suggestion is to request Dave P., order the lobster mac, and a piece of espresso chocolate flourless cake and enjoy.
(5)
ning j.
For us carnivores, filet mignon is the ultimate prize! To me, the perfect filet is crispy on the outside and of course tender on the inside. I prefer mine medium rare. So of course a journey to the Capitale Grille meant that I must get the filet mignon! Both the fiancee and I got the mignon because we didn't want to start growling at each other when there wasn't enough of it go around. The other appetizers on the restaurant week menu that we got were the clam chowder and cesar salad, both of which were good but nothing to howl about. The filet sadly did not satisfy my inner carnivore. It wasn't very crispy on the outside and not as tender and tasty as the filets I've had at both Joe's Seafood and McCormick and Schmick (YES! Both of which are seafood places!). And mine was more rare, rather than medium rare. Lastly we had the creme brulee and orange sherbert, both of which were pretty yummy! I love it when they increase the surface area of the brulee by using a wide and shallow dish to maximize the caramelized sugar! Although there is a slim chance that I'll be returning, it is important to note that both the ambiance and service were good.
(3)
Moni K.
If I had to describe this experience in one word it would be classy. We were greeted by an extremely attentive maitre d'. They were able to accommodate us even though we did not have a reservation. The service while professional was relaxed and not over-orchestrated. This is classic American cuisine. I had basically a whole chicken (most of which I took home, as it was too much to eat at once) french fries, potatoes au gratin, and my husband had the salmon.The taste was impeccable, we felt thoroughly satiated and relaxed upon our departure. The ambiance created by the 1920-30's porter style uniforms of the waiters/waitresses and the whole art deco look of the place, with Sinantra in the background was amazing. Pricey, but highly recommended!
(5)
Brandon B.
I have a very restricted diet, but I can eat meat, so I tried this place out. The waiter was very accommodating. He asked questions and had several suggestions. The steak was amazing! The service was second-to-none!
(5)
Charizard B.
We went here for our last dinner in Chicago, and we were thrilled. The service was friendly and quick. We ordered the Delmonico steak and shared it (nice touch- they served us separately) and it was delicious. Tender and super flavorful, just how a steak should be imo. We had some mashed potatoes on the side, and they were awesome as well. I'd never had creme brulee before, and I'm a very very picky eater, but it was soooo divine. If only it weren't so expensive. . .
(5)
Joe X.
Two fantastic meals here while in Chicago. Superb food.
(5)
Susan B.
Steak, steak, steak. The waiter was very good about listening to our requests for the exact amount of cooking (even down to the temperature). He brought my husband's rib eye - specified to the cook as "rare" - indicating that if it was not perfect, he'd have them put it back for just a bit. That's what happened, and it was perfect in the end. My sirloin strip was perfect 'out of the box'. We opted out of all the sauces, wanting to taste the best Chicago has to offer, as is (we were first time tourists to the city and very fussy about steak). So we enjoyed it immensely, and the service was extra attentive. The mushroom side was over seasoned, but we had no other complaints. We were there on a Sunday night, and it was quiet and peaceful.
(4)
Jennifer S.
Fantastic!
(5)
Luckie D.
Hunger pains and deep pockets you can't miss. My filet was a perfect med. rare, the baked potato was outstandingly tender and my salad was crisp, cool and fresh. They are who we thought they were..... Service, food, ambience they have it all once again confirming you do in fact sometimes get what you pay for. Way to go CG! Hey, somebody has to eat it.......
(4)
A W.
Great meal. Great service. The filet was awesome and perfectly prepared. We ordered the au gratin potatoes and they were ice cold in the middle. We made the server aware of this and they appeared extremely concerned this happened. Only negative was that we were almost done with our meal when the new order arrived. But they made up for it with providing complimentary desserts... I highly recommend the place.
(4)
Michael E.
This is what I would call your baseline, high end, franchised restaurant. Now I write that not as a bad thing....so let me explain. Capital Grill, though they differ from city to city in their look and feel, offer a consistent menu with what I consider excellent service and food. But I would recommend that you focus on the steaks as I feel they excel in how they prepare 2 inch+ steaks...which is a talent (given the right quality of meat and profession grilling equipment *wink*). The food is not cheap, but again it speaks to the level of quality. Wine and grain alcohol selection is extensive. There are affordable bottles of wine in the $30 to $40 range. This is both a special occasion as well as a "treat myself to a great dinner" place. Go after the happy hour crowd departs...typically after 7pm and dine in this establishment during the week versus weekends as they can be crowded due to tourists. You'll see MANY business dinners occurring in this establishment. I cannot comment on lunches at this time, mainly for the fact I'd never pay those prices for a lunch....dinner yes, lunch, never. Service is dead on. Tip accordingly. Reservations can be made via their website and I'd recommend this if you eat in the "sweet spot" between 6pm and 8pm. For this location, I'd recommend a booth, facing the kitchen grill area, but farthest away from the hall to the bathrooms (which are considerably down the hall). The view and activity will add to the eating experience. Stay away from the tables facing the kitchen and in the bar area.....too much noise and traffic. Valet your car if you drive. It is $12, but parking decks near by will cost more than $16. Just don't stay longer than 3 hours as there is an extra charge. I recently ordered the chopped salad...which had a bit of spicy to it with sliced banana peppers....which I felt was great. Next was the 14oz Sirlon.....a BIG piece of meet. Personally I'd recommend eating no more than 10oz of meet in this place if you get anything else with your meal, e.g. appetizers, salad, etc. There will be a ton of food. Also, keep in mind if you eat along the side dishes can be "halfed" if you request it, but the wait staff should proactively make the suggestion. You should be brought a hot towel after your cocktail, but before your first food item arrives. This is a high end place everyone should treat themselves to every once in a while (meat eaters that is.....).
(4)
Kelli A.
Hubby and I went here for lunch for my birthday. We started off with the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp was fresh and the cocktail sauce was well flavored and not too spicy. My hubby had the ribeye steak sandwich with caramelized onions and havarti cheese. I had to steal some of his sandwich. We both agreed it was the best steak sandwich we've ever had. He had chips with his steak sandwich. The chips are made in house and tasted amazing. I had the lobster and crab burger. It was extremely flavorful and delicious. The tartar sauce that came with it was also amazing. I had fries with my burger and they were some of the best fries I've ever had. We will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Vickie L.
Food was just okay, not really worth the price, go to Morton's for a better steak. But the service is TOP NOTCH. We went for my boyfriend's birthday, I called ahead of time to tell them it was his birthday, they said they would make it special, and boy, did they!!! MORAL - GO FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION and they will make it special! If it's not a special occasion, go somewhere else for a better meal. When we walked in and gave our name, the maitre d said "Happy Birthday" right away. The hostess walked us to our table and again said HB. There was a small card at the table that said HB and the entire waitstaff had signed it! Our server Rick (?) was wonderful, attentive, but not overbearing. Water was filled constantly. When we got our leftovers, there was a little pre-printed card from the Chef, and the Chef actually signed it. At dessert time, they comped us a dessert with a candle. They also brought us 2 complimentary glasses of champagne. Lastly, our waiter brought over a digital camera and took a picture of us and had it printed out and put in a paper frame. It was definitely the little touches and outstanding service that made this birthday very special.
(4)
Sunny D.
This is my go to place in Chicago. Love the ambiance, love the food and love the service. Highlights: garlic truffle french fries, lobster macaroni. I ordered the Halibut and also a mozarella/basil salad. Both were great. Until next time...
(5)
Lisa C.
Celebrated my boyfriend's birthday here and had a great experience. I made reservations via Opentable and had wrote 'Celebrating BF's birthday' in the comments section. When we arrived, BF was greeted with 'Happy Birthday' from the hostess. A birthday card was sitting at our table. Service throughout the night was impeccable - from our server to the bus boy. On to the food - bread basket offering was good - nice, warm, and tender in the middle. We shared the pan fried calamari with hot cherry peppers, chopped salad, lobster mac and cheese, and the porcini rubbed Delmonico. The calamari was lightly battered and tender...and slightly hot, thanks to the hot cherry peppers. Chopped salad was lightly dressed and a great choice to balance out the wonderful steak we had afterwards. Since we told our server, Phillip, ahead of time, that we were sharing everything, the steak came to our table already cut into pieces. It was absolutely delicious, so juicy, so tender! Just writing about it is making my mouth water. I wish we weren't in public so i could take the bone and gnaw the meat off it without people casting judgement. Lobster mac and cheese is awesome!!!! Topped with actual lobster meat and crunchy bread crumbs. The bf who normally does not like mac and cheese loves it! Last but not least, the complimentary flourless chocolate espresso cake with raspberries was indulgent and rich but not too heavy. The small touches from the birthday greetings to the birthday card to the complimentary cake and champagne made this a memorable event. Thank you, Capital Grille and Philip! We will be back!
(5)
Francis K.
The food and service here were amazing. The calamari made a great appetizer and could have filled us up, but luckily our main courses came out just at the right time. The steaks were so tender and flavored to perfection. To top off it, they had the most amazing cheesecake ever. Top notch service and a little taste of heaven makes this place a must-try for all.
(5)
Samantha H.
I was quite pleased with Capital Grill. I'd put it on par with Mortens (with steak, price, and ambiance). The decor is modern chophouse, similar to Mortens. The service was great and the service was wonderful. As for steaks, I got a filet (8 oz even though they had a 10 oz on the menu) with some chipollini onions and mushrooms. A few people got their steaks with the Kona crust. My husband got the Delmonico. While mine was prepared to the most perfect medium rare possible, his was a tad overcooked but the crust was good. My filet was flavorful and very yummy. Some things to keep in mind, they actually will divide most of their sides in half. So we got a full of the mashed potatoes (awesome) and full of the lobster mac and cheese (which was good but not outstanding, I've had better) and a half of the creamed spinach and asparagus. All were very good. The sommelier was very pleasant as well. Overall, up there with the awesome steakhouses in Chicago, but not Bennys Chophouse!
(4)
anthony t.
Kona Crusted New York. Thats all I need to say about Capital Grille. Its great and although the atmosphere is a little stuffy that steak is great.
(4)
Samantha L.
I came here last night for Restaurant Week, and I must say, they have a great Restaurant Week menu. I got the field greens for an app, which wasn't anything special, but I didn't expect it to be. My main course was an 8 oz filet mignon accompanied by mashed potatoes, which was delicious. The potatoes were perfectly buttery and fluffy. My last course was creme brulee, which was delicious, but I was deeply jealous when I tried my friend's flourless chocolate espresso cake! I might go back some time just for mashed potatoes and the flourless cake, lol. Also, the staff was helpful and nice, and the manager came up to our table when we were pretty much done except for 2 sips of wine and kindly asked us if he could buy us all a drink at the bar because they needed the table for the next reservation. Can't complain about a free drink!
(5)
Jennie R.
The food was amazing here, which is a given (i forget what we ordered: I got the special, a fish, and my husband got the special as well, braised short ribs???). But I must say the customer service is impeccable!!! The best service I've ever experienced (for the record my husband and I love fine dining and we've been to a lot of "nice" restaurants). For whatever reason they had apologized for a delay in our food not coming out in a timely matter. We didn't even notice cause they were so nice and courteous. For this "inconvenience" they said dessert was on the house. We were so full with all the food we had there was no way we could have dessert, plus we really didn't think there was a delay at all. We told them it was not necessary but they insisted. When the dessert came out they brought out 2 desserts. It was so kind of them. Next time we are out in Chicago we will definitely come back here!!!!
(5)
Mark J.
Pricey steakhouse but that's expected and it was well-worth it. My wife and I both had our steaks cooked to Medium-rare+ and they were PERFECT. The meat was amazing. She got a horseradish encrusting and I got the special, a trio of shallot butter, kona coffee, and one plain filet. All was awesome. The peppered calimari we got for and appetizer was awesome. It was very spicy but the flavors together were great.
(5)
Jennifer S.
Excellent service, food and location! All of the Capital Grilles I have been to around the country are consistently good and this one was no exception.
(4)
jeff k.
The worst service and food I ever had. Waited for our waiter for 45 minutes despite telling the manager. Food was cold as well. First time ever I thought about not tipping.
(1)
Sarah B.
I have never been disappointed by Capital Grille. Service is attentive, but not intrusive. Steaks are cooked perfectly to order. And the lobster bisque...well, you just have to order the lobster bisque. Get a bowl, not a cup. And don't even offer to share--you won't want to once you've had that first taste. This place is perfect for business, group and even romantic dinners. There is a great little room towards the back that offers a more intimate setting--I definitely recommend asking to be seated there if you're on a date. Even worth stopping in for a drink--the bar area is smallish, but the drink list is very good.
(5)
Law S.
Unreal, we went during Restaurant Week and my only regret was that we didn't go twice. The lobster and crab cakes were some of the best I have had in the city and the Maker's Mark Manhattan (my go-to drink) was perfect. The filet was definitely worth getting and cooked perfectly, (I get medium rare). We ordered a bottle of wine and it was a great pairing, from a nice recommendation from our server. The flour less chocolate cake was a great way to end the meal with a black Russian, and the sorbet was good too. I will be back, Restaurant week or not.
(5)
jenicakes l.
I decided to try Capital Grille for Restaurant Week and to celebrate my bf's birthday. We loved it from the start. One of the hostesses checked our coats after we walked in. Because we were a little early, we were directed to the bar. The bartender was very friendly and patient (all the cocktails sounded delicious and I had a bit of trouble deciding). I had the Stoli Doli (pineapple infused vodka) which was the house specialty and very tasty. Another hostess then came to the bar to bring us to our table. Our waitress and the staff were very attentive. The food was delicious! I had the Kona Sirloin and the bf had the Filet Mignon. Both were cooked to perfection. They had a nice wine list that ranged in price from affordable to extravagant. Little personal touches (i.e. a hand signed birthday card from the staff, the napkin exchange, a tag signed by the chef on our doggie bag, and a dessert with a birthday candle) made the experience memorable. We will definitely be back again!
(5)
Paul S.
Everything was perfect! Nothing to say but one the BEST meals, experience, and nights I have had in a while. Field Greens, Spring Vegetables with Shallot Champagne Vinaigrette 10oz Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin (Medium) with Shallot Butter Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon Sam's Mashed Potatoes & Fresh Creamed Spinach Double espresso Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake & Chef's Seasonal Fruit Sorbet (Raspberry) I became insane.
(5)
Marielle S.
Delicious. Fiance wanted a steakhouse for his B-day, and though we both cringed at the idea of a "chain" restaurant, the yelp reviews convinced us it was worth it. This place is pricey, but you could certainly spend $100 for 2 (which I think is totally reasonable) if you were careful on apps/drinks. For us, it was worth ordering EVERYTHING. From the truffle fries, to the lobster mac and cheese to the pineapple infused vodka that they say they make in house, it was all DELICIOUS. I had swordfish. It was cooked PERFECTLY. Robert had a steak. While this is a steakhouse review, I don't eat meat, so I can't really comment on that. We both got soups as appetizers, and I think, if anything, that was what we could have done without. They were good, but nothing out of this world.
(5)
Mike M.
Stellar! From the reservation process, to check-in, to drinks at the bar, dinner, and the follow-up call 2 days later (yes, that's right)...just top notch class. One of my new favorite places for a special steak night out to celebrate...or just 'cuz I'm worth it. Porcini rubbed steak, lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, lobster mac 'n cheese, mushrooms, wedge salad, and an insanely decadent bottle of California Cab...just heavenly. Our service was perfect. Just enough space and time, with the right amount of personal interaction. Oh, and the ricotta cheesecake with a bruleed top? We've been talking about it every day since. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
D F.
Loved it! Just got back from dinner here with my wife for her birthday. I got the regular sirloin, she got the kona crusted sirloin - both were terrific. The dish that absolutely stole the show for us was the truffle fries. Creme brulee dessert was delish as well. We weren't disappointed with any aspect of our experience there. Now I really want to go back to try some of the other steaks and seafood. The waitress - Monica - was super super nice. Having been to Joe's, Morton's, Gibson's, and now Capital Grille, I think Capital Grille and Joe's are in a class of their own.
(5)
H F.
They accepted a reservation at 8:45 pm and when we arrived on time to celebrate our anniversary they informed us that their kitchen closes in 15 minutes.
(1)
John M.
Been there a few times. For $40 plus steak a la carte, I would expect they cook it to temperature. Never have had a great experience. Just went to the location in Orlando and another disappointing visit. Just to reminisce, went to he Lombard location for my birthday. The waiter recommended the steak and blue cheese. My son ordered the lobster and shrimp dis. My steak came with a dollop of goat cheese and my sons plate was coked beyond possibility. the waiter proceeded to argue that he said goat cheese. who in their right mind would order a steak with goat cheese.,
(2)
Michael S.
Minced bacon and onion IN the burger?! Hell yeah! It was a medium rare delectable treat, which could only be improved upon by having an extra napkin handy. However, even if the amount of caffeine I drank was injected straight into my heart, I don't think I could recover from that ridiculously unhealthy lunch choice. If I don't drink anything cold for a while, can I prevent that crazy amount of fat just consumed from congealing in my veins? Fish and chicken on the menu for a week (ha...not really).
(4)
Darl B.
really 2.5 but hey not an option. well, I see the usual yelp inflation grading is at it again. luckily I am here to save the day for yelpers. Okay let's dig in. 1st when prices are higher I want higher everything- quality, experieince, etc. I am not sure yelpers get that. This was a lunch not dinner a week ago. greeters friendly but just a tad slow in getting some older gents out of the way to the take care of us. hey there are 2 of you lets get a little more efficient eh? anyway minor quibble. server: friendly and attentive but perhaps a little to 'check in-y' if you know what I mean?hey this is a business lunch don't interrupt 4 times for 'hows the meal'... we are talking. again a minor quibble I am not knocking the service just sayin' adapt to what you see! another issue I frequently have and saw here: food delivery person put the wrong plate in front of wrong person. hey there are only 2 of us ya had a 50/50 chance- why at nice places like this do we still have this happening? next, no fresh pepper offered when food is delivered instead its drop and run. okay, now we have to use the non grind standard pepper shaker on table. 5 mins later our server asks would we like fresh pepper. uh we are already well into meal and had to use table pepper was response. sigh really-here?-really? one of us has lobster bisque soup. was *just* luke warm. that is more than quibble for me but butched it out instead of asking for the old microwave treatment eh? soup okay but a bit fishy on lobster parts in there from time to time- what's up with that? also less thick than I have seen but perhaps another quibble? entrees good. nothing omg special about prep but certainly good and a solid preparation and cooked well. I would like to see more chances taken but some were taken so OK. bread for table: small, nothing special at all. in short, boring. for me that is also not a quibble more in the realm of a fail. in short lunch plate is solid but all the quibbles add up to a beef and I cant just give thumbs up to every 'nice' place if the attention to detail does not make it special. Go and do likewise gents.
(2)
T C.
(Based on service, I would include an extra star for the beyond excellent service to make this 4*... but I grading more for food/taste and it SO didn't wow me) It seems like a perfect, higher end, neighbor/family traditional spot! Staff was very friendly and went out of their way to say "hi" or "good night, thanks for visiting" type of greetings and acknowledgment. Plates were presented at a good pace and our waiter did a good job checking up on how we were doing. We waited about 15 min after showing up 5 min early for our reservation so the place was pretty busy on the weekdays! The food was good also but nothing too fantastic or new to make me come back (I live in San Francisco, however). We ordered the cold shellfish platter (lobster, shrimp, oysters) which was pretty good but rather bland (lobster tail and claw and gulf shrimp) and served ice cold (as opposed only slightly chilled). The oysters were fresh, delicate and salty and the favorites. We also had the Porcini Rubbed Delmonico w/12 year aged balsamic vinegar and a Porterhouse steak. The Porterhouse was very good, cooked as requested, tender and juicy and hits the spot for the most part, I would have liked a better sear and a little salt while still on the grill tho. The balsamic vinegar burnt off and created a smoky, slightly burnt and mellow/tart, crust on the Delmonico cut. The Lyonnaise potatoes were excellent, outsides were a little buttery, salty and crispy and were wonderful with the sweet caramelized Spanish onions. I would totally go back for just these. Also had the seasonal fresh veggies which was mostly summer squash with a hint of lemon and buttery olive oil. We also had the ice cream sandwich, which they split on two plates without us asking. It was good, not too sweet with a creamy vanilla ice cream.
(3)
Leila T.
Best dinner I've ever had in Chicago. Expensive but amazing. 10000x better than Gibsons. The Filet Oscar is the best item on their menu, it has lobster, asparagus, and a great sauce. The filet with mushrooms, onions, and balsamic was amazing as well. Potato au gratin was good but I don't know if I would order it again because they have many other sides that sounded good. They do offer a gluten free menu and even gave me a gluten free flourless chocolate cake for my birthday with a candle and a signed card from the entire staff! 2 filets and a side was about 110 plus tip, but worth every penny. Great place for special occasions.
(5)
Haydar M.
Amazing Steaks. try the Kona Rub on the Filet. and ask them to toast the Mac'n'cheese extra... had one week back in June where i had 3 different sets of people come into town for work and i had to take them to this, Chicago Cut, and Mastro's.. and in the end, i decided that Capital Grille is the best one. chicago Cut steaks were great, but the sides at Capital Grille are better and the wine selection great as well..
(4)
Sharon S.
Celebrating a two-year anniversary, my husband and I felt like celebrities. We made reservations on-line indicating it was our anniversary. Capital Grille had a card signed by the staff congratulating us (soo sweet) and our waiter took a pic of us. But before the honeymoon is over, let me tell you about this place! Have you heard about the steaks? We ordered two steaks: Porcini Rubbed Delmonico A bit salty (i like salty) steak cooked to perfection. My husband loved it and ate the entire thing like it was going out of style! Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Butter. Yelp's got my tongue. Words cannot describe the taste of this steak. The Capital Grille has perfected a steak. It is glamorous piece of meat. Once you've eaten this, you will never appreciate any other steak ever again. Our sides were the Lobster Mac N Cheese and mushrooms. Both were a delightful accompaniment with our steaks. For appetizers we had Lobster and Crab Cakes which were perfect. You know you're having a great meal when the server asks what you would like for dessert and you suddenly feel sad because your meal is coming to a close. We cracked a classic creme brule and ate in silence...we knew our time at The Capital Grille was over. A few last thoughts. The service was perfect. We never had to ask for anything. Even though our server had several tables, his service was so great that it was just like he was assigned to us. Like a timeless piece in your wardrobe. Always classy, always chic, always tasteful. This is a timeless piece in my culinary adventures.
(5)
Chris D.
It's a Good Restaurant. I will definitely try this one again soon one day. (The Dallas location was much much better in my view). The Porterhouse I had was not one of the best I have had. The bartender was probably having a day because when I asked him to recommend a nice red wine, he showed intense frustration. Normally I would give two stars right off the bat for lack of quality service, especially at a top scale restaurant such as this, but I had a great conversation with other customers that eased over the bad service.
(3)
Lindsee R.
Went here for an evening out with my lady-friend. Good Lord! did we have to be rolled out the door in serious food coma fashion. We arrived for our reservation a tad early, but only had to wait a few minutes until we were seated. Neither of us had expected the dress code and we both arrive a little less than prim and proper. Once seated, our waiter was was quite hospitable as explained the menu and though he remained attentive for the duration of our meal, he didn't hover, which I truly appreciated. Since I knew the Capital was a chain I wasn't expecting the atmosphere of the restaurant to be quite as posh as it was, nor was I expecting the delights that were served. From my perfectly cooked lamb chops to my lady-friend's perfectly cooked steak and the well seasoned sides of potatoes and spinach to the creamy, yet light creme brulee, I was in ecstasy. IMHO this place is A-one and may be battling for the best restaurant experience I've had in Chicago, thus far! The lighting is sexy, the food is a treat and the waitstaff is accommodating. This, is my kind of place.
(5)
Janet X.
Went here twice, for a regular meal and for Restaurant Week, and loved it both times. The lobster mac 'n cheese, as many have said beforehand, is wonderful, as is the seasonal berries with sweet cream dessert. However (as is appropriate for a, um, steakhouse), the real stars are the steaks. For Restaurant Week, my filet mignon with kona crust was spectacular. Unlike some of the other restaurants, which watered down their main course for the prix fixe, it didn't appear that Capital Grille cut any corners for the entree. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars was the service. I was pretty happy the first two times I was asked if my steak was done to the right temperature, but after the fourth time it started getting kind of aggravating. Furthermore, we were seated far beyond our reservation time, which was funny because the first time I came, we were asked politely to pay and leave because other people were waiting for their reservations. I thought that that was rather inconsistent.
(4)
Jason S.
My second goal in life, aside from becoming a Yelp elite member (wink wink), is to be able to afford to eat here on a regular basis. My review can be considered slightly biased because I had the most baller dinner here on another company's tab, but nonetheless this place was amazing. By far the best meal I have had in Chicago. Great decor, ridiculously extensive wine list, and definitely pricy. Great for anniversaries and business dinners. I will attempt to list out everything that was ordered: Appetizers: Grand Plateau (King Crab legs, lobster tails, raw oysters, cocktail shrimp Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers Lobster and Crab Cakes Cold Shellfish Platter Entrees: 13 salads and 2 soups (I had the tomato basil) 15 Steaks (I had Chef's special Delmonico Steak - very very delicious) - $50 a piece Sides: 1 order Parmesan Truffle Fries (very good) - 2 orders of Sams mashed potatoes 2 orders of creamed spinach 1 order Vidalia Onion rings 2 order of roasted mushrooms Desserts: 1 order Fresh strawberries 4 cheesecake with berries 1 handmade ice cream 3 chocolate hazelnut cakes 6-7 bottles of red/white wine I am guessing the bill was at least 2 grand, so definitely the best free meal I've had.
(5)
Bahi K.
Took a true steak lover here, as part of his visit in Chicago, and he left a very happy camper. We had an extremely friendly and generous server who not only joked around with us, but gave us great wine recommendations (we tried the wine flights which were phenomenal and a great value) and even instructed the kitchen to chop up several steaks so that we could each share. On his recommendation, we tried the kona-encrusted steak, the del monico and the lamb chops. All were excellent, but I particularly liked the lamb chops. For appetizers we had the famous mac'n'cheese and the spicy calamari -- both were excellent! Definitely a good place to go if you're hungry and you want something hearty that will hit the spot.
(4)
Adam E.
I've been to the Boston location, and you can see my review there for more info.. but there is really only a couple things to say about Capital Grille. Kona Crusted Porter = AMAZING!!!!!!! After consulting with out waiter for his reccomendation as I wanted to try one of the more adventurous choices, he pointed this out as his personal favorite, and said that if I didn't like it he would gladly fire up another and take this one for himself. My dad and I got a good laugh out of this momentary break from character although we liked it. Needless to say I had it, and I loved it. I think the waiter was disappointed he only ended up with our empty dishes and a tip and not the steak, the latter half of which came along with me for another day. Before the steak, I enjoyed the lobster bisque (excellent!) and along with the steak we had potatoes au gratin (which were beyond tasty) All in all, it still stand as tops for me above Gibson's among the steak houses I've frequented so far..
(5)
Scott B.
I've been to a handful of Capital Grilles, but never the D/T Chicago location. Surprisingly, after 2 something years, I enter this location last night. We were seated immediately, and at a decent table, which has always been a pet peeve of mine. Unfortunately, we were seated next to a young Asian couple who thought it'd be cool to bring their infant out for a fine dining experience. The server discretely asked my wife if we would like another table. Wifey nodded. I thought this was a cool move. Being seated at a quieter table, our attentive server took our drink order. A self proclaimed Vodka snob, I inquired about the "better" Vodka options. Now, what irritates me more than anything is when I'm in a nice restaurant, and a server or bartender retorts, "We have Grey Goose and Kettle One." No, this server knew what the hell I was talking about and started spewing off good Vodkas. Yes, Hangar One, XO and Chopin are GOOD Vodkas- NOT Grey Goose! My martini arrived and it was made to perfection. We ordered some salads for starters, and they were quite tasty. Both wifey and I had the filets (med. rare) for our entrees, and a side of the lobster mac-n-cheese. My only complaint (which really is not a complaint) is that the lobster mac didn't have hardly any lobster. The first time I dined at a Capital Grille in Jacksonville, Florida, the lobster mac was loaded with goodness. But, I was dining with the proprietor, so this maaayyybeee had something to do with it... Nevertheless, the service was astoundingly good. After slurping down my martini, Paul, our server asked if I wanted a glass of wine with my steak. Well, yes indeed. I inquired if there was anything by the glass besides what was listed on the menu, and he strongly recommended a Cabernet, ZD. What really surprised me was that he offered a free taste. I was hesitant, thinking it at $20 a glass it would suck. No, it did not. It was really f'n good, and he brought out a generous pour in addition to the free taste. A bloody filet, paired with a "Fat Cab" is always a wise move. VERY GOOD RECOMMENDATION! Competitive pricing for a 5-star establishment. In addition, great service and very good steaks. I will return!
(5)
Jeanie P.
The best steak I've ever had (porcini rubbed delmonico ribeye with balsamic) was @ Capital Grille (albeit the Vegas location)... and the memory of that ribeye has stuck with me ever since! And I've been to the other steakhouses (Ruth Chris/Morton's/ etc) This was my first experience at the Chicago branch, and it was nice, but not as mindblowing as that ribeye... The restaurant week menu was a great steal for 32 bucks! I love the bread here, especially that brown bread with the whipped butter. I tried the mixed green salad (WAY too much dressing.. ask for it on the side) and the Kona crusted sirloin. Yes coffee and steak? It's not a in your face flavor, but the Kona adds a smoky depth to the crust of the steak with a hint of Dijon (according to our waiter). And it is served with SHALLOT BUTTER- totally delicious. The sirloin was definitely not as tender as my fond memory of the ribeye, but that is why I love ribeye in general- marblelization! Anyway they also served mashed potatoes and creamed spinach for sides which were both delicious but a little too heavy once they cooled down. For dessert, I had the flourless chocolate espresso cake which is like sooo heavy. I would def recommend getting some kind of coffee or something b/c it's hard to swallow after awhile. Tried the creme brulee- yum but nothing special, and the ice cream. The mango sorbet was a little too tart to eat a lot of. Split the half bottle of Tuscan Chianti- don't recommend this at all! The flavor was flat and much too light of a wine to stand up to a steak. The service here is pretty good; our waiter was definitely friendly and helpful. The staff was attentive. On a side note, I did not like seeing the visible meat locker in the front... I mean ew.. this is America. Also... not to hate, but I'm not a fan of taxidermy... Overall that ribeye was hands down the best steak I've ever had, and despite a less impressive second visit at the Chicago branch, I still highly recommend Capital Grille.
(4)
Chicago T.
As a note to readers, for this review my ratings were based primarily for lunchtime service especially when rating for value and price. Also know that I have visited this restaurant for dinner service and have been equally satisfied except that the rating for value and price would be 4 stars. Now for my review: we visited "The Capital Grille" for lunch recently. The great service begins at the door where you are greeted with a smile. The food is outstanding and one of the best lunch deals in the Mag Mile. The one-page lunch menu has a lot to offer. The warm delicious bread served with the meal is awesome and that description comes from someone who is not bread crazy. There's a prix fixe option that offers three main dishes. This week I chose their special, a salad with a 10 ounce sirloin cooked and sliced beautifully on top, clam chowder soup (generous portions of clams) and Parmesan truffle fries. It was all terrific. If you're from out of town and have limited access to this restaurant, then I recommend you try their French onion soup which is a bit pricey but eye-popping good. They offer lobster bisque, however I have not tried it yet. In their crab and lobster burger you will find chunks of lobster. Their fried calamari is delicious! All in all I highly recommend "The Capital Grille" in Chicago. By the way I have visited "The Capital Grille" in Rosemont Illinois and "The Capital Grille" in Fort Lauderdale Florida. The food and the service are consistently outstanding.
(5)
Pat R.
I've tried steakhouses from coast to coast, including the notorious ones in New York (Peter Luger, Sparks, Smith & Wollensky...). While I'm not usually a fan of chain steakhouses (thanks, Morton's, for becoming the Starbuck's of steaks), Capital Grille in Chicago is a step above the rest. The wine list is extensive, the bartender knows how to make a real Manhattan, and the steaks.... oh, the steaks! Thick, dry-aged hunks of beef seared at such a high temperature that all the juicy goodness is trapped inside, then finished to a perfect temperature. The chilled seafood platter is a great way to start for a party of 4 or more. The steaks stand on their own (although the Bernaise sauce is excellent here). And desserts, considering you've saved any room at all, are sublime.
(5)
Katherine S.
I went here on Friday night. It was an absolutely perfect dinner. The staff was accommodating and friendly. Our waitress, Crissy, was informative and sweet. The food was to die for; We got oysters and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella for appetizers- HEAVEN. We then had salads of choice for second course, which were fresh and delicious. Last- I had the butter poached lobster and he went with a Porter House (Med Rare). The food added an element of romance to the evening I could not have prepared for, ever. This would have satisfied me, but then Crissy brought us a flour-less chocolate cake- ON THE HOUSE! It was brilliant. I promise my appetite is never this big...as we left with 2 orders of cheese cake for the road! Quiet, classy, tasty and romantic. Two thumbs up! BIG SMILE.
(5)
Kristin M.
Love, Love, Love this restaurant. I don't know what else I can add to all the other great reviews, but I will say this place is amazing. I've been here a few times but our family has also turned this into our Christmas Eve tradition. The food is always decadent and the service is phenomenal. The servers really know what they are talking about and can answer just about any question you could possible have about the wine list. This is a place where they will do everything in their power to make sure you have a great dining experience. They go above and beyond to see to your every need. Make sure you save room for the coconut cream pie for dessert. So delish!
(5)
Sheong K.
Opulent ambiance fit for royalty. In a few words: top notch service, excellent short menu filled with super tender aged meats, to wild fish and lamb from half way across the world. Did I mention they also have a world famous wine list? You can't go wrong trying to impress a date at this place. Only down side? It's not very hip nor trendy and I feel you may actually get a better experience from cutting edge restaurants such as the Publican. Two very different feels, so I hate to compare the two, but I just prefer a less regal setting. In any case, it's definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Tim N.
The Capital Grille is a decent place. I first noticed the CG while staying at the Trump in Vegas but decided not to try it until now. I'm glad to have dined at this Chicago location. I had lobster bisque soup, calamari appetizer, and a ribeye steak along with sides of mushroom and lobster mac n cheese. Probably a bit of capitalistic splurging but it was worth the money. The setting is definitely upscale and has an "all-american" feel to it. Personally, I think the atmosphere is more fitting for business dinners than a romantic date. Service was average - the waiter was prompt however the main course took a very long time to arrive at our table. Nothing big though. Overall I was satisfied with the dining experience at the CG.
(4)
Mike Y.
Restaurant Week 2010 My second stop during RW. When it comes to steak, I definitely prefer dry aged over wet aged and I was excited about coming here because they are one of the handful left in Chicago that actually dry age their steaks. We arrived for our dinner reservation on time and we were seated immediately. A good start so far. After sitting down, we had a look at their enormous drinks list and a friend of mine looked it over and ordered a malbec (I'm no wine connoissieur). I will say that it was decent with a little bit of a spiciness or bite to it at the end. For starters I had their clam chowder. I felt that it was only ok. I have definitely had better. The main course was their bone-in kona crusted dry aged sirloin with shallot butter - medium rare. It was fantastic. Tied for best steak I have ever eaten (but I have many more places to try). The flavor was excellent and it was somewhat tender (I would suppose in line with a sirloin cut). The warm redness was consistent throughout. Not under or overcooked in my opinion. The side dishes were decent, but nothing to write home about (mashed potatoes and fresh creamed spinach). For dessert I tried their handcrafted ice cream. It came out as a sampler trio of sorts - vanilla, chocolate, and mint with chocolate chip. All tasted excellent, rich and fresh. The mint was especially nice because the fresh mint flavor was very apparent (I think my palate is very used to store variety mint flavoring). Overall, the service was attentive, atmosphere was pretty much what you would expect for a steak joint, the food was a mix of excellent and ok. The steak and ice cream? 5 stars. The sides and soup? 3 stars. Possibly the best steak chain to come out of Texas (even though the place definitely does not feel like a chain restaurant).
(4)
Ashley C.
We were celebrating last night and this was the perfect place to come! There was excellent service and a very knowledgeable and professional waiter. The wedge with bacon was fantastic and while it took a while for our entrees to arrive, the waiter brought us a shrimp cocktail to hold us over for the short while until the food arrived. The steaks were great and the sparkling white wine with St. Germaine sorbet was unforgettable. Thanks for helping to make our day even more special!
(5)
Buddy M.
We gave the Capital Grille 5 starts but recently changed it to 4. Went there last week for dinner and sat at the bar like usual. The steak was a bit tough and not seasoned as well as in the past. The service at the bar was good, but not the as fabulous and fun as it had been in the past. Still our favorite steak place. Let me start by saying I am a meat eater. Grilling a good steak in the summertime or even the winter can't be beat! The Capital Grille is our go to place when we get a craving. We usually go with a traditional option, don't like to put sauces on a good piece of meat, and sometimes split them. Most times we sit at the bar, which has great service although the service has also been good in the booths. Usually start with some oysters, had the onion soup once and loved it as well. Special vegetables can be fun and seem to be seasonal. Like the spinach. Not into the mashed potatoes - too creamy for us - but most people like them that way so we split a huge baked potatoe with the fixins instead. Always try a couple of the special wines by the glass and they don't disappoint. Usually do berries for dessert. Service is always great and fun. We have tried most of the other steak places and give the new ones a go, but always wish we'd gone to The Capital Grille and sat at the bar instead.
(4)
Chenfei L.
Wow. On rare instances after a meal, sometimes I sit back and grow nostalgic about the past hour or two or culinary heaven. I came to Capital Grille during restaurant week expecting a good deal for steak and sides and got it in spades. They had a special bone-in filet during my visit, and I ordered that with the famous lobster mac-and-cheese and a glass of beer. Every aspect of my dinner was perfect, from the great service (I've forgotten who the waitress was), to probably the most tender and juicy piece of meat I've ever had. And of course the lobster mac is what lobster mac should be: chunks of succulent lobster smothered with smooth cheese. The beer was good, but I don't quite remember it. They have an extensive wine list, but I think we opted to not go completely broke during our dinner. If you're looking up Capital Grille, you probably know that it will be great steak and service at a large price. My only advice is to get the lobster mac and cheese and devote some time post-meal to sit back and think about what you just did (and order dessert, which is delicious, of course).
(5)
Ali E.
This was our first time dining at this restaurant. We had a reservation at 8:00pm and arrived about 15 minutes early. We opted to not get a drink at the bar only due to the lack of room so we waited patiently to be seated. Everything was great but then we started seeing people stroll in after us getting seated before us. I even heard people with the same reservation time as us come in after and get seated. After seeing numerous, maybe "fancier" couples come in after us I finally went up to the hostess and said something. She was immediately apologetic stating it was her fault and they seated us right away after. Right away they offered us an appetizer on the house which I think was the right thing to do. We had ordered martinis at the table and when the waiter brought them over he dropped the glasses on me! Thank god they didn't break and the martinis were covered in the shaker. All in all the experience was okay. The food was very good but not sure if I would go there again.
(3)
Sara P.
Went here on Saturday night, gift card in hand, to celebrate our anniversary. I've been here numerous times for lunch, as my office is connected to the restaurant....but I never knew what I was missing not eating dinner here. This is very much your typical old fashioned steak house. There are animal heads all over the place, and everything appears leather-bound. But if you go in knowing this, it won't disappoint. We got there a bit early and indulged in a drink at the bar. Their pineapple-infused martinis are fantastic. Just one, though. We started with a bottle of wine, and noticed, as is pretty typical at these kinds of steak restaurants, that the upcharge on their menu is pretty insane. But anywhoots...wine we had. We also got the calamari, which is soaked in jalepanos...mmm, delicious. For our entree, we each got a steak, but alas, could not agree on a side. Fiance wanted au gratin potatoes, Sara wanted lobster mac n cheese...but saved by the waiter! He told us he would do a half order of potatoes and a full order of mac n cheese. He also swore that the au gratin potatoes were way better than the mac...but I sorely disagree...that mac n cheese was HEAVEN. Huge pieces of lobster, creamy sauce. I just gained 5 lbs thinking about it again. The steak was amazing as well. Cooked to absolute perfection... We had mentioned to the waiter that it was our anniversary and we had just gotten engaged, and he was nice enough to bring out a piece of cake and champagne for us. What a nice touch. This was definitely a splurge night...both on the wasteline and the wallet...but well worth it. What a hugely pleasant surprise.
(5)
Amanda C.
My parents and I have been in Chicago for the past couple days and on our last night we decided to come here. Best decision yet. I work for yard house which is owned by the same company darden and have heard nothing but amazing things. Our server, Derrek was incredible. He was very attentive and helpful but we never felt as if he was hovering. The creamed corn was a must try! We will definitely come back on our next trip! :)
(5)
Eugenya B.
I've been here numerous times, always a great experience. This particular review is for the most recent visit which was an anniversary celebration with the boyfriend. My boyfriend made reservations and let them know that we were going to be celebrating an anniversary. When we arrived at our table there was a little card that said "happy anniversary" and our waiter brought out 2 complimentary glasses of champagne. We ordered our meals, I had the AMAZING filet oscar and my bf ordered lamb chops which he said were the best lamp chops he's ever had. After our meal, our waiter brought out with 2 complimentary desserts (creme brulee and the chocolate hazelnut cake)! Everything was delicious and their service is superb.
(5)
John K.
Not impressed. This place looks like money. High ceiling, dark wood, dressed up wait staff, etc. The steaks are no better than gibson's, morton's, etc. In fact, I have a friend who's dad is a cattle rancher in indiana and sells a lot of prime beef to chicago. He told me capital grille does not use as high a quality beef as gibson's, morton's, or smith and wollinski's. My wife got the salmon and it tasted a little fishy. None of the appetizers we got were impressive either. Calamari was no better than any frozen stuff you get at a chicago bar.
It's simply the BEST place to dine I've had the pleasure of experiencing. I had the best Meal and service - period. We loved it so much, we're going back this Saturday.
(5)
Emily T.
Hello STEAK! visiting Chicago for the first time, and we saved this spot for our last night. Our waiter Dave was phenomenal!! He made great recommendation and took care of us. Scott the manager came over towards the end of our meal to check up on us. We got the clam chowder and the french onion soup to start. They were both great, but I would like to try other things next time. Entree-wise, the Delmonico rub with balsamic was probably the best piece of meat I've ever had... too bad I didn't order that!! I had the dry aged sirloin with shallot butter and it was flavorful, but paled in comparison to the ribeye. Now for the to die for side: LOBSTER MACARONI N CHEESE. don't ask what's in there, cuz it will probably kill you by clogging your arteries, but you will die with a BIG smile on your face. Too bad they closed capital grill here in San Francisco!! :(
(5)
Lindsey M.
Capital Grille is a wonderful Chicago Experience, one I couldn't enjoy without the help of my father's wallet. My parents were in town for Christmas and I was in charge of the restaurant selection, of course I went for the gold! Our steaks were amazing, the wine was great and the dessert was heavenly. The ambiance was that of a true Chicago Steak House, and the best experience I have had at a Chicago Loop area steak restaurant. Of course like I mentioned I didn't go near the bill so I can imagine that it was very pricey, therefore I wouldn't give it five stars as it is not a restaurant I am willing to save my money for. But I enjoyed my meal!
(4)
George L.
good memory and awesome steaks here!
(4)
Matt M.
Haughty, pretentious and decorated to match, Capital Grille has great steaks and a decent atmosphere to boot. The wine list is intimidating, but it does a way better job than almost anywhere I've been on providing bottles in the 60-80 dollar price range, though that may be due to the sheer volume of offerings. That said, this is truly a five star review. I dropped two stars from my review solely because our waiter was condescending and dismissive. While this seems to happen often at higher end restaurants when the waiter is middle aged and the diners are early-20s professionals, it pisses me off every time. When will restaurants learn that if we can afford your food in our early 20s it's probably good to not treat us poorly and instead get us hooked early. With that said, since my first visit I've been back for lunch (I didn't choose the location) and had decent service, so a fourth star was added back. Capital Grille is On Notice for poor service, but by God do they have great steaks. Guess I'll be back!
(4)
David C.
I went there for a business dinner. The food and the service were outstanding. It's hard to pick which item was the best. The spinach and bacon salad was fabulous, the steak was outstanding, the au gratin potatoes were superb and the flourless cake was amazing. We had a wonderful experience and I'll certainly use the Capital Grille again for business.
(5)
Ben K.
Capital Grille is *kind of* like the Applebee's of good steakhouses. Don't get me wrong; it's not cheap and hollow and full of faux-neighborhoody tacky decoration all over every wall. But you know exactly what you're getting when you go into any Capital Grille, and you can count on tall mahogany wooden walls, a couple oversized decorative double-magnums or nebuchadnezzars, and some frosted glass atop the table dividing partitions. Fortunately, you also know you are getting a high quality meal. Start with the bread basket: one of the most unique and delicious collections of bread you will ever begin a meal with. It's got some fantastic slices of a french baguette, a nice change-of-pace darker bread with raisins baked in, a simple dinner roll crusted with what looks like the toppings to an everything bagel, and a large rustic flat cracker like selection which is much tastier than its unleavened cousin, matzah. Then top it off with some rich creamy butter served in a little ramekin with a Capital Grille logo wax paper cover. I am personally partial to New York Strip steaks rather than filets or ribeyes. But every steak I have ever had at the Grille has been delicious and prepared exactly to my liking. The Strip in particular is always a nice thick cut where medium rare allows a nice full searing on the outside while still making room for plenty of red-pink interior. The mashed potatoes are like swimming in a creamy cloud of buttery starchy lusciousness. The chocolate mousse will send you into a deep chocolate slumber rendering you unable to even leave your seat when it is time to leave. It's not exactly tough to find a good steakhouse in Chicago. While Capital Grille doesn't exactly have authentic Chicago personality or history, it wouldn't be a bad place to start looking.
(4)
Michelle W.
Every time I go to any Capital Grille, I am sure to bring at least one parent to foot the bill. That being said, for a chain steak house, Capital Grille is amazing. My family once went here in late May to celebrate mother's day/father's day/my birthday/my sister's graduation, and they were so accommodating, considering. Free apps, free cocktails, free deserts. The only item on the menu I wouldn't recommend is the Sesame Seared Tuna - I got it rare, but it was still so-so. However, every other item I've had has been perfection. The Porcini Rubbed Delmonico is delicious, and for sides, you can't get much better than the Au Gratin Potatoes, Lobster Mac N Cheese, and the Fresh Asparagus with Hollandaise. Service is impeccable as well.
(5)
Carol K.
Okay- so it's a chain. I can get over that because they consistently serve some of the best steaks around! The Capital Grille can be counted on- no matter which one you go to- to deliver a high quality eating experience and I have been to several of them from Vegas to Philly to Chicago! On my last visit, which was here in Chicago- we were with a group of 10- not exactly the best set up for great service, but this place came through! We started with the fried calamari- hold on to your fork as this is some of the spiciest calamari around as it is cooked with a variety of peppers and has a nice kick to it! We also had the shrimp cocktail- predictable, but good. We then had quite a range of the menu- from chicken to burgers to their dry aged steaks to the fish. There didn't seem to be any losers in the bunch although I think my steak was just about done to perfection and served with mashed potatoes- oh- there is a heaven!! The atmosphere feels formal yet isn't, and even though our waiter started out a little stuffy, he quickly adjusted to our group's informality and by the end of the dinner became almost personable! If you are a carnivore, like me, this place is perfect for you and in a town like Chicago where steak places abound, it can do more than hold its own!
(4)
Jen A.
I dined at Capital Grille with three friends for Restaurant Week on the first Friday of Lent. I wasn't able to resist the Kobe steak. Consider this post to be a confession. My steak was cooked to absolute perfection. My friends each went with the filet, which is a perfectly fine choice. However, while filet mignon is the most tender cut, it can lack in flavor. I had a hankering for a steak with big taste and the Kobe beef didn't disappoint. It was delicious, juicy, and while I felt guilty eating meat on Friday, I have to admit it was one of the best steaks I've ever had. In addition, the service was top-notch. The ladies and I drank a few glasses of wine at the crowded bar while waiting for a table. The hostess came walked through the crowd, remembered our names, and offered to seat us early for our table. Nothing says great customer service like remembering your customers' names and faces. Now I believe that nothing says delicious steak like The Capital Grille.
(5)
Liz M.
This was the second half of an already PERFECT Valentine's Day date. (See Jersey boys review) Did I mention how much I love my husband?!? Okay, now repeat after me.... "10oz. Filet topped with a Foie Gras-Garlic-Butter sauce in a Fig & Brandy Reduction"... just makes your mouth water, doesn't it? That's what I had, it was the Chef's Special. Oh Lordy...mere words cannot express how good it was! But let's start at the beginning, shall we? The valet..."Happy Valentine's Day, thank you for joining us" The host..."Happy Valentine's Day, we have your table waiting right over here. Oh, I see your wearing dark colors, let me switch those white napkins for these BLACK ONES. Talk about attention to detail!! Front busboy..."Would you like bottled water service or is tap water acceptable?" As he sets down the warmest, yummiest, mixed bread basket. Love the black bread with golden raisins. Next, the waitor..."Happy Valentine's Day, thank you for spending it with us, here are two complimentary glasses of champagne. Is this your first time dining with us?" He goes on to describe the Chef's specials of this night, could not be nicer, more knowledgeable or more professional. In addition to the yumminess that I described above, I had.... THE most perfect Vodka Martini with Blue Cheese Olives. We shared... Lobster & Crab Cakes Lobster Mac N' Cheese....OH MY GOODNESS!! HEAVEN! Roasted Mushroom Medley (sauteed mix of Cremini. Shitake, Portabella, & Oyster mushrooms) and the hubby had the... 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak (cooked to perfection) As we are enjoying our gluttonous feast, even the manager came over and asked "Is everything to your liking?" At the end of the night, we are stuffed and decide we couldn't even look at the dessert menu...the next minute the waiter brings us the "complimentary Valentine's Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake with Raspberry sauce" Of course we ate it. We left with our complimentary, gift wrapped, box of two delicious Chocolate Truffles, our bellies & heart overflowing, the Host & Valet bidding us to visit them again and wondering if they thought we were celebrities or is it ALWAYS THIS GOOD!
(5)
Deborah W.
The food is amazing, and the service is even better. Thank you to Dave Preston for talking service to a whole new level for me. I will be back very soon!
Great service- wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. We ordered the French Onion Soup and Chopped Salad- yum! The Delmonico and a Fillet special that had a Foie gras butter drizzled on it... super rich and unbelievable delicious. A special nod to Derrek our waiter and the fabulous hostess who really made us feel special. Definitely pricey but worth it!
(4)
Matthew P.
Oh Captain my Captain, your food is define! I spent a fine Wednesday evening in The Capital Grille for a co-workers roll-off. We sat at a huge round table drinking massive amounts of expensive wine and glorious appetizers. I recommend the Lobster & Mac-N-Cheese and the Lobster Mash. Basically, anything with Lobster is an upgrade. Lobster ramen soup, UPGRADE! Lobster tennis shoe, UPGRADE! Lobster infant baby, UPGRADE! Main course, Sirloin Steak scrumptious! Nuf said. The surroundings were magnificent. Huge vaulted ceilings, large original impressionistic oil paintings, dark lighting and extravagant amenities. I have heard that they change the napkins to match the guest clothing.... That's totally bad ass A little poem to end my Capital Grille Experience: I enjoy you so Capital Grille I was careful not to spill But if you do Don't poo They will clean up after you!
(5)
Grace L.
Probably a 3.5 but I would err more on 4. This place is delicious. I came for Restaurant Week and I think everything on their menu was on their regular menu as well - thanks! It was definitely a deal worth investing in and I am glad I got to experience their food. I liked the ambiance - it was very steakhouse stately. I got their clam chowder as an appetizer which was pretty tasty. The waiter was a riot and friendly and he told he secretly liked adding some tabasco sauce to his... so we tried it and it was pretty darn delicious! A definitely new twist to an old favorite. The filet mignon was tender and flavorful but I think the Kona steak would have been the better choice just because it was so unique and done very well. The potatoes and creamed spinach sides that came with our food were also well done and added to the meal. Keep an eye out for their bread basket - it was varied, soft and a real treat!
(4)
Juliet G.
Sticker shock is the dowside to this establishment. I got the filet special which was okay. Would not recommend the 10.00 truffle fries - very average. Ended up sitting at the bar which actually was rather pleasant for this solo diner. The staff was very friendly. Just did not think 80.00 for dinner for average food for one person sitting at the bar was appropriate.
(3)
Mindy S.
Capital Grille, you are classy, classy, classy! I'm definitely not a regular here, but some of our special celebrations were completely enhanced by TCG..... The food is crazy good, but I was really impressed when I was offered either a white or black linen based on my outfit. At first I was insulted and confused, because the choice has never been offered to me....but now that I've worn black outfits to restaurants with white linens....I get it.... definitely a top-recommendation by me for a wonderful steak dinner.
(4)
Jane T.
The service here is absolutely flawless. I asked our server about several items and she brought out tasting portions of each! When making reservations, my boyfriend had stated that we were sort-of-but-not-really celebrating our 2 month, which really isn't such a huge deal, but they actually had a card sitting at the table for us signed by the staff. We started out with half a dozen raw oysters. Although delicious, I feel that smaller oysters are much tastier and these were far larger than I'd expected. The apple vinegar sauce they had was the best, although my boyfriend hated it. I had a Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with 12-Year Aged Balsamic (medium). The waitress described the Delmonico as sort of a "bone in ribeye" but the texture was nothing close. It just wasn't as moist as most ribeyes I've had but regardless, the taste was delightful. The Balsamic wasn't overwhelming and complemented the steak perfectly, softening the strong taste of the Porcini. My boyfriend had the Filet Mignon (medium rare) which was served in an au jus with hints of mushroom. It was cooked to perfection and practically melted in your mouth. I'd have to say his Filet was definitely 10x better than my steak. And at the end of our meal, when we asked for the dessert menu, the server brought us a slice of their Flourless Espresso Cake for our not-so-celebration, on the house. The food was great but the service made our experience exceptional. 4 Stars (I wish I could rate it 4.5) simply because I wasn't 100% satisfied with my steak but I'll definitely return to have my opinion changed.
(4)
Ellen P.
I mentioned at the office that we were taking a friend here for her birthday (her choice), and one colleague quipped "That would not be my first choice." Well, that may be true, but having dined here twice now I can say that NOT choosing CG first would be entirely her loss! The friendly, professional staff greeted us, gave us the option of the regular or Restaurant Week menu (and then allowed us to select from both), and escorted us to our table where a birthday card for my friend, signed by the CG staff, awaited us. We then enjoyed complimentary birthday champagne, the waiter took our photo with HIS camera & later brought a copy for each of us. The Restaurant Week menu was too good to pass up - and included full sized portions of everything offered: soup or salad, entree, side dish and dessert: $33 - at a place where the steaks alone start at $40 - not a bad deal! Wine selections were lovely and we all loved the Creme Brule and Flourless Chocolate cake served for dessert. And I have to say, while the decor is very traditional (dark woods, oriental rugs, large floral paintings with ornate frames) I would hardly call the atmosphere "stuffy". Yes, we were stuffed when we left, but the staff is professional with a great sense of humor. And while other Chicago steak joints seem to get a lot more press, the steak here is truly phenomenal. We'll be back - and again, it will be our first choice.
(5)
Mehran F.
Solid 3.5. But given the overall price and name recognition, since it is not that great, i give it 3 stars instead of 4. i have been there 6 or 7 times. good downtown place for lunches. hostesses, good and professional. service pretty good. have a tendency to take you plate off the table as you are still chewing your last bite. steaks: 3 to 3.5. very good but not great or unforgettable. i have tried a few kinds of steaks and their burger, as well as some salads, appetizers, and side dishes...always between 3 to 3.5. never a 4. not a place for which i make a special drive...but if i am in downtown or at the apple shop, it is close by enough that i could visit. I prefer gene and georgetti....
(3)
Anna V.
I love steak. If I ever am going to give in to a colossal meat craving, it will only be here. Capital Grille filet mignon is the best steak in Chicago. I have had all of the 'premiere' steak places. It's a joke. None of them are as good as Capital Grille or even close. It's got an old world luxury vibe and it's huge, all white tablecloths and ornate little lamps. Not a ton of young people. This isn't a hipster haven or a trendy hotspot and there tend to be a lot of tourists (which, depending on your native status, can be a good or irritating thing) because it's off Michigan. But for a slab of fantastic meat, there is no other. It really isn't even worth trying anything else.
(5)
Emma C.
Blows Gibson's out of the water. No contest. Perfect special occasion restaurant. Lovely offerings for pescatarians, too. It's nice when something expensive is worth it!!!
(5)
Wander W.
My husband and I had our wedding dinner here.... just the two of us - and boy, did the staff go above and beyond to make it memorable!! (as in, I'm writing this review 3+ yrs after the fact!) We were asked when we made the reservation whether it was a special occasion, and I made mention, but certainly wasn't expecting the VIP treatment we got from start to finish. His steak filets, custom cut and cooked three ways were out of this world (and he's a self-proclaimed steak snob), and my tuna was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The oysters at the start and the custom dessert sampler at the end were a delightful touch, as was the signed photo that we were given at the end of the meal to memorialize it. Hubby had never been to the Capital Grille before but we've since made it a point to celebrate anniversaries there (in whatever city) and to direct friends to the Chicago location for special (and everyday!) occasions. Thanks for going above and beyond - we've still never encountered another restaurant that has earned a tip that was more than the meal itself!! :)
(5)
Matthew H.
Great place for a special night out. The service was great. Our waiter (Aaron) took time to talk through the menu options and provided some great suggestions on the wine and the food. The atmosphere was fancy enough for a celebration but offered a relaxed approach for those of us that don't frequend high end restaurants.
(5)
You J.
with dear fb. great steak and nice service~ good memory with my dear fb! with dear fb. great steak and nice service~ good memory with my dear fb! with dear fb. great steak and nice service~ good memory with my dear fb!
(5)
Jessica F.
Went here on V-day this year for dinner. All in all it was great experience -the staff were friendly and the service was quite good. The steaks were excellent, and the prices were actually quite reasonable for such a good steak place. Another positive is the wine menu. There is something for everyone. Bottles from $29 to $2K, and the staff did not try to push a more expensive bottle when asked for recommendations - they just provided some helpful info and let us decide. We had an order of the oysters, as well as the oyster special dish (hey, we like oysters). Both were OK... not the best oysters I've had, but they were cleaned well and they were really big for some reason that night! We also had the crab/lobster cakes, which were also pretty good. Very generous with the lobster meat. Again, not the best I've ever had, but we live in the midwest - what can you do? I would definitely like to try other appetizers if we go back, just to see what else they have. For dinner I had the special dry-aged sirloin with the shallot butter. I actually could have skipped that since I'm not a huge fan of rich sauces, but it absolutely tasted wonderful and did go very nicely with the more lean cut of meat. The BF had the special delmonaco (bone in ribeye), with the dried porcini mushroom sauce. It was absolutely fabulous. If we go back I'm having that. We also ordered the parmesan fries, but I'll be honest, I didn't even taste them - I was really focused on the meat. Next time, I'd like to try their lobster ravioli. For dessert we split a flour-less chocolate cake, because it went best with the bottle of red wine we were polishing off. On the way out, all of the ladies got a nice fresh red rose, which was a really nice touch. I would definitely recommend this place. It beats the pants of Smith & Wollensky for sure- in atmosphere, staff, normal-looking guests, AND of course the steak.
(4)
Leang E.
I can't say anything bad about my experience here. We got here 5 minutes late and still we got seated right away. I like the ambiance of the place with all the historical portraits and decor giving it a classic yet slightly regal feel. I have to admit it does make you feel a little special sitting there amongst so many great figures. We ordered from the pre-fixe menu since Restaurant Week had just started, and there were excellent options. I went with the Clam Chowder, the Bone-in Kona Crusted Steak, Creamed Spinach, and Creme Brulee. My boyfriend went with the Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon, Mashed Potatoes, and the Hand-crafted vanilla ice cream. I admit to eating practically everything except for my boyfriend's filet in addition to having a glass of red wine. As I logged this 2500 calorie meal into my app on my phone I kept asking myself if breaking my diet was worth all of it, and I have to admit that it was. All the food was good, but the steak was certainly a stand-out for me. I really liked the way that it was marinated and cooked at the right temperature. The flavor of the seasonings was really delicious, and I can easily see why it's one of the Chef's Specialties. Our waiter was pretty attentive as well. I'd certainly like to be back when I can afford to cheat on my diet again.
(5)
Amy L.
Decent chopped salad. The seafood (mahi mahi) was ok. The people are a bit too eager and sometimes could get a bit intrusive... Should have ordered the recommendations from the pix... Overall, a decent place to be.
(4)
The A D.
Recently hosted a large business dinner at CG. Now there are a lot of folks out there that say "it's a chain" and it's the "Olive Garden" of steakhouses. Regardless of it being a chain I must say that I have never been let down at the Capital Grille in the dozen or so times I've been there. In fact, I think I have had some of the best steaks in my career at the CG. In my most recent experience we had a group of 12. We started with a couple of chilled towers and the shellfish was as fresh and delectable as any place I've been. All of us had a variety of steak as our mains. Staff was great and delivered everyone's entree within 90 seconds... somewhat of a feat when serving 12 people all at once. Everyone's steak was perfectly cooked to the particular diners requested temperature (this is a group of A-types... not the type to be bashful if something wasn't meeting expectations). Everyone was happy. Those that added something (Oscar style, au poivre etc) we're very happy with their addition. I had the bone-in Delmonico (medium) and it was DELICIOUS! Service was prompt, friendly, and attentive... but never overbearing. Perfect balance of service when we needed it... and standing by when we didn't. Most of us drank our desert and we lingered for a long time making merry after dinner. Never once did anyone feel rushed like its time to go. Another great experience at the Capital Grille and looking forward to going back.
(5)
Mark D.
I love a place that serves me a steak that's larger than my face. We started with the cold shellfish platter which was delicious, the oysters were really good. I ordered the porcini rubbed delmonico with 12 year aged balsamic and my friend had the filet mignon with onions and wild mushrooms....both were a-mazing. We both had the lobster mac n cheese as a side and it was delish. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Danny C.
This is easily the best steakhouse I've been to. They did make us wait for about 20 minutes even though we had reservations, but I think it was well worth the wait. I came during restaurant week on a Friday night and it was just packed. The average wait time for someone without reservations was 1 hour 45 minutes... So let's talk about the food....There were several types of bread to start off with, and they were all so good. I also ordered the Clam Chowder and it was rich and creamy, with pretty big pieces of clams. I ordered the kona crusted dried age sirloin with shallot butter, cooked medium rare, and it was perfect. There was so much taste to it, and the portion size was pretty good too. The other dishes my friends ordered, the tournedos and filet mignon, also look very good. The sauce is amazing and really brings out the flavor. The mashed potatoes were also great. For dessert, I had the Creme Brulee, and it was one of the best that I ever had. I stole a piece of my friend's expresso cake and I liked its rich bittersweet taste too. The service was good and the place had a nice decor to it. They also have quite a bit of a wine selection. After having a meal here, I believe that the high ratings and positive reviews are accurate. I would gladly come back for another meal even though it is a little on the high side.
(5)
Taylor F.
We went here for Valentine's Day because we'd received a Darden gift certificate for Christmas. Because the pictures on the card were of their other restaurants, Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster types, I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The breads were delicious, and my wine was fantastic - I had the New Zealand sauvignon blanc. I had the Lobster and Crab Stuffed Shrimp for $35 and my boyfriend had the Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with 12-Year Aged Balsamic for $45. He couldn't stop raving about the balsamic, and I was amazed at how gigantic a piece of meat it was. We shared a side of the Parmesan Truffle Fries for $10 as well, but we didn't finish them. It was just a lot of food. I also loved the old school ambiance - all in all, I was impressed and would recommend a dinner here.
(4)
Raquel D.
Solid steak here, especially for a chain. This is where I tried my first Oscar filet (king crab meat and a bearnaise sauce on top of my medium rare filet) and it did not disappoint. It actually might have gotten me hooked instead. And the lobster bisque is excellent. Very good wine list as well. And a very business like atmosphere - but not snooty. Me likey!
(4)
Saweena K.
I was researching for a steakhouse for my Chicago trip and came across all of the positive reviews for Capital Grille. Once again, thank you Yelp...you did not disappoint me! Great fine dining experience. For starters, they have absolutely the BEST fried calamari ever! I'm not sure if the oil was infused by jalepeno peppers but the dish was crispy, spicy and finger licking good. I had the Delmonico steak - very tender, seasoned and cooked to perfection. And that thing was huge! The lobster mac n cheese is also to die for - big lumps of lobster and great rich flavor. We also shared a side of wild mushrooms....which was nothing but fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I will definitely return on my next trip to Chi-town!
For my money this is the best steakhouse in Chicago. Wife has Seared Ahi tuna and loved every morsel. I selected the Dry aged Porterhouse and now consider it to be the finest steak I've ever tasted. Capital Grille was exceptional in every detail, the service was phenomenal. The O'gratin potatoes were the only dish that I didn't love. The Lobster Mac n' Cheese more than made up for that.
(5)
Demetrio P.
Great steaks! Not sure why I've waited so long to eat at the Capital Grille...but wait again no more! Brother and I went for lunch, where we both ordered the Aged Sirloins, but I ordered mine crusted with the Kona coffee. That was a great decision! Steaks were cooked perfectly to our liking, and mine came with a nice reduced sauce. Sides were nice, ordered side of mashed potatoes and string beans. Have to also mention that the service was topnotch! Overall, great food, great service, and reasonable steakhouse prices. Will definitely return here again!
(4)
Lu H.
We love this place! We came for mother's day brunch where they buffet-style meal was awesome in every regard. But for regulars, we'd suggest going to the bar and grabbing some of the tastiest burgers. We tried the lobster sliders and cheeseburger and they were really just amazing. The vibe here does feel a little pretentious and old school, but we havent had any problems with it. We are looking to come back for dinner!
(5)
Mike H.
Really nice dinner at Capital Grille this evening. OK, Restaurant Week took a little of the sting out of the check. But the service was excellent - Our waitress Lara was terrific: efficient, pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable. Atmosphere is always great there, but the food was even better than I remembered. Salad, soup, salmon, marinated tournedos (with a lobster tail poached in butter), a couple desserts, nice wines by the glass (Markham Pinot Noir, and a white blend called Equilibrium - Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscat), even a do-it-yourself hot toddy for my wife to soothe a scratchy throat (decaf tea, honey, lemon, and a glass of bourbon) - A memorable meal.
(5)
Andrea K.
By far the best dining experience I have ever had. this includes ambiance, service, food, dessert. Very professional. Host was welcoming Server was Paul. He assisted me in ordering a filet mignon. He was very helpful since I don't eat steak a lot. We had the: Lobster bisque bowl- shared between two people. Large serving. Had large pieces of lobster in it. Very flavorful. They gave us a bowl of bread with soft butter. I asked a server for more onion bread, because it was so good. The server quickly gave me a large basket of onion bread without any attitude. That was really nice to see. They gave us 2 little crackers w/ complimentary lobster spread. It was a nice touch. Filet mignon with cipollini onions and wild mushrooms, medium rare- great flavor. perfect medium rare. Would order again 1/2 order of Mashed potatoes- large serving for 2 pple. We took the rest home. BF ordered Porcini rubbed delmonico with 12 yr aged balsamic- had good flavoring. had ordered it medium rare, but a large portion of it came out well done. My BF didn't say anything because he didn't want to wait another 20 minutes for another steak. He also didn't say anything to me until the end of the dinner because, I think he was just trying to have a nice quiet dinner with me. At the end, we told the bus boy, who was bagging out left overs to just kindly inform the server that the steak was well done. Paul, the server, came over and looked at the steak. Apologized and said, I can see the steak wasn't cooked right, you should have told me earlier, I would have gotten you another one. We said it was ok, we didn't want to bother, plus we didn't want to wait again, since it was already 9:30-10 pm. Paul said, he'd take the steak off the bill. We said it's ok, we ate 1/2 of it, it's fine. He ended up taking it off the bill and gave us a complimentary chocolate cake as a dessert. We made sure to leave a nice tip. Great service. A little pricey, but you pay for what you get. Everyone there seemed to be at least in their fifties, dressed nice. Anyone under 50 yrs old seemed to be out with their parents. I could see that happening since they would probably comp the bill.
(5)
Oscar the Death Cat B.
A decent choice if you happen to be in the Michigan Av. area and seek a pricey, semi-classy, very meat-centric place to dine. Last time I visited a Capital Grille, I made the mistake of choosing seafood over steak and as a result had a so-so experience. This time I went steak and was not disappointed - had their steak au poivre, if you love peppercorns then this is your dish, it is coated with plenty of them. It was a pretty substantial portion but I managed to eat the whole darn thing in one sitting. Tried the parmesan truffle fries but they were a bit of a let-down, a little dry and not as much flavor as I expected. I've had better elsewhere. Should have stuck to my old, reliable lobster mac & cheese. Service was great and the meat came out cooked just as we had requested and expected. The intended atmosphere here leans more towards dressy/fancy, but since they primarily service the tourist crowd, you won't be turned away or treated poorly if you show up a bit dressed-down. However a nice collared shirt and/or blazer will help you fit in a bit better with the rest of the dining room.
(4)
Bruce H.
Pretty much your typical big city, awesome steakhouse. Traditional menu. Good service. Loved the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella. Servers were great. Would have been 5 stars if the appetizers arrived hot.
(4)
Santiago A.
Sweet sassy molassie! I'll make this review short and sweet, because there is only one phrase you need to know: Porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12-year aged balsamic Get this medium (I know, I'm a medium-rare guy myself, too, but this temperature will really get the fattyness of the steak going just right). It will literally melt in your mouth; you don't need to chew this delectable dish. Don't believe me? Knock your teeth out, get fitted for dentures... and then leave them at home. That's right, this 22oz beauty is a delicious pleasure to eat. So far, I've taken 9 people here to eat this exact steak and they have all said it's either the best steaks or one of the best steaks they've ever eaten. So, pair it with a glass or bottle of wine that catches your eye and enjoy! Also, the mashed potatoes are a pretty good side. The flourless chocolate espresso cake is an awesome dessert to end a night of great food.
(5)
Colleen C.
Let me introduce you to my new friend... Me: Yelp, please meet the Bohemian Cocktail from Capital Grille. Boho, baby. Meet the yelpers, they'll love you. Then it goes like this, as you fall in love, too. Yelp: Whatchooooo about, yo? Boho: Well, let's see. I'm all up with one oz of Absolut Peach vodka, with a quarter oz of Bottlegreen Berry Cordial syrup, poured into a chilled champagne flute, topped with bubbly and garnished with two, delightfully fresh raspberries... Yelp: Ohhhhhhhhh. We'll take two. Or four. Ok, well maybe that's how my "first meeting" went with this cocktail fit for a trophy wife. You see, there is very little "Bohemian" about either the taste or the price tag ($14, ouchie), but no matter, this is one of the best (and most dangerously deceiving) drinks I've ever had the pure pleasure of slurping down in 2 minutes...errr, I mean...enjoying like a true lady. Capital Grille is pretty swank and the business crowd abounds. (oooo, Bohemians + Biz boys? wink). Yes, it's a chain...but a chain done quite well from start to finish. Bartenders were overly fantastic, so much so...that the sticker shock of expensive cocktails didn't even throw me. Not even for a second. I figure it's a $10 cocktail and $4 worth of charm, sweet ass smiles, and conversation. Not a bad rate, not one bit ;) Though playing second fiddle to my obsession with my drink, I did eat. And, truly...for just a quick bite, this was...splendid. A warm bacon spinach salad (heavenly) and a sinful crock of French onion soup. Tasty, truly indulgent, flavorful, well presented... The service is the true winner here...but the Boho, well of course, a very close second. Drink up, downtown style. I'd most definitely be back.
(5)
Tyler R.
The bread offering was great and the water/bus boys were exceptional. The server was okay but not great..and the food was really not that good relative to my expectations of this place. Not worth spending $100+ thats for damn sure. Additionally, i realized afterwards that the waitress over charged me for my steak...i emailed the restaurant with no response. Good thing i paid with my Amex..got an instant refund. Thanks Capital Grille..you obviously cant eacape your poor Darden (olive garden/red lobster) roots. No wonder your own staff was protesting outside.
(1)
Tom Y.
I came in late one Saturday night while in town for business and found a spot at the bar and I was greeted immediately and warmly. I had a Maker's on the rocks and ordered a kona steak, medium rare with a half-side of mushrooms. They did a great job with the steak and the selection of mushrooms were phenomenal, when my bourbon ran dry they poured me a tasting of a red wine for my steak. Not only did they know something about customer service but they didn't just pour the most expensive glass of red, rather a very reasonably priced one in fact, which I had a glass of with my steak. The seasoning on the steak was just enough to make it unique without overpowering the flavor of the beef, and the varieties in the side of mushrooms was just incredible at least 6 or 7 different ones. I almost never eat dessert but talking to some of the other diners at the bar they recommended the creme brulee and I had a serving of port wine. The creme brulee was done very well. This place is tops in my book, not your average Chicago restaurant or even a place for everyday dining in this economy but once in a while it is satisfying to have such a good meal.
(5)
Emily G.
I've had two really fantastic experiences here at Capital Grille, and they are entirely thanks to Anter! He is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the menu, wine - pretty much everything Capital Grille! He made our experience very personal and added many special touches to our dinners. The food was phenomenal, of course. I had the filet mignon with porcini rub and 15-year aged balsamic, and it was the best steak I've ever had in my life! Very tender and accurately cooked (it was medium rare, truly!). I'm sure I'll be dreaming about that meal for quite some time! Anter has made a lifetime guest out of both myself and my family, and we look forward to our next visit.
(5)
Traci B.
AMAZING. Great service, awesome food. We started with a bottle of red wine and oysters. For dinner, I had the beef tenderloin and lobster tails. My boyfriend had the filet mingon in the Kona dry rub. (Our waiter instructed us to do whatever substitutions we wanted). Split the lobster mac and cheese. For dessert, I definitely recommend the flourless chocolate cake.
(5)
A. H.
My mother and I had the pleasure of dining at The Capital Grille today for lunch, and we were so impressed with the staff, food, and atmosphere. The ladies who greeted us at the front were very warm and friendly. Diego O. was in charge of our table, and I can honestly say that I haven't had such great service in longer than I can remember. He was outstanding! He had excellent menu suggestions, made sure our drinks were always full, checked on us just the right number of times, and made sure we knew of the latest promotion the Grille was running. I have no doubt we will be back soon to take advantage of the wine tasting promotion. I had the clam chowder and the salmon, mango and avocado salad, and my mother had the lobster roll. The food was perfectly prepared. The staff also thanked us as we were leaving and invited us to return soon. As a side note, the bathrooms were also well kept, which I always take note of in restaurants. The decor was lovely too. Nice job, Capital Grille! We will be back soon!
(5)
Dan G.
I just don't bounce back the way that I used to. After a night full of too much boozin and boat cruisin, I awoke nursing a wicked hangover. I spent the morning feeling like I was still on a boat. I had lunch plans with a good friend and I wasn't about to be late for that. I kicked it in gear and hustled over to CG. I have never been to CG and I wasn't ready for how nice it was. I kind of felt underdressed in jeans. With the roomy booths, dark wood interior and portraits of Chicago's business luminaries all around, I sensed that I wasn't worthy and maybe should start busing the tables. Regardless, we were greeted warmly by the hosts and well attended to by our server. CG has a great lunch special that we wanted to take advantage of. $15 for a mix and match app, entree and side. Everything on the list looked amazing and we knew we wouldn't be disappointed. We both started with some good and tart mint lemonade. The extra back up pour of lemonade nicely made up for the negligible mint flavor. We tore into the assortments in our bread basket while awaiting our food. I enjoyed the "everything" roll as I badly needed something in my belly. Our soups arrived quickly, corn bisque for the lady and I had the clam chowder. The bisque was a hit with Red (No, I mentioned the bisque) and I really liked the chowda. It was packed with clams and chunky veggies. We were off to a great start. Things only got better when our lobster rolls and sides arrived. Any time I can get lobster and not spend an arm and leg for it, I'm all over it. This was a damn good lobster roll. Not on the small size at all and also not too covered with mayo. Tons of lobster meat, well blended with a light touch of mayo and chopped celery, served on an awesome roll. I preferred this to the buttery versions I've had in the past. Our sides were also just right for sharing. Heirloom tomato and watermelon salad and truffle fries that scented the air. The freshness of the salad and the high quality of the heirlooms stood out to me. That's an excellent summer bite. The fries were sinfully good and I liked that they didn't bother muddying the waters with unnecessary condiments for them. It was all so good and a real steal for the price. I don't know if lunch does this fantastic restaurant justice. It's a steakhouse after all. You'll likely spot the well heeled power players of the town here, as we did when we spied Hef's daughter gladhanding and working the room. Did I mention I didn't feel worthy?
(4)
Lesley K.
Had dinner at this place on a Saturday night a few weeks ago. There were three of us, all middle-aged women. Service can be iffy for women at some places, but no such issue here. The service was amazing, the meal was phenomenal. Great wine list. Appetizer: tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar, was the best I've ever had. All three of us had steaks: all were cooked correctly and were great. Sides (asparagus and green beans) were a la carte: they were wonderful. For dessert we were given three truffles and we ordered sorbet: again, perfect. This place is the gold standard for steakhouses.
(5)
lesley s.
The Capital Grille has done it again. I'm only able to dine here occasionally, but when I do, I go all out. And ordinarily I can't take advantage of all the wine TCG has to offer because of my budget, but hello, Generous Pour! For the summer you can sample several wines for just $25 and I (obviously) took full advantage. My clear favorites were the La Cana Albarino of Spain (white), Tarima Hill Monastrell of Spain (red), and Marquis de la Tour (sparkling white). And the pours were generous, indeed. I got to try some new appetizers as well. The lamb lollipop was great, and I don't ordinarily eat lamb. But what really wowed me was the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella, which literally melted in my mouth (I just found out they make their own mozzarella!). And as usual, my steak was done perfectly. I ordered the bone-in kona crusted dry aged sirloin with caramelized shallot butter (medium rare, to perfection), and I was practically licking my plate for any leftover shallot butter. Top it off with a side of the lobster mac n' cheese and I really had the perfect meal. Somehow my fork didn't make it onto the plate of spinach, so I can't attest to its deliciousness.... Although there might not be room in my budget for a steak dinner anytime soon, I think the Generous Pour is also available at the bar. Happy hour, anyone?
(5)
Michael L.
I've been to a lot of great steak houses in Chicago and I will admit that I had lower expectations for a 'chain' steakhouse. I was blown away at how good the food and service were and left surprised at how great the entire evening was.
(5)
Jason M.
Fantastic- I was celebrating my birthday and they did not disappoint! Excellent service, great atmosphere and one of the best steaks I've had. Highly recommend-
(5)
Robert K.
An absolutly outstanding steakhouse. This was my second dining experience here.I came a little early when meeting friends and sat at the bar. Great drinks, nice bar. Decor of the restaurant is very rich and sumptous. Our seating was comfortable and service was excellent. The table ordered mostly Filet Mignons and lobsters and I personally had the massive Rib Eye steak bone in. All 8 of us thought it was exceptional. My Daughter who is in a top culinary school thought her lobster was the best she ever had and the chef came out to thank her for the compliment after hearing her praise from the waiter. The deserts were outstanding as well. The bill was a might scary but hey, as my folks used to say, you get what you pay for. At Capital Grille, you definitely get what you pay for. Thank you. I will return when I am in Chicago
(5)
K M.
Excellent service! Excellent food! I am not a steak lover, but would happily come anytime because all the seafood dishes are excellent, and some of the best sides of any steakhouse downtown.Their mushrooms are great! We stay away from the unhealthy mac and cheese, but heard it's excellent. I love the atmosphere, and the service is some of the best in the city. Top notch.
(5)
Chris C.
Phenomenal. I had been to other Capital Grille's before but this was my first visit to the downtown location, and it hopefully won't be my last. We came for for my birthday and received top notch service. I have to admit, I was a little worried we were going to be sitting at the kids table or ignored because were were on the younger end. However, this did not happen at all. We were greeted and seated promptly at a great booth. Since it was my birthday, there was also a birthday card signed by the entire staff. I thought that was a wonderful gesture and started off the evening right. Their wine list is excellent. A good variety of wines ranging in price. They also allow for BYOB with a $20 corkage fee (and a 1-2 bottle limit). We brought in a nice bottle of wine and the staff noticed and provided us with a decanter. I appreciated this gesture as it showed that they knew their wine. For my appetizer, I had the lobster bisque. It was perfect, not to salty at all. For my entree, I had the fillet mignon which was cooked perfectly. (Good also as a leftover the next day). Their potatoes au gratin are still the best out there. For dessert, the staff came by with a slice of flourless cake with a candle. We also tried the creme brulee and were pleased with both. And for the finishing touch, they took a picture of us as a take home souvenir. Overall, I loved my experience with the service and food. I hope to be back soon.
(5)
Carmen H.
Phillip was a great server! Great Kona steak and wonderful made in house desserts. We had very attentive service. It was my first time in Chicago and it will be hard not to go back here next time.
(5)
Dan R.
There are some places that you don't even need to go much further explaining to show how happy you are for going there. My husband and I went there for our anniversary dinner and we are in love! They put a smile upon my face. Great service, great people, great environment, and GREAT GREAT GREAT food. Pricey. But GOOD.
(5)
Irene G.
Been here many times now in the past four years, mostly with coworkers when the boss takes us out. Always the best service and the food never disappoints. My favorites are the calamari as a starter. Burger, salmon, and lobster bisque are my top choices. The burger is soooo good! The next time I go, I'll try their filet mignon. For dessert, the fresh berries in vanilla cream and creme brulee are to die for. You do get what you pay for here-perfection.
(5)
Derek D.
carryout is run by morons. our intern had to go back 3 times to get the correct food. ever hear od checking orders?! wowzer. lame d
(1)
Molly P.
My husband and I had a great meal. The service was top notch. I had a flight of summer wines that was excellently pair with my food. We started with the calamari and the caprese salad. My husband had the Kona-rubbed steak and I had a tenderloin All the food was wonderful. We were stuffed when we rolled out of there!
(5)
Stacy C.
Went here for Restaurant Week and was VERY pleased. I felt taken care of from the second I arrived. The hostess was overly attentive. The bartender while we were waiting for our table was great. Our waiter was amazing. The support staff also was perfect in making sure everything was taken care of without being noticed. I too noticed the napkin swap from white to black based on my outfit and was very impressed. You would think for RW the menu would be scaled back. But no...it was a full portion. They had filet mignon, a porterhouse w/an amazing rub, fish and something i can't remember b/c I was set on the filet. The wine list is HUGE, but has something for everyone. There are $30 bottles and $300 bottles. There is no pressure at all to order the "expensive" bottles like Ive had in some less expensive restaurants. I had the RW menu and my dining companion ordered off their regular menu. Our food was cooked to perfection. Our glasses of wine were filled w/out us even realizing it. We were one of several parties who were there long after the restaurant closed (b/c of RW) and there was no pressure at all to get out. When we were ready to leave, our waiter asked for our valet ticket so our car would be waiting out front and heated up for us. Excellent dining experience. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Erica T.
I attended this restaurant for a birthday party of 25. The service was fantastic, food was great as well. Must haves include: skoli doli (pineapple infused vodka martini), swordfish, lamb chops, and they have the best calamari I've ever eaten; served w/peppers. This is an under-rated steakhouse!
(5)
Brenda B.
My husband stopped by the Capital Grille in the late afternoon, in casual clothes, and were treated like royalty. The server was the most delightful person I have ever been waited on by. To say the food was delicious is an understatement. I got the filet and lobster tails and my husband got the rib-eye with balsamic vinegar sauce. We swapped half-way through and loved each others dishes. The coconut cream pie dessert was out of this world. I have never thought of using a macaroon for a pie crust -- amazing! The berries and cream were just spectacular. I grew up in California where fresh berries are the norm and I've never seen raspberries and blackberries the size and quality of those served at The Capital Grille. It was like a melted vanilla milk shake was poured over the huge, fresh berries. I now understand why people often talk about how delicious berries and cream can be. While this description might sound over the top, it's not an exaggeration. My husband is hard to please when it comes to eating out and he loves this place. We'll be back again and again.
(5)
Michele M.
All I can say is that the porcini rubbed Delmonico steak has RUINED me for life!! I can't order a steak anywhere else and be satisfied. Also one of the best french onion soups I've had, not too salty, not too many onions and they don't skimp on the gruyere. AMAZING coconut creme pie. I dream of this dinner, regularly!
(5)
Joscelyn M.
Honestly, I know it's not a "Chicago" steakhouse, but this is my favorite place for steaks in Chicago. Gibsons is really great for the Chicago feel and the over the top service, but if you're looking for something cozier and low-key, this is your place. I really love coming here - I know I'll always have a great steak in a wonderful setting with very nice service.
(4)
Bill M.
I'm not a big visitor of steakhouses, preferring the ethnic diversity of Chicagoland's restaurants over a piece of good ol' American steak. Of course when one is invited to The Capital Grille for a business function (dinner included), it gave me a reason to check this place out. The dining area was large, but not as massive as I had anticipated. Our main group was sequestered in a cozy dining room, but our group had more people than our hosts had anticipated, so I actually sat at a large table just outside of this dining room with a few overflow guests. It was very considerate of the restaurant to accommodate our group like this. I enjoyed a blue cheese salad, a tasty filet mignon cooked medium well, mashed potatoes, and what appeared to be brocco-flower (the weakest link of the meal). Desserts sampled were flourless chocolate expresso cake and creme brulee, both satisfying my sweet tooth. The event was what mattered, but the food at The Capital Grille was pretty good as well.
(4)
Joanne W.
Ive dined at the CG many times - all of them for business. The food was always very good and the service is top notch. I went here Sunday for an early dinner with my sister before a play we were catching. It was my little sister's first "fancy" dining experience so it was fun to see her all wide eyed. It was also a good ettiquette lesson for her but now I'm getting off topic... We each started wtih a salad - blue cheese wedge with bacon for me and mozzarella tomato basil salad for her. Both were delicious - the bacon on my salad was heavenly! She got a 10oz filet, I got the lobster crab cake appetizer and we split the seasonal side of corn & mash potatoes - all were tasty. (Ive had the lobster crab cake before for lunch so I knew it would be good). THEN we got cheesecake - my sis loves cheesecake. I have to say it was pretty flippin good. They put some carmelized sugar on top which I really enjoyed - berries and a raspberry sauce on the side. We both rolled out of there stuffed. Our bill was about 115. Service is always great here and I've always had a good steak...with one exception...hence the gift certficates! If you are looking for a nice meal and stellar service you cant go wrong with CG. They have a nice wine list and also a private room and are very accomodating with private parties. I know I will be dining here again.
(4)
Dennie Y.
This was by far the BEST steak ever. I had the 24 Ounce Porterhouse (cooked medium) with Au Gratin potatoes and Asparagus. It was simply delicious! I had never tried a "Dry-Aged" steak before and I'm SOOO glad I did!. Our waitress was a very pretty lady named Connie and she gave us rock star treatment. I don't live in the Chicago area so I checked a lot of reviews before deciding that The Capital Grille would be where we celebrated our 20th anniversary and I was not disappointed in anything. Thank You Connie for a great meal and even greater service.
(5)
Mikie B.
I've been fortunate to be able to eat at a lot of quality steakhouses in Chicago and many other places and so far, nothing's held a candle to the Capital Grille. I don't know if it's because it was one of my first dates with my husband, the excellent food or even better service, but there's something about this place that has never been topped by any other location. I think what definitely stands out is the service. The entire staff from hostess to manager is the epitome of concierge-service. You're not rushed through your meal; you feel like you're catered to and take care of; and the knowledgeable waitstaff can not only guide you through a wonderful meal but recommend the perfect wine pairings to make each bite even more delectable. It's a steakhouse, so definitely eat the steak. It's fresh and seasoned and cooked to perfection. The filet mignon (my preferred cut) literally melts in your mouth and is so tender that you want to cry. And the parmesan truffle fries are to-die-for. But the best of all? The flour-less chocolate espresso cake. And coming from this non-chocolate lover (and truth be told, I don't even really like dessert), that's a big endorsement. On one occasion we had made a reservation for a pre-theater dinner and I let our waiter know that we needed to leave at a specific time to make the curtain. He was amazing and got everything out like clockwork without making it feel rushed or harried. When we ordered dessert, it took a little longer than expected; and while we weren't really paying attention to the time, our wonderful waiter was and came over to apologize profusely about the delay and let us know that he was on top of the kitchen to get it out. When the dessert came to the table, the manager brought it himself-- along with a second dessert that we hadn't ordered, apologized for the delay and comped BOTH desserts and our wine. Crazy! By the time we'd finished and paid the bill, fully satiated, they had even called a taxi for us to whisk us to the theater just in time for the show. If that's not service, I don't know what is. Excellent food, above and beyond service and a completely perfect experience. It kills the competition every time.
(5)
Todd H.
I'm not sure that I can say much about the Capital Grille that you probably don't already know. But it's simply one of the best steak places in Chicago along with Gibson's, Keefer's, and Harry Caray's. The dry aged steaks are ridiculously good, their balsamic-porcini rubbed Delmonico has to be tried to be believed, and to top it off the decor and ambiance is tops in the city. Old school Chicago steakhouse cool, but big enough to not feel overcrowded and claustrophobic (like Gibson's). The waitstaff is awesome, nice, informative, and attentive, but do a good job of leaving you alone to enjoy your meal. If I had one complaint it's that I wish they had a bigger bar/lounge area like Gibson's does. This is probably just a personal choice, but I tend to enjoy going to a restaurant hanging out in the bar/lounge and then ordering food if I get hungry, and I hate making reservations, so usually just hitting up a lounge and eating a full meal, or just an appetizer (depending on my mood) is preferable to me. But you can't really do that at The Capital Grille because the bar area is small and narrow so there aren't really any tables to speak of. It's hard to take away any points for that though, since they're in the business of running a restaurant, not in the business of catering to my specific dining peculiarities.
(5)
Jennifer B.
a-MAZING dinner! My husband booked an anniversary dinner here, and Capital Grille really pulled out all the stops.... The Maitre D' was extremely friendly upon entering the restaurant and quickly escorted us to our table. Sitting atop the table was a card, signed by all the servers/cooks/etc saying "Happy Anniversary." Our waiter was phenomenal and explained the entire menu in detail. He was really laid back and genuine....reminded me exactly of Matthew McConaughey (which didn't hurt). His service was outstanding. The food was delicious! I try to get Filet Oscar whenever I go to a steakhouse, and my Filet Oscar at Capital Grille was the best I've ever had in Chicago. All our sides and salads were delicious as well. The wine menu is extensive and actually affordable. And dessert! Well, it was great too. Perhaps the best part of our experience at Capital Grille was when they brought us dessert with a candle in it (along with 2 glasses of champagne), and I said, "oh I wish I had a picture." My server ran and got a camera and then took our picture! Five minutes later he presented us with a card and inside was a perfect copy of our picture. What amazing service! We will definitely be back to Capital Grille!
(5)
Laura S.
Delicious steaks, great wine list and you definitely will NOT go home hungry - great for business dinners - wouldn't suggest it for a girl's night out - I feel like it's a "guy's guy" type of place - although, every now and again, I'm all for it! Food: Do yourself a favor and SHARE the sides - they are not meant to be eaten alone! The Fillet Oscar is perfection - and the lobster mac n' cheese is a MUST!
(4)
Todd D.
Absolutely awesome Steaks ! I had the Kona rubbed NY Strip, and it is probably the best steak I have ever had. It was done to perfection, and the flavors were complex and perfectly complementary to the outstanding quality of the steak. Nice pairing of a California Cab. I can comfortably say this is among the best of the steakhouses in all of Chicago.
(5)
Mei Z.
Wow I can't believe this place averages 4.5. I only gave it a 3 even though I really was not impressed with it because perhaps it was just the restaurant week menu that was really lacking. Food: So I haven't tried it for a regular meal but this is what I ordered: 1) field green salad which turned out to be a horribly acidic romaine lettuce salad. I can't believe a place like The Capital Grille serves romaine. 2) Filet mignon which was just..bland. 3) Creme brulee which was great but creme brulee is always great. I would say the best part was the bread which was warm and delicious. They had some brown bread with raisins which was just fantastic. Ambiance: very all-Americana with eagles and deer decorations everywhere. Overall: Kind of a fancy, over-hyped place in my humble opinion.
(3)
Kelly K.
The lobster crab burger is basically a crab cake with lobster on a roll. Let me tell you, it was delicious. Paired with the french onion soup, it made for a much needed afternoon nap.
Went to Capital Grille a few months back with a client for lunch. I hadn't heard a whole lot about it at the time but live nearby, so I became curious after walking by so many times. I was a little wary of the fact that it is in a hotel AND a chain, but gave it a shot anyway. The restaurant itself is gorgeous. I loved the dark wood and old school feel. We were seated in a small, empty room toward the back, which made things a little bit awkward and date-ish feeling with my (older, male) client. Luckily he is someone I know well enough that it wasn't a big deal, but I could see where it may have caused some awkwardness in a different situation. Perhaps this is where they sit their OpenTable "VIP" reservations, or they just thought that I was his mistress. I was a huge fan of the substitution of black napkins when our server noted that we were both wearing dark colors. Though now I expect this everywhere! Our server was knowledgeable and not overly attentive, which is exactly how I like it. I had the filet with the kona rub and mashed potatoes. The steak was cooked perfectly (medium rare), but I could have done without the kona as I did not taste it at all. The mashed potatoes were fine; not totally memorable but they served their carb-o-licious purpose. Unfortunately we did not order wine (damn business lunches) or dessert, so I will have to go back to get the full experience!
(4)
Kay E.
Quality food and Nordstrom like top notch service. One of the best!
(5)
Yi L.
Everything is so perfect! Definitely will go back to this place!
(5)
FelineFluff F.
Is it wrong to love too much? Should a side dish be king? Can mac and cheese out wit a filet? Um, Yes, to all three. I think I've said too much already. My cheeks are blushing in embarrassment as I relive this divine dish that was an afterthought on my order. The lobster mac and cheese has elevated the common noodle to a proper vantage point, lording over the table with a tender cheesiness that reigns over all others accompanying dishes. So the steak is tender and tasty, too, but subtract the aforementioned side and it gets washed among the hundreds of other sumptuous steaks in our fair city.
(4)
steve o.
This is one of our favorite places to go out and eat for a special evening. The food is always fantastic, the service is always impeccable, and i repeat the food is always fantastic. The lobster mac and cheese is to die for and the steaks are always cooked perfectly.
(5)
Da J.
What a wonderful luxurious meal. From the friendly hostess to the patient waitress... just subliime. We started off with a half dozen oysters and the shrimp (more like prawn) cocktail, then split a salad. I had the lobster and tenderloin, which hit medium-rare SPOT ON. The lobster was delicious, too. You could taste the freshness. The berries and cream and creme brulee were both just perfect. I'm super picky about my creme brulee, and the sugar was thick enough to pick up a heavier caramelized taste, and cracked just-so under my spoon. The wine and capuccino were wonderful as well. Thankfully, I have no idea how much the bill was. I would probably feel guilty about it.
(5)
Rebecca C.
So. Full. Can't. Even. Breathe. I just went here on a business lunch this afternoon for the first time. We had a fairly large group of people (about 15) and they were able to accommodate all of us at a round table near the kitchen. The service was fantastic. Our waiter took note of who was wearing black pants or skirts, and handed out black napkins accordingly. Always nice to have a staff who cares about unsightly white pillies on your freshly ironed black slacks -- perish the thought! On to the food...since it was a large group, we got to share lots of tasty things. Yay! For apps we had fried calamari (yum, with a little bit of spiciness), cocktail shrimp (they were GIGANTIC), and smoked salmon (pretty standard as smoked salmon goes). For my entree, I chose a special: clam BLT, which is basically what it sounds like. Four large clams atop a slice of homemade bread with lettuce, bacon, and cherry tomatoes -- mmm, the tomatoes, little bites of heaven. I shouldn't forget to mention that our table shared four servings of the lobster mac and cheese, which clearly took center stage of the entire meal. Needless to say, none of us had any room for dessert. But I intend to go back and test out the flourless chocolate cake!
(4)
Ella A.
Service is good and so are the drinks. The food is great too if you're willing to wait since this place is always busy. Fun spot for brunch!
(5)
Andy B.
I like chilling out in this kind of bar every weekends where I could relax and have happy hours with my friends. Somehow, I enjoyed this place, they have really great dishes...they're really good, most specially their calamari and their steaks! Oh no, i'm now getting hungry while writing this...gtg!
(5)
Steve T.
Really great, definitely on par with the best steakhouses in Chicago. Went here with coworkers and there was a table of 8 of us. From the time we walked in until we left, we had very special attention by the server and serving team and ensured that we had a great time. The beef carpaccio appetizer was delicious, as well as the fresh calamari. We were told the seafood is flown in fresh every day, and you could tell that the calamari was not old, as it was very soft and cooked uniquely with spices. The prosciutto mozzarella appetizer was a hit with everyone as well. I do recommend doing the sharing of the apps, as it gave us a good idea of what was to come later in our dinner. I ordered the fillet with lobster and was definitely not disappointed. Everyone else had some other type of fillet, strip, etc and no one had any complaints. The lobster mac-n-cheese side dish was awesome - give it a try. The interior decor is very unique and has an old-school feel, very refined. Random addition, but you almost felt bad using more than one towel in the bathroom since their towels were of incredible thickness/softness, they almost didn't feel paper at all.
(5)
Matt W.
This was one of the best experiences I've had dining in Chicago. At first I had to wait for my table and it seemed a little noisy so I was not expecting anything special. Then when we were called after about ten minutes and were taken to a huge wrap around booth pseudo isolated from the main room. It was packed in there and we were only two people so I don't know what I did to deserve that but it set the mood for the rest of the night. Our waiter seemed like a sommelier and was extremely helpful, unpretentious and friendly. Of course I dropped a bit of money on wine, surf and turf and some cocktails but I knew it was going to be expensive so that didn't other me and the food was great so it was worth it. Highly Recommended!
(5)
Kathy K.
Have been here many times as I used to live a block away. The food and wine selection is great. The servers are very helpful and the entire staff is top notch. The kona coffee crusted rib eye might be my favorite steak anywhere. I've even tried to copy this recipe at home. It is just perfect.
(5)
Valerie M.
I went to the one in Buckhead in Atlanta Gorgia a few years ago and I was anxious to try again in Chicago. I went for restaurant week and had the steak. It was absolutely amazing. The steak is tender and melts in your mouth and mashed potatotes. The service is fabulous. Great for a date.
(5)
J. O.
I came to Capital Grille for its WONDERFUL Generous Pour event back from its winter hiatus until Labor Day. I cannot say enough great things about this, mainly because where else can you get a bottomless glass of a variety of (nice) wines for only $25 bucks? I felt super fancy, trying all the wines, asking for more, then asking for more, then finally having to stop because it was only Monday. Our waiter, Dan, was so well-educated about the wines and enthusiastically described each one in detail, as well as very attentive to what you liked and didn't like, just by looking at what you drank and didn't drink. The service felt very old fashioned and personal, the kind you don't really see too much of unless you are spending a ton of money, which you won't be if you go for the Generous Pour! I also sampled some of the Grille's fantastic food. The star of the night was the mozzarella - made in-house, which is something I got used to growing up in New Jersey but have not seen too much of in the Midwest. I love salty, flavorful mozzarella that is served ROOM TEMPERATURE, not practically frozen and flavorless as a lot of restaurants do. Capital Grille's was perfection, fantastically paired with a tender piece of prosciutto (also hard to find because most restaurants shy away from the really fatty kind, which is the most tender and the way prosciutto is supposed to be). I left feeling full and with a wonderfully pleasant buzz from my generously poured glasses of wine from Dan! Oh and the lobster mac 'n cheese. I could go back and just eat that, with some wine, and be perfectly happy.
(5)
Sandi S.
Great celebratory dining, or after work cocktail unwind. It was our 1yr anniversary and I had made reservations online for 5pm on a Sat night. We were the first reservations & arrived early, so we took a spot at the bar. The hostess was warm and friendly as she explained that it'd be a few minutes for our table. Colin, the bartender, fixed us up w/ two Stoli Doli's & great conversation. At dinner, we ordered the carpaccio & half-doz oysters for apps, Filet Oscar & that evening's steak special for entrees & truffle fries & lobster mac for sides. For 2 apps, 2 entrees, 2 sides & 7(!) martinis, the bill came to $237 - a good value we thought for a romantic & indulgent evening out. We were comped a slice of flourless espresso-choc cake and a night cap round of martinis when we returned to the restaurant after a show. Another nice touch was the Happy Anniversary card on our table signed by the staff when we initially sat. A champagne bucket had been set out by our table & we thought we might get a bottle of bubbly on the house as well, but no such luck. Our server Dan, and especially our busser Teddy, were super-friendly and doting. We felt like regulars, though we'd never been. All portions were hearty and: tender, crunchy, creamy, rich, or savory where warranted, BUT ... the "truffle" in the truffle fries seemed undetectable & the lobster mac was so piping when it first arrived that there was a little oiliness to it, like it was so hot it separated. The carpaccio was accompanied with a vinaigrette-dressed pile of arugula and shaved parm. It was a nice starter. The oysters arrived with ramekins of cocktail sauce, horseradish & mignonette sauce. They were very fresh tasting for sure. My Filet Oscar was cooked as requested, but I did need additional Bearnaise sauce, it was a bit scant on the plate. The lumps of crab - and lobster in the mac - were plentiful and large. The hubby's steak special looked like a porterhouse, but we can't remember what is was now - hello, Stoli Doli's! In any case, he enjoyed it thoroughly and it was also cooked to perfection. There were earthy elements (porcinis maybe?) and a hint of acidity (balsamic?) to the au jus & seared outside. I thought it was a tad salty, but the hubby may've salted it beforehand. All in all it was a great experience and well worth another special occasion visit! I'd like to sample the food one more time before committing to five stars though.
(4)
Patrick F.
one of the best steak house chains. Always great service and a good atmosphere.
(4)
Angela B.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and I was a happy woman from the moment we sat down. Service was top notch. we even had a "wine expert" pick out a bottle of wine for us within our budget and it was a wonderful Spanish red that went great with our steaks. The filet was good as usual, but my boyfriend kept raving about his bone in ribeye. I had a bite of it...and OMG. It was heaven. Full of flavor and the texture was just.....well, perfect. Chocolate cake dessert with strawberries ended it all and I left extremely satisfied. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Chicago.
Loved it! Great service, melt in your mouth food, and comfortable decor for an evening out. If you haven't tried yet, go for it during restaurant week!!
(5)
Vanessa D.
I have come here for a few special dinners and have always had delicious food, great wine, and excellent service. However, on my last visit last Monday, the service was incredibly rude and we were treated with a bit of condescension. Truth is, we were wearing jeans because we hadn't planned in advance to come here. I was taking my best friend out for a belated birthday meal and we showed up around 5:45 for an early dinner. The hostess was incredibly rude and for some reason asked for our last name (even though we told her we had no reservation). What did they need that for? They'd never asked me before. Then we were placed in a really crappy table in back when the place was more or less empty. The server we had was pretty cool. But there was this general air of condescension, especially when we were leaving... "Come back again...IF YOU CAN". Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I wasn't pleased with the tone or choice of words. Anyway, the food was excellent as ever. We had pre-dinner martinis, the smoked salmon appetizer, the mozzarella salad, steaks, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and the espresso flourless chocolate cake. I recommend all of it. I just wish that when I'm dropping 300 bucks on a VERY nice meal I wasn't treated like I'm not good enough to be there. I mean, the place is a friggin' CHAIN. GMAFB. I'm going to go back dressed up really nice and see if the service is any different.
(3)
sarah j.
What's to say. This is by far my favorite steakhouse in Chicago. Possibly my favorite restaurant ever. I never thought I would say that about a Chain restaurant! Head and shoulder better than Ruth Chris, Maestro, or Gibson's. Food: Calamari- the spicy peppers in here give this classic dish a great kick. It really is perfection. Lobster and Crab Cakes- I dream about these delicious little cakes. Huge chunks of lobster stirred in with mouth watering crab and served with just the right amount of breading and basically 0 filler. Perfect every single time. Bone in Kona Crusted Sirloin with Shallot Butter- Drool Drool Drool. Literally the best steak I have ever eaten in my life. The crust is perfect. Every single time this steak has been cooked exactly like I like it (medium) all the way through. No well done edges, no raw centers. Perfection, each and every single time. This is why I come back. I can't even bring myself to try anything else on the menu. Although my fiance states that his Delmonica is pretty good too. Creme Brulee- again you can't make bad creme brulee but this is truly perfection in creamy custard form. Chocolate Flourless Cake- also delicious ( i'm still more partial to the creme brulee though) The only thing I've ever eaten here that I would not reccommend is the the Clam Chowder @ $10 for a tiny bowl. It was just wasn't memorable or tasty enough to justify the price. Service: The service every time we have been here has been immaculate. We are laid back, young, casual kind of people and even when we've walked in at our most casual we have not been pushed into a dark corner or treated condescendingly. They have also been exceedingly pleasant and have even comped our desert for no reason whatsoever. No special occasion nothing. Love this place!
(5)
Whiskey L.
Dependably good is the best way to describe Capital Grille. I've also been to a couple of other locations (Miami,Seattle) and the meals were solid every single time. The Wagyu Beef app was both original and well presented. The tuna tar tar was a pleasant surprise. Don't expect to be blown away, but you can bank on an enjoyable evening.
(4)
B H.
Capital Grille is my favorite place to have a steak! This is huge considering I eat steak about every other day. Everything from the pineapple infused vodka, to the wait staff, to the old school charm of me dressing up just to go here...I am alway so excited to dine here. Sometime I make the good mistake of ordering the French onion soup, mistake because i still have to make room for more. Also for starters you can't go wrong with shrimp cocktail or the lobster and crab cake. The Delmonico here is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any cut of beef. My ultimate favorite is the lobster mac n cheese! Also the fresh asparagus with hollandaise helps to complete the meal. Again The Capital Grille is one of my favorite restaurants!!!
(5)
Georgetta E.
It was good...I say with my voice rising which you knows means it was good but disappointing. Notable wine list. Otherwise, old boys club American decor down to the paintings of hunting dogs. Good service, if not a bit impersonal. Deconstructed caprese salad. Moist, rich flourless chocolate cake. Thick cuts of beef done right but not amazing. There are better places for your buck. I was not impressed with the black or white napkin depending on your outfit. That small touch was lost on me.
(3)
Becky R.
I ate at Capital Grille for a business lunch this afternoon. First off, the restaurant impressed the entire party by swapping out the white linen napkins for dark ones, to reduce lint on our dark pants. That's such a classy touch! I started with the calamari appetizer. This was truly a treat! The calamari was very lightly breaded and was also served with hot cherry peppers. Not your usual calamari, my friends. I think I might have misordered on my entree, though. I ordered the lobster and crab burger. The bun was waaaaaaaaay too big to eat the sandwich as an actual burger. The burger itself was surprisingly bland, considering it was made with lobster and crab. Maybe they were trying not to cover up the sweetness of the lobster and crab, but the result was rather flavorless. I ordered mine with a side of homemade potato chips. I consider myself somewhat of a homemade chip fanatic. These did not fit the bill. Again, they needed some salt or pizazz or something. My dining companions, however, seemed to love their meals, including a special steak salad and a grilled chicken salad. I'd go back and try something else.
(4)
Daniil V.
Sizzle: Delicious food, top notch service Juice: Perfectly cooked steaks, knowledgeable & attentive staff, b-day treatments & details superb
(4)
Kassie C.
We went during restaurant week because the menu was only $33 whereas other higher end restaurants were $44. The menu was very solid...we ordered a filet and salmon. The filet was perfect but the salmon didn't taste that fresh. The creamed spinach was very good and so was the raspberry sorbet we had for dessert.
From the chilled shrimp appetizer on the Bar menu to the "Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin," the food and the service were fantastic. The sides were available in 1/2 sizes, so my wife and I shared a couple of them. The mushrooms were so good we were practically speechless. But the steaks were the centerpiece of the meal. My sirloin and my wife's fillet were prepared exactly as requested and were superb in tenderness and flavor. At the conclusion of the meal, we were presented with a free serving of the flourless chocolate espresso cake as we were celebrating our anniversary. I HIGHLY recommend the Capital Grille as one of the best dining experiences I've had in quite a while.
(5)
Robert T.
Great Waitress, Great Food, Great Ambience. I'm not a foodie capable of elaborate description of the eats there, but suffice to say, the Lobster Mac N Cheese will make you sit up and take notice of the flavor, and the filet mignon rivals any I've had anywhere. Loved this place and time with an old friend.
(5)
Carl L.
We had dinner there Saturday night. I started with a small cup of mediocre onion soup. For my main course, I tried one of their steaks. The first one came out overcooked. Not unexpectedly, 15 minutes later, the replacement came out almost raw, about the same time the rest of our party was finished. Both steaks were quite tough and other than a very flavorful crust, the meat itself had very little taste. The manager was kind enough to take mine off the bill. The atmosphere is very nice, but the service was quite slow, probably because it was a holiday weekend. They use an iPad for the wine list and the dessert menu. A printed wine list and dessert menu would be a lot easier to handle and to navigate. I've had nice lunches there a few times, and will stick to lunch in the future.
(2)
Steve M.
Great food. The balsalmic steak was superb! We came for our 31st anniversary. It was great, the service always attentive. Go for the wild mushroom side and asparagus, but with half dishes if there are only two of you. If you go with the wine flight, don't drink too much wine! Great place.
(5)
Tina J.
Amazing! ! Love love this place. Best filet I've had in a while. I ordered an oldie but goodie off the menu... Filet Oscar.
(5)
Eric M.
This is going to be one of new favorite steakhouses. My sister and mother took me here for a belated birthday dinner and it was great. We came during restaurant week so there was a fixed menu but we each got a different item and tried each others and everything was outstanding! Our waiter, Paul, was very great, attentive and informative. Especially about the wines. The rest of the staff was very friendly as well. This is a really nice, classy restaurant and we had fun dressing up and coming out. Hopefully, I will come back again before next years restaurant week as this place is a tad expensive but definitely worth it.
(5)
Jilly Pop S.
Such a wonderful place to go for a special occasion. You're greeted with warmth and a smile, especially from the coat check woman (who is STUNNING). The menu was filled with many delicious choices. My party and I decided to have a sampling of a bit of everything and ate family style since we all could not decide what to get. The mac and cheese is AMAZING! The wine selection was just perfect and the waitress was more then happy to help us choose a wine that fit what we ordered. Everything was perfect. I look forward to going back and having another great experience! Make sure to stop by the coat check and say hi, she is quite lovely and has a warm, friendly smile that stays with you. ENJOY!
(5)
Grant M.
Delicious meal and they went way out of their way to make our special occasion feel all the more special. Great, reasonably priced wines. Steaks were delicious. We ordered the calamari but it was a little spicy for my taste. Service was top notch. Lobster Mac n cheese was sufficient but not show stopping.
(4)
Molly M.
This is the best new steak house to come along in years. We've been fortunate enough to visit a couple of times & found everything we've ordered to be absolutely outstanding. Wine selection is second to none! They actually had Halo which nobody has. If you're lucky enough to go, ask for Paul as your waiter. Not only is his service style impeccable, he Is a font of knowledge.
(4)
Kevin N.
This place is at the top of its game. When it comes to a classic quality steakhouse, I haven't experienced better. The interior is a high-ceilinged, stately gentleman's club, with a nice private booth in the back as well as a separate private dining room of the main as well. There is a formality to the place which is sort of what you would expect for the premium offerings. Our birthday group of 8 tried a number of things, and the standouts were the spicy calamari with peppers. The portions are really huge, certainly enough for 4 to share as an appetizer. We were unimpressed with the smoked salmon on toast points, however. The caesar salad was nearly perfect, classical and fresh in every way with a light lemon, anchovy dressing and shaved parmesan. The Delmonico steak is ginormous and has a nice meaty chew compared to the perfectly buttery filet mignon. I ordered a parmesan crusted sole with a side of crab and avocado salad. The portion really serves two, but I enjoyed nearly every bit of this perfectly crispy and delicate sole. The simple side salad with the jumbo lumps of premium crab was heaven. This entree is a winner. Sides are to die for, and you have to try creamed spinach which also plentily serves four or more. I have never tasted spinach as rich and delicious as this. The flourless chocolate espresso cake was out of this world. We had one comped because of the birthday and my nephew liked it so much, he ordered another just for himself. Service is professional and seamless, but not too chummy, which I appreciated. The hamburger at lunch may also be a best kept secret. It's one of the tastiest in the city and comes at a fraction of the rather high cost of entry for this place if you just want a sample of the how the city fat cats and business executives expense their lifestyle.
(4)
Valeria D.
I'm going to make this short and sweet. Holy Moly. We were walking by and decided to pop in for a cocktail - everything being served around us looked absolutely delicious... Steak and mashed potatoes, lobster mac & cheese, prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella something-or-other... yes, we were being the vulture bar patrons checking out everyone's dishes. We ended up caving in and trying one of the appetizer plates with our drinks, and it was amazing. To top it all off, the service was top notch (something I absolutely LOVE about Chicago). Will definitely add this to the Must-Do's next time we're in town again.
(5)
Dax R.
They are consistent and a good place fir a formal business lunch or dinner. The steaks are large, tasty, and satisfying. The wine selection is good. My go to steak is the Delmonico Steak (bone in ribeye).
(4)
M K.
Capital Grille has surpassed my expectation every time I have gone here which is unusual for a chained restaurant. You must start the night off with a cocktail from the bar, but expect to pay Downtown prices. I really enjoyed the Manhattan that I ordered. It is one of the better ones I have had. I don't think you can really go wrong with anything on the menu. I ordered the bone-in sirloin which was perfectly cooked medium rare. You should expect to be treated here like you have more money then you actually have. Capital Grille has consistently delivered the best experiences while dining. I would highly recommend this place for any occasion.
(5)
Gloria M.
For the past 7 years Capital Grill in Stamford, CT has been my home. So naturally while on business/ leisure travel in Chicago Capital Grill was my first choice. By the end of the evening I was blown away. Evan our waitperson was excellent. He was upbeat and knowledgeable about the food and the history of their location. My husband loves asking about the company and how long they have occupied their building. I get a kick out of that. Evan was on point. Not once did we have to ask for refreshments or refills. This helped us to maximize our time and catch up without being interrupted. Now for the most important part of our evening. The food. My In-Laws both ordered from the Restaurant Week Menu. My son stuck with his usual chicken fingers and fries. My husband ordered porter house . I tried something different this time. I tried the Gorgonzola Crusted Filet Mignon and creamed spinach. As soon as it was placed in front of me I thought I could not finish this large piece of meat. After eating my last bite I realized that the portion was large but so amazing I could not put my fork down. Everyone at my table loved their food. After we were done we decided to walk around the Chicago area. The location of this property has many hotels to choose from, high end shopping, and a massive Apple Store. Once the evening was over we walked back to Capital Grill where the valet person could not have been nicer. Our car was parked a couple feet away. He walked us there, opened the door, and after we were all in the car he wished us a good evening. I liked the fact that instead of waiting for it to be retrieved from a lot it was so close. Given that the weather was very cold we were on our way in seconds.
(5)
Don D.
Food was outstanding ! Matt our server helped with some great wine. My wife and I had a great dinner and would definitely go back. Staff was excellent!
(5)
Daniel G.
My 1st time at the Capital Grille on St. Clair for lunch. The house salad was so so. Then I had the Main Lobster pot pie-an $18 special. The pot pie was incredible: chunks of lobster, potatoes, Lima beans, mushrooms, sherry and corn under a very tasty crust. The waiter, Wade, and the wait staff were fabulous. 4 stars, moderately priced.
(4)
Laila C.
The steak here is aboslutely delicious. I had the Porcini Rubbed Delmonico, it was amazing. Buuuuuuuut, for a place of this caliber I didn't expect 60% of my medium rare steak to be RAW. Since it was a 24oz steak, I was only able to actually eat like 1/4 at the restaurant. When I took the rest home, I realized the entire middle of the steak was raw. Not sure rare....raw. I get that medium rare has a slight raw center...but this was a bit too much, too raw. I definitely had to cook the leftover some more but it was still one of the best steaks I've ever had. I don't have too much more to add besides amazing beef carpaccio, the chocolate cake is fantastic but far too rich to finish after such a heavy meal. Given the raw steak, I think it says a lot about the place that I'd still give it 4 stars.
(4)
allison g.
My sister is a cancer patient at Northwestern Hospital and she was craving mashed potatoes and a grilled cheese. I could not find a place to get them and I was frustrated because she had not eaten in a two days. The manager at The Capital Grille noticed this and not only asked the kitchen to make her what she wanted, he would not let me pay. He said that he hoped that she liked it and that it made her feel better. Well I am happy to report that she LOVED it and she is now falling asleep with a smile on her face. Thank you Robert Brito, you are a class act and I truly appreciate it.
(5)
Jennie C.
Came here for restaurant week, had to wait 40 min despite having a reservation. I HATE it when restaurants do that. Yes, I get it, you're busy. But working out your reservation schedule is part of your job! What's the point of making reservation if I still have to wait for my table? Long wait aside, the food was excellent...once they got the steaks to the right temperature. Our table of 8 had to send back 3 steaks. Clam chowder was very flavorful and full of clams. Bread was also excellent. It was an amazing deal for restaurant week, but the atmosphere was a bit hectic for me.
(4)
S C.
Thank you, Capital Grille! Once again our meal was fantastic. Thank you, too, for being so generous with your restaurant week menu, with many choices - all fantastic. We have never had a bad meal here. The atmosphere is calming and sophisticated, the staff is friendly...everyone, from the second you arrive makes you feel welcome and that your business is appreciated. Even the valets...who don't technically work for the restaurant....they, too, are nice. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. The steak was fantastic, as was the salmon, all perfectly cooked. The sides wonderful, the desserts yummy. You will enjoy your dining experience, appreciate the attentive and caring service, and love the food!
(5)
Nelson M.
Restaurant Review Great weekday lunch special! For an early birthday meal, I took my wife for lunch at this wonderful restaurant that serves her favorite chocolate hazelnut cake that cost 10 dollars a slice. This is a classy restaurant which I have been to in the past for pharma dinner. I was surprised that for 16 dollars you get quite a exquisite lunch. You start with a starter which is either clam chowder (large amount of clams) or a small salad. The entree choices included sirloin steak salad (maybe 6 oz) of aged steak cooked to perfection with some greens/beans. My wife chose the lobster roll which is quite a treat. The roll itself was a long skinny brioche or pretzel roll with large helpings of lobster. There was also a scallops dish which the waiter did not recommend... Finally the third option is the side. We went with the truffle fries with parmesean. Hands down the best fries ever. The meal also comes with a nice bread basket. Server was attentive and super nice. He did accidentally give us the wrong dessert which we ordered to go, a chocolate tart instead of the hazelnut cake so I had to walk back and exchange it. All and all, this is a super nice business for lunch or a nice date! Remember to dress business casual as the restaurant is quite nice, but some people still go to lunch wearing shorts which looks tacky. Pro- Nice pre-fixe lunch deal 16 dollars with the items per above Con- limited menu items on the pre-fixe meal Hidden deals- Lunch pre-fixe meal 16 dollars, check out the menu (plate) section
(5)
Tiffany H.
The cheese cake was delicious and the server was attentive. He memorized our names. We went there for restaurant week.
(4)
Audrey S.
Restaurant Week menu. Finished only like half of their filet mignon. Service is average. Ambiance = eh but I think it's b/c it was too crowded (restaurant week). There are better steakhouses in Chicago.
(3)
Laci B.
This was a phenomenal dinner, and one of my favorite in the city. I ordered the Steak Tartar, the Chef's choice filet and lobster tail, lobster mac and cheese, and then they surprised me with a sampler dessert plate and champagne (complimentary). I did order a bottle of their pino grigio that was delicious, and they even bagged up the unfinished bottle so I could bring it home. The lobster mac and cheese is to DIE for. I would go again just for that. The service was great, and I didn't feel rushed at all- I was there for maybe 2 and a half hours. Everything was top of the line, and so delicious! I would HIGHLY recommend for a nice night out, or a special occasion.
(5)
Paul G.
Rushed by our waitress from the minute we sat down. We were a party of four gentlemen and ordered apps, salads/soup, steaks with sides, and dessert. We had just started in on our appetizers when she dropped back in on our table to find out if we had made any decisions, in a rushy sort of tone. Later, we were only about halfway into our desserts when she dropped the bill on us. I don't know, call me old school, but when you are spending that kind of cash at dinner, I don't want to feel rushed. Great food, great atmosphere, and the Chef and GM stopped by our table which were very nice touches. Too bad our primary server detracted from the evening, perhaps she was just having a bad night.
(3)
Rebecca S.
We went here for my sisters birthday dinner and it was absolutely fabulous. Our server, Scott was wonderful at helping us select drinks and dishes, as well as his patients with our family and asking for certain ways for the steaks to be cooked. I tried the Mojito which was excellent, my sister tried some sort of champagne drink and my other sister tried a wine from their white selection which was excellent. I was intrigued by their french onion soup since I am very picky and particular about french onion soup. I tried the crock size, which was big enough to serve 3 people which was awesome. I must say, the french onion soup is the best I have tried so far in the city. I tried the porterhouse steak with the Kona coffee rub and it was to die for. The wonderful coffee rub flavor and the juicy taste of the porterhouse, just sank in my mouth. Overall our experience here was wonderful and I defiantly recommend it to anyone in the city looking for a good steak dinner in a great atmosphere with great service.
I abhor the decor, but love the food! Went here last night for restaurant week. Walked in and thought "old man." There are heads of animals all around and paintings of old men. The colors are drab and I only saw waiters, no waitresses. They have an extensive and impressive wine list. They boy and I ordered off the wine by glass menu just b/c we don't like the same wine. However, both glasses were very good. Onto the food. I started with the clam chowder, which was fantastic, and the fiance had the ceasar salad with an oil based rather than creamy ceasar, which we prefer. Then for the main course we had steaks. My sirloin with shallot butter was quite tasty, but overcooked. That was a bit disappointing. Jeff had the tournedoes (beef tenderoins) which had a great sauce on them. We had the creamed spinach and mashed potatoes both of which were pretty good. For dessert we went boring b/c we were so full and had sorbet and vanilla ice cream. My sorbet was amazing. Very refreshing. Our server was very...unique. He was very attentive and nice, so that was good, just a little cooky and I was surprised by that considering how expensive and nice the restaurant is.
(4)
Saurabh P.
Awesome restaurant. Their peppered bone in steak is probably the best steak I've ever had. I'm not a big fan of a lot of marbling, I prefer my meat lean without too much fat.
(5)
Candace C.
Had the best lunch at Capital Grill today! In between my appointments at Northwestern, my aunt and I had the best service and food.
(5)
Mindy B.
I was disappointed. I have eaten here before and the food has usually been good. I am not a meat eater, the waiter recommended the halibut. It was so dry and tasteless. I also have to say the dessert did not ring any bells for me. My husband did enjoy his steak and the wine was good.
(3)
Adriane P.
Egad! This is a chain highly regarded by myriad friends and Yelpers and is seemingly consistent in menu and decor. But was quite the let down. I overheard the server muttering to herself disparaging customers. I have empathy for her. But it was unpleasant to hear. The food was ok. The shrimp cocktail was good. The steak flavorful. The two house wines tasty. The atmosphere was stodgy, which I think is across the board with the chain. Paintings of local politicians or notables, lighting too bright, crowd mature, furniture and layout lacked romance or sex appeal. The bathroom (ha) was quite elegant and quaint. I can overlook all these petty quibbles, however, I was quite surprised at the server's comments (to herself?). It was unnerving. I'm disappointed I didn't have an experience my pals have had.
(2)
Jon G.
service was polite and timely. Food was excellent. We had petite fillets, dinner salad and wild mushrooms. Atmosphere was also quiet so we could talk and not have to yell. we ended with the dark chocolate cake with fresh raspberries and a nice cup of cappuccino.
(4)
Mellonie A.
capital grille is amazing the service the waiter the food is extremely great love there lobster Mac n cheese there steaks hmmmmm good no need for steak sauce capital grille get 10 stars love it n u will too
(5)
Mike K.
Let me ask you a question, Young Yelper. Oh, never mind. You'll never go to Capital Grille, so it's probably best to keep this one short and sweet, as it will go into a black hole and never again see the light of day. + The Burger. It's infused with bacon and onion and cooked to perfection, with added on super fresh fixings. It's absolute madness in every bite. + The Parmesan Truffle Fries. Stop it. Sit down, shut up and listen, boy. If you try to compare or juxtapose these fries with any other fries, you will be committing a Capital crime and will be summarily stripped of all badges and integrity forthwith. These fries are King. + The Lemonade. This puckery-sweet drink could save an entire navy. And then there's that tiny little carafe with the replenishment which will likely make any woman gleefully swoon. + The Digs. Big. Ornate. Vaulted. Strong like bull. + The Service. Absolutely top notch, minus the obnoxious staring waiter. + The Damages. Sixteen bucks for a burger and fries. A burger at DMK is about 10 bucks and doesn't include fries, which are another three or four bucks, so you're just about right in line price wise relative to DMK and are getting a better burger. I suspect the same would be true in the case of the vaunted Kuma's. Overall, Capital Grille is simply outstanding in all facets and reasonably priced for lunch. It's an easy five stars.
(5)
Eric K.
Adam Miller. Great service great steak and wine combo recommended by him! Ask for him when you stop in! He provided the best service I have had in six months in the city of Chicago!
(5)
Lisa H.
I can't believe how long it took me to try this place. It seems like all my friends have been here and had nothing but great things to say. Finally I decided to come here with a party of four during restaurant week. Reservations were for 9:30 pm and we were seated about 15 mins afterwards. We all ordered off the pre-fixe menu for $33. I started off with the clam chowder, which was amazing. The soup was creamy and full of flavor. I also appreciate that they didn't skimp on the clams. For my main entree, I had the filet mignon cooked medium rare. The steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly. It wasn't bleeding, cold, or hard as a rock. The meal also came with mashed potatoes and cream of spinach for us to share. It was just ok, nothing too special. I ended my meal with the creme brulee. Oh Capital Grille, this was divine. Perfect ending to my meal. Another thing I appreciated was that the servers were attentive and not pushy. We were probably one of the last tables and they did not hover over us to see if we were done or need the check. They just let us eat and converse at our own pace. Overall, my friends and I enjoyed our meal and our experience here. Even one of my friends came here not hungry, but still ate everything. We are already talking about the next time we would come again.
(4)
Mikey J.
I came back here for restaurant week and updating my review to 5 stars. The food was DELICIOUS. I had the dry aged sirloin... perfection! My mother had the filet mignon... also excellent! My brother had the tournedos (a cut of tenderloin)... wonderful! The steaks are perfectly cooked, flavorful, and tender. Sides included creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
(5)
Susan M.
Woo I remember this was an awesome lunch. Great seat right up on the window at St. Clair. It was a lovely lady lunch of mom, grama, sis and me. We had steak sandwiches and burgers and truffle fries and salads. Everything was amazing, lick your fingers, no one said a word for 20 minutes except "ooohhh" and "mmmmmm" and "let me try that". Service was awesome too. Gotta get back there.
(5)
Tiffany R.
Amazing food service the works! Paul C is such a pro excellent recommendations on wine pairings. Loved everything about our experience at The Capital Grille!
(5)
Jordan W.
Solid as usual. Dine in Washington DC as well as KC. Just as good. Solid service. Staple go to when you want a great meal. I don't know how they are solid country wide but they are. Well done
(5)
R. H.
My husband and I loved Capital Grille. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very nice. Our server, Matthew, was phenomenal! I would definitely go back!!
(5)
Patrick D.
The porterhouse is always cooked to perfection and the oysters on a bed of ice complement it best. The service is flawless and the drinks couldn't have been mixed any better. I don't typically like steakhouse chains but this one is the only exception. Top three steakhouses in Chicago.
(5)
Skip C.
CG is a pretty good steakhouse, but far from the best Chicago has to offer. My biggest complaint is that on a beautiful Saturday night in one of the world's greatest cities, in a perfect location one block east of Michigan Ave., there was no 'buzz' whatsoever. The bartenders pour a good drink, the service is above average, but the evening was boring. On top of this, the steak is just OK, and the au gratin potatoes were tasteless, but the prices were as much as anywhere else. We'll leave this place for others.
(2)
Kaio B.
Went in for restaurant week. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of dishes. Some restaurants try to trick you during restaurant week. Not this one. The food was pretty good. Wine was reasonably priced and the place was big.Its big enough for a big group. It has a lil bit of a classic look.
(4)
Patti B.
We made reservations weeks ago for 8:30pm on New Year's Eve. One of the hostesses called this afternoon (the day before New Year's Eve) to confirm our reservations and informed us that we would have to vacate our table at 10pm for the next guest. They were serious!!! So was I when I found another top notch steakhouse that had availability and promptly called The Capital Grille back and cancelled our reservations there! Our money spends just as good at a restaurant that isn't going to kick us out 90 minutes after we arrive!
(1)
Gretchen D.
Good but underwhelming. Saturday, we had a reservation for 8:30. Arrived on time. Sorry--ten minute wait. Ok, no biggie. Actual wait was about 15 minutes. We are then taken through the dining room down lots of hallway to a small private room they are obviously using for overflow. This actually is a good thing because we walked through main dining room before and after dinner, it was extremely loud. Our water arrives quickly and our waiter arrives, looking and acting a bit disheveled. Ok, busy night. he seems almost reluctant to take our order. Water and bread come quickly. The bread is quite good. We order bottle of wine which comes and is poured correctly. We split a spinach salad, which is very good and dressed well. Then begins the long wait for our steaks. Probably a 50 minute wait--I didn't time it. We don't stress as we are not in a hurry. We had the filet and the kona sirloin and a side of green beans. Green beans very tasty but perhaps over-buttered (like that's a possible thing!). Both steaks cooked properly. Both delicious. We agree the filer is the better of the two though. Dessert? Creme Brulee--very well-executed. Waiter forgets husband's tea. He apologies profusely. He gives us his card (waiter's with cards? Is that a thing?) But it's not like he offers a discount or anything. Seemed odd. So--overall, food a solid four (there are equal or better steakhouses in the area for similar prices). Frazzled service brings it down to a three.
(3)
S L.
Love this place, nothing quite like it in the area. I eat lunch at the bar, so quiet and away from the city noises. I had $30 lamb chops last time that were so good. Sounds expensive but totally worth it. The bartenders are attentive but they're not obnoxious. They know I like to be left alone and it's great. I can't say one bad thing.
(5)
Anuraj R.
Normally we love this place, however during restaurant week, we had a bad experience. Not sure if they were just too busy by I ordered my steak medium & it came out Raw! The service was also slow which was strange bc every other time we have been ther it was great! I would say this place is okay not bad, but not the best!
(3)
Lauren V.
This is all about Valerie, our exceptional server! My husbands' office arranged a surprise retirement party in the wine room on Tuesday night. The room was intimate, and some would call it a bit crowded. But, I enjoyed the intimacy which forced everyone to talk to each other! I got there early, and was greeted immediately by adorable and professional Valerie. She treated me as if I were an old friend. The rest of the evening, we were tended to with the best of care and great food. As a strict plant-based eater, Valerie took special care to make sure I got a beautiful meal! The icing on the cake came at the end of the evening. Valerie brought a large CG shopping bag full of fun items as a gift to my husband for his retirement. They included a lovely wooden boxed set of steak knives, a killer bottle of wine, golf tees and shirt and gold balls! Needless to say, he was in heaven. We were blown away by the extreme level of service and attention. Valerie, you are a consummate professional, and I truly could see having you as a great friend. We've been to Capital Grille many times and my husband has entertained there for business even more often. You can bet we are talking about this experience, and will be back....and will request to sit in Valerie's section! She's awesome.
(5)
Grace N.
Another 5 star notch on Capital Grille's belt for an exquisite dining experience! My husband and I had been here in the past for corporate functions only, but CG more than delivered the romantic touch to our wedding anniversary and made it truly memorable. Service was top notch from the beginning. When we walked in, they took one look at me and congratulated us for expecting (and at 6 months, I was more than ready for steak!) and immediately brought us celebratory "mocktails." There were so many sweet touches throughout the night to help us celebrate (I don't want to ruin any surprises). We have made the Chicago steakhouse rotation for special occasions, and CG's steaks are one of my favorites. Their porcini rubbed Delmonico must have been invented for linebackers and pregnant ladies alike, because it is HUGE, delicious, and to my own shock and awe, I finished most of it. My husband loved his porterhouse, and the lobster mack and cheese was creamy and delicious. Capital Grille is truly a professional and considerate establishment, and we loved it.
(5)
Monica M.
Service is the best, very knowledgeable staff who will bend over backwards to make your meal a great relaxing comfortable experience. Wonderful wine menu. I ordered the Lobster and crab cakes to start, then a large 10oz Filet Mignon, melt in your mouth delicious. My friend ordered the Porterhouse Steak and it was aged perfectly, seasoned and cooked sublimely. This place is not an economy experience, but if you are looking for decadence and deliciousness, it cannot be beat in my experience.
(5)
Arlene O.
It was pretty good. I had the salmon and my husband and I split the lobster Mac and cheese. The waiter was friendly and all in all a good meal, but nothing too extraordinary.
(3)
tr y.
good steak, poor service at this location on the night we went. The hostess was the stand out staff member in doing her job, black napkin for the Mrs. wearing dark slacks. Dinner Service was beyond sub par, even the manager walked past us without asking how everything was. We had to ask for silverware, not to sound snotty but I like to use it when I am eating. We Ordered Lobster had to flag down a different waiter for drawn butter which is sometimes served with the dish. Better service at The Capital Grille in Rosemont!! and red lobster, and half shell. Come on gang, tuck in your shirt, provide some top notch service and take pride in the brand.
(2)
Byron C.
I went here a few years ago and it still stands out as one of the best steak restaurants I've ever been to. Normally I'm a purist when it comes to steak, and usually go with just salt and pepper but I had the Porcini rubbed Delmonico (ribeye) with 12yr old balsamic in medium rare and toppings brought the steak to another level. The porcini and balsamic brought out an umami flavor in the steak that simply kept you wanting more. Some of my friends had the Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Butter and that was amazing as well. I will definitely come back if I'm back in the windy city. Enjoy!
The Capital Grille in Chicago, Illinois is located on one of those hard-to-get-to streets/locations but the place is gorgeous! Love the ambiance and the attention of the servers was on-par with the Chop House. I enjoyed the calamari with the spicy dipping sauce and the Cabernet Sauvignon our server recommended was absolutely divine! The steak was just OK, cooked well enough and seasoned fine...just nothing spectacular. The lobster mac and chesse was to-die-for though. All-in-all it was a great dinner.
(4)
Matt W.
My wife and I went to the Capital Grille for our anniversary. The service was outstanding. The hostess, bartenders and wait staff were all very attentive. Our waiter, Dave (aka Sally or Casper) Preston, made great recommendations for our steak selections. Next time we are in Chicago, we are going back and asking for Dave. Oh, the food was great too.
(5)
Asinia A.
I had a lobster butter festival. I had an amazing butter poached lobster with lobster mac & cheese. Oh did I mention lobster bisque? All amazingly flavored (but not in that over the top gross way). I was here for the weekend and was completely sick but I powered through the night with meds and an amazing dinner here. I was just angry that my appetite didnt hold up. I was only able to eat very small portions of everything i ordered. I even tried to keep the leftovers in the fridge at the hotel and FLY it home on the plane with me - but it didnt last :(. I MUST GO BACK! !!!
(4)
Lauren F.
We came to Capital Grille for my birthday this year and it was an excellent choice. We arrived to the table and there was a card waiting for me with signatures from all the servers wishing me a happy birthday. Annette was our server and she was fantastic, super friendly and attentive with great recommendations. They had a great wine tasting special going on-$25/person for basically all the wine you can drink. They had a sparkling white, 3 whites, I think 6 reds, and a port and they were all fantastic wines. We were more than a little tipsy on our way out! We started with the Calamari app and loved it! The calamari was mixed with a variety of peppers so it had a little kick to it, loved the unique preparation-it totally worked. I had the Porcini rubbed Delmonico and my boyfriend had the Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin. Both were huge and delicious-but we both agreed that my Delmonico stole the show. It was tender, tasty, juicy-just all together awesome. I would get this steak every single time. For sides we had a half order of Green Beans and a half order of Au Gratin Potatoes-both well prepared, we thoroughly devoured both but the creamy, cheesy potatoes were our fav. For dessert they brought me a plate that had "Happy Birthday Lauren" written in chocolate and a delicious Chocolate Cake and Creme Brulee. Needless to say, we devoured this as well and at that point you basically needed to roll us out of there. A great place to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a great meal!
(4)
Steve S.
A good quality steak house. We had a corner booth, large and easily accomondated four. Was next to a simple curtain that separated the lobby, so a bit drafty although there is a double door connecting the lobby to the outside. As for the food. Good solid steaks. We dined there a week ago, but nothing outstanding stood out. Generous with the carbonated water and soft drink refills (did not charge for each and every bottle of San Pelligrino). Extensive wine list with several excellent inexpensive wines. I wish I could provide more details about the food - but hard to remember anything special. Excellent, but not unique calamari, good aged porterhouse and fillet steaks. Vegitables etc. separate side dishes. But a good meal.
(3)
J L.
Their porterhouse steak is very delicious, very tender, juicy and cooked very nicely. Their onion soup is good (and huge), but way too salty, no joking, unbelievably salty. Spinach salad is very good. Mac and cheese pretty salty too...
(3)
Gabe L.
Not much bad to say about Capital Grille. Their food is excellent, and the only reason I can't give it 5 stars is that it's very safe and straight forward. The filet mignon is as good as any, and the potatoes au gratin and the creamed spinach are great. I can't say I find this place all that dissimilar than Morton's or Smith and Wollensky, but it's quite good.
Haven't been here in over five years, but the place hasn't changed. Exceptional waiter, pleasant hosts and quality food. Tasted the salmon, filet and strip. All were nothing extraordinary though, nothing to justify the prices. I know it's in the heart of River North, but other steak places we thought had better quality meat. Questioned whether it truly was a dry aged strip. Soups and accompaniments were excellent though.
(4)
Vindaloo T.
I have been to this Capital Grille several times, and every time has been a good experience. The service is always great, and the food never disappoints. It isn't the most interesting place for dinner, but you get exactly what you expect--well-cooked steaks and seafood, tasty drinks, warm and helpful service. As an added bonus the service was quite gracious with my young son--the servers went out of their way to make sure he was comfortable and taken care of. One note, however--there is nowhere to change baby's diapers in the restaurant! Can't they install a koala care fold-up station in the handicapped stall of the restroom? I had to hunt for someone to tell me where to change my infant.
(4)
Kelly G.
For a classic menu and ambiance, you can never go wrong with The Capital Grille. Always great food, and attentive, professional service. Never been disappointed.
(5)
Jeff C.
Looking for a steakhouse during out Chicago visit, we chose this one because of the good reviews. Just walking in, the place feels classy, like you're in a really nice place back in the '30s or '40s. Our server, Scott, was very helpful and attentive, giving us his thoughts and recommendations. We ended up ordering the Filet Oscar, Porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12 year aged balsamic, spinach, and lobster mac n' cheese. The filet oscar was very good, cooked medium rare, topped off with a generous helping of crab. The bearnaise sauce was tasty as well. However, the Delmonico was even better. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and the balsamic gave it a little different flavor... one of the best steaks I've eaten! Spinach was good and we loved the lobster mac n' cheese as well. Needless to say, we were stuffed by the end and took some of our dinner home. A great place to go when you're looking to splurge a bit for a great steak!
(5)
Ashley B.
Amazing. I just went here with my family and sisters friends and we had an awesome time. We had our own private room in the back of the restaurant and our waitress was so good she should probably be in sales! We started with an awesome cheese plate with everything from sheep, goat, and cow's milk based cheeses along with fuit and crackers. It went perfectly with my mojito. Next I had the fluke with potato gnocchi and it was phenomenal. The fish was light and flaky, even while breaded, and the gnocchi made for a nice anchor to the dish. In addition to that, I sampled the mushrooms and au-gratin potatoes that my dad ordered as sides. I could probably make a meal of just those, to be perfectly honest! And to wrap things up, I had the cheesecake, which I have to say is the best I've ever had, EVER. All in all, my food was great (we all sampled each others dishes, which was super fun), the atmosphere was on point, and the service was exquisite, polite, without being stuffy. I'd definitely recommend this place for many reasons. It's well worth every dime!
(5)
Janet K.
I truly believe that if I had to choose my last meal (I hope that never really happens!) that I'd order the following, all from The Capital Grille: Wedge Salad Lobster & Crab Burger w/ French Green Beans Coconut Cream Pie Each one is the best I've ever had anywhere! Service is exceptional, as it should be at this price point. Friendly, not stuffy. My family has also enjoyed the Easter Brunch - best buffet brunch I've ever experienced. Choices were endless and fresh.
(5)
Denise W.
The food here was ok. The best was the lobster Mac and cheese and the pineapple martini! The steak was pretty solid. No complaints but I wouldn't rank it as the best in Chicago.
(4)
Ryan B.
Overall very good. The trio of filets with various sauces (can't remember the actual name) was superb. I think it was a special though, so they may not have offer it all the time. We had a few sides and they were all mediocre. For upscale steakhouses in Chicago, I prefer the ambiance and food at Bavette's.
(4)
Mari Y.
I'm giving Capital Grille 5 stars pretty much because the service was so strong. My boyfriend and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary here. We received a gift card and agreed that the occasion would be appropriate to spend the evening. On the reservations I noted that it was our anniversary and Capital Grille really made it the forefront of the evening - the staff signed a card for us, we had a wonderful table and a complimentary dessert and tasting potions of their specialty Stoli Dole drink. Our server Jan was also superkind. The bf ordered the 22 oz Delmonico steak and I ordered a 2 lb lobster. Both were fantastic - the steak was cooked just right at medium and the lobster was cracked open accompanied by warm butter. This doesn't seem like the place where you go to town with a cracker and bib which was fine because I was stuffed given the size of the lobster. We were so full, especially after starting with a Caprese salad. For dessert they gave us a gluten free chocolate cake with blackberries - not too heavy and with the berries tasted awesome. The Stoli Dole was a highlight - they steep a pineapple in Stoli for 2 weeks and serve straight. I'm pretty sure I'd been here a few years before on a client lunch - on the outside there's definitely a corporate look and feel which also carries to the inside with the dark wood and heavy meats. There are a lot of steakhouses in Chicago and as I've noted, I'm not a meat eater so I really look at the non-meat options. The lobster was awesome and hit the spot. We had a great time!
(5)
Char Y.
i'm so sad to give it a 3 star this time due to slow/no service! we were there during restaurant week for lunch and ordered salad clam chowder burger lobster roll chocolate cake food was great but our waitress completely disappeared during the meal many times, we think she might have been taking care of a big party in the party room, but i would still have liked to have service!
(3)
Lee L.
When I go out for steak, I want to barely be able to walk out the door. Capital Grille did not fail to meet these expectations. They have an extensive wine list arranged very nicely (I like that everyone can see the wine list at once because it's a part of the regular menu). The food menu is simple and straightforward. The basic highlights include a shellfish platter, smoked salmon, oysters, lobster tails, and several cuts of steak that can take on any preparation you see on the menu. The lobster mac n' cheese side is a runaway hit. The pricing is also very fair. It's a fancy restaurant with prices to match, but the pricing is definitely on par or slightly below other comparable steakhouses in Chicago. Overall, our service experience was very nice and the food was very good. It was a great experience that was everything I expected it to be, but there were also zero surprises, both positive or negative, for me on the menu.
(4)
Joyce I.
We came here on the first day of Restaurant Week. The food was great. Service is good. Gave you the same portion as on regular menu. Only $33 for a 4-course meal. Appertizers: Clam chowder (my bf) Salad (myself) Entrees: Both of us order Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter Sides for both of us: Creamed Spinach Mashed potates Desserts: Crème Brule (my bf) Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake (myself) We also order a Lobster Mac n Cheese. It was a great dinner.
(5)
Michelle C.
I went here the other night while on vacation in Chicago and was thoroughly impressed. The only downside was the fact that they made the reservation for ten, but the kitchen closes at ten. Despite that, everyone working there was super considerate and didn't rush us at all. We started with the caprese with the 12 year aged balsamic. The balsamic was unreal--I've never tasted better. I got the Kona rubbed steak with the shallot butter sauce which was fabulous. it really couldn't have been better. Additionally we ordered the lobster mac and cheese which was the BEST I've ever tasted. We literally sat in our hotel and ate it at three in the morning that same night after some light--well, let's be real--heavy drinking. That's how freaking good it was. However, despite the amazing food, the thing that really made this place stick out was the waiter, Ricky B. He was outstanding. Seriously. He was the best waiter we've ever had. He didn't rush us despite the weird reservation mix us. He was helpful, kind, friendly, hilarious, and engaged us. I would honestly go back because his service was so exceptional. Thank you! I'd definitely suggest going here if you're looking for a good steakhouse :)
(5)
David G.
Capital Grille is such an awesome experience that it makes me want to break out in song: Now this is the story all about how My life got flipped, turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there I'll tell you how I enjoyed a meal like the Prince of Everywhere In "Nowville" born and raised In high end restaurants where I want to spend most of my days Chilling out, maxing, relaxing and eating all cool And all shooting some high balls outside of the pool When a couple of guys who were up to no good Started making trouble in my neighborhood (of the restaurant) I got in one little fight and the hostess got scared And said you're moving with your colleagues out to Cap Grille I begged and pleaded with her the other day But she packed my suitcase and sent me on my way She gave me a menu and she gave me my coat ticket I put my iPhone on and said I might as well kick it First class, yo this is bad ass, Drinking high end scotch and whiskey it's true Is this what the people of Cap Grille livin' like Hm this might be alright! I whistled for a steak and when it came near the Serving plate said 'Fresh' and had oysters in the mirror If anything I could say that this steak was mid rare But I thought nah forget it, yo holmes I'm totally square We ate up the house with our party of seven or eight And I yelled to the hostess, yo holmes smell ya later Looked at my kingdom I was finally there To sit on my throne as the Prince of Everywhere
(5)
Jessica N.
I met a friend here recently for cocktails and we sat at the bar. Finally tried the Stoli Doli and found it to be just ok, nothing remarkable. We shared the lobster mac as an appetizer and it was delicious, absolutely divine!
(3)
Arlin B.
We had a 5+ dinning experience here on a couple of different occasions. There are so many other reviews posted already, so i will keep my review shorter than usual. This Capital Grill is very similar to the others with some slight modifications in their decor and menu. Reservations are needed since they are booked most of the time. It's an easy walk or cab ride from most hotels downtown. The service here is outstanding and they are a notch above the average compared to other Capital Grills. Food recommendations: Apps ~ you must try their lobster Mac-n-cheese! Oh my... Their soups and salads are also excellent. Main course ~ steak, steak and ugh steak! They have of the Best aged beef you'll find anywhere. You can have your steak naked or crusted in herb, Kona coffee (I like the Kona crusted) or Oscar-fied. I always add a side of their fresh green beans and try to stay away from their creamy au gratin potatoes. If I get their au gratin potatoes, thats all I will eat! They are that good. They have an excellent wine selection and have some locals wines as well. This is a wonderful place to go if your looking for somewhere that is finer dinning with an outstanding menu, fantastic food and wonderful service.
(5)
Alisa M.
The actual food, I would give it s 4.5 star, but the service, makes this place a 5 star! I am here on the last day of Restaurant week. Out of all the 3 other places that I went to (comparable to regular prices), I would have to say that the service here was amazing. I felt that at the other places, when the waiter/ waitress found out that I was planning to order the 3-course meal, they seemed to act different and more snobby. I mean, $33 for a meal is nice for restaurant week, but it's not super cheap. Add a drink, tax, and tip and you're looking at almost a $50 meal pp, so I don't understand why the service was so bad out of the other places. I made the reservation online and requested a booth. When we arrived, they had a booth waiting for us. The waitress, Connie, did an awesome job. She was attentive and very friendly. She even asked us what other places we tried for restaurant week and did not seem to treat us any different because we were ordering from the $33 menu. The FOOD: 1. Caesar salad- fresh and nice chunks of cheese. The amount of dressing was perfect. I really enjoyed this. 2. Clam chowder- this was just your typical clam chowder soup. Nothing out of the ordinary or over the top about this one, but it was good. 3. 10 oz kona steak- so juicy and tender. I had it cooked medium. It was charred to perfection! The sauce that came on the bottom was excellent. 4. Creme Brulee- EXCELLENT! I like creme brulee that have a more harder sugary top. When I order it from other places, it seems like they get skimpy on making the caramelized topping. Creme brulee is the best when you have to use your spoon to break the top. YUMM-O! 5. Flour-less Chocolate espresso cake- SOOO Good. I am a total chocolate person, so I enjoyed this also! It satisfied my chocolate fix. The cake was so rice and dense. It melted in your mouth like butter with every bite. Definitely something to try here. 6. The sides (mashed potatoes and creamed spinach). The portions are HUGE! The creamed spinach was creamy, but not too creamy. You could taste the spinach more so I didn't feel so guilty eating this. We finished the whole plate! Very good and not too greasy. The mashed potatoes was good too, but nothing special. What can I say, the food and service here was excellent!
(5)
Jessica N.
I was reminded why this is such a solid place to go. I haven't been in a while and I dropped by for a quick business lunch. First, great service as always. Swapped the black napkin for the white one since we had dark bottoms (who does that!). Next, had great lunch options, we both chose the "Plates" which came with one soup/salad, one sandwich and one side. Clam Chowder - delish and good amount of clams actually in it (something absent from a lot of clam chowders) Tenderloin Sandwiches - AMAZING!!! I don't think I have ever had a tenderloin sammy this good. Good PERFECTLY medium rare, and the mushroom/onion/cheese accouterments were the perfect addition, not too messy to eat. The bun wasn't too hard to navigate or bite through. A-MA-ZING. French Green Beans - Normally a fine choice but these again were perfectly seasoned and cooked. Really tender green beans. All in all quite well done Capital Grille! Excited that my new office is only a block away. I will be frequenting you often!
(5)
Daniel M.
Ok. I realize that there are A LOT of great local steakhouses here in Chicago. If I have my choice between local and chain, it's usually always local. My wife laughs because of my contempt for food chains. But, after reading the reviews for the Capital Grille's customer service I decided to skip my long-standing policy and try it for my wife's birthday. I made reservations online and specified it was for a birthday. We were NOT disappointed! Valet is only $11.99 which is great when you consider that parking in that area of downtown is hard to find and the parking garages are very expensive. When my wife walked in, they greeted her by name. I don't know how they knew that! The place has extremely high ceilings, dark wood trim, soft colored walls, and of course bright white table cloths. The place has a little art deco feel to it which kind of gives it a throwback to 20's and 30's. When we got to the table there was a birthday card waiting for my wife signed by all of the staff that would be waiting on us. Our waiter was Rich Dornan - the guy is FABULOUS. He was very helpful and not pushy at all. Often, these types of restaurants can be a little stuffy. But, Rich was down to earth and had some great suggestions for our meal. The actual server was a young man by the name of Wilson. Our water glasses never got beneath three-quarters full! This staff is very highly trained it shows! We had the aged porterhouse steak. It was packed with flavor! The mashed potatoes were creamy and just melt in your mouth good. Perhaps, the steak at another place might have been just a little bit better - I don't know. But for the service, the atmosphere and the quality of food; Capital Grille makes for a great evening. We will be going back. We took the time to compliment the manager before we left. He said he could add our requests and favorite items to the dossier they started for us - a dossier! LOL! These guys are serious about service!
(5)
Donna F.
Sorry to have to lower my opinion of this place but things just were not as good as the first time. Service was not as spot on, food not as good. Had the filet/shrimp special and for $58.00 it needed to be a lot better than it was. Delmonico was nothing to brag about either. When everything is just okay I don't expect to pay what I did. I sat there regretting that I didn't go to one of the other places I was considering that I know I would have been more satisfied with.
(2)
Erika C.
You can't go to Chicago without going to a steakhouse, you just can't. I usually only go to Gibson's when I'm visiting but heard Capital Grill was just as good. As you'd expect, the service was top notch from the bartenders to the many waiters that give you that fine dining experience you go there for. The bar was packed this night but still got a drink rather quickly, this would be unlike Gibson's. That obviously made me happy since seeing other people drink usually makes me insanely jealous. The food............the food was just perfect. My hearty rack of lamb was cooked to perfection, medium rare, just like I like it. The side of macaroni was equally indulgent with pieces of crab mixed in. After my meal, I couldn't resist trying their cappuccino which was just like getting dessert. Not too sweet or too bold, like everything else that night it was perfect. Definitely adding Capital Grille to the my list of Chi Town restaurants I frequent!
(4)
Bernard M.
Excellent. I had my favorite steak house selections: shrimp cocktail and filet mignon. Both were memorable.
Our trip here was a Christmas gift from a cool, old grandpa, and we were really excited to have some delicious steak. It's fairly pricey ($40-50/steak), but honestly there are more expensive restaurants that aren't nearly as good. This is worth every penny. Lobster Mac and Cheese: Pretty delicious, and we don't even really like lobster (and there were huge chunks in there) Steak: His was the porcini-rubbed delmonico and hers was a kona crusted filet. We each preferred our own, and they were both amazing. Creme Brulee: Really smooth, fabulous consistency, paired up with fresh berries. Yum. Only possible downside was that you're served little miniature bottled soft drinks, which is probably considered fancy but is not exciting when all you want is a bottomless fountain drink. Oh well, not that big of a deal. Bottom line, the whole experience was first class. Ambiance inside is great, really knowledgeable server, you leave feeling awesome. This is the second visit to The Capital Grille (first time was in Indianapolis), and it's been fantastic both times. Definitely will go back...especially if someone else is paying :)
(5)
L R.
After the review, I received a call from the manager apologizing for the poor quality service we received, which was a nice touch. It's nice to know that the restaurant cares about their customers enough to reach out and try to make it better. We will try again based on their effort.
(3)
Adam M.
I want to start off by saying that if I rated The Capital Grille after my first time eating here it would only receive 1 star. I decided to submit a complaint through their website letting them know about my disappointing experience. I received an email from the President and a call from the managing partner shortly thereafter. I told them that the Herb Marinated Tenderloin that I ordered reminded me of something one should expect from Applebee's and not from a top steakhouse in Chicago. Jim, told me to come back in and that he would take care of my steak. I gave Capital Grille a second try and am glad I did. The second time I ordered the Filet Mignon. Boy was that steak good! Now this is what I expected from a place with such a good reputation. A very tender cut of meat, cooked to perfection. Capital Grille had wonderful customer service and their Filet Mignon was amazing. I will definitel be coming back here and I would recommend it to others.
(4)
Chris S.
Amazing food & amazing space. Wonderful Old Fashion Cocktails & my steak was really good. There is literally nothing bad to say about the Capital Grille, you are getting what you pay for, which is an amazing environment, fantastic food & superb service. You pay for it tho as the pricing is high by all standards.
(5)
Ray D.
Very good place for lunch or dinner. I am a big fan of the lobster Mac and Cheese along with their steaks. Ambiance is great. Gets a little crowded and location is a little touristy but great food indeed.
(4)
Andrew L.
Great food! Calamari was on point (cherry peppers were a nice touch), the filet melted in your mouth, the porterhouse was perfectly cooked and seasoned, cheesecake was rich, and creme brulee was good. The customer service was excellent. I even received a call a couple days later to ensure our meal was satisfactory. This is definitely a once or twice a year type of thing. The service and food was top notch and you're definitely paying for it! The ONLY reason I give this place 4 stars and not 5 is because I made a reservation was seated a good 30 minutes later than the reserved time. We saw others (dressed fancier and to be frank looked richer than us) seated as soon as they walked in. I don't want to speculate anything, but if weren't for that, this experience would have been perfect.
(4)
Squeaky F.
Great service from Lara our server. The lobster mac and cheese should be on everyone's last meal list.
(5)
Mahsa T.
I'm normally not a big fan of steak houses but this one is the exception. I also thought that this place would be snooty since it's an expensive steak house in a great location, but I was wrong again. Everyone was more than friendly and our server took great care of us. I had the sirloin and one of my friends had the delmonico steak, both were done to perfection and absolutely flavorful and juicy. Great food, great service, you can't ask for anything more. I hope to go back soon.
(5)
Vivian L.
I dined last night and to say the least, I've had much better experiences just a few blocks away (Flemings, Mastro's, Gibsons). As soon as we ordered, our server Paul said the bread will be brought out shortly. 5 minutes later he came to check up on us and said again that bread will be brought out. Another 10 minutes pass and another diner was seated a table away. Bread was brought to their table by another waiter but our table still only had silverware. Paul then came to check up on us and said bread will be brought out, then proceeded to ask if we really did want bread. I felt that was an inappropriate question after 15-20 minutes of waiting. Of course I want my bread. I didn't get it until shortly before the appetizer arrived. The food was just ok. I loved the desserts and clam chowder. The check was promptly brought to us when I was only 1/4 of the way into my dessert. That's fine if the payment was processed quickly but it took way too long to pay. The bill and credit card was still on the table long after I finished my dessert and I'm a really slow eater.
(1)
Lucia Z.
Came here for Restaurant Week and loved it. The RW menu was excellent and an incredible value, and the food was fantastic. I had: - Clam chowder - 8 oz filet (my husband had the 14 oz sirloan and we split) - Side of spinach and mashed potatoes - Sorbet dessert Everything was delicious. I ordered my filet medium rare, and the middle was definitely red and tender, but it was not obnoxiously bloody (so basically, it was perfect). Super tender. I was also really surprised at how tender and juicy the sirloin was. The steak here really is fantastic. The fact that the restaurant is spacious and comfortable and the service is excellent only made the experience even better. Highly recommend!
(5)
Seth F.
A bit too stuffy for my tastes in terms of atmosphere and service. However, the food was well prepared and in this category, of a marginal value. Definitely better for business or a date - not a great family outing.
(3)
David H.
The Delmonico bone in was amazing: slightly crisp on the outside and soft, juicy, and tender on the inside.The flavor of the meat from fat marbling was excellent. And the sauce supported but didn't overwhelm the meat. The lobster mac and cheese, while creamy and tasty, was not better than the sum of the parts. The lobster tail left something to be desired and was more salty than I would have liked.
(4)
Scott N.
This was really really good, but I've had better of each of the following so I can't give it 5 stars. Service was 5 star though! Clam Chowder -- 2nd favorite (in Chicago anyway). Second only to the original chef of Quay's amazeballs chowder! Dry Aged Sirloin -- again very, very good, but I like Joe's steaks better Mashed potatoes -- a little too creamy for my tastes Flour-less chocolate espresso cake and Crem Brule for dessert! Amazing!
(4)
Melanie S.
Thanks to Nishan P for the heads-up on the $15 "Plates" lunch special, another one of my favorite Yelpers and I met here for lunch yesterday. That is simply too good a deal to pass up, in spite of the fact that I'd spend just as much in cab fare getting here. We arrived within minutes of each other and were ushered to a large booth. The decor is very clubby, with dark wood and ambient lighting; very much befitting a steakhouse. Our server greeted us and went over the specials but we both had our hearts set on the $15 lunch. We started with the mint lemonade, which was tangy, refreshing and mouth-puckering (I agree with Ashley C that there is little discernible mint flavor). The lemonade is served in a tall glass with a mini carafe of extra lemonade - very nice touch. A bread basket was set on our table with delicious crusty rolls sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds and served with cold butter adorned with crunchy fleur de sel and chopped parsley. Rolls devoured in record time. The lunch special consists of a choice of three things in each category: starters, main, and sides. Starters - clam chowder, roasted corn bisque, or a field green salad Mains - two mini tenderloin sandwiches, lobster roll, or annatto-rubbed mahi served with corn tortillas Sides - seasonal vegetable of the day, truffle fries, or a watermelon and tomato salad with feta I zeroed in immediately on the corn bisque and to no one's surprise, my East Coast dining partner chose the clam chowder. We both selected the lobster roll, and for sides, I went with the truffle fries and he went with the salad. The soups came out pretty quickly. The corn bisque was drizzled with a little chili oil and garnished with fresh chives and it looked very pretty. I love that they roasted the corn (the kernels had a nice char) instead of just tossing the corn in; it amped up the flavor. Since the temperature yesterday dropped considerably, it was the perfect way to warm up my belly. The lobstah rolls and sides arrived soon after. I was pleasantly surprised at the portion sizes of both the sides and sandwiches as I was expecting smaller versions. The lobster was rich and decadent, lightly dresses with mayo and crunchy celery and served on a split toasted bun. It was fantastic. As for the truffle fries, although I thought they could have been thinner, I would pretty much eat a sock if it were drizzled with truffle oil. The watermelon / tomato salad was tossed with a light vinaigrette and had crumbled feta. I love that they used heirloom tomatoes in the salad and the watermelon added a nice texture and contrast to the tomatoes. We were both too full to order any dessert but that didn't stop me from taking a gander at it for future visits. It had the usual steakhouse classics: cheesecake, creme brulee, flourless chocolate cake, and ice cream. Capital Grille definitely caters to Chicago's movers and shakers and captains of industry. In fact, we spied Christie Hefner circulating around the dining room on our visit. Needless to say, she didn't stop at our table. Since all of the choices on the "Plates" menu were great, I fully intend on coming back to try every combination, and although it's far too early in the morning for me to calculate just how many visits it will take me to try each one, I just know it's a lot. I better get started and plan my next visit. Who's with me?
(4)
Alex D.
This is one of my top two favorite steakhouses in Chicago (the other one is Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab). Always start with their signature drink, the Stoli Doli. It is a vodka martini that has been infused with pineapple for several days. The steak selection is fantastic... several dry-aged and specialty selections. I usually get the Porcini-rubbed delmonico, but sometimes go for the filet. They also have an excellent seafood platter appetizer, with shrimp, lobster, oysters, etc. For sides I like the spinach (sauteed, not creamed) and of course the lobster mac and cheese. Incidentally, they also have one of the best burgers in town. You can order it off-menu for dinner, and it is great medium rare. They have private rooms for larger parties. The decor is very traditional, feels like a law library with lots of oil paintings and wood paneling.
Great Food Great Service. It was a wonderful experience I would recommend if you are in town they are a must do.
(5)
Sudario A.
Start with the calamari it is just freaking delicious! Weak on beer selection but strong on whiskey!
(4)
Jimmy J.
The reason why I don't think of going elsewhere. 5 star food. 5 star service. The porcini rubbed delmonico in aged balsamic, the Rhode Island style Calamari, Their Caesar, the creamed corn n bacon, the truffle fries with parm and their chocolate hazelnut cake are highly recommended. First rate career servers. High class without a snooty atmosphere. And lastly, their locations are never these dark caves that Steakhouses have become where there is not enough light to read the menu. While their location at The Fashion Mall on the Las Vegas Strip is my fave, this Streeterville location is jammin just off Mich Ave. Always a first class steakhouse experience at Capital Grille.
(5)
Phill C.
Came hungry and left stuffed. All I remember was my dry aged Steak au Poivre and those nomlicious Parmesan Truffle Fries. I enjoyed every last bite of steak (perfectly cooked and delicious), but I think the whole time I wished had some more fries. The service was exceptional, with very friendly and welcoming servers & staff. Capital Grille had a nice steak house vibe, from the classy decor to the meat window showing their dry aged steaks. Had a great dining experience and will be back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tom K.
Ordered the tendeloin and lobster and came out cooked perfect to order. side of sauteed spinach complimented the meal nicely. will go back. decor is swank and sophisticated. nice mixed crowd on a monday night. ate at the bar, both bartenders did a solid job.
(4)sandra C.
We went here for my daughter's birthday celebration. We had never been there and didn't know what to expect. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed. The decor is a bit conservative, (old money), very relaxed and quiet. We were greeted by our family name. We were seated in a very comfortable area. The food is awesome, but be ready to dish out some serious cash. The service was outstanding, our server was very friendly and paid attention to special details (thanks Valerie). Since we informed that rest. that this was a birthday celebration, they took a picture of our group and printed it out for us to take home ( I love this kind of little details). They have a very extensive wine list, which will not disappoint. Valet Parking is available. Grab that special someone and make a rsvp asap.
(5)Kyung P.
Went for a company dinner on Thursday night. We had the crab and lobster cakes to start. It was good but not great. I did like the lemon sash that came on the plate though - it was cute. Then I had the chopped salad as I'm not a big fan of bleu cheese dressing (so I didn't have the wedge salad). I had the Oscar Filet and the crab chunks on my filet were HUGE! I ordered all of the sides for the table, and the lobster mac&cheese and creamed spinach were the best! Mushrooms and the spaghetti squash with sweet potatoes were good too. I would stay away from the au gratin potatoes. For dessert, I had the flourless chocolate cake. Can't go wrong. Our server was really helpful and was there whenever we needed anything. Our bill was pretty hefty as everyone was drinking, so I don't know how often I'll be back. Maybe for a special occasion. Ladies - free tampons in the ladies room!!!
(4)Amanda W.
I classed it up a notch for lunch at the Capital Grille. I think this excellent spot for business lunches is at a disadvantage in terms of location. With the dark wood, ample lighting, and sophisticated decor, this looks like the perfect place for wheeling and dealing. Unfortunately, it's stuck between a bunch of touristy hotels and the Northwestern Medical Center. I think there were three tables occupied during lunch. I did get to see a bunch of cute doctors out the window, though... Food was amazing. I got the sliced filet with mushrooms, and it was very, very good. The side of creamed corn, recommended highly by our waiter, was really very unique and scrumptious, with sweet kernels of corn and not too much cream. The clam chowder was thick and chunky, among the best I've had. The portions were also HUGE (although for the price, they better be!) Excellent service, although maybe a bit over the top in formality. Oh, and I highly recommend making a trip to the restroom. It was fully stocked with all things necessary, including contact lens solution, hairspray, dental floss, lotion, etc. And NO bathroom attendant! I'm glad I was invited to Capital Grille, and I'll be back, no doubt.
(5)Frank W.
Could I rate this with a sixth star? We went here for my birthday, and the food and service were both outstanding. I highly recommend the kona dry aged bone in sirloin and the sliced filet with mushrooms and onions. The lobster Mac and cheese was also incredible. Our waiter, Ricky was very attentive and happily answered all of our questions. It was pricy, but worth every cent.
(5)mark g.
This was probably the best meal we've ever had. Wine pairing was a great deal. Wounderful selection of wines. The lobseter bisque was the best with large chuncks of lobster, what a treat. Try the dry aged Kona crusted sirloin, medium rare, you can't go wrong. Everything was prepared and served perfectly. I would say this was the best dining experience I have had. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Shana M.
I work upstairs of ye olde Capital Grille and sometimes the smells of grilled meat wafts upstairs to entice us. Some other times it smells of reefer in the stair wells, but who knows really where that's coming from. I don't take myself here, but someday, when I'm not in the temp. employee ghetto anymore, I will treat myself to lunch sola when I'm feeling saucy. Business lunches are another story. First time I went to lunch I ordered the grilled (ye olde) Tuna Steak which is billed as "sushi-grade tuna". I don't know what that is supposed to mean, but it was ahi tuna, seared on the outside and wonderfully raw and buttery on the inside. It was also Humongous! And excellent and served on a bed of arugula (my favorite green) and I ate every bit. Second time I got a special, which was Grilled Skate with Orzo and other stuff. It was a special so I can't jog my memory with the online menu. It was great, I'd never eaten skate before which is a ray and tastes very light but different from white fish because it's texture is more crispy and tough. Third time I went, my boss was having a breakdown, so we ordered chocolate and 1/2 a bottle of white wine. What an excellent mid-day break! The Flour-less Chocolate Espresso Cake was as dense and chocolicious as flour-less chocolate cake aught to be, but I couldn't detect the alleged espresso. However, the fresh cream, mint and raspberries were a refreshing touch with it. The bread bowl you get with your service is yummy and has a variety of great rolls like pretzel and poppy seed. Service staff is of the all black, long apron, draped white linen variety; very attentive, with good suggestions and honestly good service. The restaurant is also equipped with a comfy, classy atmosphere with big windows for people watching. It's a more formal atmosphere but no one will hand you an ascot if you walk in with jeans and a tee-shirt on. The steak and burgers are supposed to be outstanding too.
(4)Jennifer H.
Went with a friend over the holidays and it definitely lives up to the Chicago chophouse standard. I ordered the filet mignon with a Kona coffee rub. I was apprehensive at first (coffee on beef?) but it was amazing. For a filet, my cut of beef was surprising large and I couldn't finish it. My friend ordered the Steak au Poivre and it was the size of her face. She raved about it but couldn't finish it either. I also highly recommend the lobster mac'n'cheese. You won't fit into your jeans for a week but it's so yummy. CUT or JJ's in LA are still my favorite steakhouses but this is probably a close third.
(4)Janene M.
I went to Capital Grille in Buckhead Atlanta and I loved it!! I've been eager to try it again. We went for restaurant week. I was not disappointed. My clam chowder was good. My filet was great!! The flourless espresso cake rich and yummy. Can't wait until I can return again.
(5)Rich L.
This is my FAVORITE Chicago steakhouse. I also love the peppered Calamari. And the service is great. I love the fact that they change napkins to either black or white depending on what you are wearing. Every restaurant should provide this level of service.
(5)Jen G.
Lunchtime diner only... The CG is known for its steak and "old boys" attitude. It's also listed in the $$$$ category on OpenTable... But it's in the neighborhood where I work and every so often, it's nice to dine in a restaurant that gives you space and privacy. (I mean, hello--how do you have an affair in one of those teeny-teeny-table places?) From the meat in the "window" next to the hostess stand to the wine lockers for patrons with large disposable incomes to the oversized, leather booths, you get the feeling that lots of important stuff is taking place around you. Lots of interesting choices for the lunch menu. I began with a cup of French-onion soup as did my companion who proclaimed it among "the best ever." From there, we shared a wedge salad. If you like the wedge--and I adore it--this is a good one. Tons of what tasted like homemade bleu cheese dressing and crispy bacon. There were also three chunky slices of tomato. I had to stop four bites in so that I could leave room for the entre...a delicious lobster and crabcake "burger" (basically, a very fancy crabcake with lobster chunks in it.) It came on a bun, but I skipped that and saved room for the fries. We also tasted a Greek-style steak salad with peppercorn ranch dressing that was one of the daily specials. Unfortunately, we didn't have room for dessert, but maybe next time because I'd definitely go back. Oh--and the service was polite, yet attentive and we were in and out in just over an hour. There were also portraits of famous Chicago businessmen--I only recognized the Sears guy--hanging from the walls.
(4)James B.
Excellent restaurant at which to entertain guests. Elegant, yet not too pricey. Been there often...
(4)Chris B.
I picked Capital Grille for my birthday dinner because I wanted to try someplace that I'd never been to before. We are now huge fans! Our party of seven asked for suggestions and our server happily obliged. We started with the seafood tower - an amazing assortment of fresh seafood including crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters, and more. Three tiers of fresh shellfish and we devoured it. The porcini crusted ribeye is to die for, and all the other steaks we ordered were perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. Side dishes - lobster mac & cheese (crazy good), creamed corn, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, all yummy. The following week, after looking at Yelp, we found out that Capital Grille was offering "bar bites" - a limited bar menu for those who choose to forego the dining room experience. Once again, we were not disappointed. I had the beef tenderloin sandwiches, three little morsels of prime beef on brioche buns - delicious! My husband had the crab cake sandwiches, three in number and delectable as well. We highly recommend this restaurant. It's not inexpensive for dinner, but the quality and service are superb. They have an excellent wine list. The bar menu is one of the best I've seen in the city - great for happy hour devotees.
(5)Frank R.
Best steak I've had in a while! Good sides, good salad, but the service and friendly bartender and amazing steak makes this a place I will surely visit again when in Chicago.
(5)John B.
I have been to Capital Grille so many times. I'd guess at least two dozen. But it never occurred to me to write a review. It's about time! Yes, it's a chain. Ignore that. It's nothing like a chain. Not the atmosphere; not the food; not the service. Everything is exceptional. There was a time, several years ago, when it started to slip a bit. As always, as I was leaving they asked, "How was everything?" I said "fine" and continued out the door. But I stopped and went back in. I told them about the 5 or 6 things I had noticed in my last 3 or 4 visits that didn't match up to my visits the year before and the year before. Three people, including the manager, listed carefully. Honestly, when I returned 2 or 3 months later, it was like the old days. Everything was humming perfectly. Indeed, C and I hosted N's college graduation dinner there and it was incredible. The waiter was so gracious, amusing, and perfectly attentive. It was like out of Hollywood movie. I'm sure N will never forget it. Food: Consistently excellent. My favorite is the mushroom dust encrusted ribeye. All the meat is fresh and prepared to order. Wonderful salads. Atmosphere: Elegant, sophisticated, clubby. I've been to some of the private clubs in town. This is better. Lunch: Few restaurants of this caliber are open for lunch. It's a godsend if you are shopping on Michigan Ave. BYOB: Not this place. But they have the most incredible wine list imaginable. What a wine for $2,000. They have it. Want one for $40. Yes. Price: Pricey, but if you are coming to a place like this, price is not on your mind. You are either wanting a really exceptional experience or you are aiming to impress the hell out of someone.
(5)LaLaLaLa L.
Delicious! I got the petite filet (kona style) and it was out of this world! One of the tastiest things I have have put into my mouth. The lobster mac and cheese was just as yummy. The service was excellent!!! Very attentive to our needs and even gave us a sample of pineapple shot stuff and a free dessert. Oh yeah, the martinis are strong and tastey. It's kinda pricey... but what do you expect from a fine dining kind of place? Worth every penny! I'd eat here all the time if my wallet allowed it!
(5)Marcus G.
Fine dining experience. Waitstaff was courteous and knowledgeable. Really liked the atmosphere and open table setting. Food was delicious and cooked very well. Waiter gave option of 1/2 portions of sides which was still enough to share. Great wine list, affordable and high end choices. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars was there was a bit of a wait despite having reservations which they called to confirm.
(4)Patricia Y.
9 words: delmonico medium rare with 12-year aged balsamic/porcini rub. melts in your mouth. i've gotten this the last 5 times i've gone. my boyfriend and used to go here often because we lived very close to the restaurant. great service every time, very fresh ingredients for sides and salads. brilliant creme brulee, great wine selection. mondavi from the early 2000's was pretty awesome. you can get half bottles of certain wines. i aspire to have a wine fridge in that restaurant one day.
(5)christine c.
i wasn't too impressed. -1 b/c the waiter was terrible. just terrible! (todd in case you want to try to avoid him next time you're there) -1 b/c the food just wasn't amazing and i was kind of expecting great things based on the reviews i read i went for restaurant week and ordered the clam chowder for the appetizer (not bad, nothing special though), had the kona crusted dry aged sirloin for entree (good, but harder than i expected it to be and i didn't really like the burnt taste that it had - it was a sizeable portion though and i could only finish half of it), and then the dessert i had the flourless chocolate espresso cake (so full that i only ate half of it, but it was pretty good - again, nothing special) i really wanted to try the lobster mac&cheese b/c i heard waiter saying great things about it while i was at david burke's primehouse so i'll have to go back and get that side to go or something. wouldn't want to pay for a whole meal just for a side. liked david burkes a loooooooot better UPDATE. changed it to 4 stars. i dont know why, but the half of my steak that i took home as leftovers is AMAZING. i just went to heat it up in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and it is SO tender, it has SO MUCH FLAVOR (not overwhelming, just right). i LOVE it!!
(4)Beth W.
This is in my top 3 best restaurants in Chicago! Most times I come here I get the sliced filet which is to die for. The lobster mac n cheese is also the best side dish I have ever had at a restaurant. They also have a great wine selection that compliments the tasty food. It is pricey but if you have the money or just want to treat yourself for a special occasion, definetly check this place out!
(5)M H.
I have been here twice and both times it was excellent! Both times I got the Delmonico steak and it's amazing. The best steak I've ever had. Their sides, wine, and pineapple martini are also delicious. I highly reccommend this place! Great service, ambiance, and food. Yes, it is pricey but totally worth it.
(5)Rebecca H.
Arrogant bartenders, but the food made up for it by a mile. Incredible chopped salad with grilled prawns. I also ordered sauteed mushrooms which were totally unusual in a great way, and delicious. Wine list is extensive and fun. Great experience for a business trip in the middle of a cold winter. All the steaks looked awesome...but i didn't try.
(4)Charlie B.
I have been here twice, and always spot on food. We just had a lunch for co-workers and everyone was really happy. And they treat you right for a birthday lunch: free dessert for the birthday boy/girl and they gave our b-day people a coupon for a free calamari appetizer.
(4)Camille O.
Ooolala! Wanna' power lunch? This is just the place to plot a health care corporate take-over. Situated in the heart of the Northwestern Memorial medical complex, the steaks might hasten the heart attack, but you'll be in the right neighborhood! Dry, aged steaks, lobster, lamb and veal chops - if you're gonna' go you might as well do it up right. Just make sure the other guy is picking up the tab!
(4)Rich R.
I took my Fiancee here last week for her birthday. This is her favorite restaurant, so we eat here a couple of times a year. The food is always very good. But, I must say what impressed me the most this time was the service. Every time I eat here, the staff seems to beat my already high expectation for the levels of service. Anter was our server this last time. Let me just list what he did for us and you can make your decision as to whether this is going above and beyond. First, he got the impression that the wine that I ordered wasn't exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a syrah and saw it on the menu and ordered it. He came back a few seconds later and explained to me that it was a blend of multiple wine types and asked me again if I would like it. Because of his proactiveness, I went and changed my order because I really was not looking for a blend. Second, my fiancee and I ordered steaks off the menu. We asked Anter if they still offered them and he said yes and placed the order. A few minutes later, he proceeded to come back to our table and tell us that he added those particular types of steaks to our customer profiles so that in the future they will be suggested by the waitstaff when they first take our order. A little while later during dinner when he comes back to check in on us, he offers to have our picture taken at the table with both a camera from the Capital Grille and my phone camera. He took his time and took multiple pictures for us. Later her returned with a printed picture free of charge. Finally after we ordered dessert, he brought it over and told us it was on the house beause of my fiancees birthday. These desserts are pretty large in size and not cheap. When we finished paying the bill I shook Anter's hand and thanked him for one of the best dining experiences that I ever had. I work in a service industry and always appreciate good service. Anter definitely went above and beyond. Next time I go to this restaurant, I will ask specifically for him. Oh yeah, and to top it off, everything was delicious. Try the French onion soup and ask for a cajun ribeye "the Cowboy" off the menu.
(5)Jennifer S.
I went here for dinner last night for mine and my boyfriend's anniversary, which I noted when making the reservation on Open Table. When checking in, we were wished a happy anniversary by the hostess, and upon being seated, there was an anniversary card on the table which had signed by several members of the staff. Nice touches. Our waiter was informative and helpful without being pushy, and the food was excellent. Ordered the amazing lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese (mmmmm!), truffle fries, and the steak au poive to share. Steak was cooked perfectly and they even split it in the kitchen and brought it out on our own plates. Again, nice touch. We were brought a complimentary flourless chocolate cake that was delicious and offered a photo for our anniversary, complimentary as well. This place really outdid itself to make our night special, and for that, and the delicious food, I will definitely be back. There are a lot of places in this city to get a nice steak, so I appreciate a restaurant that makes an effort to stand out. Thanks CG!
(5)Chris C.
Fan of the steak sandwich and truffle fries. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other menu items.
(4)Tom S.
One of my mantras is "life is in the details" and no restaurant has really exemplified that until I visited The Capital Grille last night. One of the best things about The Capital Grille in my mind is that it doesn't feel in the least like it is part of a chain or restaurant group. In fact, there are Capital Grille restaurants pretty much everywhere, but they are able to keep everything from the greeting to the final valet intimate but professional. And the food is outstanding. My recent venture was a birthday gift from my dearest friend. After a drink at the bar, the bartender told us to stay put and that someone would be by to get us. I'd forgotten all etiquette since it had been so long since I'd been to such a nice place, but we were whisked away before I could think another minute on it. Once we were shown to the table I noticed an envelope with on the table that said "Happy Birthday". I suspected my date had it planted there, but in fact contained within was an elegant note card signed by the Capital Grille management. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and personable and gave us time to look across the menu and listen to the specials. We both started with Capital Grille's Caesar salad that was deemed by both of us as Best of Class ... and believe me, we are Caesar salad snobs. The lemony-dressing, one-of-a-kind "crust plus" croutons and wide planks of shaved Parmesan truly catapulted Capital Grille's Caesar to the top. We both ordered steaks and split a side of their impossibly crunchy-topped Au Gratin potatoes. Perfectly cooked with a rich sauce, they were the perfect foil to my lean filet. Anyone who has read me here before knows that I'm not too keen on restaurant desserts. In general, I don't think they are very good, and most are over-priced for the quality. I had my suspicion, with the card as my first clue, that I was going to be subjected to the "SBD", special birthday dessert, the remains of what would typically be thrown away that night with the addition of a candle on a plate with "Happy Birthday" having been written on it days before and stored in the freezer. I'd heard other stories about how Capital Grille is different and we, in fact, received a large slice of their "popular" flourless chocolate cake and 2 glasses of sparkling wine. It was perfectly lovely, not the SBD, but not the Feast of Desserts I'd heard about from others celebrating their birthday there. The gesture was not ignored and the cake was very good, but I didn't get a taste before the waitress offered to snap a photo and print it out for us. I protested for a moment owing to my "No Photographic Evidence" rule, but the lens was dirty and the photo was blurry enough that you couldn't really tell it was us. In the end I was, as I always have been, very happy with my experience at The Capital Grille and have no reservations in recommending it for a special occasion or business luncheon or dinner.
(5)Lindsey K.
I went to The Capital Grille for the first time the other night to take advantage of their Generous Pour event. Basically all you can drink wine for 25 bucks and I certainly got my money worth! The best part was that I was able to try quite a few different wines, some that I wouldn't normally pick off a menu and some I probably couldn't afford otherwise! It was such an affordable, great opportunity to have a nice night out on the town. Not to mention absolutely delicious. Seriously. The Capital Grille really lives up to its expectations in food excellence. If you do nothing else this summer, go to the Capital Grille's bar and enjoy the Generous Pour event with a side of lobster mac n cheese. And look for me there.
(5)P H.
Pros: Excellent Prompt Service, great steaks and wine selection. Cons: None What you should know: Opentable member, free soft drink refills, valet service. I have never been disappointed by Capital Grill in Chicago or in Lombard. Excellent excellent service one of the best. As my group was seated my group was served complimentary fresh calamari appetizer which was a great gesture. There after service was very nice as they server sent us thank you cards via mail. For birthdays they will take a picture of your group and every single person received a picture placed in a Capital grill card. Would recommend for clients, anniversary's, adult birthdays, just a great evening with friends.
(5)adam k.
Yes I know its a chain, but holy cow - they know how to cook a steak. I generally try to stay out of this part of town. I find the $35 nightly parking and the wide eyed Michigan Ave tourists rather annoying. But it is worth a trip down to empty-nester condo-hotel land for a meal at the Capital grille. The food is awesome and the service exceptional. When I recovered from my food coma I realized how much they went out of their way to make my birthday dinner extra special. I will return despite the locale.
(4)Scott N.
This is my favorite steak house in Chicago- and yes I know it's a chain. The atmosphere, and the food is just superior to everything else. I have gotten sick of Gibson's, Kiefer's, and Ruth's Chris but never this place.
(5)Anne W.
Great wine list, excellent steak. Don't go without ordering the lobster Mac & cheese, I promise you won't regret it. The service is impeccable and the entire experience was amazing.
(5)D R.
I took a fairly large and boisterous group here on a Friday night without a reservation and they were happy to see us. They took care of everything without missing a beat. The food and service is at the top level of Chicago steakhouses. I have been to the Captial Grille in Houston (fantastic) and Minneapolis (very nice) and I'm glad we finally have one here. The wine list is extensive, our wine turned out to be excellent, and I had the bigger filet which was a challenge to finish. While leaving our group was looking for a nice local bar and while the receptionist didn't know of any, she went out of her way to find another staff member who was more up on the area. Very helpful.
(5)Megan M.
Excellent meal! Highlights included perfectly-cooked filet and lobster mac n cheese. The table by the window was nice. The ambience was classy but not stuffy. I'd go back again for sure!
(5)Robin W.
I've been going to this place since 1997, and I have to say I've never had a bad meal or bad service. My favorite entree is the seared ahi salad. The drinks, although very pricey, are phenomenal. The steak is amazing, tender, and properly prepared. The service is impeccable. It's also in a great location and has valet parking. The same valets work at this location as did in 1997! Certainly would not turn down the chance to dine here.
(5)Katherine D.
Every time we've gone here, the experience has been amazing. We've been seated fairly quickly, treated with respect and friendliness by the amazing waitstaff, and had a wonderful meal. The decor is very pleasing; white linen tablecloths, lots of hardwood, and mood-lighting. They even have romantic seating for couples. When I went in on my birthday, they not only brought us fried calamari on the house, but a certificate for a free one for next time! On top of that, while I was in the bathroom our server consulted with my family to find out what kind of dessert I liked best, and brought it to me at the end of the meal. How cool is that. I always feel bad when I'm in restaurants that bring out the token cheesecake (which I don't happen to like) and expect me to be overjoyed. The food itself is amazing. I had the filet mignon, which was cooked exactly how I liked it; barely seasoned, sizzling hot, and just the right amount of medium-rare. The broccoli au gratin is always good if you're a cheese fan, the potatoes delish, and the strawberries.. mmmmm. If you want the best server in the house - ask for Aaron.
(5)Jennifer H.
I went to Capital Grille for a weekday lunch. The place is well done. The decor is preppy, comfortable and elegant without being stuffy. The wine list is large and the menu is accessible. I enjoyed my burger and loved the truffle fries. Truffle fries are popular menu items in most restaurants these days. I've found that it's actually kind of difficult to get them right; often, the oil is overpowering and really weighs the fries down. At Capital Grille, there was just the touch of truffle oil - enough to add the flavor, but not overpower. (Look at me, focusing on the fries at a place like Capital Grille!) I wish I'd had a steak, but the burger just seemed so appealing. I'll go back for lunch for sure, and order a steak next time. This place is just perfect for a business meal, a date, or taking your grandmother to dinner.
(4)E M.
Excellent! That goes for the food and the service. The lobster macaroni is incredible! My husband gets salmon often and says it is the best he has ever had here! My steak was large and cooked as I like. The taste was great too! I had leftovers! Needless to say this is one of our favorite restaurants. It is pricey, but worth every penny!
(5)Jane Y.
My husband and I dropped in for lunch here last Friday and enjoyed one of our favorite steak meals ever! We are both huge steak fans and routinely patronize Chicago Cut, Fogo de Chao, Ruth's Chris and Mastro's. For some reason, we had never dined at The Capital Grille until now, and we were very pleased. The lobster bisque was nicely flavored with generous pieces of lobster, and the steaks (which we ordered medium rare) were perfectly cooked. The great ratings for this restaurant are well deserved, and we've added it to the top of our list!
(5)Josh S.
Great! Great staff and good food. A must go.
(5)Rebecca Huicha K.
OMG OMG OMG. I LOVE their lobster mac and cheese! I'm definitely not a mac and cheese lover but this has completely transformed my idea of mac & cheese!!!! all m & c lovers, this is a must have!!!
(5)Jen K.
Went to Capital Grille for my birthday and it was amazing. I got the 10oz filet with a porcini rub and aged balsamic vinegar. Service was also fantastic
(5)Katherine R.
The food here is good as well as the service, so why the one star? My parents, sister and I were literally snubbed at this restaurant. My Dad and I had been at Northwestern getting tests done and decided to meet my Mom and sister here for lunch one Monday afternoon around Christmas. The menu looked great and it wasn't that crowded so we thought we were in for a treat. We are all pretty attractive, and well-dressed people....you will see why I say this in a moment. When we walked in, we were brought to a table in the corner, in the back of the restaurant. This restaurant was not busy, nor was there a crowd of people waiting to be seated. So why the table in a corner where we were be shunned to? Don't really know who these people are or what they are trying to prove, but since my Dad is a no-bullshit kind of guy, he demanded a table at the front of the restaurant. He is very picky about where he sits anyway, so the little girl that tried to seat us there was quickly corrected. There are many other places in Chicago and around the country that have better food and better service. You can get a nice meal and be treated with respect anywhere but here. There is really no reason to judge people when in the restaurant business, just be happy you have customers nowadays. Not like they will go under for not getting me or any of my friends and extended family's business, but we will never go back. And my suggestion is that you choose elsewhere when you want to spend a little money and have a nice meal. Coco Pazzo across the street is a lot better and not as snobby!
(1)Carissa O.
My father made reservations for our family due to my Uncle's recommendation and boy am I ever grateful. This restaurant is low key as far as ambiance with lower lighting, cozy seating and a bustling wait-staff. The menu is quite extensive and the specials that were described sounded divine. I would definitely recommend any of the specials as well as any special drinks they would offer. Price is the only sticking point, but considering the kind of wonderful service that was provided as well as portion sizes, I think the price is pretty on-point. I give this restaurant a two thumbs up and hope to return in the future!
(5)Michelle L.
My husband I celebrated our one year anniversary at Capital Grille this past weekend and couldn't be more pleased. The entire staff went out of their way to make us feel special....the hostess wished us a happy celebration, there was a card and a rose for the occasion on our table, our waiter brought us a plethora of fabulous desserts, and since I can't eat dairy, he also brought us fresh berries and sorbet. Our steaks (mine a skirt steak, my husbands had crab on top) were also phenomenal. Kudos Capital Grille.
(5)Jet L.
Nice service. Nice food.... I don't have many complaints at all except it is the not the best place i have been to for steak.... pretty good though- very good lobster bisque
(4)Yo U.
First things first: the bar staff are always great here and the hosts/hostesses are always friendly and obliging. I have always enjoyed my interactions with them. My recent visits have proven to be no exception. However, the waitstaff and busboys, normally very good indeed, did not live up to past standards of excellence on my most recent visit. For one, although I imagine that she was trying to be helpful, our waitress tripped over the line from being helpful, informative and offering wise counsel to telling me what to order when I told her that I wanted my chosen steak blue. She kept insisting that the marbled fat would not cook/melt properly if the steak were prepared blue. I told her that I always order my steak blue and that I was comfortable with that. She then expressed concern that I would not like the end result and that I might send it back. Although she said that she would be happy enough to take it back if it did not prove to be satisfactory, the implication was clear: she did not want me to order that particular cut and ask that it be prepared blue. I relented and went with a cut with far less marbling. The substitute steak was perfectly fine, but it was not the cut that I prefer. When dealing with experienced steak eaters and people familiar with fine dining, waitstaff should be instructed to take the measure of their patrons and back off where appropriate. My exchange with this waitress about my initial choice of steak was unnecessarily long, it made my dinner companions feel a little uncomfortable and it was a wee bit patronizing. This is not a service experience that I will soon forget. Additionally, while a very large party was wrapping up in the main dining room during the 30 minutes after close and we were posing no additionally inconvenience, we had a busboy continually pop-in every five minutes or so to our otherwise empty smaller room while we chatted and finished our wine. There were precious few things left for him to bus. The implication was clear: get out. We were not impressed with this nonsense. His behavior betrays a lack of tact and it came off as being rather rude and unpolished.
(2)Angie C.
A great place for special occastions...we went to celebrate two birthdays and had a wonderful dinner (although a bit pricey!). They had an extensive wine list and typical steak house menu. Their sides were amazing...I suggest trying the seasonal specials - you can't go wrong! We tried the butternut squash (along with 3 other classic sides)....it was SO good! Creative, delicious, exquisite! Steaks were good, but nothing extraordinary. Service was excellent. The tables are quite close together and large so it wasn't very intimate for a party over 4. Would definitely come back.
(4)Allyson C.
Despite my earlier admonition against going to chain restaurants in Chicago, I make an exception for Capital Grille and the reason is you should go at lunch and get a great big CA cab and the cheeseburger. It's the best burger I've ever had.
(4)Bev h.
i'm sure the steak is delicious, but don't overlook the seafood! i had one of the best meals of my life here (twice)- sesame seared ahi tuna steak with ginger sticky rice. came with 4 sauces, each in it's own cute little dish. soooooo tasty. and my tequila martini was right on. and poured at the table, with a mini shaker of extras left for me! the first time i went was last winter, and one of my dinner companions was a regular, so they treated us very well. we all went with the waiter's recommendations, and then proceeded to gorge ourselves in between exclamations of "oh my god!" and "mmmmmmm." what stands out is that i went back almost 8 months later, and ol dude not only remembered me, but remembered what i had the last time! freaky! but kind of awesome. i had a laugh when i made a reservation on my most recent visit. my mom and i were out and about downtown, and i'm telling her about this amazing tuna (she's tuna obsessed) i had. she's like "let's go there for dinner tonight," so i call them, and since the place is pretty dressy, i make sure to ask the hostess if it will be alright that we are wearing flip flops and tshirts. she actually tells me on the phone that she can hook it up as long as we sit in the back corner! cue dirty dancing theme- "nobody puts bailey in the corner!" but i went- the food tastes the same in the corner, and the service is always impeccable.
(4)Karen K.
For the record - the manager never followed up.
(1)Phyllis S.
Overall.. stuffy atmosphere, pricey and food barely passable!!
(1)Tony L.
lobster mac
(4)Brooke W.
Pretty basic... but never a bad meal;)
(4)James N.
The meat was great. The wine selection amazing. The service awesome. The side dishes and appetizers were only ok.
(3)Andrew T.
Spent a 50th birthday here recently and had a fantastic time. Service was excellent but not obtrusive. I love it when the server can make recommendations and I know s/he has actually tried it, knows how it is made, and understands it to be able to discuss it with guests. I made the reservation with comments we were celebrating a 50th birthday, as well as a note to my shellfish allergy (i.e. please don't grill anything I eat next to or after shellfish) and we were greeted at the table with a personal birthday note, a discrete nod to my allergy, and congratulations to the birthday companion. To top it off, Jerry Springer came in right after us and sat behind us with two young ladies, making for an interesting birthday. Oh, last but not least, they brought a complimentary dessert for the birthday and I received a follow-up call three days later to inquire how the service and experience was. Overall, a great experience and I'd definitely go back.
(5)Joanna K.
went here for restaurant week--first of all, for $33 per person, fantastic value. for that you get an appetizer, main course, sides and dessert. the bone in kona rubbed sirloin was delightful--perfectly prepared and delicious. huge at 14 oz! (couldn't finish it) ordered some oysters on the side for fun--delicious. the clam chowder was good but not specatcular although it had great chunks of clams in it; the herbed salad as started was delicious as was the creme brulee for dessrt. the service was absolutely fantastic; valerie, our waitress, had excellent suggestions and was very friendly and made the experience top-notch. definitely plan on returning!
(5)Kevin W.
You'd get better service and food at the O'Hare International Airport, terminal 2, Mcdonalds! I'm absolutely certain that Wildfire has better steakhouse food. The salad and dressings sucked, the sides sucked, the sauces sucked and the steak, for its price, was absurdly mediocre! Our server Dan was a major jerk with a chip on his shoulder the size of Utah; his seething contempt for us was persistently oozing forth all night. If you're looking for the absolute best steakhouse in the city, do yourself a favor, go to Keefer's or Mastro's. Although, not the best, they'd certainly do a better job for you over at Joe's(even the Palm). Corporate needs to do a MAJOR-OVERHAUL at this Capitalle Grille!
(1)Ker T.
This is a really random story, but I think it speaks to both the superior food and amazing service provided by the Capital Grille in Chicago. My friend May and I both are IT consultants who recently began working in Chicago Monday thru Thursday (we previously worked on the same project near Boston and have kept in touch). Last night were walking from the W on Lakeshore, trying to find a decent place to eat, possibly outside. We walked into Cafe Bice to get on the waiting list for an outdoor table a little after 7pm, and May literally ran into a guy inside the door holding a gift box. He was a bit older but dressed better than most 25-30 year olds in the restaurant, great hair plugs that looked pretty real, cool mod glasses - really the only thing that gave away his age was his face was craggy (not in a bad way). He made a joke to May that the gift was for her, she said "how did you know my size?" (she's a little Asian girl) and he guessed she was a size 2 - exactly right. They started joking around for about another minute, he introduces himself as "Commander" and asks us if we wanted to join him and a few of his friends for dinner across the street at the Capital Grille. May and I decided, hey, what the hell - our per diem can't afford us to eat at Capital Grille much, but we were in an adventurous mood. We walk into the Capital Grille and everyone, from the Hostess to the Bus Boy, is greeting Commander, slapping him on the back, kissing his cheeks, basically kissing his a$$. May and I exchange glances, but figure he said he had lived in Chicago for years - maybe they know their loyal guests here? Anyway, then Commander mentions he has a wine locker at the Capital Grille here in Chicago (as well as in NY, Philly and Vegas) and the wine we'll be drinking tonight will be one of the best we'll ever taste. This point is about when we figure out that they're treating us to dinner - very nice of them but certainly not necessary!! We get seated quickly at a table in the back, near the kitchen, in its own little room, and more C.G. employees keep stopping by to say hi to Commander. There are 7 of us in the room at this point - Commander, his friends Jimmy (a "game broker" - he sells wild game to restaurants and claims he can get any animal except Polar Bear, cause its illegal); Jerry, a "alternative travel agent" whose business card claims complete discretion for vacation planning; Nancy, a ball-busting uber-successful IBM mainframe saleswoman; "Big John", Commander's "money collection guy"; and Renee, the girl Commander met in China last year when he was in business that he has flown in for a few days - she looks about 22 years old. The sommelier brings over a decanter of red wine, and pours Commander some, who agrees that its great, so we all get some - and I am not a red wine expert by any means, but its damn good wine. The guy next to me, Jimmy, tells me its $400+ a decanter. (Over the course of the night, we order 4 more.) We order appetizers, and only May, Renee and I need to look at the menu. May isn't a huge red meat fan, so she gets the halibut special, and I order the smaller filet mignon (with the side of wild mushrooms, per Jimmy's suggestion). All of our food was freaking phenomenal - my filet was amazing and I have been to some pretty great steakhouses on my company's dime - and pairs excellently with the wine. I tried May's fish and that was pretty great, too - but I am so glad I got steak. During dinner, Commander is whispering sweet nothings to little Renee, and they start snuggling up together as Nancy tells us how she conquered a man's world, Jimmy talks about eating kangaroo, wild boar, dog (icky), etc and Jerry tells us about some of the trips he's booked (no names, obviously). During all this, the waiter and sommelier observe all of the absurdity, but maintain their professionalism - thank god or May and I may have busted out laughing. After dinner, Commander insists that we all have a sambuca and espresso, so I am staring at the two drinks in front of me - there are three coffee beans floating in the sambuca. Commander makes us take a sip the sambuca with a coffee bean at a time, grinding the coffee bean in our mouth. After eating all the beans, you dump the espresso into the sambuca and drink the rest of it. During this, the waiter brings out a camera and takes pictures of our group, then prints off copies for Renee - and for May and I after we ask for one, otherwise our friends will not believe us when we try to explain what happened. Then they bring out some of the most amazing things I have ever tried - a rich creamy cheesecake with strawberries, a flourless chocolate cake, and a tart key lime pie - plus a coconut cream tart. When the bill comes, Commander and Jerry discretely pay, and Commander is a bit in the bag, but hey - he just spent a $hitload on dinner, so we laugh at his off color jokes - but it really was amusing.
(5)Jen V.
When I want a nice dining experience and a big ol steak.. the first thing that goes through my mind is... "honey can you take me to Capital Grille"! My hubby and I have encountered nothing but great service and delicious entreees! The bill can be faily high especially if you order a bottle or wine or 2 but since we only go here on special ococasions (or when I AM REALLY REALLY craving it and insist that there is a special occastion) we like to make it a nice dining experience-so why not bring out the bottles?! I remember a time when I took my hubby here for his birthday and our waitress surprised us with the most glorious plate of desserts.. I am talking about a whole array of practically every single dessert they had on the menu, plus a complimentary card for the calamari appetizer for our next visit. Wonderful!! I am a total fat a$$ and probably eat as much or if not more than my significant other so I reccomend the porterhouse (24 oz) with the garlic butter sauce.. better yet try the Delmonico! I love the marbled flavor-yumMmm!The calamari is fantastic...it's garnished with italian peppers- very nice!! Service is impeccable! Why not try this place for your next romantic night or business event.. you won't regret it!!!
(5)Marilynn B.
It's expensive, but worth it. Great steaks, ambiance and service.
(5)Anjali K.
This restaurant is amazing- great food and great service (especially if you sit at the bar and ask for Tim). It's definitely pricey, but worth it.
(5)k o.
I have to say, I was really looking forward to dining at Capital. I had heard so many wonderful things about the restaurant, but my experience fell short. I was entertaining family from out of town and had called ahead to ask for a bottle of champagne to be ready on the table when we arrived. I had specifically requested that the champagne be put on a separate bill, as it was a gift to thank my family for their efforts to come visit me in Chicago. Upon our arrival, the bottle was nowhere to be found on the table. I excused myself and went to ask the front of the house about my request, and I was assured that the bottle was indeed at the table. It wasn't. The manager located the bottle, brought it over and poured our champagne. The rest of dinner was fantastic. The food was wonderful and our server Abby was great. She was fun and attentive. And they did provide our table with free dessert, which was a nice gesture. At the end of the night, the bill came and the bottle of champagne was on it. It resulted in my family offering to pay for what was intended to be a gift. All in all dinner was enjoyable, but not spectacular.
(3)Brenda V.
Really great food and service. The private dining room in the basement is cozy and elegant. Valet parking a plus.
(5)J T.
Cap Grille's a family favorite. We have every event (birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc) here, and for good reason. The food's consistently good and the service spot-on. I introduced my boyfriend and his family to it and they're hooked. Try the Lobster Mac and Cheese.
(5)Marissa D.
ok...so yes, george and i only came here for post-wedding venue 'shopping' stoli doli's (their pineapple infused vodka martini). but they are fantastic. so we came back again 2 days later after showing our favorite venue to my parents. yes it was 2pm but whatevs. and now i am sad that we are no longer looking at wedding venues because it means no more stoli dolis in the afternoon as rewards for our 'hard work.' but seriously. good stoli doli's and very nice staff. hopefully we will be back soon for dinner!
(4)Tom E.
I thought Capital Grille was reasonably priced for a really nice steakhouse. Our bill came out to $200 for a great appetizer, soup, bottle of wine, two sides and two steak dinners. The wine list is huge and has selection in all price ranges (half-bottles also available.) The prosciutto wrapped mozzarella was really tasty and the tomatoes balanced out the saltiness of the prosciutto (and I usually hate tomatoes.) The lobster bisque was good, not the best I ever had though. For meals we had the porcini rubbed delmonico and the Kona crusted sirloin. Both were awesome. The lobster macaroni had huge cuts of lobster. The mushrooms were kind of just mushrooms.The service was excellent. The waiter was knowledgable but not intrusive. He made great suggestions. Overall a great dining experience without the Morton Steakhouse price.
(4)Steve R.
Ritzy-ritz pricey place. We sometimes takes job applicants and/or clients here. It's that type of place. Good steaks, decent menu (haven't had anything bad there), good wine list, great service. (Really, I've never had bad service here.) It's not the type of place I generally would go to for my own liesure, but it's good for what we use it for. I get the impression that's its niche.
(3)Mike K.
i have done some fine dining in my 60 years all over the country; from gladstones in malibu for crab legs to new orleans for great french cooking at the court of two sisters--but last night was the best meal i have ever eaten and the service was outstanding. our waiter, anter thakur, was very attentive but not over-bearing. my girlfriend and i ordered a great bottle of a 2007 calif chardonnay (yes, i sacrificed the cab because she likes chard) for only $29. then we split an appetizer of crab/lobster crab cakes with large chunks of lobster and no filler--just crab and lobster/$19 for 2 good-sized cakes! then she ordered the ceasar salad with anchovies and i a lettuce wedge salad which was ice-cold with apple smoked bacon and from-scratch thousand island dressing (don't like blue cheese)----both were outstanding. she had the cedar-planked salmon that was melt-in-your-mouth/perfectly cooked; moist and a large portion. i had the filet oscar which was perfect. the filet was tender enough for a butter knife-no steak knife necessary. the top of this 8-10az filet was covered/imean totally covered with crab meat, very young and tender asparagas and the best bernaise sauce i have ever had---and i am picky about my bernaise! i always have said that mortons and ruth chris cannot be beat for a great piece of meat. and chicago chop house isn't bad either but, trust me, capital grille has them all beat hands down. i saw someone with the bone-in ribeye (delmonico) and it looked outstanding also. we left way too full to order their dessert but the walk back to the hotel we stayed at helped!! i almost hesitated to write this because we will be going back often and i don't want any problems getting a table, but this place deserve the cuddos. awesome.
(5)brett s.
i will have to say that i have been to this restaurant quite a few times, but this is the first time ever in my life that a restaurant manager called to say that they over charged us and were refunding our bill. They completely outdone themselves and are a model of customer service. I know of no other restaurant that would or has ever done this.
(5)Anjali B.
This is my indulgent special occasion restaurant. The service and management are absolutely superb. I made a reservation for myself on Valentine's Day last year, and it was my first Valentine's Day being single in 3 years, since I'd just gone through a breakup. I wanted to celebrate and indulge in a day of self-love anyway, so I got dressed up and they placed me in a cozy, private room. There were all couples in the room, except for me, and they made sure that it was okay with me and that I didn't feel upset or insecure. I said my seat was perfect and the room was cozy. I ordered six raw oysters for my appetizer, and a rare filet Oscar - a filet mignon with lump crab meat and bearnaise sauce on top, with asparagus - and a biiiig coldwater lobster tail to go with that. I also had a side of Lyonnaise potatoes. It was all delicious, probably the best meal I've ever had. The manager told me that he thought it was great that I was having a good time celebrating love alone on V-day, so I got free champagne and truffles. I had creme brulée for dessert, and went home feeling special, and in love with the world and the delicious food it has to offer.
(5)S to the izzo F.
Forget the steaks check out the wine list! Awesome! The food was great too. One of the best Lobster bisque soups I've ever had. I tried their Delmonico steak with porcini rub and aged balsamic....... crazy delicious! I was impressed. Not usually a Filet person but I want to try their Filet Mignon with cipolline onions and wild mushrooms next time! Definitely going back!
(4)Jasmin W.
Great food (especially the steak), but so pricey! Definitely a restaurant for special occasions, but worth it because the food and service is incredible.
(4)liz d.
Making reservations was painful, considering their limited choice of times, but when we got there, we were seated within minutes. However, our party of 2 was seated facing a party of rowdy men. Considering the tables are practically touching each other, I felt like we should have introduced ourselves. I know the place is crowded, but come on. Even more the reason to give your customers some breathing room. With this said, our waiter was superb. Could not have asked for anything better. Knowledgeable about the menu, specials of the day, and pairings. Although not a large menu, they have options that would satisfy every palate. The swordfish was good, but not great. My S.O. had the Fillet and basically said the same. Now for the main reason I came here? Lobster Mac N Cheese. A little disappointed. I may have heard so many wonderful things about it, that I was expecting more. Don't get me wrong, it was good like the rest of our meal, but didn't blow me away.
(3)Misi P.
Went here for lunch the other day and had a sirloin burger....I think I got sick from it, but otherwise, it was okay...not as flavourful as a sirloin burger should be. i did like their sea salted french fries though and miniature glass bottles of ginger ale. Nice waitstaff, competent service, just not enough flavour to the food.
(3)Yvette F.
Outstanding food!!! I actually gained weight from one meal - no kidding. It was that good, start to finish. It's a great place to entertain clients!
(5)Barb Y.
My family just went here for lunch today and since we were the first guests to arrive this afternoon, we got the BEST seats in the house! The Calamari was excellent because jalapenos were mixed in and I LOVE spicy foods! I ordered a ribeye burger, but I wouldn't suggest it because it was a bit too salty, but I would definitely suggest the Tuna and the Filet Mignon- i took a bite of my mom's and my sister's food... =) The mash potatoes and fries were yummy, but the CLAM CHOWDER is what u really have to try when you go! I mean besides all the other stuff I mentioned. What else? The flourless chocolate cake was yummy especially with coffee! On a side note- the ladies room in this place is very clean and have a lot of USEFUL amenities in case of any mishaps- bobby pins, hairspray, etc... and the waitstaff was great! Very kind and attentive! Check it out!
(4)Fatty A.
My fat ass ate so much at this restuarant I dont know how I rolled out. We ordered the Calamari with peppers and I felt oily and bloated after eating it. Usually fried calamari at upscale restaurants are light but this one really coated my round belly. The french onion soup was very good here. I am fat and I eat alot of french onion soup. My manatee order fish (manatees only eat seafood) and I had the bone in ribeye recommened by the waiter. The steak was similar to Ruth Chris and pretty impressive The fish was not very good. I would definitely not recommend eating seafood here and I was shocked the fish cost more than my steak! Serves my fat ass right for bringing a fish eater with me. I will definitely go back if I ever visit Chitown again.
(4)Melissa K.
One of the best steaks I've ever had. I went with some friends and we all ordered a different steak to share. We ended up liking our respective steaks the best. The portions are huge and excellent. And while you're there, get a Stoli Doli. Quite tasty, if you like pineapple martini's. Even if you don't, they're still worth it.
(4)Ryan C.
Great evening celebrating our anniversary tonight. First our table was ready 5 minutes prior to our reservation. We received a nice table in a small room off the main dining room. Our server, Dave, was stellar. Great explanation of the menu and strong, knowledgeable recommendations. Our cocktails were great - martini w/ blue cheese olives and the signature Stoli Doli. Oscar was top notch on the water service and helping Dave throughout our evening - attentive, but not intrusive. The calamari app (compliments of the chef) was excellent. Lightly fried in garlic butter with hot peppers for a kick - awesome. My wife had the citrus salmon which was cooked to perfection. I selected the bone-in kona sirlion...highly seasoned and cooked a perfect medium rare. As soon as we thought we could eat no more, Dave promptly presented us with a flour less chocolate cake with raspberries, champagne and a Happy Anniversary wish for dessert. In the end, a well delivered meal and The Capital Grille lives up to it's superior yelp reviews.
(4)J. I.
Everything was perfect! The service was top notch and the food was amazing. I had the filet mignon special and was in pure heaven. Definitely worth the money. The lobster mac-n-cheese lived up to the hype (everyone at the table was raving about it) and the mashed potatoes were great too. Oh, and we also had the calamari appetizer and that was delicious as well! Truly a great dining experience. Would come back again for a special occasion.
(5)Eric _.
Worth the trip and any price if you are searching for quality. Though it is a chain, it really strives for excellence. I've tried fish(tuna) or filets and everything is great. The atmosphere is very elegant and very professional but comfortable service. The best part, the stoli dolis, pineapples fermented in vodka!
(5)Tijen D.
I took my husband here for his birthday. He wanted steak and when he heard about the lobster mac n cheese at Capital Grille - he decided that's where he wanted to go. The service was excellent. Our server wished him a Happy Birthday when we arrived and there was a card for him at the table. We started with the salad of field greens because we felt we should order some kind of veggie, however, it was small and basic and not worth the 9 bucks. He had the porterhouse and I had the filet. Our server told me about the different rubs that they offer and I tried the Kona coffee rub. It was fantastic. The steak literally melted in my mouth. The porterhouse was also very flavorful. For sides we ordered the au gratin potatoes and the lobster mac n'cheese (now you see why we needed some veggies!). Both sides were outstanding. The mac n'cheese had large pieces of sweet, tender lobster in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The potatoes were tender and cheesy with a wonderful crispy topping. Our server brought out a complimentary slice of the flourless chocolate cake with a single lit candle for the birthday boy. The cake tasted like a giant truffle, I savored every bite. My husband also ordered a slice of the Key lime pie (which was also complimentary). It was very creamy and limey. It was good, but I personally prefer chocolate. He said it was just good. Finally, our server took our picture and sent it home with us. My husband really enjoyed his birthday there and we loved the food. We needed directions to get to our next location and the hostess asked several servers until one of them could answer that. Really appreciated the excellent service. The manager even followed up with a phone call the next day. I definitely recommend the Capital Grille and would celebrate there in the future.
(4)Design G.
Great food in the proper setting. Not the gross G.C. crowd but usually dignified and professional. Great for lunch.
(5)Matt N.
A great steakhouse that for a chain has reason to compete in Chicago. Very good steak in Streeterville setting makes this one of Chicago's better places to enjoy a dinner
(3)Sydney K.
The best filet mignon I've ever eaten was served at the Capital Grille. A critical aspect of fine meat is the aging process, and the Capital Grille has it down to an art. The environment is classic steakhouse - white linen tablecloths and an attentive staff. One thing I found lacking were the sides - they were a bit dry and uninspired. I enjoy the standard mashed potatoes as much as the next person, but I expect them to be creamy soft buttery, not stiff and lumpy.
(5)Joe S.
Color me unimpressed with this place. Pedestrian wine list, horrible lighting, lousy lukewarm sides. Usually dry aging improves flavor. Typical bar, decent drinks, pretty friendly staff. You can do much better than CG in Chicago.
(2)Julia B.
Very good steaks and other types of meats. If your in the mood for a hearty, red meat meal this is the place to go! The steaks were so juicy and seasoned to perfection. If you aren't in the mood for a steak this probably isn't the best place for you because the menu isn't accomodating to many other types of meals. The sides were a bit plain-but the steamed veggies they had were good!
(4)Kristi W.
Our son graduated from college and we were looking for a place that would make it feel special. We've eaten at Capital Grille in Minneapolis but not the one in Chicago. Great sides like lobster mac and cheese, brussel sprouts, truffle fries. The servers were attentive as always. We had a special bottle of wine that we brought with us for the occasion and they were incredibly accommodating on that as well. We ended with a champagne toast and a sampling of desserts that were terrific especially the coconut cream pie. Nice evening!
(4)Laura C.
Do yourself a favor and dine here. Not only is the food amazing, the staff is even better. I was planning a group meeting for September and had the pleasure of working with Crystal. In the end the reservation fell through, but that didn't stop Crystal from sending a handwritten note thanking us for considering Capital Grille. Made my day - it was very personal and classy.
(5)Amy K.
Best anniversary dinner! We were a bit last minute in trying to find a steakhouse to go to for our anniversary, but Capital Grille had a reservation and it turned out to be a real treat for both of us. We were greeted with rose petals and an anniversary card on the table, signed by the wait staff - a very nice touch. The entire staff was gracious and helpful throughout. I got the lobster and my husband had the sirloin. Both were top notch. AND as if that wasn't enough, they treated us to champagne and dessert on the house! We will definitely be going back each year as there wasn't anything more we could have hoped for in celebrating our special day!
(5)Claire C.
The service was great, food was delicious and flavorful. I ordered lobster and crab cakes, porcini rubbed bone in ribeye and it was massive and delicious. Solid 4 ouf of 5 restaurant.
(4)Kara G.
My husband, a friend and I went for dinner last night (26th June). We had previously made a reservation for 7pm, however one friend was running late so we had to change to 7:30. I called Capital Grille to ask if this was possible, and they were very accommodating and polite and it was no trouble for them to do so, even with only 30 minutes notice. In the end, the 4th person could not make it at all, but this was also no trouble for them and they re-set our table for 3 people instead. Our server was fantastic. He was so friendly and informative, and patient. My husband and I are British so have accents, and he originally identified them and was asking us geniunely interested questions, without being nosey. We really liked him. He was also very witty and made us laugh a few times. He was knowledgeable about the menu and made good recommendations. He didn't over-sell anything and when we were going to order a third side, he told us we would probably be okay with two. The food was amazing. To start with, we decided to split the wedge salad between us. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and they bought the salad out split 3 ways on individual plates. For main, I had a sirloin steak topped with lobster tails, my husband had a sliced steak with mushrooms and onions and my friend had lobster stuffed shrimp. We shared mashed potatoes and creamed corn. The food tasted fantastic and was cooked to perfection. I am not a huge steak fan, but mine was so tender and tasted so great that I ate the whole lot. The sides were also very nice. It was a good amount of food for the price too. Our server bought us a small sorbet after our main courses, which I thought was a nice touch. My husband and I split a dessert between us - the Cheesecake. It was fantastic - an individual cheesecake with fresh berries and compote. Overall, I give the Capital Grille 5 stars.. the service was fantastic, the food was amazing, and the wine list was huge. The place itself is classy, the bathrooms are clean and luxurious and overall, I could not fault the whole experience. I will definitely go back in the future.
(5)Sean R.
not impressed by the hype. my ribeye was fatty and chewy and the kona steak was burnt. lobster mac and cheese is okay but lacks flavor
(2)Mickey A.
My first Restaurant Week experience started off right. Well, if you don't count the rainy and cold day. Soooo... I was looking forward to a lovely evening with some friends and stuffing myself silly with a delicious meal and a tasty drink. And for $33? Hell yes. I did my best to skip the bread in order to save room. Having said that, I started off with the Cesar salad, which was fine. I mean, it's a salad. I ordered the 8-oz filet cooked medium rare. Mmmm. Meat good. Sauteed spinach good. Belly full. Or was it? My creme brulee ended my dinner well. The sugary top was done perfectly, not too burnt or crunchy. I devoured that bad boy in no time...after offering to my dinner companions, of course. My one Stoli Doli wasn't strong last time I was here ( yelp.com/biz/yelp-event-… ). In fact, it was perfect - just as sweet as I like 'em. Can I say how in awe I am of the staff? Nothing but welcoming and having a wonderful memory of their guests. This is definitely a keeper in my book.
(5)Nancy H.
Fantastic steaks, service, and atmosphere. Minus one star for the mediocre "sides." We came here for our 2-year anniversary dinner. When I made the reservation online, I specified that we were celebrating our anniversary in the comments section. Upon seating, there was a handwritten card on the table that was signed by each server! What a sweet touch! Most of the times, my comments (for anniversaries or birthdays) go forgotten. Needless to say, our meal started off perfectly. The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and DARK in here with sturdy dining room furniture. Do dress well - at least put on some jeans. You will be very underdressed wearing shorts and flipflops. We got the wedge salad ($10; bad - overly dressed), a bowl of lobster bisque ($10; good - with large chunks of lobter), lobster mac & cheese ($15; bad - the cream never fully thickened, and the pasta was too al dente), sliced filet with cipollini onions and mushrooms ($43; great - until I tasted the Kona, which took steaks to another level!), and the Kona crusted dry-aged sirloin ($43; stupendous - the absolute best steak I've had since I can remember!).
(4)Franky A.
Classic Chicago steakhouse. A true original. Highly recommend coming if you're visiting town. Stick with the best.
(5)Jennifer M.
Amazing and truly expensive. Truffle fries were outstanding. The sea bass melted in my mouth. Had a taste of the flour-less chocolate cake which was amazing! Great night.
(5)A E.
You know, I was a little surprised when Capital Grill was on the list best steakhouses in Chicago. I mean, it's the city of steakhouses, and a chain restaurant being a top option was a little surprising. However, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. We were seated quickly, and it seemed that the staff was bending over backwards to help us. I got the Delmonico, with a side of sautéed spinach. The steak was extremely tender and at just the right doneness, but I think it could have used a bit more salt. Still, the waitress suggested a very nice wine to go with it. Capital Grill didn't blow my mind, but it was very nice and one of the better meals I had in Chicago.
(4)O K.
Excellent service. Was in and out within an hour when I went there during a workday. Great steak. Go during lunch for reasonable prices!
(4)Sarah G.
UPDATE: Was contacted by Crystal from the restaurant, she apologized & offered to send a GC to us so we can give it another shot. I look forward to posting again once I've dinned there. I always appreciate when a follow up is received, it's a good sign.
(2)Kenya C.
Lobster Crab cakes is a must try! Thee best! Lambs Chops are fantastic. I've tried other Capital Grille locations in other states, wasnt impressed.
(5)Renee E.
To be honest, I may not have ever experience The Capital Grille, were it not for a relative who gave my husband and I a gift certificate for our wedding last year. I'm so glad we went. I'd only ever sat at the bar for drinks, so it was nice to venture on down to the dining area. Definitely doesn't feel like a chain, which was well appreciated. The atmosphere was really relaxing. Our service was top notch. We started with the tomato, mozzarella and basil salad (which for some reason was not listed as a caprese, but who cares?) We told our server that we were going to split it and it came out nicely arranged on 2 separate plates. We saw many going out to the dining room and it really looked like a very large portion for just one person. I'm a recovering vegan/vegetarian, so I really don't know much about steak, much less enough to trust myself to pick a good choice (even when I ate meat, I was more a fowl than a cow person), so I asked my server if she would recommend the dry aged or the filet mignon. The sliced filet mignon with cipollini onions and wild mushrooms won out. Man, it was SOOOOO delicious! It really was a perfectly cooked, lean slice of yum. My husband ordered the porcini-encrusted Delmonico, which he enjoyed, but probably would've liked my filet better, as there was quite a bit of fat to trim off of his steak. For sides, and I appreciated that we were offered the option of ordering smaller sizes, I chose the seasonal squash with maple butter, which I could not stop eating and the haricots with roasted tomatoes. The sides rounded everything out nicely and left me too full for dessert! Next time I go back, I need to save a little room.
(5)Karen C.
The only way I was going to ever get to eat here was if someone else was paying, so yay for a work-lunch outing! I went with one of the $15 lunch "plates" options... and I admit, $15 for what I received was well worth it, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be back on my own dime. I had the Corn Bisque (sweet, creamy & delicious), Lobster Roll (YUM. Giant pieces of lobster, and it wasn't overly mayo'd) and Truffle Fries (no explanation necessary. Delicious). I only deduct one star because we were seated next to the server station, servers had to bump into my chair to get to the water pitchers, yet my glass pretty much always remained empty. Kind of annoying. Other than that, the food was great, and I'd love to go back.
(4)Colleen P.
This review is long overdue because I don't ever write Yelp reviews but felt I needed to for Capital Grille. I have been to a lot of other Chicago Steakhouses...Mortons, Gibsons, S&W, Chicago Cut...you name it. But Capital Grille is the ONLY one that I keep coming back to. Everytime the service is amazing and the food is delicious. Some of the other viewers stated that they are overpriced, but I think they are compareable to most others and the service and food is that much better. Whatever it is Capital Grille is doing, I hope that they continue to do it. Any occasion there is I make a reservation here...birthdays, anniversary, work dinner. I highly recommend the porcini rubbed delmonico with balsamic and the butter poached lobster tail (which you can add to any meal).
(5)Monte H.
Rather faceless and impersonal steakhouse. Never heard of it until a $50 gift card arrived from Amex. Checked it out, twice (got 2 gift cards). First time was pretty decent, had the swordfish I believe. Tasted good. Service was OK. The room/decor are nice but it feels a bit corporate and flown-in from the east coast. 2nd time was a different story. Went on a Thursday night and it was busy. Waiter was a bit distant and aloof. Got the lamp chops. Tasted OK and were a bit undercooked. I've had much better at a lower price elsewhere (Greektown!). Won't be back until Amex ups the ante and sends me $100 gift card. And then maybe, just maybe, I'll pay them a visit. Oh yeah, the mixed drinks are watery and overpriced. Avoid!
(2)Elliott D.
I had a great experience at this location. I'd never been to a Capital Grille before even though I have passed them both in the city and out in the suburbs. I suppose I'd never gone because I'm always a little skeptical of chains when we have so many good independent steakhouses in Chicago. That kind of thinking was a big mistake. When I went there with my dad it was both of our first visits so we weren't quite sure what to expect though I had heard good things. This is a little bit on the expensive size but it's comparable to similar steakhouses and the service matches the price. The service was great. We were seated right away and our waitress was friendly and attentive. She made some good recommendations on food and it was all a hit. We started out with the fried calamari which was a great adaptation of a classic. It had a great kick to it because of the peppers sprinkled throughout the platter. We followed that up with soup. My dad had the clam chowder and said it was pretty good; not necessarily anything special but good. I had the French Onion soup which was delicious, even though I'd basically say any decent Onion soup with great Gruyere on top is a-ok with me. For my main course I had the Delmonico steak with a mushroom sauce on top. It was delicious. The steak was cooked at a perfect medium rare and the sauce was a wonderful compliment. I'm a huge fan of mushrooms and these were particularly well cooked and seasoned. We shared the lobster mac and cheese which had a great taste and was generous with the lobster meat. I also had grilled asparagus which was nicely seasoned with sea salt and olive oil cooked to perfection. To sum up, it's a great steak place and this location has wonderful service as one would expect at a more upscale restaurant.
(4)Michele M.
The Capital Grille was excellent. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The service was absolutely extraordinary. I found the Chilean Sea Bass to be outstanding. The texture of the fish and the blend of flavors were perfect. Our table shared the creamed spinach and lobster mac and cheese sides. Both were remarkable. I did love the lobster mac and cheese. I can see why so many reviewers commented on it. The entire experience was delightful. I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Chicago.
(5)William S.
Steakhouses are serious business in Chicago (and throughout the Midwest for that matter). I've dined at other 'top-tier' steakhouses in Chicago, St. Louis, NYC, Dayton, Cleveland, Cincy and Columbus. They know beef in this part of our country. What we get in terms of a steak Cali is a joke compared to what people are used to here. My favorite out of all of them is possibly an unconventional choice even for most Chicagoans: the Capital Grille. CG has lots of competition: Gene & Georgetti, Gibsons, Wildfire, Joe's, churrascarias and celeb chef steakhouses . I know CG is a chain, but I like...correction love this restaurant for steak and for its unparalleled service. It's clear to me now, service especially at a steakhouse is critical to one's happines :)) Try it once and I'd love to hear what you think. The service environment here is un-f*&^ingbelievable! It's attentive and I feel waiters are keeping an eye on you from "the back of their heads". For me, no other steak establishment in Chicago rivals Capital Grille's standards for service and quality of meats. In fact the meats here, taste just as good (and when flavored with porcini, waaaaay better) and well prepared as any of the somewhat tired standards in this town. I love the Porcini rubbed Delmonico, Dry-Aged Porterhouse here. It sounds contorted but it's not. The 12 yr old balsamic drizzle (reduction) that comes with it is just right, if it were a leap older, it would be paired with dessert. I love this steak with a delectable Amarone or a fine azz Malbec. CG does this dish right to put it simply. I am a firm believer in a traditional unadorned grilled steak but here I make the exception. If you prefer an undressed steak, you can ask for that at CG also. I have ordered and enjoyed a grilled filet and the steak was grilled to my liking with charred edges the way it's grilled at Gibsons and some favorite steakhouses in St. Louis and Cincy. Outside of Argentine/ Brazilian beef, midwest beef surely comes second when it comes to flavor and CG Chicago tops this list for me. Ya ya, there's Wagyu and Kobe but those to me are on a different plane altogether and will not compare them here. Finally, the sides ooooh the sidez. They're very good but who has room when you have the best steak and an amazing wine to go with it. I just like some asparagus or a plain salad after my steak and that's just how I roll. Service-wise, the CG in Chicago, has shared with me the most attentive focus compared to most steakhouses I have visited. I've visited other CG locations: in LA, Ohare and in Jacksonville. All are ok, good, but is just not the same, the politeness and service levels are there, but not the same. Every single visit at the dtown Chicago location was consistent and superb. On top of that, I'm not on the receiving end of stodgy attitude from a Peter Luger/ Gibsons waiter (that well-worn steakhouse staff attitude that bores me to no end). I'm paying you good money, treat me well g-DAMMIT!! Finally, the best 'user experience' at a restaurant to me is when your senses and palate are heightened from the well prepared food, how the service delivery feeds and nurtures that high and you are smiling an hour after you've left the restaurant. Yeah that feeling....when you just had soul food! Food is not theatre here, nor is it cerebral. It's about feeding the soul. Tonite is my 11th time here. I notice, CG Chicago and thank you. Visits: 10+
(5)Anne B.
We love the Capital Grille. Been to a couple in Washington/Virginia area, but this was our first time to the Chicago instance. We kept it simple with a steak (cooked and seasoned perfectly!) and shared creamed corn (not too "creamy" but so fresh and sweet I sigh when I think about it). The service is always friendly and warm, not stuffy, but elegant and attentive- perfect! My one disappointment, as a Californian who can rarely get to CG, is that they didn't have my favorite CG dessert- the Key Lime Pie! It is bar none the most luxurious orgasmic key lime pie ever. They apparently decided it didn't belong in the Midwest or some such nonsense. Well... I had to settle for the cheesecake, which was completely outstanding... but I really was breathlessly anticipating the KLP all day, so I was completely devastated for at least 30 seconds...
(5)Michael S.
Wow... Total winner for restaurant week! Didn't know this was a chain, nor do I care as the food and service here was the best I had out of all the restaurants visited during restaurant week. Clam chowder: Not really a standout, but this was really good. Caesar salad: Same as the clam chowder. Kona crusted steak: My, my... this was really good. Had Ruth's Chris the night before and I think this steak was just as good if not better than Ruth's Chris one. To be fair though, they are different. I appreciated that it didn't have all the gratuitous butter that Ruth's Chris had, but I did like both a lot. Capital Grille's steak was nice and juicy and I really liked the kona crust. Flourless chocolate espresso cake: Not a chocolate guy, but OMG!!! This was so dense and just really good. By far my favorite dessert I've had in a while. Just so good especially with the espresso notes and not just chocolate. Creme brulee: Well, it's creme brulee. I wouldn't say it's better than other creme brulees, but this was really good. Really nice sugar crust to crack here. Food was really good... Service was even better. I don't remember the waitress, but she was really nice. I thought it would be pretentious here, but this was not the case. You can check Alisa M's review for the name of the waitress as I don't remember. Overall, just had a great experience which is the way I think restaurant week 2011 should end for us. Yes, the place is pricey sans restaurant week, but this is one of the places that I know I'll be back to regardless of specials. Totally worth the cost and more!
(5)Shelby S.
Great steak, as you'd expect, but also some nice departures from the traditional steakhouse menu. Well-appointed, steakhouse-style atmosphere (a bit dark and moody). Well-trained and properly-attentive service (much-props, Caleb B). Huge sides, but they do splits, so still workable for singles and pairs.
(4)M K B.
Celebrated my birthday @ Capital Grille & the staff could not have been more attentive & welcoming! Food was outstanding, particularly the stone crab claws. Kimber our waitress had recently relocated yet provided excellent recommendations & conspired with my friend for a birthday surprise dessert. Worth every dollar!
(5)Rod C.
Outstanding! This is what I expect from a steak house in Chicago! The service was impeccable, and the food was incredible! The Delmonica steak was one of the best that I've had in Chicago! Try the Mac'n'cheese as an appetizer! I highly recommend dining at the Capital Grille!
(5)Stephanie L.
OMG....who am I turning into....giving 5 stars to a CHAIN....GASP!~ Dammit! Im going insane....(throw some glitter, make it rain....) So I went here the Friday before Restaurant week and then I ended up going the Friday of Restaurant week so I can comment on both experiences. First time, we sat at the bar....love sitting at the bar. As an extra bonus you get complimentary still or sparkling water if you eat at the bar....SHE SHE SHE. The wine selection was impeccable. Fantastic whites. We ordered a whole lot of food because everything sounded so good. Caesar salad (with white anchovies....YUM! I know its gross but they are so good), sushi grade sesame grade tuna (YUM!), lobster mac and cheese, and one of the dry aged steaks....all of it was fabuloso...I went to the bathroom to unbutton my jeans at the end....it was HOT! I really hook, line and sinkered him there. Second time, we sat in a booth (love booths). We all decided to get different things and share. So we tried the mixed greens & caesar salad for apps....both good. Kona sirloin, filet, and salmon....oh man...the kona preparation was AMAZING!!!! It was so rich, but I ate the whole freaking thing. The sides were just ok....mashed potatoes and the spinach....I really think they should have offered up the lobster mac n cheese...the desserts we had the ice cream, chocolate cake and some pudding thing....I cant remember after two bottles of wine. All of it fixed our fancy The great thing about this place for restaurant week is they are actually offering stuff off the real menu with lots of selection. Some of the other places are just trying to give you crap to get in there and say you have ate there. I would go back. Although, I think its fair enough to say that twice in a week is enough for a LONG time.....
(5)Cindy M.
Had a great time, service and food was excellent. My steak was amazing but my favorite was the lobster Mac n cheese. A few others had fish dishes that were also very good.
(4)Ernest S.
I went here before and I thought the place was pretty average. The ambiance and service were great but the food was just okay. I even had the famed delmonico and it was good but I still didn't understand why people loved Capital Grille as much as they did. This time though, I tried the 12 year aged balsamic with one of the petite filets I got and that sauce hit it out of the ballpark for me. That and the impeccable service/great ambiance makes my rating 4 stars.
(4)KB C.
Keep it simple- I just had a pc of Filet Mignon, green beans and a couple glasses of wine. All were cooked to perfection...except the wine of course. It seems that every time I drop in the Capital Grille, it's always good solid food. Not one complaint. If you're a traveler, sit at the bar and order up. Not too many greasy dudes hanging around to bother you.
(4)Steve K.
My experience was pretty good. Took out the gf and it did not disappoint. Our server Jan was great. She really took great care of us. It was our first time here and we really did not know what to order. She made some great recommendations. Truffle fries were amazing. Porterhouse was incredible. The dry aged ribeye was really good. Overall a good dining experience. Will be back.
(4)Matt C.
My final dinner out in Chicago, The Capital Grille did not disappoint. My parents came to town and we decided on hitting a classic Chicago steakhouse; the GM at my restaurant put The Capital Grille on her short list. We had an early reservation, so the restaurant wasn't full. We were seated at a nice booth and had a server who, as the evening went on, loosened up and was enjoyable. He was confident, polite, and extremely knowledgeable; the only thing he lacked was a really upbeat demeanor. As far as the food was concerned, we were not disappointed. We shared a few appetizers (including a delicious calamari) and each ordered a different steak and preparation for entrees. Each steak was cooked perfectly to order; our server helped us with temperatures and knew exactly how the kitchen would prepare and cook each steak. Each treatment was done well, too -- Oscar, au poivre, etc. Yes, I name-dropped, telling our server that I worked for a restaurant around the corner and was being transferred across the country. But I still found it very thoughtful when the kitchen sent out a complimentary dessert tray for us. Nice touch. Wine list was fantastic, as well. Moderately reasonable selections and our server offered tastes when we weren't sure what to get.
(4)Julia S.
Came here for lunch, to celebrate a co-workers birthday! What a delight! Excellent service and delicious food (think: carrot/ginger soup, seared scallops with a side of truffle fries and some flowerless chocolate cake for desert). Life is not bad at all.
(4)Jennifer T.
We went here for my birthday a few days ago. I'm one who likes to do something more familiar and comforting on my birthday rather than try a new place because who wants to be let down on their birthday? The Capital Grille didn't let me down! The breads brought to the table were really good. I had a really good filet mignon and the hubs had lamb stuffed with a cheese, I don't remember what kind but it was a special of the day. We shared a side of yummy mashed potatoes as well. Our waitress, Abby, was really nice. Always attentive, even though she had a few other tables including one of at least 12 right next to us. She noticed there was a birthday card for me, so after our meal she brought out a lovely chocolate dessert with a lit candle and took our picture with her camera! I've never been to a restaurant that gives me a nice picture and card for my birthday. It was a great experience and we can't wait to visit again!
(5)Kathleen C.
I still really enjoy Capital Grille. I think the food is fantastic, and service is superb. I have been there many times, and have always been very pleased. However, I have to make a comment.... Dear Capital Grille: You charge $40+ for entrees....these meals are wonderful. Service is attentive, helpful and not overbearing. I realize you want to have little amenities in the bathrooms...please...put the Target lotion in a different container! For the prices charged for food (which I'm not complaining about), please either buy upscale lotion (that you haven't written on with marker) or put it in a plain, non-descript container. It seems silly that everything else is done so nicely, but in the bathroom, there are mismatched, random containers cluttering up a little stand. It could look so much better! Thanks!
(5)Carlos S.
The restaurant is nice. I felt the service was a bit snobby as they asked us like 10 times why we where there (we where we'll dressed and had reservation). I had the fillet mignon which for me was a 6/10 and my wife had a NY strip and her s was 8/10. The vallamari was good 7/10. The asparagus was 6/10. Creme bulle was 8/10. The gruet sparkling 7/10. Would I go back? Probably not. Check was $175.
(3)Chris G.
Edgar behind the bar is a class act. The filet mignon. Honestly? Heavenly. So much flavor. Silky. Flour less espresso dark choc heaven. Crab cake burger knocks it out of the park. It's great to have this posh lunch time offering available. Never underestimate the joy of lunchtime classic jazz either.
(5)Ivankah S.
I was so excited about finally trying Capital Grille. Especially after a co worker raved about their pineapple martinis. I usually head to Joes seafood or Maestros for a special dinner, but thought I'd try something new. A few friends and I came on a weeknight to celebrate a small milestone. The restaurant is beautiful and service was good. However, the food was just not up to par. Especially for the price. We started with the cold shellfish platter and pineapple martinis. The martinis were good but tiny and VERY expensive for a tiny martini. I ordered salmon which was extremely salty. So salty my lips kinda hurt after dinner! My other friend had steak with gorganzola and truffle butter. Super salty! The halibut was very plain. We ordered brussell sprouts that came out very under cooked. The only dish that was good were the scallops. The bill came out to around 450$ (4ppl) I don't mind dropping some cash for dinner, but I just want it to be a bit more exceptional for that kind of money.
(2)J. Spencer M.
A true top notch steak house in Chicago. The services is formal and attentive. The appetizers are impressive and delicious. We ordered the multi-level seafood tower and it was spectacular. Great oysters and shrimp. The steak (the most important part!) was excellent. I had ordered it medium rare and it was a little on the rare side but this seems to be the tendency for steakhouses of this quality. I will return someday, but there are so many competitive steakhouses in the area that it's hard to repeat.
(4)Jessica M.
Capital Grille took me by surprise when they were listed on the 2015 Chicago Restaurant Week for $33 per person with a three-course menu that included steak. The deal was too good to be missed. My first course was a bowl of hearty clam chowder with a slight hint of black pepper. It was rich and creamy, making it especially desirable for the cold weather. For the second course, I chose the 8 ounce filet mignon over the other two steak choices because I prefer a smaller portion with more natural flavors even as irresistible as shallot butter is. The steak was perfectly done at medium rare. My only complaint was the meat being slightly rough on the edges. And finally, I ended my meal with a sweet and classic creme brulee. It was standard and much more tolerable than my friend's sugar-stacked, flourless chocolate espresso cake. A line was formed as we were leaving at 9pm. You may take that as a hint at how solid they are.
(4)Fred H.
Normally a steak guy however I tried the tuna with ginger rice and found a new favorite. Large pan seared tuna with white rice and a trio of sauces. Added the lobster mac n cheese for one of the best meals ever... Can't miss the Stolli Doli pineapple martini.
(5)Jamie B.
Eh I don't know what happened but it's not as good as I thought. Last night's tuna was practically inedible as it was wayyyy over salted. Saltier than my husband's steak and I have no clue how that's even possible. I had to cut the seared crust off the tuna because it was inedible. The tomato and mozz salad was also a miss- lacking balsamic and the tomatoes were milly. Would return for a drink and snack at the bar, do dinner elsewhere.
(3)Toni R.
This was by far the best gastronomy I've experienced. For starters the wine list, cocktails and desserts were on an iPad. Our waiter, Matthew Miller was very knowledgeable about the wines and the food. He was also patient, he took his time to help us find a great wine. The crab cakes were excellent, moist and meaty and the corn was a great touch. The scallops and risotto was on point. Scallops were cooked to perfection, moist and perfect texture. Lastly, the lobster mac was delighting. By this time I was full but every bite was very flavorful. To top everything off, we were bought out a surprise dessert platter with chocolate cake and cheesecake!! In the middle there was a message inscribed in chocolate, "congratulations." My friend was expecting.
(5)Sharon C.
i brought my brother here for dinner on their second-to-last night in chicago, and (a) do not be intimidated by what yelp calls "dressy" attire, because people were wearing t-shirts and cargo shorts and (b) it was approximately $60/person, but i would say it was so worth it. we got: BRUSSEL SPROUTS: can we just talk about brussel sprouts for a second and how sad it is that they have such a bad rep but when they are freaking delicious. these were delicious. they were very, very good. 5/5 SOCKEYE SALMON WITH CHIPOTLE GLAZE: this is what i got, because i wasn't very hungry. which was perfect, because this wasn't very good. i can't put my finger on what exactly it was, but, unfortunately, i wasn't a huge fan. 3/5. STRIP STEAK & PORTERHOUSE STEAK: these two are what my brothers got, and they agreed that the dry aged strip steak was better, but they absolutely destroyed both of them. like they were gnawing the last bits of meat off the bones. it was kind of embarrassing, actually. 5/5. overall, i would come back, but i probably wouldn't the seafood - even though it was exceptionally instagrammable.
(4)Norm J.
Yes, this is a chain restaurant; but I'm still giving this location of The Capital Grille 4 stars. Living so close to this Capital Grille I've been here numerous times and always enjoyed my dining experience (lunch and dinner). The service you receive here is always stellar and the food is always delicious and filling. My last time dining here was last night for a friend's birthday and again the dining experience was first rate. When we were seated at the table there was a birthday card waiting for him that was signed by all wait staff (nice touch). For starters we had a cup of French Onion Soup which was standard, but still good. Our selection for our entrees was the 14oz Top Sirloin with the Lobster Mac & Cheese and Oscar Style Roasted Potatoes. * The 14oz sirloin was cooked to perfection, flavorful and filling (I bought about 7oz home - ha dirty). * The Lobster Mac & Cheese was good, but I would have liked more lobster in the dish. * The Oscar Style Roasted Potatoes was something I haven't seen at our restaurants. The crab meat was plentiful and made me a happy man. The roasted potatoes were good, but the asparagus could have been cut a little thinner. At the end of the meal our server Aaron M, who provided amazing service to us, brought out a celebration platter which consisted of a mini flourless chocolate espresso cake and mini cheesecake. Both desserts received two thumbs up from the birthday boy and from me because they were free!
(4)Liz J.
Very rarely do I have an A+ experience at a restaurant, but the Capital Grille surpassed my every expectation. Came here for my boyfriend's birthday dinner last night. I called the day before and told them it was his birthday and we were met at the door with Happy Birthdays from everyone we encountered. They seated us in a huge booth adorned with balloon confetti and a happy birthday card signed by all of the staff members. The service was prompt and top notch--our waiter Aaron explained the menu options in detail and was attentive without being overbearing. The drinks were strong and the food--ABSOLUTELY delicious. I chose this place because of the reviews for the lamb chops (my bf's fave dish) and they held up to the reviews. Fantastic flavor. They were initially a little too rare for my BF's taste, and Aaron took them back and customized them to my bf's liking (and even had the foresight to bring an extra plate while we were waiting so my bf could eat the sides). We also ordered the salmon and the lobster mac n cheese, both delicious. At the end of the evening, Aaron brought us a happy birthday cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake AND sample-size glasses of Stoli vodka that had been soaked in a pineapple for 14 days (yes, 14 days). All in all, EVERY facet of this experience was A+. We agree it's our new favorite restaurant. Ask for Aaron! Bonus: my boyfriend is a political junkie so the decor (portraits of politicians) took it over the edge!
(5)Laura C.
For a chain restaurant, Capital does a decent job on steaks and service, but stay away from the extras. $12 for a wedge salad will you get an 1/8th of a head of iceberg, covered in pre-made bulk dressing and a few out of season tomatoes. The clam chowder was decent, as is a can of Progresso for a fraction of the price. We were upsold on the Kona coffee rub, which added a touch of flavor, but not the best value. Meat quality was excellent, but the plates are pretty barren in terms of appearance. Desserts are generous in size, but run of the mill in selection. Basic creme brulee/chocolate tortes/pies will do the trick, but as an ex-bakery cook, they are a bit lackluster. Service by far will bring me back here. With just the right amount of humor and upselling skills, the service team knows what they're doing. This is Chicago, though, and there are way too many better steakhouses to pay this one a second visit.
(3)Tenisha P.
My dinner was delicious. The service was great! We came here to celebrate my birthday and graduation. I ordered the scallops and risotto. My mom ordered the salmon and the other guest with us ordered the lamb chops. All of the meals were delicious. My scallops were cooked perfectly, everything was cooked perfectly. As it should be. This restaurant is pricey, so I expected the very best! Our server's name was Shannon and she was great! We wanted oil with our bread instead of the butter that comes with it. She brought us olive oil and a mix of cheese and spicrs. We weren't certain if we wanted to purchase the Stoli Doli, which is their signature pineapple infused vodka, so she provided samples at no cost. Also, because it was my birthday dinner they supplied sample desserts of the flour less espresso cake and their creme brulé cheesecake, which were both delicious! All in all, my experience was great! I would definitely come back for another special occasion.
(5)Matthew S.
This place was amazing. I was definitely underdressed in jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt but my fiancee was looking great as usual. Go figure. Haha. Even though I looked like a bum we received a very warm welcome and were seated immediately at 5pm. Yes, 5pm, that's supper time in Iowa where we're from. We are very well traveled though and we've ate at a lot of swanky places but The Capital Grill Chicago is now by far my favorite. We both had the Lobster Crab Cakes which the chef personally paired perfectly an amazing white wine. I've had some pretty great crab cakes in the past but these things. I literally cut my bites in half and chewed extra slowly so I could savor these that much longer. They were absolutely amazing. For our main course we both had an off menu item, the Filet Oscar topped with Crab and a side of Asparagus. This was yet another breath taker. The Filet was so tender it could be cut with a dull spoon and the flavor was perfect. The asparagus was nice a crisp. Everything was just amazing. Plain and simple. Our wait staff also outdid themselves again by selecting the perfect red wine to go with our steaks. I wish I could say I tried their desert but they did not skimp on the portions at all so I was stuffed. This is by far my new favorite restaurant in the Chicago area.
(5)Azin J.
Came on during restaurant week and got the wedge salad, Caesar Salad, 2 top Sirloin & the creme Brule and flour less espresso cake. Everything was GREAT! Our server Matthew Miller was AMAZING and amazingly attentive. I would definitely ask to be seated in his section next time.
(5)Justin B.
While the warm bread served before the meal was a disappointment, and the wedge salad was a bit too heavy on the dressing, the Capital Grille's Signature Cheeseburger, Truffle Fries and the Chocolate Espresso Flourless Cake were so good that I almost forgot what opened the meal. Goodness, this was amazing. And the place just reeks of tradition, class and old people...seriously, there are pictures of presidents and battlefields on the walls, so at least you won't get pummeled by hipsters as you enjoy your steaks. A friend who joined this meal got the dry aged sirloin salad...that meat was incredible. This was close to five-star territory, were it not for the subpar opening round. Our server was very swift, and thanks to the chef for cooking my burger rare, just like I asked. Why can't more restaurants get that part right???
(4)Edward W.
We've been here several times now. Always a top notch meal in a great steakhouse. Service stands out.
(5)Mike G.
In the past I'd always shied away from Capital Grille, turned off by its pricey entrees ($45-$55). Walking by last night on our way to dinner the sub-zero temperature enticed us to duck inside for a quick glass of wine. SPOILER ALERT: We stayed for dinner and probably too many drinks. We sat at the bar which was warm and cozy, just what we needed on a cold night. We ordered several appetizers (asparagus, caesar salad, lobster mac, au gratin potatoes) which were all great and reasonably priced. I wouldn't hesitate to go back and I apologize for any disparaging comments I may have previously made to my friends about this place.
(4)Kawone H.
Fantastic service defines the Capital Grille! For several years, I have planned to give this place a try. It offers one of the best, if not the best, Restaurant Week menu for a steakhouse. Excellent options are available. Connie was a breathe of fresh air as a server. She explained the menu, even the secret menu options. In fact, the entire staff seemed to be onboard to make customers feel welcome and appreciated. I would love to return. The classic decor stands out with high ceilings and wood paneling. The food was great. The signature Kona crusted sirloin was cooked perfectly and tasted great! Honestly, the side dishes were just that, a nice side show. I enjoyed them, but wanted to focus all of my attention on the main attraction Kona crusted sirloin. The wild mushrooms, however, were some of the best of Chi steakhouses. Look, Capital Grille is not the best steakhouse in town. It is, however, one of the better ones and a top notch restaurant for overall dining. I love the fact that your server will have the valet get your car and bring your keys to you. That is full service. Thank you for a great dining experience!
(4)John T.
One of the best meals I have ever had. My gf and I started with the Blue Point oysters that came with a great vinegarette and cocktail sauce and also some lobster bisque. The oysters we're extremely fresh-tasting and delightful, while the soup was out of this world. Our main dishes were a pricing rubbed demonic steak finished in a balsamic glaze that absolutely blew my mind and a seared tuna that was sushi grade deliciousness. As a side dish, we got the lobster mac and cheese that, if possible, was a dish to bathe in...it was THAT good...for sanitary reasons, though, I wouldn't recommend it. We finished the meal off with a great creme brulee that I'd definitely put towards the top of my list of city's best. From service to food quality, this place was top notch through and through.
(5)Jackie M.
For a traditional and chain steak house, Capital Grille would be a 4 stars. However, for a Chicagoan point of view, Capital Grille is really A-OKAY average good steak house. Chicago is very competitive when it comes to Steak: David Burkes, Mastro, Sullivan, Chicago Cut, Gene and Georgetti, Chicago Cut, and etc. Compared to the local offerings, capital grille would not be first choice. I was there Saturday night for restaurant week 2015. It was a good deal for dinner prefix menu $33 and secret menu of adding a lobster tail for $10. Ceasar salad - average salad Kona crusted dry aged sirloin 14oz - Choice of 18oz for additional $10. I ordered for medium rare which was cooked as requested. It was lean and good, but not amazingly unforgettable. It a good average steak, but I wouldn't pay $44 regular price for average. The kona crust added more flavor to the steak. Chocolate espresso flourless cake - It came with a generous slice which was bit too much for one serving. It was more of a dark chocolate mousse. The first few bite was good, but it was too heavy to finish. I also sampled the classic creme brulee which was good and average of what it's expected. The lobster tail was presented in a broth of butter mix. It was already deboned from the shell. It was cooked just right (not overdone). Overall, it was a good experience and good company with friends. (it was my bday dinner). I probabaly wont try this place again. Been there, done that. Valet was $14 and coat check available. Great service!
(3)Meg B.
Very tasty steaks! And really good & professional service! Wade M.! Thank you so much:)
(5)Tom D.
We don't often choose a steakhouse for dinner but our first night in Chicago we were in that red meat state of mind. This Capital Grille is the perfect combination of being classy, very comfortable and not at all pretentious. We started with a couple of salads, Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing and also Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette. Both were tasty and perfectly dressed. The steaks followed, a Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter and a large filet mignon. Both came medium rare and were melt in your mouth tender. Also ordered the lobster mac & cheese (Yum!) and asparagus for sides. Our server was especially helpful. I was looking at the wine list and she suggested I try the Malbec that was being served by the glass and by bottle. It was excellent and one of the least expensive wines on the list. If you are craving a steak Capital Grille is a great place to satisfy that urge.
(5)John S.
Went to dinner to celebrate a birthday and it was fantastic. We were greeted at the door by a friendly staff and lead to a table in a private room. After being seated we were moved to a better table because there was a group in the room with some small children and the children were crying so we appreciated that. We had the calamari with peppers as an appetizer and it was enough for four people. We then had the wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon and each serving was a half of a head of lettuce. Definitely filling. For the main course I had the bone in ribeye steak and I must say it was the most tender steak I have ever had and I have been to all of the steakhouses downtown. The flavor was great and it was cooked just right. While we were waiting to decide whether to order dessert our server came by with a slice of complementary flourless chocolate cake and a coconut cheesecake. We were then offered two glasses of complementary sparkling wine for the birthday toast and we accepted. Overall, it was a great evening and the food was fantastic. We have been to the Capitol Grille many times in the past but I must say that this was probably the best meal we've ever had there and will keep going back.
(5)Karl K.
Perfection. Definitely the place to bring someone important. ------------------------- So my former colleagues and I were excited to meet up with our mentor in Chicago. After discussing various options, we decided to go to Capital Grille. This was an outstanding choice. Very sophisticated venue. The front of the restaurant has private lockers for the VIP's / regular patrons. We got a decent spread, including: Calamari and banana peppers - great combo. The spice of the hot peppers definitely cuts through the grease of the dish. Garlic Parmesan fries - double fried. Crisped to golden perfection. Simply delicious. Filet oscar - a 10oz filet mignon topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and a butter sauce. Perfectly cooked medium rare steak (I mean they are a steakhouse, right?). Each morsel was an umami-filled, melt in your mouth experience. On a funny note, we were contemplating an order of Opus One, proprietary blend. For $135, we thought this was a relative bargain with minimal markup. Then the waitress said, that price is for HALF a bottle. Oops. Dinner for four was $680. Like I said, not an everyday thing, but definitely the place to go if you want to make a good impression.
(5)Francis R.
Easily one of my favorites in Chicago... If you're looking for legit steak, look no further! I've been here on more than one occasion, but I have to give some props to the waiter we've had on multiple occasions, Mr. Scott Johnston! If you have Scott as your waiter, you're in for a treat for the night! Super knowledgable & friendly dude! He's definitely been around for some time and can point you in the right direction for whatever it is you're looking for. The service has always been nothing short of spectacular and the food amazing! I recommend the lobster mac n cheese, delmonico, & the kona crusted dry age steak! The kona crusted dry age seems to be the most popular and on their menu year round, so definitely a solid option! On a final note, if you're celebrating anything special, DON'T BE SHY. They take care of you whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any sort of special day! Til next time, cheers!
(5)Jerry T.
Great friendly service and a nice atmosphere. The food was solid even though on the salad I had a little less Goganzola Cheese would have not been so overpowering. The Bone in Filet I had was very good. The salmond however was overlooked. Good-not great and a bit pricy but recommended.
(4)Gina C.
Can U say Delish! The steak was 2 die 4, the Lobster Mac N Cheese melted in my mouth, not 2 mention the asparagus and crab cakes were 2nd to none!! This will be my go 2 place 4 fine dining in Chicago and other cities where they have a presence.
(5)Jean L.
I'm a little shocked that I haven't written a review til now. I've been here three times now and it's still by far my favorite steakhouse. I'm a little embarrassed that this is the case, given that it's a chain. But the customer service is so nice, not-overwhelming (a flaw many steakhouses have) and just suave. My favorite thing here is the porterhouse, although the lobster mac and cheese is one of the best. This location really does do it big on anniversaries, birthdays, etc. I've had anywhere from cake to champagne. I can't say enough good things about this steakhouse, and they've even managed to perfect the "greasy but not too greasy" steak.
(5)Jenny D.
4 1/2 stars Can't stay away for long, I came back to Capital Grille again 2 days after my first visit. This time Dave was my server. He was just as nice, polite, and attentive as Valerie. Since I was dinning all alone, he let me ordered half portions at half prices, so I have more choices. Guess what I had for dinner again? Lump of crab cocktail of course, followed with lobster bisque, which by the way is much better than Capital Grille in Costa Mesa, CA. Half portion of fried calamari and half cream of corn. Follow by creme brulee, of course. Such a delicious meal for my last night in Chicago. Not sure when I will be in town again. At least I got the chance to say goodbyes to Valerie before I walked out the door. Definitely will miss Chicago and its fine dining all together.
(4)Stephy S.
Extremely fancy place! Our waiter even gave us his business card at the end of the meal...aka that type of fancy. Too bad he didn't know I can't afford to come here regularly ;) We came here for a business dinner, and our Rep ordered everything under the moon for us. Crab cakes, lobster mac and cheese, tater tots, mashed potatoes, etc. All very good sides, I recommend the mac and cheese definitely. I got the "one-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter." it was amazing!! The others got "Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with 15-Year Aged Balsamic," which was also beautiful in taste. Great meats. For dessert we got strawberries/cream, coconut cream pie, and creme brulee. The coconut cream pie was to-die for. I would've licked the plate if it was not a business dinner. All in all, great service and amazing food. Must haves of the night: the One-In Kona and Coconut Cream Pie!
(5)Dain O.
Would have to agree with review by "Jamie B" regarding the saltiness of the tuna, however it was far from inedible. Not sure where she's dining, the tuna was great, however I wish I ordered steak like the rest of my family as they loved it. Outstanding service you would expect at a place with this reputation. 4 stars because the server brought out "free desert" that was included on our bill. Sounded like an honest mistake, but I would double check your bill after they bring "free desert". Also, I don't like this trend of the drink menu on an iPad. Takes away from the classy feel. Also, there was a TV encased in a frame with a still of a painting..? Real 1st world problem here but it made me think way too much about why this was there.. is this another trend like the iPad? Are they really that cheap to project a painting rather than buy one? Overall, I would highly recommend this place if you're looking to celebrate or have the money.
(4)David S.
The Maine lobster was amazing! And their wine selection is great. Also their chocolate ganache cake. Wow. Just wow. Definitely eat here if you're in town.
(5)Jin U.
If you ever come here for a dinner, make sure to ask for Charlet Dupar-Fernando for your server. Most restaurants of this caliber are already well known for their great wine selection and incredible dry aged steaks. But Charlet went above and beyond when it comes to providing the most incredible experience at this type of restaurant. Ok, food. Food is awesome. AWESOME! I've never had such incredible dry aged steak. The flavor was just pouring out from the meat. Mashed potatoes? Smashed. Grilled asparagus? Crunchy. Half pound of Alaskan king crab legs? DELICIOUS! I had the wine tasting course. Ok, it was "just" Kendall-Jackson wines, but man did they pick out the best nes! They were all delicious (even the white wines), and Charlet's descriptions were spot on. I know sommeliers that don't come near to her accuracy. But what I must emphasize the most, was their service. I went with my niece and her parents. She's only 17 months old, still at the stage where she cries unexpectedly, pretty loudly. But the only reaction we got from the workers was "aaw, are you ok?" and "does she want a high chair?" And when we asked if she could get just corn on the cob, which wasn't even listed on the menu, Charlet went and made sure my niece got it. Incredible! In the type of restaurant that usually would turn us away at the front door? It was a great experience. I want to come back for sure.
(5)Tony Z.
We went to the Capital Grille last night for the Generous Pour and everything was Great! Great! Great! The wines served were great. The Generous Pour concept was a lot of fun. We enjoyed tasting different wines until we found the one for appetizers and another for dinner. The Chardonnay we had to be one of the best we've tried. Congrats to whoever came up with this idea. The food was great! We began with prosciutto wrapped mozzarella and dined on Filet and Lobster and NY Strip. The steaks were cooked just right and the lobster melted in your mouth. The service was Great! We sat at one of the tables in the bar area and Melissa was attentive to our needs and was very helpful with "The Generous Pour". I don't know how much longer the Generous Pour runs but if you have ever wanted to go the Capital Grille the Generous Pour is one more reason to go.
(5)svetlana k.
Great dinner with reasonable prices for a steakhouse. The restaurant itself is a bit outdated, definitely does not have that sexy hip vibe that most Chicago restaurants do nowadays. A couple of people were really dressed down on a Saturday night dinner. So if you want to come for a special occasion, maybe this is not the place because you'll feel out of place dressed up next to someone in their mom jeans and sneakers. The service was spectacular, very knowledgable server. The wine list was extensive and the prices were reasonable. As we were not that hungry we decided to split the dry aged porterhouse 24oz ($48) and the lobster Mac n cheese ($16). The steak was delicious and properly cooked to a medium rare. The server brought out our steak on separate plates, nice gesture knowing we were sharing it. One with the bone in and the other with the fillet. The lobster Mac n cheese was cheesy goodness! Maybe the lobster is not exactly necessary as the cheese overpowers the lobster flavor but overall great dish! One of the best Mac n cheese I've had in the city. Also, really good bread basket to start off the meal. Overall, a great dining experience. Not too loud either so you can enjoy a relatively quiet meal without shouting at each other. Definitely will come back.
(4)Bernice K.
First time in Chicago we wanted a fine dining experience. The food was amazing, however our server Heidi was horrible. When we asked for a drink list she brought over an iPad. That was fine but she never removed it from the table It sat there through our whole dinner. When our food came she asked how it looked and that was the last time she stopped back until it was time to drop the check. We had another server stop by and ask us how everything was cooked (even though she passed by half a dozen times), a busboy who brought water over and handed it to her she turned to walk away and he pointed to our glasses. We watched as all the other tables were being presented with wet towels. Well you know we didn't get any of those. We were so disappointed we will not visit again .
(2)Cali S.
Came to this spot after loving Capital Grille in other locations around the US. I dined in a back room with my boyfriend and a group of friends. After trying lots of Filet steaks around Chicago, I wasn't extremely impressed with the quality of steak at Capital but I LOVE the service that was provided by the waiters. They were all very accommodating and the spot has a great ambiance. They serve a great Calamari appetizer that has a little kick to it. Compared to other Steak houses such as David Burke's, Gibsons, and Chicago Cut. Chicago Cut has the best steak but Capital Grille has the best ambiance and service hands down. I'll definitely be back. Also, if you haven't already read it in the other hundred reviews, don't pass on the lobster mac!
(4)Mihir P.
We came to Chicago location for restaurant week. I've been to CG in Boston and San Francisco locations before which were amazing so I was expecting better. Clam Chowder was wonderful. My porcini rubbed filet was burned on the outside and that was unpleasant. I couldn't taste much of the porcini. Green beans were undercooked and all I could taste was super strong ginger or something which I didn't enjoy. Chocolate cake was decent - dense and served with fresh raspberries. Keep in mind, I am not much of a dessert person. Service was excellent at first but then became less personable - I will admit we were camping and just kept ordering wine after dessert. So originally I was going to give this a 2 or 3 star rating but the next day I received an email survey and pretty much wrote the same things I did above. Within hours, the General Manager called me and asked me about the experience in more detail. He profusely apologized which was very professional but think he over did it since the experience wasn't all that bad - but that is the 5-star standards they have which is super commendable. I haven't received that from the highest rated steakhouses in Chicago with similar or worse experiences. So PROPS to Capital Grille. I will no doubt be back!
(5)Kathy B.
Delicious! Top notch service, soothing old school ambience one block from the Magnificent Mile. I had the filet mignon, others in my group had the salmon, and the special of the evening tournados of beef with various rubs. All delicious! The lobster bisque was to die for. Two bottles of wine from their extensive selection. Cosmopolitans all around, delicious. And a Baileys and coffee for dessert. The perfect evening! Pricey, but worth it for a special occasion.
(5)Rocky N.
disappointed. Steak was not done right. I asked for medium rare. I got a bloody mess. By the time the server came back around and got the steak done again, every one was done eating. I tried the steak again and this time it was way over done. Didn't eat anymore of it. Paid 48 bucks for 2 bites of poorly done steak. When I asked to have it taken off the bill, the server told me I would have to wait for a while to speak with someone. I just paid it and left. I have been a Capital Grilles all over the country. Usually everything is great. I have never had this kind of experience.
(2)Dayna R.
One of THEE best steak dining experiences I've had!!!! Had a bone in prime rib which was a great cut cooked to perfection. The lobster macaroni and cheese is scrumptious!!!!
(5)Monique B.
Surprisingly, I have never been to this particular Capital Grill and am not the biggest fan of the ones I've been to in other cities. However, it's restaurant week, so I got my friends together and we went over to check them out for dinner. I'm a fan. The service was good, attentive and personalized. Adam, our waiter was very nice and gave my friend a whole box of the bread she liked to go with our leftovers. He also suggested a wonderful bottle of red wine that paired nicely both with my steak and my friend's salmon. Let me start by telling you that the restaurant week menu is a value, even at dinner because it's a $33 menu, not a $44 menu. The menu comes with a salad to start (I forget the other option), a choice of steak (6 oz. filet or larger dry aged sirloin), salmon & something else, maybe chicken as the entree and a choice of creme brulee or flourless chocolate cake for dessert. The Ceasar Salad was good, nothing amazing, and a little light on the croutons and extras, but heavy on the cheese. I had the filet and my friend had the salmon and we both ate until we were full and had some left to go. My steak was perfectly cooked, but since it was a filet it had a little less seasoning because it's such a lean cut of meat. The entree comes with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans which were both good, but nothing amazing. We added a side of lobster mac & cheese and brussel sprouts and those sides were absolutely delicious. I had the creme brulee and my friend got the chocolate cake. I'm not a chocolate person, and the cake was very chocolatey, but my creme brulee was delicious and I only planned to have a bite or two, but looked down and it was gone. Overall, a great evening and I'll have to come back to try them again.
(4)AJ H.
I visited for the $22 lunch special during Chicago Restaurant Week and got the wedge salad, seared salmon andthe flourless espresso cake. My mom ordered the same except with creme brulee'. The meal was tasty, but I'm glad we got everything for a discounted price, because had I paid full price I would have been a little disappointed. The wedge salad was supposed to have blue cheese, tasted the flavor, but not any blue cheese. The salmon and green beans were solid, but lacked flavor. I'm glad I asked the server to cook mine throughly instead of just having it seared because raw with no flavor would have totally turned me off. Both desserts were delicious! The servers are extremely attentive and very knowledgable. Being that I don't eat meat, and The Capital Grille is a steak house, I will not hold them to too high of a standard for the fish. I did see people ordering the burger for RW and it looked spectacular. So had I been a meat-eater I think my experience may have been different.
(3)John S.
One word, superb! That's all I can say. They are superb in every way! Everything I tasted was top notch. I can't wait to go back. This time I will finish the tuna entree that is so big they float it in on a boat!
(5)Sara B.
Delicious chill spot, great bartenders, amazing food! I started simply, with a bloody Mary, and then I had to have a cup of chowder. Nom nom, so good and creamy! And then I decided to try the steak tartare, which is a house specialty and highly recommended by the bartenders. Yummm. And then it was dinner time, and I was still hungry. Hungry enough for a 2lb lobster, which was scrumptious. Biggest lobster I've ever had. THE CLAW MEAT WAS DIVINE. Ps - try the white wine by La Cana, so light and crisp.
(5)Pearl T.
LOVE this place! Hubby and my four year old boy took me here for my birthday recently and we had an absolutely lovely time! It's been a tradition (13 years now) to go to a steakhouse each year for my birthday and this one is possibly easily one of my top three favorite. The food is fabulous, the ambiance is warm and inviting, and the service was fantastic. They do celebrations right! Arriving at our table, there was a signed birthday card and confetti to set the tone. After our meal, our awesome server, Matthew brought out a lovely dessert plate of flourless chocolate cake and cheesecake on the house beautifully decked out with "Happy Birthday". We ended up ordering a second dessert since that was so good and Matthew lit another candle for fun. At the end of our meal, he presented us with a nice keepsake photo he took for us. Everything was perfect here! Food: Crab and lobster cakes... solid, packed with flavor... you don't even need the sauce but it does take it over the top! Lobster bisque... wow! Huge chunks of lobster! So rich and creamy. Tenderloin and lobster entrée... Loved this! 8 ounces of filet done perfectly rare topped with sweet lobster! Kona-crusted sirloin with shallot butter... this was also fantastic and very flavorful. Kids cheeseburger and fries (off the menu)... wow... big... yummy! Scalloped potatoes... even better the next day! Flourless chocolate cake dessert was CRAZY good! It's like a big chocolate truffle! Crème brulee cheesecake... awesome! Chocolate hazelnut cake... light and fluffy and rich all at once! Looking forward to another celebration to return!!
(5)Sue M.
My bf and I came here during the restaurant week. We were seated right away, the host was very friendly. We ordered from the restaurant week menu. The server was friendly and attentive. My coworker recommend this place and the menu was very reasonable price. It was $33 pp and you get a appetizer/soup entree and dessert each. The steak i order was a little bit salty. Everything else was pretty good. I would recommend this place
(4)Jared D.
I'll get to this below, but Zack is the man. Came here last night for an early Valentine's Day dinner. They were offering a really great deal for restaurant week ($33 for dinner), so even though it's not my favorite steakhouse in Chicago, it was still very good. Food: We got the bone-in sirloin and filet, which were both perfectly grilled. The mashed were heavy on the butter, but tough to stop eating. Green beans were fine, but nothing special. The prosciutto wrapped mozzarella was tasty as well, and you get 6 on a plate, so that was a filling app. Service: This was the highlight for us. Our waiter, Zack, was super attentive and really made the dining experience an enjoyable one. He figured out we were there for V-Day, so brought us a champagne toast and a coconut cream pie for dessert (on the house)..so that was customer service at it's best. He made the steakhouse dining experience a memorable one and I would definitely recommend Zack as your waiter.
(4)Matt H.
As a chain, and one that didn't start in Chicago like Morton's, Capital Grille has some serious uphill ground to make up if it wants to be taken seriously in the city. ...you know what though? It can hold its own. The food is always delicious, and the service is very good. They tastefully make a big deal out of special events. Most steakhouses portions are huge, but these are probably excessive. Capital Grille is the only steakhouse (so far) on our Chicago steakhouse tour where we all left with that uncomfortable "somebody needs to roll me home" or "I should have worn the stretchy pants!" feeling from a Thanksgiving Day style food coma. CG isn't at the very top of my list for steakhouses, but it's solidly in the second tier.
(4)Michael B.
Absolutely amazing.. Started out with a few drinks at the bar while waiting for a table.. For a Monday night I could not believe how many people were there... After we were seated by our friendly host I was able to check out the menu. I've been to the Capital Grill in Dallas and Minnesota and both were very good, but the one here in Chicago takes the prize.. Knowing I was going to consume a 4000 calorie entree after sucking down 5 beers I decided to start out with a Caesar salad, not the most exciting choice, but it was delicious. For the main dish I went with the special Filet Mignon with a dry rub... It was prepared perfectly and one of the best tasting steaks I've ever eaten. .. It complimented the sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes beautifully. For dessert I had the coconut custard pie and highly recommend it.. Everything was simply Excellent!!
(5)Amber L.
I love this place no matter what city we are in we get AMAZING service and we have a fantastic time. Today we celebrated my birthday with steaks, drinks, and desserts. I had the kona crusted steak but made it fillet omg it was to die for. The shallot butter is so amazing. My boyfriend had the Delmonico steak he loved it. Since it was my birthday we were celebrating we ordered the creme brûlée to start just for fun. It's amazing here one of the best I have ever had. Then at the end if our meal they gave us another free creme brûlée as a birthday present. Over all it was an amazing experience with fantastic servers who will small talk and joke with u. They make u feel at home. I can't wait to go back my mouth is watering just thinking about that steak.
(5)Darren B.
Fantastic, I think they specialize in aged steaks. Don't come here if your worried about cost, as the prices are higher, not terrible though. I had the 10 ounce fillet and it was one of the top three steaks I have ever eaten. Excellent steak, I did not order any glaze or special sauces as it did t need any. I also only order steak medium rare if that helps anyone. Of the sides I tried the mashed potatoes and the Mac and cheese were excellent. The creamed corn and scalloped potatoes were not as much to my liking though others in our party did like them. We also did the largest seafood appetizer, I forget the name but it started with 'grand' in the name and was $99.00, it too was excellent.
(5)Matt F.
Wow!! Bone in filet. Almost thought I went to heaven. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection.
(5)Yvonne B.
We were feeling down after visiting the Signature Room and needed a quick rebound back to good restaurants. Our experience at the Capital Grille was just what the doctor ordered. Although we were downtown Chicago the decor of The Capital Grille reminded me of an exclusive country club or lodge. Large portraits of men followed us everywhere we went. We were ensconced in dark wood, high ceilings, and chandeliers. The space was expansive but had a row of booths for seclusion and possibly multiple rooms. The servers were smartly dressed, professional, and friendly. We loved ours. He spoke with pride about the quality of the food and the generosity of their Restaurant Week menu. Indeed, we had plenty to choose from. My salad and M's soup were alright. I had the Capital Grille Cesar Salad with anchovies. I've never had anchovies on a Cesar Salad before and it was a welcome experience but not one that I would care to repeat. Anchovies or not, there's only so much anyone can do with a Cesar Salad. We both got steaks - two different cuts and preparations. I wish I could remember what they were called because they were both fabulous. Mine were two juicy medallions that were synonymous with goodness. I recommend discussing the steaks with your server because I am confident that he/she can steer you true. We also enjoyed our sides: green beans and mashed potatoes. These were delicious but we ended up taking them home and eating them later. Lastly we had dessert. We had a rich chocolate cake and cheesecake with seasonal berries. M preferred the cake and I loved the cheesecake. It was treated like creme brulee on top and worked perfectly with the fresh fruit. We were so excited about The Capital Grille that we looked up other locations on our phone and discussed planning vacations to the cities where they were. We were so giddy about it. Those vacations might have been flighty fantasies but we probably will visit their Chicago location again.
(5)Ghiané J.
This is a truly lovely venue and the service is great. I was not impressed by the food. My steak was fairly bland and my brussell sprouts were bland as well. There are just too many great steakhouses in Chicago for me to come again anytime soon.
(3)Alyssa H.
Never disappointed after a meal at Capital Grille. Everytime my boyfriend's family is in town, we make a point to make it to Capital Grille for a nice family dinner. The hostesses, waiters/waitresses, and chefs are very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend Capital Grille for a nice evening dinner!
(5)Catherine W.
Yummy!!!! Scallops were scrumptious!!! Great wine list!!! Sit at the bar, that's where the action is!!
(5)Reggie H.
Great service from the the phone to reconfirm reservation to the end of the meal. Had my company 25 year anniversary here, and Capital went all out for me... The complementary anniversary desert plate was OTC... Thumbs up on service, food, and presentation.
(5)Sara A.
My favorite place in the city, they never failed to impress me. Their lobster Mac and cheese, Parmesan truffle fries, fried calamari are the best in the country Their steaks are superb, they also allow sharing of steaks and orders in a nice neat way. What more can you ask for?? Oh yes and if you ever had space at the end of the meal, flourless chocolate cake. And they pack your take away nicely and neatly.
(5)Howard L.
Another great Restaurant Week dinner we had at this Capital Grille. At $33 pp, it's still the best RW deal out there. They dropped the kona crusting on the 14 oz sirloin steak (which is what I had again) on the menu, but upon asking, still offer it at no extra charge. All was top notch as one might expect here - food quality and service. The decor is pretty much the same at all CG's. This one was a little different from all the others in that they offer a steamy hot towel before the dessert course. I had their delectable clam chowder and flourless chocolate cake for the other two courses. Wife had same except a Caesar's salad instead of clam chowder. Their valet parking is $12 which is very reasonable for this ritzy area of Chitown. Overall, a very nice RW outing that's really hard to beat.
(5)Billy C.
Brought clients to dinner here and it was pretty good. Luckily, we got there early and pre-dinner rush hour. We got seated right away, and even compared to Wolfgang or Morton's, I can understand why Michael Jordan liked this place so much. 2 words: Good food.
(5)Rach H.
Had a wonderful time this past weekend! Checked it out for restaurant week and was not disappointed. My filet was cooked to such a perfect medium rare I couldn't get enough. Matthew took care of us and made the experience that much better. We will definitely ask for him again. Restaurant week or not, I would definitely recommend.
(5)Jennifer W.
I've had dinner at Capital Grille several times over the years, and I can safely say that is my favorite steak house in Chicago. The ambiance is elegant yet comfortable, the food is delicious, and the service is truly exceptional. First I'll start with the ambiance. It's nice enough to go to for a special occasion, but it is spacious and cozy as well. The ceilings are high, the tables are set far enough apart, and it just as an overall elegant look. Now on the the food. Their calamari with hot peppers is the best calamari I have ever tried. It's so delicious! As for steak, I am always partial to filets, so that is all I can comment on. But it is also the BEST I've had. It's always perfectly cooked, seasoned and it's very tender. I'm not big on side dishes, but the mashed potatoes and lobster mac and cheese are always good. Finally, the service plays an equal part as the food in making me want to return. The servers are kind, helpful and respectful. Each server that I have had has gone above and beyond to make it an above average dining experience, and they succeed. This is a great spot to go for a birthday, anniversary or other celebration...or if you are just craving a great steak. :)
(5)Christine T.
Always elegant yet unpretentious or snobby. The service is top notch and the food on equal footing. Returning to the windy city by way of food snobville-San Fran it's a great scene with Lobster bisque served traditionally east coast style with Sherry to finish table side. Lobster Mac and cheese side was a generous serving and as delicious as the simple pairing suggests. Want to see the best of all in Chicago fine dining...look not further. I forgot to mention, the kitchen is open later than most, or at least we were given a great reception at our arrival of 9:30 p.m. when others turned us away.
(5)Harini P.
OK. Allow me to explain my review. This gets a 3 star for its category as a high end, expensive restaurant. I had their specialty dry Agreed steak that was hide but meh, it was OK. Not really tender, not beautifully marbled or flavorful. For the prices charged, it should have melted with a hard stare. Their mushrooms cooked in oil is divine I counted 5 different types of wild mushrooms and as a fungi lover (only edible ones not the gross, scary things that grow on walls and on some men's toes) I was in heaven! They were perfectly coooked and heavenly. The customer service was as one would expect in a place like this, awesome.
(3)Daniel R.
Not much to say other than The Capital Grille is the BEST, most consistent steakhouse in the Chicagoland area. Jim Lyman's team are all perfectly-trained, friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. The food is perfectly prepared and served in a timely fashion. The wine selection is very good (although I'd like to see "The Prisoner" and St. Suppery on the list). I look forward to my next outstanding dining experience here.
(5)Karolina S.
I had a wonderful meal here. The food was very good. The steak was perfectly prepared and the sides had a lot of flavor to them. I literally finished my food in like 8.2 minutes. Which is probably unhealthy but I couldn't help it. The wine selection was good. Now, granted, outside of Boone's Farm, all wine is good wine to me. However, the Catena Malbec we selected went sooooo well with our steaks that it almost made me really want to stop being such a wine wh*re and settle down with this bottle. Maybe order a crate or two and start a family?... Anyways, Our server was very professional and helpful. The restaurant has a very sophisticated feel to it, big paintings, dark lighting. I was feeling reaaaal classy. Loved it!
(5)Yao W.
This traditional American steakhouse provides traditionally smoked steak. The 2015 restaurant week menu allows you to try a bit of everything. Though not striking, it has high quality food.
(4)Chris T.
A very delicious steak indeed! Came here for dinner on a Friday night, and while we did end up waiting at the bar for a table much longer than the time we were quoted, it gave me a chance to discover their signature cocktail: The Stoli Dole. It's probably one of the best cocktails I've ever had: they allow Stoli Vodka to infuse with pineapple over 2.5 weeks and the result is a delicious drink that I would definitely go back for. I've seen a lot of raving about the lobster mac & cheese, but I have to say it was just ok. It was much more mac & cheese than it was lobster. As for the steaks: I had the Delmonico, and while it was very good, it was a bit on the sweet side for me because of the rub. I would probably try something different next time. My friend had a perfectly cooked porterhouse, simple and delicious. The service was good too.
(4)Monique D.
I love the Grill! This was my 3rd time going and they pulled out all the stops! It was mine and my husband's 6 months wedding anniversary and his birthday - they knew this because I put it on the reservation. We had great service. Our table was decorated and our waiter was attentive to our needs and made great suggestions about the menu. My husband got the steak and I got scallops; we shared the cream corn with bacon. Everything was awesome. His steak was like butter and my scallops were nice and sweet. We had cheese cake and the flourless chocolate cake for dessert - awesome! We look forward to going back for our year! The reason why I gave 4 and not 5 stars is because of the décor. It's a bit dated and a little weird looking at a deer head on the wall while eating. Kinda felt like I was at a bar.
(4)Benjamin A.
Birthday dinner. Best service I've ever experienced. Beautiful restaurant. Food was outstanding. Good scotch whisky selection. Outstanding experience from start to finish.
(5)John M.
We came to this temple of moophagy to celebrate my stepson's graduation from psychiatry residency. I must say that every detail was attended to with care. The staff knows your party by name. Three of us ordered Doly-Stoly pineapple cocktails that were expertly prepared and which had just a hint of sweetness. I ordered a demi of nice Bordeaux anticipating what lay ahead. Our table ordered the big porterhouse, two sirloins au poivre and a filet oscar. The steaks were big, generously cut, and wonderfully tender. The au poivre brandy sauce was celestial. For sides we got mushrooms, creamed spinach, and potatoes au gratin. That was plenty for four people. The sides are wonderful, especially the profoundly sinful potatoes au gratin. Alas, no room for dessert. This was truly a splendid dining experience. Yeah,..... I'd go again.
(5)Fontane L.
Great steak, and great service. Despite the stuffy decor, I found the staff to be friendly in a personable way. Got the sirloin with sides -- truffled fries, roasted wild mushrooms, and grilled asparagus with lemon oil. Everything was delicious, and they even had a separate menu for our gluten-free friend! The meat was perfectly cooked, and the portions were generous. Would come back! As long as we're willing to pay a pretty penny...
(4)Vikki P.
Capital grille is consistent in delivering a high quality experience including atmosphere, quality food and respectable drinks. Definitely a high end dining experience you won't regret. Of all the places I have eaten this is just one of those places where you simply can't go wrong and will never be disappointed.
(5)Matt M.
The steak is wonderful. The service is second to none. We went here for a graduation dinner and we were not disappointed. The food was phenomenally cooked. I love the ambiance. I felt like I was in the private members only club with the brothers from Trading Places. I wanted to bet someone a dollar I could build someone up and tear them down but I was busy stuffing my face. The only downside is the crowding. You feel pretty close to your neighbors on all sides. I know real estate is tight downtown but lets play the dollars-i-pay-for-dinner-real-estate-game.
(4)Melissa S.
I'll preface this review by saying we were there during restaurant week, so that often means service at least is atypical. The food was overall decent - I must say the Caesar salad and sides (especially creamed spinach!) were excellent. Unfortunately, what should be the star of the show and my husband's reason for living, the steak, was just average. Having been to pretty much every higher-end Chicago steak house, I must say that Capital Grille's steak is toward the bottom of the list. Service was just decent - but again, it was restaurant week.
(3)Max M.
3.5 stars My first visit to Capital Grille fell short of expectations. I had big expectations. "I had a great piece of steak there" I was told by quite a few people. IMHO, the steak was decent, but it certainly didn't rival Peter Luger's, CUT Las Vegas, Maestro's Chicago or even Gilt Bar. The service was excellent, though. Our server was very warm and professional. He was better than another server. When my $48.00 24 oz Dry-Aged Porterhouse arrived well done on both sides (I had ordered medium rare-medium), I alerted the nearest server. Her reply was that I should cut the center???????? The logic of course is that the center is thickest so the temperature is perfect in the center. So, you want me to pay $48 for a 24 oz piece of meat despite the fact that the only part I will enjoy eating actually weighs 8 oz. Hmmm.......No..................don't think so. SERVERS: When a patron gets a steak that is anything less than to their liking (especially for a $48 steak), just bring it back to the kitchen. MANAGEMENT: Don't put pressure on your servers to save money. It's not worth it. You lose more in the long run from decreased traffic. My server was a bit sharper and handled the situation beautifully. The second steak was cooked perfectly and therein lies my disappointment. The steak tasted good, but I was expecting bliss. I will come back and try their signature steaks: The Porcini crusted steak or Kona Coffee crusted steak. Maybe that's where the magic is. We'll see....
(3)Phil A.
Truly as good as it gets. The dry aged NY Strip au poivre with Courvoisier cream sauce is The Most Delicious Thing On Earth®. Wow. This place makes Smith & Wollensky look like a joke. You will not be disappointed at Capital Grille.
(5)#NAME?
Came here with my boyfriend's family, and was very happy we were seated in an area so that we could talk-I had not met them before so everything had to be perfect, which it was- Drinks: Everyone enjoyed their drinks, I had the Cosmopolitan and it was good, could be stronger but it was good- Food: I opted for the Filet but had it prepared the Kona crusted way, oh my goodness...I couldn't stop eating that steak! It was amazing-Cooked Rare and the seasoning on that steak was amazing- The sides we had were the Au Gratin potatoes and the Green Beans, all were so very good- I would highly recommend the Kona crusted style, lots of flavor and the shallot butter on top sets it off-
(5)Brooke B.
Capital Grille does it again. I came to this restaurant about 5 years ago and remember really liking it so I tried again and it delivered. We ordered the filets and the kona beef - they were both really great. The French Onion soup was the best I have had. My husband said the Oysters were really fresh and amazing. The lobster mac and cheese was really rich, but amazing and the truffle fries are a must! The sommelier was really helpful and we enjoyed our bottle of Cabernet. The atmosphere is really romantic. It is definitely worth the price!
(5)Crisi B.
Great service. Delicious steaks. Decadent dessert. The night we went they were having a California wine special. The waiter helped us pair the wines with our order. We were very pleased. Dinner here was a nice reward after a difficult day. The place is just extremely pleasant.
(4)Aurore L.
First steak house experience at full price!!!!!!! What a celebration indeed! Sarcasm aside - our visit to the Washington DC of all grills, the Paris of steakhouses and the London (Rome? Tokyo? no - Moscow) of bars (can NOT forget about the bar, yo) was worth every penny. Which makes me wonder how I would have been received if I had, indeed, used pennies to pay the bill.....probably not a good idea but might be worth the giggle if I ever find a wallet big enough. Me thinks that this kind of establishment is not very keen on practical jokes. Every Capital has its monuments. This one is no exception. And the landmark here is called "The Stoli Doli Tower". Never heard of it? Well....picture a huge, HUGE glass jar (complete with a little tap please) filled, crammed, packed, over-gorged with perfect pineapple slices lovingly macerating in vodka. It is so glorious that you don't even care about the price. Smooth as a baby's bottom. Or as Justin Bieber's cheeks. The Bohemian Cocktail (peach vodka, berry cordial syrup, topped with sparkling wine and raspberries) was a close second in my taste-buds records. Elegant, feminine, sexy and vibrant - the Esmeralda of drinks for all the silk lovers. As for the meat......let me just sing the words: - dry-aged steak au poivre with cognac and cream sauce - porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12-year aged balsamic Throw in the midst some lobster mac-n-cheese and creamed spinach, a glass of Garnacha and there you have it: the most talked about but rarely seen culinary boner. But I digress and got lost in the Red Light district here. My apologies.
(5)Sherry D.
Wow. We went for Restaurant Week on a busy Saturday night. I can only talk about the restaurant week menu, as we didn't look at the full menu. Filet...like butter. I'm a big Wildfire fan and all I can say is that Capital Grille has one of the BEST filets I've ever eaten. Hands down. Hubby had the ribeye with shallot butter. Cooked to perfection. For $33 each we had: Ceasar Salad / Clam Chowder Filet / Ribeye Creamed Spinach / Mashed potatoes Chocolate espresso cake / Creme brulee I wish I could afford this place more often. Thank you Restaurant Week! Our waiter Ryan, was simply fabulous. You could see how it would be easy for the servers to be snobby. It's a classy place. He was divine. No issue with ordering from the special menu... he was used to it and absolutely accommodating. I wasn't a fan of the room where we were seated. It was off to the side away from the main action. I like being in the main dining room, so I should have mentioned it when I made my reservation. We will be back.... when we can afford it!
(5)Josh G.
I ate here with a group of people for dinner. The service was great. I recommend Dan as a server; he was personable, competent, and professional. I got the classic cut of a Delmonico steak seasoned and broiled to create delicate porcini mushroom crust with a light drizzling of premium 12-year aged balsamic. It was absolutely huge. We also had the Lobster and Crab appetizers. All good. Try the Lobster Mac N Cheese as well. The pricing is high, but the taste and service is great. You also get a BIG steak.
(5)Stacey F.
Of all the steakhouses in all of Chicago, still pretty tough to beat. And the truffle fries are to die for.
(5)David C.
Sister came to town to visit for Christmas, and I wanted to take her somewhere for steak. Unfortunately, the famous Chicago-only steakhouses were mostly fully booked when I called, so I decided to take a chance on Capital Grille given 1) close proximity to where I live, and 2) good reviews I had heard. First thing to notice is the decorations at this place. A nice, classy set of decorations with oil paintings, wooden wine racks, and just an overall old-world feel to it. We arrived a few minutes early, but the Maitre'D sat us right away in a cute little booth. We were impressed by the wine list. Not wanting to get completely hammered, we asked for the list of wines by the glasses, which although noticeably shorter, was still ample for our purposes. (Short interlude: bread came out during this time. I love bread, and their toasty, warm, buttery bread did not disappoint. I had to cover the bread to keep from looking at it, because I was having trouble controlling myself from taking a piece every time the bread sat in front of my eyes. Alas, such a strategy did not pan out. I just kept eating.) Our Waiter, David (whom you should ask for), came by, to tell us about what they had going on in the kitchen that night. I loved his attentiveness to details, and how he knew what they were cooking in the kitchen. Clearly they've spent time on this. What he proposed sounded amazing, but I just wanted steak. Of course, David told us about the Chef's specials, which got my sister interested. I personally just wanted a good steak, and he recommended the 24-oz porterhouse, which I got. We also had an order of sauteed spinach for added texture to our food...okay, to feel less guilty about our dinner. I ordered a glass of Spanish red, and my sister had a Riesling. I love Spanish red wine, and this wine just went down smoooooth. So flavorful. I could not put it down. Like a party in your mouth. Then our beautiful steaks (med rare) came out. I spent 30 seconds just taking in the aroma. It was wonderful. The sirloin, a little toughter than the tenderloin, was nevertheless juicy/flavorful. Oh, and the juices...the meat juices...'twas the nectar of the GODS!! And then the silky, buttery tenderloin. I was left speechless. It reminded me why I loved meat so much. Animal proteins is good for the soul. I had a couple bites of my sister's delmonico tenderloin. It was scrumptious. Definitely a different flavor. I can't comment on too much of this, as I did not have too much of it. But sis liked it. Our waiter, who was attentive throughout although we never felt his presence when we didn't want to, came by with the desert menu. He was already 2/2 for recs, and so I asked him. He rec'd the Cheesecake. When I questioned him, he retorted: "I haven't led you astray yet, have I?" Shamed and without a good comeback, I acquiesced. We had an order to share, but they ended up cutting up the cheesecake in half onto two plates so we could each have our own plate. (I love this kind of attentiveness to detail...it shows they really try). So let me tell you about this cheesecake. It was made with ricotta cheese as opposed to cream cheese, and it certainly gave it a much fluffier yet creamier texture than any cheesecake I have had. The crust was moist yet crunchy, and wow, the layer of cream-bruleed-styled burnt sugar on top added a crunchiness and smoky sweetness that I had never before had in my gustatory adventures. And of course, the berry sauce on top. Hmm hmm hmm. Sour & sweet. Yum. And some berries, which were fresh but not straight from the berry plants, but who could blame them? We ate dinner in December of Chicago. 9.5/10 for this. Our bill came, and it was very, very reasonable for a prime time steak house in Chicago. What was amazing was the manager came out with a holiday card (we had dinner on the 23rd of December) to wish us happy holidays, and for a holiday present a $$GIFT CARD$$ for my next meal!! I guess now I just have to find a nice lady-friend to take to Capital Grille. In summary, I had a blast here. Easily one of the best meals I have had this year (on a list that includes sushi in Japan carved out, right in front of me, from a humongo tuna caught in the waters a few hrs prior). I would go back, in a heart beat, although if I keep going back, I'm not sure my heart would keep beating. I just want to say, though, I was thoroughly impressed by the level of service here. I loved how everyone, from the manager to the Maitre'D to the waiter took the time to learn my name. It certainly showed respect. You know, respect is a two way street, and I truly respect this restaurant.
(5)Scott M.
Just held my company Christmas party on Friday night. The service was great. Ask for Dan Skweres if you want a great dinning experience. The food was exceptional. We had a 3 lbs. lobster tail as an appetizer for the table. We had steaks, lamb chops, and the tuna. Everyone was blown away by the food even my guy who ordered his steak well done. Deserts, Coconut Crem Pie and Tera Misu(???), were delicious and the after dinner ports topped off the evening. No one went home hungry or unsatisified.
(5)TruReview O.
Planning a special dinner for my carnivorous husband seemed like a snap when I made reservations at Capital Grille on a Wednesday night a few weeks ago. I have attended business dinners and private events at their suburban location, and I was sure he would love it! I was SO disappointed. When I made the reservation I informed them it was a special occasion. They treated it as such when they sat us in the booth next to the door...did I say door...it is a curtain that keeps air from the freezing cold chicago winter out.....(which it did not). We ordered a VERY nice bottle of wine and had to wait for 15 minutes while our waitress came back to ask what we had ordered again. Very frustrating. When we ordered dinner he went straight for the steak which was a great call. I went with the chef's recommendation which was a filet with lobster. The lobster was NOT fully cooked and I couldn't send it back because our waitress didn't come back until our meal was virtually consumed. I asked her to get me new lobster since I did not eat the undercooked lobster which had been sitting on my plate for 35 minutes waiting for her to return. Instead she took the lobster off of my plate and returned the same lobster to me in a dish saying it had been recooked! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! So for $325.00 we had a great bus boy and an undercooked meal in a freezing yet not full dinning room. Needless to say I am very disappointed. My expectations had been set by my previous visits. I will not return .
(1)Jason S.
We ate here on recommendation of my father, a regular there. The lobster bisque was ok, but the brandy kicked it up to a solid four. Without, it was a bit too fishy (not like lobster, but fish). The wedge salad, while overpriced, was good. The quality and quantity of blue cheese made me feel not so bad about the price. The cheese was very sharp (a good thing), but still very creamy. The wife had the caprese salad and loved the variety of tomatoes. Right up front our server told us of a "one left" bone in filet mignon they had cut extra, so we told him to reserve to right away. It was a good thing we did, as he had to stop several other servers from telling about it. I inquired of the steak au poivre or the porterhouse. He recommended getting the porterhouse au poivre, which I did. I ordered it my usual medium, but ended up looking, tasting, and feeling more like well done. Plus the amount of peppercorns made any steak flavor COMPLETELY disappear. To be fair, this was the first time I had ordered au poivre, and learned from my mistake. Why one would do that to such a wonderful piece of meat, I don't know. I pointed out the well done-ness of the steak, and he said it was due to it being a dry aged steak. Again, first time for a dry aged. I've had a 45 day wet aged before, and found it lacking. He offered to get me another steak cooked rare or med-rare. I ordered it med-rare, and had him leave the au poivre off. This was what I was after. Meat so tender, I was able to cut the fillet portion with my fork. The flavor of dry aging, which is why it is so expensive, came through beautifully. For sides, we ordered the mushrooms, fries, and creamed spinach. The mushrooms are an absolute buy if you are a fungus head as we are. The spinach was good, but not great. It had an unusual flavor I enjoyed, but the wife didn't. The fries are a bit of a mixed basket. The truffle flavor definitely came through, and they almost had a creamy mouth-feel, despite being fried. The mix part is they also kind of reminded me of fried I've had cooked in dirty oil, for a tenth the price. As for service, both our waiter and the bus-man were very attentive without being intrusive. Water glasses were promptly refilled, as were the San Pellegrino glasses with the bottle being kept on ice. The knocked star was for not mentioning the need to rarify my dry aged steak one notch. Also, I was still charged for the au poivre after canceling it. Also, everyone else in the room (6 tables) was given a free desert or two, while that wasn't offered to us. It may have been the $20 of meat they trashed earlier, but I still felt a bit slighted. Also, the mood spot lighting was like the Eye of God was looking at me. It was the only one in the room that was bright white, versus light tan(?). It was literally blinding me from the reflection off the silverware. We did change to the next table over, and it was much better. The server and manager both attempted to adjust it with no success, but they didn't seat anyone else there after our complaint. As we were finishing, a party with several children was seated near by (thankfully they were as well behaved as my own) and the staff did accommodate their kid tastes. I saw some regular Mac-n-cheese and chicken fingers go by. They also brought the kids food out much before their main entrees arrived, which as a parent tired of eating cold food, I really appreciate. I would not bring my kids here however, as a $200 dinner for just the adults is a bit more special than a family restaurant.
(4)Taryn T.
This is a really, really solid place if you're looking for a nice dinner out with your family or your s.o. (or if you have to make a last-minute reservation and want a guaranteed yummy place that won't be all booked up). It's pricey, but you can count on the fact that your meal will be awesome. I had the seared tenderloin with butter poached lobster - it was phenomenal (and tender indeed!) and I split the side of asparagus with my friend (definitely big enough to share). The atmosphere is definitely quiet and comfortable rather than trendy and buzzing, but there's nothing wrong with that. I saw a lot of families and couples of all ages here - this place definitely doesn't target any one demographic in particular. Service was friendly, informative and relaxed. I will definitely be coming back here with my family.
(5)BOB M.
The Porterhouse was the best ever cooked the way I ordered it (so a good vet could bring it back to life) Good service and Lobster bisk was excellent.
(5)Liz B.
Definitely the most expensive place I've ever eaten at. However, for reasons I will not mention, my dinner was completely on the house. I am SO lucky and thankful that I got to experience this amazing dinner. I will list what I ate because there is no other way to explain how good this food is. You must try everything I mention. Because I'm on yelp, and you trust me. Apps: -Lobster Crab Cakes -Field Greens Salad w/ Parmesan vinagrette Entree: -Sliced Filet with Mushroom sauce (mushroom sauce does not give enough credit) Sides (share): -Lobster mac&cheese -Mashed Potatoes -Potatoes Au Gratin Desserts (SHARE) -Pumpkin cheesecake -Flourless chocolate cake -Coconut custard pie Wine -Some organic Pinot Noir. Ask for it if you're feeling lucky There is meat hanging in glass cases but its totally okay. Do NOT come here if you don't plan on getting steak. You must get it. Thank you Capital Grille for my first (and definitely not last) steak experience!
(5)Hrayr A.
The food is very, very good and the service is outstanding.
(4)Deez N.
One of the better steakhouses in the city, chain or not. But you have to order right. The things to get here are either the kona crusted sirloin or the porcini rubbed ribeye. They are unique and excellent. Overall, steakhouses are a bit pricey, and capital grille is no exception to that. But in terms of consistency and the unique taste of those 2 rubbed steaks, I am a fan of cap grille. Im also a fan of mastros, but each will do the job if craving that big chunk of meat.
(4)Nate B.
I had never been to the Capital Grille before, but after reading all the great reviews on Yelp, I chose to take my girlfriend there to propose last night. The service was incredible and our waiter helped us choose a fantastic bottle of wine. We ordered the lobster bisque and crab cakes and savored every bite. For our main course we ordered the ribeye and filet mignon. Both were cooked perfectly to our liking and every bite was unbelievably good. When I got down on one knee, our waiter sprung into action, taking pictures for us. We called our parents to tell them the good news while sharing a fantastic creme brûlée. I couldn't have asked for a better meal or service on our special night. Thanks for the memories Capital Grille. We will be back to celebrate anniversaries in years to come!
(5)Liz W.
I went to the Capital Grille for the first time in many years (the last time was Boston, maybe 2004 or 2005?) for their Summer "Generous Pour" event and was very happy that I did. For $25, Capital Grille is doing sort of a "bottomless" tasting of 9 different wines picked out by George Miliotes (Master Sommelier). Daniel (our waiter) was able to intelligently guide us through the various wines, glass by glass, and was happy to clear away a glass we didn't like, or freshen up a favorite. The wines were really unique, and covered a broad spectrum of tastes (light, full-bodied, international, domestic, etc.) but the standout favorite was the Tarmima Hills, a new, trendy Monastrell from Spain. It was fun learning about and tasting them all, though! As appetizers we had the pan friend calamari with hot cherry peppers (I'm picky about my calamari and spicy is not my thing so I could have done without this) and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with vine ripe tomatoes (perfection). Apparently Capital Grille makes their own mozzarella, and it's to die for! As a main I ordered the bone-in Kona crusted dry age sirloin with shallot butter. The cut of meat was substantial, and it was prepared to my liking but the Kona rub (made from coffee) was so delicious I could have done without the typical 2 cups of steakhouse butter drenched on top. Also, I can never finish my steak but the leftovers make a nice steak salad the next day, just slightly less so with cold, fatty butter on top. This is probably my own doing, though, always order sauces on the side. As sides we got lobster mac and cheese (delicious!) and sauted spinach (impressively fresh). For dessert we tried the flourless chocolate espresso cake (so-so) and the strawberries capital Grille, which was accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream (also house made). I'm never that blown away by steakhouse desserts, but I'm a sucker for handmade ice cream/gelato/lemon ice. All in all, Capital Grille seems to be a rare breed of steakhouse that's genuinely interested in attracting new clientele and keeping up with food/wine trends all the while not forsaking its bread and butter (in this case, steak). Plus, $25 for at least 9 generous pours is one of the best kept secrets in town!
(4)Chris S.
Great steakhouse. Nothing to complain about.
(4)Paul O.
Really great burger. I wish it was on the menu all day long.
(4)Kim H.
We came here for our wedding anniversary and included a note about it in the reservation. When we arrived there were rose petals, a beautiful long stem rose, and a happy anniversary card at the table...awesome! Now the food left more to be desired. We had the crab cakes which were phenomenal. My husband ordered the sliced steak with wild mushroom and I ordered the tenderloins with lobster, both were ordered medium. One of my tenderloins came out well done and the other was partially medium and partially well. They did end the night well with a complimentary creme brule and flourless chocolate cake on the house. Overall, I've had better experiences with steak/beef and expected more for the money.
(3)Lixin Z.
Mother's day! Where I take my mommy for dinner. My criteria for fancy dinning are 1. Expensive; 2. Slow; 3. Tiny food portion; 4. Dark; 5. Okay taste but not worth the value. The Capital Grille rarely fulfill any of the criteria which was surprising, mostly in a positive way. We were hanging somewhere downtown Chicago while a lady called to double confirm my reservation (which I made a while ago via Yelp). That was very thoughtful and definitely an efficient marketing strategy running a business, particularly during this special moment of the year. We lived rather close to the place so we walked over for dinner. Was slightly lost but prob was because the direction we walk towards. Found it eventually. No waiting, we got a good spot right away. Food wise, the portion was shockingly HUGE. I ordered a steak (don't quite remembered the name) and my mom got a tuna. The tuna was DELICIOUS, but the steak was okay, personally thought it was a bit over-done. Also, come'on, this is a fancy restaurant, they could've done a bit better job on the plate decor. Dessert, we ordered a chocolate hazelnut cake. I wasn't sure if it was for mother's day but, man, that was hell a lot of cake. The waiter was pretty great, but again, I wish they could've done better, nothing specific, but I feel slightly awkward sitting there eating (but after all, maybe that's how fancy restaurants should make you feel?) Another thought, the atmosphere was great, except when I was trying to use restroom, I noticed it was somewhat hard to move around since that place was really packed and seats were way too close to each others between tables. Should've done better on that as well. Overall, nice experience. But to be a five star restaurant, Capital Grille still needs some more improvement.
(4)Aida G.
Went on a Saturday night. It was deff busy but not too overcrowded. We ordered a bottle of their Riesling and the Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with Vine Ripe Tomatoes...The best tasting tomatoes I've ever tasted. My salmon was good, his porterhouse was fantastic. So glad there's a local capital grille!!
(4)Boon K.
I come here because I took my BF to the philly location on his birthday because he wanted a good steak and we just started dating. So I took him here for tradition. The service was great. They had a birthday card waiting for him and it was signed by the staff. You can't go wrong ordering the coffee rub steak and the ice berg salad but this time they the waygu beef and it was perfection. The came out a great chocolate cake and candle for him.
(4)Linda H.
Great food!!!! I would have given them 5 stars but I think their prices are too high.
(4)Dave P.
All their steaks are aged and delicious. The bread and crackers they give you are really good too.
(4)Adam B.
Excellent steak, and the seafood tower was perfection. Very enjoyable experience from a picky diner.
(5)Mandy A.
In making the rounds of Chicago Steakhouses, this was always on the list but never a high priority. My husband picked this one as his Restaurant Week choice and we went on a Friday night before going out to a concert. I should have known better not to gorge on steak before going to stand in a crowded bar for a couple hours but the temptation was too great. The first thing I noticed was the level of hospitality and personal treatment this place obviously takes seriously. They have a card with your name on it and everyone from the hostess to your server knows your names and calls you by them. Interesting tactic. I started off with the pineapple infused vodka on a recommendation from a coworker and it was great. I almost thought he just gave me pineapple juice it was so smooth. The RW menu was pretty straightforward. Honestly I couldn't even tell you what the other entrees were because my eyes went straight to the 8 oz filet. We both got the caesar salad but I think there was a house salad and clam chowder as options. We both got the filet, they let the husband put blue cheese on his which was nice. They split an order each of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes for us to share which was a perfect amount. Seriously steakhouses need to get the side portions UNDER CONTROL. The steak was perfect and I almost stopped our server to ask how it was seasoned but I didn't because I'm a chicken. It was delicious. I ate it all. And then all of the sides because they were great too. Then dessert came... I got creme brulee, my standby. And husband got the flourless chocolate cake. I ate all of mine and then half of his. I couldn't stop, it was like fudge! So rich and decadent. YUM. The best part? They called my house a week later to make sure we had a great time and enjoyed ourselves. That is just crazy but I will remember that next time I'm thinking about a steakhouse...
(5)Lyn B.
Was really looking forward to going here, so Restaurant Week was a great excuse. The service was top-notch. There was someone waiting for us upon arrival to open our cab door, and at the end of the night someone hailed a cab for us so that we could wait inside rather than outside in the cold. When we walked in, someone helped us to get seated right away, and another person immediately took our coats to the coat check. Our waiter was very helpful when it came to recommending wine and certain dishes. We had a great seat in the front of the restaurant looking out onto the street, which at night with the snow falling was really beautiful. Finally, at the end of the night, our waiter brought us complimentary champagne to celebrate the anniversary of our engagement. It was so thoughtful, and was a nice added touch! The food was solid. We started with the fresh greens salad and the Caesar salad. Both were just okay- nothing special. The presentation was actually sub-par, but both tasted fine. The steaks were the main event, and the real deal! I got the torpedoes, and my husband got the kona-encrusted steak. Both were perfectly cooked to how we ordered them, and had great flavor! For sides, the mashed potatoes were awesome, and the creamed spinach was very good too! For dessert, the chocolate cake was excellent, and the creme brulee was good. Overall, I wouldn't rush to come back here, but was definitely a fan and would look forward to returning if someone else wanted to!
(4)Aimee C.
Very nice restaurant to try good food and spend time with family. However, the seats are kinda small. Be sure to dress up for this restaurant if you don't want to feel awkward.
(5)Jeff R.
Since it was my first time at CG I was thrilled that they offered us a generous three course meal. We started with a single lollipop lamb chop, as well as appetizers of calamari, prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, and caprese salad. The mozzarella is made in house, which was quite delicious in the prosciutto. I loved the calamari served with hot Cherry Peppers. It was fried but not too over done, and the peppers added a nice kick (maybe too much depending on the person). The regular caprese was only ok compared to the other sides. My main course was the Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter (pictured at top). It was a very tasty piece of steak. I loved the blackened crust, which had Kona (i.e. coffee) in it and the shallot butter was an excellent addition. The portion size was plenty for me and if I had any self restraint I should not have finished my plate. In addition to the steak, there were sides of lobster mac 'n cheese and spinach passed around. I thought the mac was good, but Erica knows her mac and said it was one of the best she's had in a while. Something I've forgotten to mention were the wine pairings. For each course we had two different selections (as could you if you take part...). The highlight to start was the Marquis de la Tour, NV (sparkling wine), while my steak paired well with the delicious Chalk Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006. Each main had different pairings so the Tarima Hill Monastrell, 2009 was a top choice with Erica's fillet. Finally, the dessert course arrived with a delicious wine called The Portly Gentleman from Australia. It went perfectly with our flourless chocolate espresso cake and strawberries in vanilla ice cream. I'm not much for chocolate cakes but this was excellent and the ice cream and strawberries hit the spot. I was lucky our server was extremely generous in his offering of the "port." A real nice way to end the meal. I don't know many people that have been to The Capital Grille but count me as one of their fans. It was a generous (wink wink) event that allowed us to experience their high quality food as well as preview a fantastic deal for wine drinkers. I really enjoyed my steak (something I haven't said in a while), and thought our appetizers and sides were equally impressive (followed by a rich and satisfying dessert). Any meal is going to taste a little better when you don't have to see the bill, especially when good wine keeps flowing too. But I would recommend TCG and will keep it high on my list for a good steak dinner in the city. AND don't forget to go now while the Generous Pour event is available.
(4)C R.
This is high end restaurant which won't disappoint from the moment you step in. The wait staff exceptionally attentive and very knowledgeable about the preparation of the food. You can go for business dinner or a great dinner with your significant other. They made you feel comfortable as my friend and I were a bit underdress. Definitely try the lobster and crab cakes, the fresh mozzarella, tomato & basil salad, Kona crusted sirloin, the glazed salmon. If you have room, share the flourless chocolate cake. The wait staff will also help you with your wine selection if you are wine savvy like me. They are there to help out. So, do not hesitate to ask questions. It is on the pricey side, but well worth it. So start saving your pennies. You will have a fantastic dining experience. Bon Appetite!
(5)Jill W.
It was my last night in Chicago and I wanted a steak. I asked around and was told to go to the Capital Grille. I was seated at a table in the back, facing the kitchen. It was amazing to watch the food fly out of there with the care and precision that I would expect from a great restaurant (yes, I've watched many Kitchen Nightmares episodes and I don't think Gordon Ramsey would find anything wrong with this place!). My waiter, Paul, was superb! If you go to this restaurant, ask to sit in his section, you won't be sorry. He brought me a sampler of the house cocktail, which was some vodka thing that tasted very yummy. He was knowledgeable of the entire menu, wine list, etc. All I had to tell him was what I liked and he immediately gave me recommendations for wine and food which were spot on. I went for a bottle of the syrah because they were out of the Malbec, which was my first choice. Dinner consisted of the spinach salad with warm bacon dressing (can't say no to anything with bacon), the truffle fries, side of mushrooms, and the procini Delmonico drizzled with the aged Balsamic. I usually like my steak rare, but Paul explained that with this cut of meat, a medium or medium rare would enhance the flavor of the steak. Once again, I listened and boy was I glad I did! The meal was to die for! At the end of the meal, I was stuffed with a half bottle of wine to go and I didn't want to take up his table, so Paul found me a spot at the bar to watch the hockey game and finish my wine. Stacy, the manager, was extremely helpful and welcoming and I saw her come back to the kitchen area to check on the staff and the food from time to time, very impressive. Carlos, the bus boy was extremely friendly and certainly brought a huge smile to my face. Honestly, this was a perfect night. The service here was top notch, my needs were anticipated and met before I knew I needed anything. This is going to be one of my go-to restaurants every time I am back in town. Now time to try the Capital Grille in LA and see if it compares... the bar has been set pretty high tho!
(5)Allison V.
I have been here a couple of times and loved it both occasions. My most recent experience was for my birthday with my boyfriend and parents. We also celebrated father's day. Our server was great and even gave us his card at the end of the meal for our next dinner. Caesar salad was great. We were also brought out a sample portion of their lobster bisque. A variety of bread is in a basket on the table. There is a giant wine selection and the servers offer suggestions which is nice. There is also beer and full bar. The beer list is small and could use some help in the microbrewery department, but that was not a problem. My dad and I opted for the double cut lamb rib chops......these are prepared perfectly and melt in your mouth. nom nom nom My boyfriend and mom chose the 22oz Porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12-year aged balsamic. This steak was gigantic and flavorful. They recommend that your share the sides. We ordered a full onion ring, a full Sam's mashed potatoes, and a half sauteed spinach. Since our serve overheard it was my birthday he brought a special dessert plate to our table which included the flourless chocolate espresso cake and the creme brulee. The creme brulee was out of this world. The flourless chocolate cake was served with berries and the berries were the highlight of this dessert. Cappuccino was also had and tasted great after a hearty meal. My parents were happy. My boyfriend and I were happy. It was a magnificent place to celebrate our special occasions.
(5)Ashley C.
I came into the Capital Grille with my mom and two of her friends for lunch. We'd just gotten an email regarding a $15 lunch so we decided to check it out before the deal expired. Interestingly enough, the items offered on the $15 fare were of no interest to me, and while the Stoli Bolis (martinis made from Stoli vodka and pineapple fermented in a large jar kept on the bar for weeks at a time) are always great, the mint lemonade seemed more lemon-y and less minty for the $3.50 they charged for them. While this restaurant is beautiful on the inside, smells of steak and truffles in the air, each and every detail is addressed by the staff, from the waitress ensuring that the valet had our car, to the glasses being refilled without being asked, etc... I just am somewhat disappointed in the oddness of the taste of the lobster roll featured on the $15 'summer' menu..it was a big letdown.
(3)Vee V.
Ask to be seated in Heather's section. She will treat you like you're the most important person she's met today. This was our third trip to the Capital--all three dinners were fabulous, and each experience was completely different, but in a good way! Perfect timing for each course, no feeling of being rushed in the slightest and some of the best food I've ever eaten. I'm now telling myself "it's only 4 hours away"....
(5)Gian Marco D.
This is a great place for steaks, with excellent service and great food. The ambience is discrete, with an appropriate distance between tables. Dimmed lights make it perfect both for a business meal or a date.
(5)Corinna K.
Nice classy place and perfect for a business lunch/dinner. Corner location was in a nice busy area and easy to find. I was here for a business lunch a few months ago to become aquainted with some new colleagues. Atmosphere was very nice with dark rich colors and the server and staff were all polite, friendly and efficient. The food was very very good. Loved the bread! The chunky clam chowder was smooth, creamy and delicious with just the right amount of saltiness. The lobster and crab stuffed shrimps entre was scrumptious! When I saw just three shrimps on a plate served, my first thought was "I guess I won't be full". But let me tell you, don't be fooled by the lacking impression. Those shrimps were HUGE! And they were stuffed....make that totally overstuffed...with chunks of lobster and real crab meat. One of the tastiest, perfectly cooked seafood that I ever had. We ended with creme brulees for dessert which was a sweet end for a very nice meal. Definitely recommend especially for business-type events. Might be a bit on the stiff side for families who would enjoy a more casual atmosphere.
(5)Barbara B.
This is my favorite steak place in town. Kona crusted sirloin. Caesar salad. Creamed spinach. Creme brulee. As my friend says "eating here makes me feel like a rich old man." The staff is phenomenal and so is the food! Perfect place to celebrate.
(5)Sunil D.
The one push back I ever get about this place, when I claim it in my top three steakhouses is: "but its a chain...." If you can shake that stereotype, CG is one of the best places in the city to go with clients, a night on the town with the guys or a special date. Their service is top notch and really makes you feel comfortable whatever the occasion or crowd your with. The decor is over the top, in a good way. It has the feel of a grand ballroom, with huge wine displays and high ceilings. The only negative to the layout is the bar is small/cramped and in the flow of traffic. Then again you're not coming here for the bar. The food is unbelievable, I've never had a bad meal in the dozens of times I've been here. Steaks are always perfectly cooked and portions are always huge. My go to is the kona rubbed sirloin, which I was strong armed by a waiter to order a few months back (if you don't like it, I'll give you your money back was his claim). It has an unbelievable unique flavor that I can't begin to explain, so you'll just have to order it next time. Other highlights are - The wedge salad, calamari with banana peppers and the best mac n' cheese ever, loaded with lobster chunks. The wine menu is huge and although I'm no wine aficionado, the waiters have always been knowledgeable in recommending a reasonably priced selection that tastes great. The place isn't cheap, but I always leave here feeling like I've gotten my moneys worth. With that said, be sure to snag a reservation during Chicago's Restaurant Week. Unlike their competitors they don't downsize the portions and menu's for the fixed price offering. Your three courses meal end up being less than the price of a regular priced entree/steak. I usually avoid RW because of the "modified menu" offerings from most restaurants, but CG is one of the best values in town during that time.
(5)Jaime D.
Food was OK. Service was decent. A bit over priced, but that's what you expect in a steakhouse.
(3)Dan L.
The service was very personal, and attentive. The porterhouse steak was excellent, and the au gratin potatoes side was very tasty. The steam spinach was a bit over cooked but not bad. Nice mahogany paneled motif and ambiance; like the traditional American chophouse that it is.
(5)Jeremiah Z.
When I go out for a steak, chain places like Capital Grille or Ruth's Chris are usually not at the top of my wish list. But as a foodie, you have to respect talent and a good product and I believe that's what you get here. I feel that its a safe choice when choosing a steakhouse in Chicago and they serve prime aged beef so thats definitely good. I wouldn't say its a place I go for the atmosphere, but the interior is nice enough and we all had a good time. The service is excellent though and that counts for alot in my book....probably the main reason I'd take this place from 3 stars to 4. I've had some appetizers here that are just average and the same for dessert. And its expensive just like the other top steakhouses in the city so be prepared to pay. I don't like that you can go to this place in multiple locations here in Chicago as well as nationwide....that takes away from Capital Grille a little in my eyes. But its a minor point and the steaks here will definitely satisfy!
(4)Julia B.
I was beyond excited to come here during restaurant week, as $33 for a 4-course meal here is a steal. The other several times I've been here I was not responsible for the bill, thankfully, as it is pricey, but definitely worth every penny for a special occasion. First of all, whoever thought the lobster mac n'cCheese is a genius, pure genius. This is by far my favorite dish here, and it's only a side. I realize that Capital Grille might not be the first restaurant to serve such a delicacy, but they definitely do it the best. The lobster pieces are medium-sized and perfectly tender and the mac n' cheese is, well, you just need to try it; your tastebuds will thank you. The clam-chowder is great, but the lobster bisque is phenomonal (I am noticing a trend here). Second of all, the steaks, oh my the steaks. I had the Kona-crusted 8 oz filet this time (usually 10 oz although I thought it was the perfect size) and it was cooked to perfection (medium well for me). Crispy kona crust outside and tender, juicy, succulent meat on the inside with a tiny bit of pink=perfect. Probably one of the top 10 steaks I've had in my life. I also remember the sirloin being equally delicious on a past visit. Finally, the desserts are beautifully displayed and taste even better than they look. I was with a group of girlfriends so we just got one of each of the desserts available on the price-fix menu which included ceme brulee, flourless chocolate espresso cake, chocolate & vanilla ice cream, and cheesecake (given to us bc they were out of sherbet) All were tasty but the cheesecake was by far the rest. And I don't even like cheesecake! Not only the food was amazing, but the service is some of the best I've had in Chicago; the waiters here are very attentive. Also, their wine list rocks! Come here hungry and be prepared to eat a lot and leave in an absolute state of gastronomic satisfaction.
(5)Jeighsen C.
We were celebrating 2 birthdays while visiting Chicago so diner was a must. Our server Dave P. went above and beyond to impress everyone at our table. His presentation of the menu was very informative, pace of meal was wonderful and desert was great. My is suggestion is to request Dave P., order the lobster mac, and a piece of espresso chocolate flourless cake and enjoy.
(5)ning j.
For us carnivores, filet mignon is the ultimate prize! To me, the perfect filet is crispy on the outside and of course tender on the inside. I prefer mine medium rare. So of course a journey to the Capitale Grille meant that I must get the filet mignon! Both the fiancee and I got the mignon because we didn't want to start growling at each other when there wasn't enough of it go around. The other appetizers on the restaurant week menu that we got were the clam chowder and cesar salad, both of which were good but nothing to howl about. The filet sadly did not satisfy my inner carnivore. It wasn't very crispy on the outside and not as tender and tasty as the filets I've had at both Joe's Seafood and McCormick and Schmick (YES! Both of which are seafood places!). And mine was more rare, rather than medium rare. Lastly we had the creme brulee and orange sherbert, both of which were pretty yummy! I love it when they increase the surface area of the brulee by using a wide and shallow dish to maximize the caramelized sugar! Although there is a slim chance that I'll be returning, it is important to note that both the ambiance and service were good.
(3)Moni K.
If I had to describe this experience in one word it would be classy. We were greeted by an extremely attentive maitre d'. They were able to accommodate us even though we did not have a reservation. The service while professional was relaxed and not over-orchestrated. This is classic American cuisine. I had basically a whole chicken (most of which I took home, as it was too much to eat at once) french fries, potatoes au gratin, and my husband had the salmon.The taste was impeccable, we felt thoroughly satiated and relaxed upon our departure. The ambiance created by the 1920-30's porter style uniforms of the waiters/waitresses and the whole art deco look of the place, with Sinantra in the background was amazing. Pricey, but highly recommended!
(5)Brandon B.
I have a very restricted diet, but I can eat meat, so I tried this place out. The waiter was very accommodating. He asked questions and had several suggestions. The steak was amazing! The service was second-to-none!
(5)Charizard B.
We went here for our last dinner in Chicago, and we were thrilled. The service was friendly and quick. We ordered the Delmonico steak and shared it (nice touch- they served us separately) and it was delicious. Tender and super flavorful, just how a steak should be imo. We had some mashed potatoes on the side, and they were awesome as well. I'd never had creme brulee before, and I'm a very very picky eater, but it was soooo divine. If only it weren't so expensive. . .
(5)Joe X.
Two fantastic meals here while in Chicago. Superb food.
(5)Susan B.
Steak, steak, steak. The waiter was very good about listening to our requests for the exact amount of cooking (even down to the temperature). He brought my husband's rib eye - specified to the cook as "rare" - indicating that if it was not perfect, he'd have them put it back for just a bit. That's what happened, and it was perfect in the end. My sirloin strip was perfect 'out of the box'. We opted out of all the sauces, wanting to taste the best Chicago has to offer, as is (we were first time tourists to the city and very fussy about steak). So we enjoyed it immensely, and the service was extra attentive. The mushroom side was over seasoned, but we had no other complaints. We were there on a Sunday night, and it was quiet and peaceful.
(4)Jennifer S.
Fantastic!
(5)Luckie D.
Hunger pains and deep pockets you can't miss. My filet was a perfect med. rare, the baked potato was outstandingly tender and my salad was crisp, cool and fresh. They are who we thought they were..... Service, food, ambience they have it all once again confirming you do in fact sometimes get what you pay for. Way to go CG! Hey, somebody has to eat it.......
(4)A W.
Great meal. Great service. The filet was awesome and perfectly prepared. We ordered the au gratin potatoes and they were ice cold in the middle. We made the server aware of this and they appeared extremely concerned this happened. Only negative was that we were almost done with our meal when the new order arrived. But they made up for it with providing complimentary desserts... I highly recommend the place.
(4)Michael E.
This is what I would call your baseline, high end, franchised restaurant. Now I write that not as a bad thing....so let me explain. Capital Grill, though they differ from city to city in their look and feel, offer a consistent menu with what I consider excellent service and food. But I would recommend that you focus on the steaks as I feel they excel in how they prepare 2 inch+ steaks...which is a talent (given the right quality of meat and profession grilling equipment *wink*). The food is not cheap, but again it speaks to the level of quality. Wine and grain alcohol selection is extensive. There are affordable bottles of wine in the $30 to $40 range. This is both a special occasion as well as a "treat myself to a great dinner" place. Go after the happy hour crowd departs...typically after 7pm and dine in this establishment during the week versus weekends as they can be crowded due to tourists. You'll see MANY business dinners occurring in this establishment. I cannot comment on lunches at this time, mainly for the fact I'd never pay those prices for a lunch....dinner yes, lunch, never. Service is dead on. Tip accordingly. Reservations can be made via their website and I'd recommend this if you eat in the "sweet spot" between 6pm and 8pm. For this location, I'd recommend a booth, facing the kitchen grill area, but farthest away from the hall to the bathrooms (which are considerably down the hall). The view and activity will add to the eating experience. Stay away from the tables facing the kitchen and in the bar area.....too much noise and traffic. Valet your car if you drive. It is $12, but parking decks near by will cost more than $16. Just don't stay longer than 3 hours as there is an extra charge. I recently ordered the chopped salad...which had a bit of spicy to it with sliced banana peppers....which I felt was great. Next was the 14oz Sirlon.....a BIG piece of meet. Personally I'd recommend eating no more than 10oz of meet in this place if you get anything else with your meal, e.g. appetizers, salad, etc. There will be a ton of food. Also, keep in mind if you eat along the side dishes can be "halfed" if you request it, but the wait staff should proactively make the suggestion. You should be brought a hot towel after your cocktail, but before your first food item arrives. This is a high end place everyone should treat themselves to every once in a while (meat eaters that is.....).
(4)Kelli A.
Hubby and I went here for lunch for my birthday. We started off with the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp was fresh and the cocktail sauce was well flavored and not too spicy. My hubby had the ribeye steak sandwich with caramelized onions and havarti cheese. I had to steal some of his sandwich. We both agreed it was the best steak sandwich we've ever had. He had chips with his steak sandwich. The chips are made in house and tasted amazing. I had the lobster and crab burger. It was extremely flavorful and delicious. The tartar sauce that came with it was also amazing. I had fries with my burger and they were some of the best fries I've ever had. We will definitely be coming back.
(5)Vickie L.
Food was just okay, not really worth the price, go to Morton's for a better steak. But the service is TOP NOTCH. We went for my boyfriend's birthday, I called ahead of time to tell them it was his birthday, they said they would make it special, and boy, did they!!! MORAL - GO FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION and they will make it special! If it's not a special occasion, go somewhere else for a better meal. When we walked in and gave our name, the maitre d said "Happy Birthday" right away. The hostess walked us to our table and again said HB. There was a small card at the table that said HB and the entire waitstaff had signed it! Our server Rick (?) was wonderful, attentive, but not overbearing. Water was filled constantly. When we got our leftovers, there was a little pre-printed card from the Chef, and the Chef actually signed it. At dessert time, they comped us a dessert with a candle. They also brought us 2 complimentary glasses of champagne. Lastly, our waiter brought over a digital camera and took a picture of us and had it printed out and put in a paper frame. It was definitely the little touches and outstanding service that made this birthday very special.
(4)Sunny D.
This is my go to place in Chicago. Love the ambiance, love the food and love the service. Highlights: garlic truffle french fries, lobster macaroni. I ordered the Halibut and also a mozarella/basil salad. Both were great. Until next time...
(5)Lisa C.
Celebrated my boyfriend's birthday here and had a great experience. I made reservations via Opentable and had wrote 'Celebrating BF's birthday' in the comments section. When we arrived, BF was greeted with 'Happy Birthday' from the hostess. A birthday card was sitting at our table. Service throughout the night was impeccable - from our server to the bus boy. On to the food - bread basket offering was good - nice, warm, and tender in the middle. We shared the pan fried calamari with hot cherry peppers, chopped salad, lobster mac and cheese, and the porcini rubbed Delmonico. The calamari was lightly battered and tender...and slightly hot, thanks to the hot cherry peppers. Chopped salad was lightly dressed and a great choice to balance out the wonderful steak we had afterwards. Since we told our server, Phillip, ahead of time, that we were sharing everything, the steak came to our table already cut into pieces. It was absolutely delicious, so juicy, so tender! Just writing about it is making my mouth water. I wish we weren't in public so i could take the bone and gnaw the meat off it without people casting judgement. Lobster mac and cheese is awesome!!!! Topped with actual lobster meat and crunchy bread crumbs. The bf who normally does not like mac and cheese loves it! Last but not least, the complimentary flourless chocolate espresso cake with raspberries was indulgent and rich but not too heavy. The small touches from the birthday greetings to the birthday card to the complimentary cake and champagne made this a memorable event. Thank you, Capital Grille and Philip! We will be back!
(5)Francis K.
The food and service here were amazing. The calamari made a great appetizer and could have filled us up, but luckily our main courses came out just at the right time. The steaks were so tender and flavored to perfection. To top off it, they had the most amazing cheesecake ever. Top notch service and a little taste of heaven makes this place a must-try for all.
(5)Samantha H.
I was quite pleased with Capital Grill. I'd put it on par with Mortens (with steak, price, and ambiance). The decor is modern chophouse, similar to Mortens. The service was great and the service was wonderful. As for steaks, I got a filet (8 oz even though they had a 10 oz on the menu) with some chipollini onions and mushrooms. A few people got their steaks with the Kona crust. My husband got the Delmonico. While mine was prepared to the most perfect medium rare possible, his was a tad overcooked but the crust was good. My filet was flavorful and very yummy. Some things to keep in mind, they actually will divide most of their sides in half. So we got a full of the mashed potatoes (awesome) and full of the lobster mac and cheese (which was good but not outstanding, I've had better) and a half of the creamed spinach and asparagus. All were very good. The sommelier was very pleasant as well. Overall, up there with the awesome steakhouses in Chicago, but not Bennys Chophouse!
(4)anthony t.
Kona Crusted New York. Thats all I need to say about Capital Grille. Its great and although the atmosphere is a little stuffy that steak is great.
(4)Samantha L.
I came here last night for Restaurant Week, and I must say, they have a great Restaurant Week menu. I got the field greens for an app, which wasn't anything special, but I didn't expect it to be. My main course was an 8 oz filet mignon accompanied by mashed potatoes, which was delicious. The potatoes were perfectly buttery and fluffy. My last course was creme brulee, which was delicious, but I was deeply jealous when I tried my friend's flourless chocolate espresso cake! I might go back some time just for mashed potatoes and the flourless cake, lol. Also, the staff was helpful and nice, and the manager came up to our table when we were pretty much done except for 2 sips of wine and kindly asked us if he could buy us all a drink at the bar because they needed the table for the next reservation. Can't complain about a free drink!
(5)Jennie R.
The food was amazing here, which is a given (i forget what we ordered: I got the special, a fish, and my husband got the special as well, braised short ribs???). But I must say the customer service is impeccable!!! The best service I've ever experienced (for the record my husband and I love fine dining and we've been to a lot of "nice" restaurants). For whatever reason they had apologized for a delay in our food not coming out in a timely matter. We didn't even notice cause they were so nice and courteous. For this "inconvenience" they said dessert was on the house. We were so full with all the food we had there was no way we could have dessert, plus we really didn't think there was a delay at all. We told them it was not necessary but they insisted. When the dessert came out they brought out 2 desserts. It was so kind of them. Next time we are out in Chicago we will definitely come back here!!!!
(5)Mark J.
Pricey steakhouse but that's expected and it was well-worth it. My wife and I both had our steaks cooked to Medium-rare+ and they were PERFECT. The meat was amazing. She got a horseradish encrusting and I got the special, a trio of shallot butter, kona coffee, and one plain filet. All was awesome. The peppered calimari we got for and appetizer was awesome. It was very spicy but the flavors together were great.
(5)Jennifer S.
Excellent service, food and location! All of the Capital Grilles I have been to around the country are consistently good and this one was no exception.
(4)jeff k.
The worst service and food I ever had. Waited for our waiter for 45 minutes despite telling the manager. Food was cold as well. First time ever I thought about not tipping.
(1)Sarah B.
I have never been disappointed by Capital Grille. Service is attentive, but not intrusive. Steaks are cooked perfectly to order. And the lobster bisque...well, you just have to order the lobster bisque. Get a bowl, not a cup. And don't even offer to share--you won't want to once you've had that first taste. This place is perfect for business, group and even romantic dinners. There is a great little room towards the back that offers a more intimate setting--I definitely recommend asking to be seated there if you're on a date. Even worth stopping in for a drink--the bar area is smallish, but the drink list is very good.
(5)Law S.
Unreal, we went during Restaurant Week and my only regret was that we didn't go twice. The lobster and crab cakes were some of the best I have had in the city and the Maker's Mark Manhattan (my go-to drink) was perfect. The filet was definitely worth getting and cooked perfectly, (I get medium rare). We ordered a bottle of wine and it was a great pairing, from a nice recommendation from our server. The flour less chocolate cake was a great way to end the meal with a black Russian, and the sorbet was good too. I will be back, Restaurant week or not.
(5)jenicakes l.
I decided to try Capital Grille for Restaurant Week and to celebrate my bf's birthday. We loved it from the start. One of the hostesses checked our coats after we walked in. Because we were a little early, we were directed to the bar. The bartender was very friendly and patient (all the cocktails sounded delicious and I had a bit of trouble deciding). I had the Stoli Doli (pineapple infused vodka) which was the house specialty and very tasty. Another hostess then came to the bar to bring us to our table. Our waitress and the staff were very attentive. The food was delicious! I had the Kona Sirloin and the bf had the Filet Mignon. Both were cooked to perfection. They had a nice wine list that ranged in price from affordable to extravagant. Little personal touches (i.e. a hand signed birthday card from the staff, the napkin exchange, a tag signed by the chef on our doggie bag, and a dessert with a birthday candle) made the experience memorable. We will definitely be back again!
(5)Paul S.
Everything was perfect! Nothing to say but one the BEST meals, experience, and nights I have had in a while. Field Greens, Spring Vegetables with Shallot Champagne Vinaigrette 10oz Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin (Medium) with Shallot Butter Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon Sam's Mashed Potatoes & Fresh Creamed Spinach Double espresso Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake & Chef's Seasonal Fruit Sorbet (Raspberry) I became insane.
(5)Marielle S.
Delicious. Fiance wanted a steakhouse for his B-day, and though we both cringed at the idea of a "chain" restaurant, the yelp reviews convinced us it was worth it. This place is pricey, but you could certainly spend $100 for 2 (which I think is totally reasonable) if you were careful on apps/drinks. For us, it was worth ordering EVERYTHING. From the truffle fries, to the lobster mac and cheese to the pineapple infused vodka that they say they make in house, it was all DELICIOUS. I had swordfish. It was cooked PERFECTLY. Robert had a steak. While this is a steakhouse review, I don't eat meat, so I can't really comment on that. We both got soups as appetizers, and I think, if anything, that was what we could have done without. They were good, but nothing out of this world.
(5)Mike M.
Stellar! From the reservation process, to check-in, to drinks at the bar, dinner, and the follow-up call 2 days later (yes, that's right)...just top notch class. One of my new favorite places for a special steak night out to celebrate...or just 'cuz I'm worth it. Porcini rubbed steak, lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, lobster mac 'n cheese, mushrooms, wedge salad, and an insanely decadent bottle of California Cab...just heavenly. Our service was perfect. Just enough space and time, with the right amount of personal interaction. Oh, and the ricotta cheesecake with a bruleed top? We've been talking about it every day since. I'll definitely be back.
(5)D F.
Loved it! Just got back from dinner here with my wife for her birthday. I got the regular sirloin, she got the kona crusted sirloin - both were terrific. The dish that absolutely stole the show for us was the truffle fries. Creme brulee dessert was delish as well. We weren't disappointed with any aspect of our experience there. Now I really want to go back to try some of the other steaks and seafood. The waitress - Monica - was super super nice. Having been to Joe's, Morton's, Gibson's, and now Capital Grille, I think Capital Grille and Joe's are in a class of their own.
(5)H F.
They accepted a reservation at 8:45 pm and when we arrived on time to celebrate our anniversary they informed us that their kitchen closes in 15 minutes.
(1)John M.
Been there a few times. For $40 plus steak a la carte, I would expect they cook it to temperature. Never have had a great experience. Just went to the location in Orlando and another disappointing visit. Just to reminisce, went to he Lombard location for my birthday. The waiter recommended the steak and blue cheese. My son ordered the lobster and shrimp dis. My steak came with a dollop of goat cheese and my sons plate was coked beyond possibility. the waiter proceeded to argue that he said goat cheese. who in their right mind would order a steak with goat cheese.,
(2)Michael S.
Minced bacon and onion IN the burger?! Hell yeah! It was a medium rare delectable treat, which could only be improved upon by having an extra napkin handy. However, even if the amount of caffeine I drank was injected straight into my heart, I don't think I could recover from that ridiculously unhealthy lunch choice. If I don't drink anything cold for a while, can I prevent that crazy amount of fat just consumed from congealing in my veins? Fish and chicken on the menu for a week (ha...not really).
(4)Darl B.
really 2.5 but hey not an option. well, I see the usual yelp inflation grading is at it again. luckily I am here to save the day for yelpers. Okay let's dig in. 1st when prices are higher I want higher everything- quality, experieince, etc. I am not sure yelpers get that. This was a lunch not dinner a week ago. greeters friendly but just a tad slow in getting some older gents out of the way to the take care of us. hey there are 2 of you lets get a little more efficient eh? anyway minor quibble. server: friendly and attentive but perhaps a little to 'check in-y' if you know what I mean?hey this is a business lunch don't interrupt 4 times for 'hows the meal'... we are talking. again a minor quibble I am not knocking the service just sayin' adapt to what you see! another issue I frequently have and saw here: food delivery person put the wrong plate in front of wrong person. hey there are only 2 of us ya had a 50/50 chance- why at nice places like this do we still have this happening? next, no fresh pepper offered when food is delivered instead its drop and run. okay, now we have to use the non grind standard pepper shaker on table. 5 mins later our server asks would we like fresh pepper. uh we are already well into meal and had to use table pepper was response. sigh really-here?-really? one of us has lobster bisque soup. was *just* luke warm. that is more than quibble for me but butched it out instead of asking for the old microwave treatment eh? soup okay but a bit fishy on lobster parts in there from time to time- what's up with that? also less thick than I have seen but perhaps another quibble? entrees good. nothing omg special about prep but certainly good and a solid preparation and cooked well. I would like to see more chances taken but some were taken so OK. bread for table: small, nothing special at all. in short, boring. for me that is also not a quibble more in the realm of a fail. in short lunch plate is solid but all the quibbles add up to a beef and I cant just give thumbs up to every 'nice' place if the attention to detail does not make it special. Go and do likewise gents.
(2)T C.
(Based on service, I would include an extra star for the beyond excellent service to make this 4*... but I grading more for food/taste and it SO didn't wow me) It seems like a perfect, higher end, neighbor/family traditional spot! Staff was very friendly and went out of their way to say "hi" or "good night, thanks for visiting" type of greetings and acknowledgment. Plates were presented at a good pace and our waiter did a good job checking up on how we were doing. We waited about 15 min after showing up 5 min early for our reservation so the place was pretty busy on the weekdays! The food was good also but nothing too fantastic or new to make me come back (I live in San Francisco, however). We ordered the cold shellfish platter (lobster, shrimp, oysters) which was pretty good but rather bland (lobster tail and claw and gulf shrimp) and served ice cold (as opposed only slightly chilled). The oysters were fresh, delicate and salty and the favorites. We also had the Porcini Rubbed Delmonico w/12 year aged balsamic vinegar and a Porterhouse steak. The Porterhouse was very good, cooked as requested, tender and juicy and hits the spot for the most part, I would have liked a better sear and a little salt while still on the grill tho. The balsamic vinegar burnt off and created a smoky, slightly burnt and mellow/tart, crust on the Delmonico cut. The Lyonnaise potatoes were excellent, outsides were a little buttery, salty and crispy and were wonderful with the sweet caramelized Spanish onions. I would totally go back for just these. Also had the seasonal fresh veggies which was mostly summer squash with a hint of lemon and buttery olive oil. We also had the ice cream sandwich, which they split on two plates without us asking. It was good, not too sweet with a creamy vanilla ice cream.
(3)Leila T.
Best dinner I've ever had in Chicago. Expensive but amazing. 10000x better than Gibsons. The Filet Oscar is the best item on their menu, it has lobster, asparagus, and a great sauce. The filet with mushrooms, onions, and balsamic was amazing as well. Potato au gratin was good but I don't know if I would order it again because they have many other sides that sounded good. They do offer a gluten free menu and even gave me a gluten free flourless chocolate cake for my birthday with a candle and a signed card from the entire staff! 2 filets and a side was about 110 plus tip, but worth every penny. Great place for special occasions.
(5)Haydar M.
Amazing Steaks. try the Kona Rub on the Filet. and ask them to toast the Mac'n'cheese extra... had one week back in June where i had 3 different sets of people come into town for work and i had to take them to this, Chicago Cut, and Mastro's.. and in the end, i decided that Capital Grille is the best one. chicago Cut steaks were great, but the sides at Capital Grille are better and the wine selection great as well..
(4)Sharon S.
Celebrating a two-year anniversary, my husband and I felt like celebrities. We made reservations on-line indicating it was our anniversary. Capital Grille had a card signed by the staff congratulating us (soo sweet) and our waiter took a pic of us. But before the honeymoon is over, let me tell you about this place! Have you heard about the steaks? We ordered two steaks: Porcini Rubbed Delmonico A bit salty (i like salty) steak cooked to perfection. My husband loved it and ate the entire thing like it was going out of style! Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Butter. Yelp's got my tongue. Words cannot describe the taste of this steak. The Capital Grille has perfected a steak. It is glamorous piece of meat. Once you've eaten this, you will never appreciate any other steak ever again. Our sides were the Lobster Mac N Cheese and mushrooms. Both were a delightful accompaniment with our steaks. For appetizers we had Lobster and Crab Cakes which were perfect. You know you're having a great meal when the server asks what you would like for dessert and you suddenly feel sad because your meal is coming to a close. We cracked a classic creme brule and ate in silence...we knew our time at The Capital Grille was over. A few last thoughts. The service was perfect. We never had to ask for anything. Even though our server had several tables, his service was so great that it was just like he was assigned to us. Like a timeless piece in your wardrobe. Always classy, always chic, always tasteful. This is a timeless piece in my culinary adventures.
(5)Chris D.
It's a Good Restaurant. I will definitely try this one again soon one day. (The Dallas location was much much better in my view). The Porterhouse I had was not one of the best I have had. The bartender was probably having a day because when I asked him to recommend a nice red wine, he showed intense frustration. Normally I would give two stars right off the bat for lack of quality service, especially at a top scale restaurant such as this, but I had a great conversation with other customers that eased over the bad service.
(3)Lindsee R.
Went here for an evening out with my lady-friend. Good Lord! did we have to be rolled out the door in serious food coma fashion. We arrived for our reservation a tad early, but only had to wait a few minutes until we were seated. Neither of us had expected the dress code and we both arrive a little less than prim and proper. Once seated, our waiter was was quite hospitable as explained the menu and though he remained attentive for the duration of our meal, he didn't hover, which I truly appreciated. Since I knew the Capital was a chain I wasn't expecting the atmosphere of the restaurant to be quite as posh as it was, nor was I expecting the delights that were served. From my perfectly cooked lamb chops to my lady-friend's perfectly cooked steak and the well seasoned sides of potatoes and spinach to the creamy, yet light creme brulee, I was in ecstasy. IMHO this place is A-one and may be battling for the best restaurant experience I've had in Chicago, thus far! The lighting is sexy, the food is a treat and the waitstaff is accommodating. This, is my kind of place.
(5)Janet X.
Went here twice, for a regular meal and for Restaurant Week, and loved it both times. The lobster mac 'n cheese, as many have said beforehand, is wonderful, as is the seasonal berries with sweet cream dessert. However (as is appropriate for a, um, steakhouse), the real stars are the steaks. For Restaurant Week, my filet mignon with kona crust was spectacular. Unlike some of the other restaurants, which watered down their main course for the prix fixe, it didn't appear that Capital Grille cut any corners for the entree. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars was the service. I was pretty happy the first two times I was asked if my steak was done to the right temperature, but after the fourth time it started getting kind of aggravating. Furthermore, we were seated far beyond our reservation time, which was funny because the first time I came, we were asked politely to pay and leave because other people were waiting for their reservations. I thought that that was rather inconsistent.
(4)Jason S.
My second goal in life, aside from becoming a Yelp elite member (wink wink), is to be able to afford to eat here on a regular basis. My review can be considered slightly biased because I had the most baller dinner here on another company's tab, but nonetheless this place was amazing. By far the best meal I have had in Chicago. Great decor, ridiculously extensive wine list, and definitely pricy. Great for anniversaries and business dinners. I will attempt to list out everything that was ordered: Appetizers: Grand Plateau (King Crab legs, lobster tails, raw oysters, cocktail shrimp Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers Lobster and Crab Cakes Cold Shellfish Platter Entrees: 13 salads and 2 soups (I had the tomato basil) 15 Steaks (I had Chef's special Delmonico Steak - very very delicious) - $50 a piece Sides: 1 order Parmesan Truffle Fries (very good) - 2 orders of Sams mashed potatoes 2 orders of creamed spinach 1 order Vidalia Onion rings 2 order of roasted mushrooms Desserts: 1 order Fresh strawberries 4 cheesecake with berries 1 handmade ice cream 3 chocolate hazelnut cakes 6-7 bottles of red/white wine I am guessing the bill was at least 2 grand, so definitely the best free meal I've had.
(5)Bahi K.
Took a true steak lover here, as part of his visit in Chicago, and he left a very happy camper. We had an extremely friendly and generous server who not only joked around with us, but gave us great wine recommendations (we tried the wine flights which were phenomenal and a great value) and even instructed the kitchen to chop up several steaks so that we could each share. On his recommendation, we tried the kona-encrusted steak, the del monico and the lamb chops. All were excellent, but I particularly liked the lamb chops. For appetizers we had the famous mac'n'cheese and the spicy calamari -- both were excellent! Definitely a good place to go if you're hungry and you want something hearty that will hit the spot.
(4)Adam E.
I've been to the Boston location, and you can see my review there for more info.. but there is really only a couple things to say about Capital Grille. Kona Crusted Porter = AMAZING!!!!!!! After consulting with out waiter for his reccomendation as I wanted to try one of the more adventurous choices, he pointed this out as his personal favorite, and said that if I didn't like it he would gladly fire up another and take this one for himself. My dad and I got a good laugh out of this momentary break from character although we liked it. Needless to say I had it, and I loved it. I think the waiter was disappointed he only ended up with our empty dishes and a tip and not the steak, the latter half of which came along with me for another day. Before the steak, I enjoyed the lobster bisque (excellent!) and along with the steak we had potatoes au gratin (which were beyond tasty) All in all, it still stand as tops for me above Gibson's among the steak houses I've frequented so far..
(5)Scott B.
I've been to a handful of Capital Grilles, but never the D/T Chicago location. Surprisingly, after 2 something years, I enter this location last night. We were seated immediately, and at a decent table, which has always been a pet peeve of mine. Unfortunately, we were seated next to a young Asian couple who thought it'd be cool to bring their infant out for a fine dining experience. The server discretely asked my wife if we would like another table. Wifey nodded. I thought this was a cool move. Being seated at a quieter table, our attentive server took our drink order. A self proclaimed Vodka snob, I inquired about the "better" Vodka options. Now, what irritates me more than anything is when I'm in a nice restaurant, and a server or bartender retorts, "We have Grey Goose and Kettle One." No, this server knew what the hell I was talking about and started spewing off good Vodkas. Yes, Hangar One, XO and Chopin are GOOD Vodkas- NOT Grey Goose! My martini arrived and it was made to perfection. We ordered some salads for starters, and they were quite tasty. Both wifey and I had the filets (med. rare) for our entrees, and a side of the lobster mac-n-cheese. My only complaint (which really is not a complaint) is that the lobster mac didn't have hardly any lobster. The first time I dined at a Capital Grille in Jacksonville, Florida, the lobster mac was loaded with goodness. But, I was dining with the proprietor, so this maaayyybeee had something to do with it... Nevertheless, the service was astoundingly good. After slurping down my martini, Paul, our server asked if I wanted a glass of wine with my steak. Well, yes indeed. I inquired if there was anything by the glass besides what was listed on the menu, and he strongly recommended a Cabernet, ZD. What really surprised me was that he offered a free taste. I was hesitant, thinking it at $20 a glass it would suck. No, it did not. It was really f'n good, and he brought out a generous pour in addition to the free taste. A bloody filet, paired with a "Fat Cab" is always a wise move. VERY GOOD RECOMMENDATION! Competitive pricing for a 5-star establishment. In addition, great service and very good steaks. I will return!
(5)Jeanie P.
The best steak I've ever had (porcini rubbed delmonico ribeye with balsamic) was @ Capital Grille (albeit the Vegas location)... and the memory of that ribeye has stuck with me ever since! And I've been to the other steakhouses (Ruth Chris/Morton's/ etc) This was my first experience at the Chicago branch, and it was nice, but not as mindblowing as that ribeye... The restaurant week menu was a great steal for 32 bucks! I love the bread here, especially that brown bread with the whipped butter. I tried the mixed green salad (WAY too much dressing.. ask for it on the side) and the Kona crusted sirloin. Yes coffee and steak? It's not a in your face flavor, but the Kona adds a smoky depth to the crust of the steak with a hint of Dijon (according to our waiter). And it is served with SHALLOT BUTTER- totally delicious. The sirloin was definitely not as tender as my fond memory of the ribeye, but that is why I love ribeye in general- marblelization! Anyway they also served mashed potatoes and creamed spinach for sides which were both delicious but a little too heavy once they cooled down. For dessert, I had the flourless chocolate espresso cake which is like sooo heavy. I would def recommend getting some kind of coffee or something b/c it's hard to swallow after awhile. Tried the creme brulee- yum but nothing special, and the ice cream. The mango sorbet was a little too tart to eat a lot of. Split the half bottle of Tuscan Chianti- don't recommend this at all! The flavor was flat and much too light of a wine to stand up to a steak. The service here is pretty good; our waiter was definitely friendly and helpful. The staff was attentive. On a side note, I did not like seeing the visible meat locker in the front... I mean ew.. this is America. Also... not to hate, but I'm not a fan of taxidermy... Overall that ribeye was hands down the best steak I've ever had, and despite a less impressive second visit at the Chicago branch, I still highly recommend Capital Grille.
(4)Chicago T.
As a note to readers, for this review my ratings were based primarily for lunchtime service especially when rating for value and price. Also know that I have visited this restaurant for dinner service and have been equally satisfied except that the rating for value and price would be 4 stars. Now for my review: we visited "The Capital Grille" for lunch recently. The great service begins at the door where you are greeted with a smile. The food is outstanding and one of the best lunch deals in the Mag Mile. The one-page lunch menu has a lot to offer. The warm delicious bread served with the meal is awesome and that description comes from someone who is not bread crazy. There's a prix fixe option that offers three main dishes. This week I chose their special, a salad with a 10 ounce sirloin cooked and sliced beautifully on top, clam chowder soup (generous portions of clams) and Parmesan truffle fries. It was all terrific. If you're from out of town and have limited access to this restaurant, then I recommend you try their French onion soup which is a bit pricey but eye-popping good. They offer lobster bisque, however I have not tried it yet. In their crab and lobster burger you will find chunks of lobster. Their fried calamari is delicious! All in all I highly recommend "The Capital Grille" in Chicago. By the way I have visited "The Capital Grille" in Rosemont Illinois and "The Capital Grille" in Fort Lauderdale Florida. The food and the service are consistently outstanding.
(5)Pat R.
I've tried steakhouses from coast to coast, including the notorious ones in New York (Peter Luger, Sparks, Smith & Wollensky...). While I'm not usually a fan of chain steakhouses (thanks, Morton's, for becoming the Starbuck's of steaks), Capital Grille in Chicago is a step above the rest. The wine list is extensive, the bartender knows how to make a real Manhattan, and the steaks.... oh, the steaks! Thick, dry-aged hunks of beef seared at such a high temperature that all the juicy goodness is trapped inside, then finished to a perfect temperature. The chilled seafood platter is a great way to start for a party of 4 or more. The steaks stand on their own (although the Bernaise sauce is excellent here). And desserts, considering you've saved any room at all, are sublime.
(5)Katherine S.
I went here on Friday night. It was an absolutely perfect dinner. The staff was accommodating and friendly. Our waitress, Crissy, was informative and sweet. The food was to die for; We got oysters and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella for appetizers- HEAVEN. We then had salads of choice for second course, which were fresh and delicious. Last- I had the butter poached lobster and he went with a Porter House (Med Rare). The food added an element of romance to the evening I could not have prepared for, ever. This would have satisfied me, but then Crissy brought us a flour-less chocolate cake- ON THE HOUSE! It was brilliant. I promise my appetite is never this big...as we left with 2 orders of cheese cake for the road! Quiet, classy, tasty and romantic. Two thumbs up! BIG SMILE.
(5)Kristin M.
Love, Love, Love this restaurant. I don't know what else I can add to all the other great reviews, but I will say this place is amazing. I've been here a few times but our family has also turned this into our Christmas Eve tradition. The food is always decadent and the service is phenomenal. The servers really know what they are talking about and can answer just about any question you could possible have about the wine list. This is a place where they will do everything in their power to make sure you have a great dining experience. They go above and beyond to see to your every need. Make sure you save room for the coconut cream pie for dessert. So delish!
(5)Sheong K.
Opulent ambiance fit for royalty. In a few words: top notch service, excellent short menu filled with super tender aged meats, to wild fish and lamb from half way across the world. Did I mention they also have a world famous wine list? You can't go wrong trying to impress a date at this place. Only down side? It's not very hip nor trendy and I feel you may actually get a better experience from cutting edge restaurants such as the Publican. Two very different feels, so I hate to compare the two, but I just prefer a less regal setting. In any case, it's definitely worth a visit.
(4)Tim N.
The Capital Grille is a decent place. I first noticed the CG while staying at the Trump in Vegas but decided not to try it until now. I'm glad to have dined at this Chicago location. I had lobster bisque soup, calamari appetizer, and a ribeye steak along with sides of mushroom and lobster mac n cheese. Probably a bit of capitalistic splurging but it was worth the money. The setting is definitely upscale and has an "all-american" feel to it. Personally, I think the atmosphere is more fitting for business dinners than a romantic date. Service was average - the waiter was prompt however the main course took a very long time to arrive at our table. Nothing big though. Overall I was satisfied with the dining experience at the CG.
(4)Mike Y.
Restaurant Week 2010 My second stop during RW. When it comes to steak, I definitely prefer dry aged over wet aged and I was excited about coming here because they are one of the handful left in Chicago that actually dry age their steaks. We arrived for our dinner reservation on time and we were seated immediately. A good start so far. After sitting down, we had a look at their enormous drinks list and a friend of mine looked it over and ordered a malbec (I'm no wine connoissieur). I will say that it was decent with a little bit of a spiciness or bite to it at the end. For starters I had their clam chowder. I felt that it was only ok. I have definitely had better. The main course was their bone-in kona crusted dry aged sirloin with shallot butter - medium rare. It was fantastic. Tied for best steak I have ever eaten (but I have many more places to try). The flavor was excellent and it was somewhat tender (I would suppose in line with a sirloin cut). The warm redness was consistent throughout. Not under or overcooked in my opinion. The side dishes were decent, but nothing to write home about (mashed potatoes and fresh creamed spinach). For dessert I tried their handcrafted ice cream. It came out as a sampler trio of sorts - vanilla, chocolate, and mint with chocolate chip. All tasted excellent, rich and fresh. The mint was especially nice because the fresh mint flavor was very apparent (I think my palate is very used to store variety mint flavoring). Overall, the service was attentive, atmosphere was pretty much what you would expect for a steak joint, the food was a mix of excellent and ok. The steak and ice cream? 5 stars. The sides and soup? 3 stars. Possibly the best steak chain to come out of Texas (even though the place definitely does not feel like a chain restaurant).
(4)Ashley C.
We were celebrating last night and this was the perfect place to come! There was excellent service and a very knowledgeable and professional waiter. The wedge with bacon was fantastic and while it took a while for our entrees to arrive, the waiter brought us a shrimp cocktail to hold us over for the short while until the food arrived. The steaks were great and the sparkling white wine with St. Germaine sorbet was unforgettable. Thanks for helping to make our day even more special!
(5)Buddy M.
We gave the Capital Grille 5 starts but recently changed it to 4. Went there last week for dinner and sat at the bar like usual. The steak was a bit tough and not seasoned as well as in the past. The service at the bar was good, but not the as fabulous and fun as it had been in the past. Still our favorite steak place. Let me start by saying I am a meat eater. Grilling a good steak in the summertime or even the winter can't be beat! The Capital Grille is our go to place when we get a craving. We usually go with a traditional option, don't like to put sauces on a good piece of meat, and sometimes split them. Most times we sit at the bar, which has great service although the service has also been good in the booths. Usually start with some oysters, had the onion soup once and loved it as well. Special vegetables can be fun and seem to be seasonal. Like the spinach. Not into the mashed potatoes - too creamy for us - but most people like them that way so we split a huge baked potatoe with the fixins instead. Always try a couple of the special wines by the glass and they don't disappoint. Usually do berries for dessert. Service is always great and fun. We have tried most of the other steak places and give the new ones a go, but always wish we'd gone to The Capital Grille and sat at the bar instead.
(4)Chenfei L.
Wow. On rare instances after a meal, sometimes I sit back and grow nostalgic about the past hour or two or culinary heaven. I came to Capital Grille during restaurant week expecting a good deal for steak and sides and got it in spades. They had a special bone-in filet during my visit, and I ordered that with the famous lobster mac-and-cheese and a glass of beer. Every aspect of my dinner was perfect, from the great service (I've forgotten who the waitress was), to probably the most tender and juicy piece of meat I've ever had. And of course the lobster mac is what lobster mac should be: chunks of succulent lobster smothered with smooth cheese. The beer was good, but I don't quite remember it. They have an extensive wine list, but I think we opted to not go completely broke during our dinner. If you're looking up Capital Grille, you probably know that it will be great steak and service at a large price. My only advice is to get the lobster mac and cheese and devote some time post-meal to sit back and think about what you just did (and order dessert, which is delicious, of course).
(5)Ali E.
This was our first time dining at this restaurant. We had a reservation at 8:00pm and arrived about 15 minutes early. We opted to not get a drink at the bar only due to the lack of room so we waited patiently to be seated. Everything was great but then we started seeing people stroll in after us getting seated before us. I even heard people with the same reservation time as us come in after and get seated. After seeing numerous, maybe "fancier" couples come in after us I finally went up to the hostess and said something. She was immediately apologetic stating it was her fault and they seated us right away after. Right away they offered us an appetizer on the house which I think was the right thing to do. We had ordered martinis at the table and when the waiter brought them over he dropped the glasses on me! Thank god they didn't break and the martinis were covered in the shaker. All in all the experience was okay. The food was very good but not sure if I would go there again.
(3)Sara P.
Went here on Saturday night, gift card in hand, to celebrate our anniversary. I've been here numerous times for lunch, as my office is connected to the restaurant....but I never knew what I was missing not eating dinner here. This is very much your typical old fashioned steak house. There are animal heads all over the place, and everything appears leather-bound. But if you go in knowing this, it won't disappoint. We got there a bit early and indulged in a drink at the bar. Their pineapple-infused martinis are fantastic. Just one, though. We started with a bottle of wine, and noticed, as is pretty typical at these kinds of steak restaurants, that the upcharge on their menu is pretty insane. But anywhoots...wine we had. We also got the calamari, which is soaked in jalepanos...mmm, delicious. For our entree, we each got a steak, but alas, could not agree on a side. Fiance wanted au gratin potatoes, Sara wanted lobster mac n cheese...but saved by the waiter! He told us he would do a half order of potatoes and a full order of mac n cheese. He also swore that the au gratin potatoes were way better than the mac...but I sorely disagree...that mac n cheese was HEAVEN. Huge pieces of lobster, creamy sauce. I just gained 5 lbs thinking about it again. The steak was amazing as well. Cooked to absolute perfection... We had mentioned to the waiter that it was our anniversary and we had just gotten engaged, and he was nice enough to bring out a piece of cake and champagne for us. What a nice touch. This was definitely a splurge night...both on the wasteline and the wallet...but well worth it. What a hugely pleasant surprise.
(5)Amanda C.
My parents and I have been in Chicago for the past couple days and on our last night we decided to come here. Best decision yet. I work for yard house which is owned by the same company darden and have heard nothing but amazing things. Our server, Derrek was incredible. He was very attentive and helpful but we never felt as if he was hovering. The creamed corn was a must try! We will definitely come back on our next trip! :)
(5)Eugenya B.
I've been here numerous times, always a great experience. This particular review is for the most recent visit which was an anniversary celebration with the boyfriend. My boyfriend made reservations and let them know that we were going to be celebrating an anniversary. When we arrived at our table there was a little card that said "happy anniversary" and our waiter brought out 2 complimentary glasses of champagne. We ordered our meals, I had the AMAZING filet oscar and my bf ordered lamb chops which he said were the best lamp chops he's ever had. After our meal, our waiter brought out with 2 complimentary desserts (creme brulee and the chocolate hazelnut cake)! Everything was delicious and their service is superb.
(5)John K.
Not impressed. This place looks like money. High ceiling, dark wood, dressed up wait staff, etc. The steaks are no better than gibson's, morton's, etc. In fact, I have a friend who's dad is a cattle rancher in indiana and sells a lot of prime beef to chicago. He told me capital grille does not use as high a quality beef as gibson's, morton's, or smith and wollinski's. My wife got the salmon and it tasted a little fishy. None of the appetizers we got were impressive either. Calamari was no better than any frozen stuff you get at a chicago bar.
(3)Ryan M.
Took my fiancée to Capital Grille as a little end-of-the-quarter treat ... and because I'm secretly really cheap; I heard that CG was having a wine tasting tour for $25. Seven nearly-full glasses of decent wine for $25 is difficult to beat anywhere in the city. I was properly intoxicated by the end of the meal. Where should I start... I guess I'll say the wine/appetizers/mains were all great, but let's talk about something else. I have two favorite aspects of CG: One is the espresso. Instead of sugar packets they gave me a stick of rock candy. Maybe I'm a sucker for a gimmick, but I was thoroughly entertained and had to share that with several foodie friends. Two is the decor. Old-style oil paintings with ornate frames, cast iron sculptures, model sailboats, and rich dark wood paneling -- it's a world apart from any other restaurant in the area. It's classy. 'Real' classy, not that fake new-age "classy" for people whose orange tan is rubbing off on their collar.
(5)Carl H.
It's simply the BEST place to dine I've had the pleasure of experiencing. I had the best Meal and service - period. We loved it so much, we're going back this Saturday.
(5)Emily T.
Hello STEAK! visiting Chicago for the first time, and we saved this spot for our last night. Our waiter Dave was phenomenal!! He made great recommendation and took care of us. Scott the manager came over towards the end of our meal to check up on us. We got the clam chowder and the french onion soup to start. They were both great, but I would like to try other things next time. Entree-wise, the Delmonico rub with balsamic was probably the best piece of meat I've ever had... too bad I didn't order that!! I had the dry aged sirloin with shallot butter and it was flavorful, but paled in comparison to the ribeye. Now for the to die for side: LOBSTER MACARONI N CHEESE. don't ask what's in there, cuz it will probably kill you by clogging your arteries, but you will die with a BIG smile on your face. Too bad they closed capital grill here in San Francisco!! :(
(5)Lindsey M.
Capital Grille is a wonderful Chicago Experience, one I couldn't enjoy without the help of my father's wallet. My parents were in town for Christmas and I was in charge of the restaurant selection, of course I went for the gold! Our steaks were amazing, the wine was great and the dessert was heavenly. The ambiance was that of a true Chicago Steak House, and the best experience I have had at a Chicago Loop area steak restaurant. Of course like I mentioned I didn't go near the bill so I can imagine that it was very pricey, therefore I wouldn't give it five stars as it is not a restaurant I am willing to save my money for. But I enjoyed my meal!
(4)George L.
good memory and awesome steaks here!
(4)Matt M.
Haughty, pretentious and decorated to match, Capital Grille has great steaks and a decent atmosphere to boot. The wine list is intimidating, but it does a way better job than almost anywhere I've been on providing bottles in the 60-80 dollar price range, though that may be due to the sheer volume of offerings. That said, this is truly a five star review. I dropped two stars from my review solely because our waiter was condescending and dismissive. While this seems to happen often at higher end restaurants when the waiter is middle aged and the diners are early-20s professionals, it pisses me off every time. When will restaurants learn that if we can afford your food in our early 20s it's probably good to not treat us poorly and instead get us hooked early. With that said, since my first visit I've been back for lunch (I didn't choose the location) and had decent service, so a fourth star was added back. Capital Grille is On Notice for poor service, but by God do they have great steaks. Guess I'll be back!
(4)David C.
I went there for a business dinner. The food and the service were outstanding. It's hard to pick which item was the best. The spinach and bacon salad was fabulous, the steak was outstanding, the au gratin potatoes were superb and the flourless cake was amazing. We had a wonderful experience and I'll certainly use the Capital Grille again for business.
(5)Ben K.
Capital Grille is *kind of* like the Applebee's of good steakhouses. Don't get me wrong; it's not cheap and hollow and full of faux-neighborhoody tacky decoration all over every wall. But you know exactly what you're getting when you go into any Capital Grille, and you can count on tall mahogany wooden walls, a couple oversized decorative double-magnums or nebuchadnezzars, and some frosted glass atop the table dividing partitions. Fortunately, you also know you are getting a high quality meal. Start with the bread basket: one of the most unique and delicious collections of bread you will ever begin a meal with. It's got some fantastic slices of a french baguette, a nice change-of-pace darker bread with raisins baked in, a simple dinner roll crusted with what looks like the toppings to an everything bagel, and a large rustic flat cracker like selection which is much tastier than its unleavened cousin, matzah. Then top it off with some rich creamy butter served in a little ramekin with a Capital Grille logo wax paper cover. I am personally partial to New York Strip steaks rather than filets or ribeyes. But every steak I have ever had at the Grille has been delicious and prepared exactly to my liking. The Strip in particular is always a nice thick cut where medium rare allows a nice full searing on the outside while still making room for plenty of red-pink interior. The mashed potatoes are like swimming in a creamy cloud of buttery starchy lusciousness. The chocolate mousse will send you into a deep chocolate slumber rendering you unable to even leave your seat when it is time to leave. It's not exactly tough to find a good steakhouse in Chicago. While Capital Grille doesn't exactly have authentic Chicago personality or history, it wouldn't be a bad place to start looking.
(4)Michelle W.
Every time I go to any Capital Grille, I am sure to bring at least one parent to foot the bill. That being said, for a chain steak house, Capital Grille is amazing. My family once went here in late May to celebrate mother's day/father's day/my birthday/my sister's graduation, and they were so accommodating, considering. Free apps, free cocktails, free deserts. The only item on the menu I wouldn't recommend is the Sesame Seared Tuna - I got it rare, but it was still so-so. However, every other item I've had has been perfection. The Porcini Rubbed Delmonico is delicious, and for sides, you can't get much better than the Au Gratin Potatoes, Lobster Mac N Cheese, and the Fresh Asparagus with Hollandaise. Service is impeccable as well.
(5)Carol K.
Okay- so it's a chain. I can get over that because they consistently serve some of the best steaks around! The Capital Grille can be counted on- no matter which one you go to- to deliver a high quality eating experience and I have been to several of them from Vegas to Philly to Chicago! On my last visit, which was here in Chicago- we were with a group of 10- not exactly the best set up for great service, but this place came through! We started with the fried calamari- hold on to your fork as this is some of the spiciest calamari around as it is cooked with a variety of peppers and has a nice kick to it! We also had the shrimp cocktail- predictable, but good. We then had quite a range of the menu- from chicken to burgers to their dry aged steaks to the fish. There didn't seem to be any losers in the bunch although I think my steak was just about done to perfection and served with mashed potatoes- oh- there is a heaven!! The atmosphere feels formal yet isn't, and even though our waiter started out a little stuffy, he quickly adjusted to our group's informality and by the end of the dinner became almost personable! If you are a carnivore, like me, this place is perfect for you and in a town like Chicago where steak places abound, it can do more than hold its own!
(4)Jen A.
I dined at Capital Grille with three friends for Restaurant Week on the first Friday of Lent. I wasn't able to resist the Kobe steak. Consider this post to be a confession. My steak was cooked to absolute perfection. My friends each went with the filet, which is a perfectly fine choice. However, while filet mignon is the most tender cut, it can lack in flavor. I had a hankering for a steak with big taste and the Kobe beef didn't disappoint. It was delicious, juicy, and while I felt guilty eating meat on Friday, I have to admit it was one of the best steaks I've ever had. In addition, the service was top-notch. The ladies and I drank a few glasses of wine at the crowded bar while waiting for a table. The hostess came walked through the crowd, remembered our names, and offered to seat us early for our table. Nothing says great customer service like remembering your customers' names and faces. Now I believe that nothing says delicious steak like The Capital Grille.
(5)Liz M.
This was the second half of an already PERFECT Valentine's Day date. (See Jersey boys review) Did I mention how much I love my husband?!? Okay, now repeat after me.... "10oz. Filet topped with a Foie Gras-Garlic-Butter sauce in a Fig & Brandy Reduction"... just makes your mouth water, doesn't it? That's what I had, it was the Chef's Special. Oh Lordy...mere words cannot express how good it was! But let's start at the beginning, shall we? The valet..."Happy Valentine's Day, thank you for joining us" The host..."Happy Valentine's Day, we have your table waiting right over here. Oh, I see your wearing dark colors, let me switch those white napkins for these BLACK ONES. Talk about attention to detail!! Front busboy..."Would you like bottled water service or is tap water acceptable?" As he sets down the warmest, yummiest, mixed bread basket. Love the black bread with golden raisins. Next, the waitor..."Happy Valentine's Day, thank you for spending it with us, here are two complimentary glasses of champagne. Is this your first time dining with us?" He goes on to describe the Chef's specials of this night, could not be nicer, more knowledgeable or more professional. In addition to the yumminess that I described above, I had.... THE most perfect Vodka Martini with Blue Cheese Olives. We shared... Lobster & Crab Cakes Lobster Mac N' Cheese....OH MY GOODNESS!! HEAVEN! Roasted Mushroom Medley (sauteed mix of Cremini. Shitake, Portabella, & Oyster mushrooms) and the hubby had the... 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak (cooked to perfection) As we are enjoying our gluttonous feast, even the manager came over and asked "Is everything to your liking?" At the end of the night, we are stuffed and decide we couldn't even look at the dessert menu...the next minute the waiter brings us the "complimentary Valentine's Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake with Raspberry sauce" Of course we ate it. We left with our complimentary, gift wrapped, box of two delicious Chocolate Truffles, our bellies & heart overflowing, the Host & Valet bidding us to visit them again and wondering if they thought we were celebrities or is it ALWAYS THIS GOOD!
(5)Deborah W.
The food is amazing, and the service is even better. Thank you to Dave Preston for talking service to a whole new level for me. I will be back very soon!
(5)Elizabeth D.
Wow. My husband and I went here for dinner last night because his parents had given us a gift card for his birthday a few months ago. The only other time I've been to Captial Grille was in Boston over 7 years ago. Dear God, why have I waited so long to return?? Perhaps it's because I didn't remember it being quite this good. For starters let me say that the food was phenomenal, the service fantastic, and the ambiance spot on. We decided to begin dinner with a dirty martini (me) and a Sam winter (hubby). My martini was great, and arrived with either a choice of either regular or Blue cheese stuffed olives to complement my martini. Blue cheese please! My husband was jealous and kept stealing sips and eventually an olive. I haven't decided if I've forgiven him for that yet... Then, after looking at the sizes of the steaks, we decided we would be plenty full by splitting one along with a few sides. Our waiter agreed (surprise, he didn't try to pressure us into adding an additional $40 to the tab). We ordered the 22 oz porcini rubbed delmonico, medium rare. Accompanied by a side of lobster mac and cheese, and a side of asparagus. Heavenly. The steak arrived and they had pre split it for us. With each bite I thought it was certain I could die right then having been a VERY happy person. The steak was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was amazing. The lobster mac and cheese was soooooooo freakin good. Huge pieces of lobster with the best cheese sauce and pasta. They sprinkled panko bread crumbs on top for a nice crunch. The asparagus was good, not great. I wish it had been grilled rather than steamed, then it wouldn't have needed the hollandaise sauce. But, to be fair, how was poor lil asparagus going to compete with creamy mac & cheese and perfectly cooked steak? It never really stood a chance. Finally, as though that wasn't enough food, we decided to order dessert. We asked the waiter whether we should get the key lime pie or fresh strawberries (we were in the mood for something light). His response: the cheesecake. We laughed, but he insisted. So we decided just to go with it. So glad we did! They brûlée the top and put fresh berries in the side. They also cover the cheesecake in fresh strawberry purée. Omg. So happy we took his reco. All in all, absolutely orgasmic.
(5)Timothy A.
Top notch all the way! Try the delmonico steak!
(5)Dove R.
Great service- wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. We ordered the French Onion Soup and Chopped Salad- yum! The Delmonico and a Fillet special that had a Foie gras butter drizzled on it... super rich and unbelievable delicious. A special nod to Derrek our waiter and the fabulous hostess who really made us feel special. Definitely pricey but worth it!
(4)Matthew P.
Oh Captain my Captain, your food is define! I spent a fine Wednesday evening in The Capital Grille for a co-workers roll-off. We sat at a huge round table drinking massive amounts of expensive wine and glorious appetizers. I recommend the Lobster & Mac-N-Cheese and the Lobster Mash. Basically, anything with Lobster is an upgrade. Lobster ramen soup, UPGRADE! Lobster tennis shoe, UPGRADE! Lobster infant baby, UPGRADE! Main course, Sirloin Steak scrumptious! Nuf said. The surroundings were magnificent. Huge vaulted ceilings, large original impressionistic oil paintings, dark lighting and extravagant amenities. I have heard that they change the napkins to match the guest clothing.... That's totally bad ass A little poem to end my Capital Grille Experience: I enjoy you so Capital Grille I was careful not to spill But if you do Don't poo They will clean up after you!
(5)Grace L.
Probably a 3.5 but I would err more on 4. This place is delicious. I came for Restaurant Week and I think everything on their menu was on their regular menu as well - thanks! It was definitely a deal worth investing in and I am glad I got to experience their food. I liked the ambiance - it was very steakhouse stately. I got their clam chowder as an appetizer which was pretty tasty. The waiter was a riot and friendly and he told he secretly liked adding some tabasco sauce to his... so we tried it and it was pretty darn delicious! A definitely new twist to an old favorite. The filet mignon was tender and flavorful but I think the Kona steak would have been the better choice just because it was so unique and done very well. The potatoes and creamed spinach sides that came with our food were also well done and added to the meal. Keep an eye out for their bread basket - it was varied, soft and a real treat!
(4)Juliet G.
Sticker shock is the dowside to this establishment. I got the filet special which was okay. Would not recommend the 10.00 truffle fries - very average. Ended up sitting at the bar which actually was rather pleasant for this solo diner. The staff was very friendly. Just did not think 80.00 for dinner for average food for one person sitting at the bar was appropriate.
(3)Mindy S.
Capital Grille, you are classy, classy, classy! I'm definitely not a regular here, but some of our special celebrations were completely enhanced by TCG..... The food is crazy good, but I was really impressed when I was offered either a white or black linen based on my outfit. At first I was insulted and confused, because the choice has never been offered to me....but now that I've worn black outfits to restaurants with white linens....I get it.... definitely a top-recommendation by me for a wonderful steak dinner.
(4)Jane T.
The service here is absolutely flawless. I asked our server about several items and she brought out tasting portions of each! When making reservations, my boyfriend had stated that we were sort-of-but-not-really celebrating our 2 month, which really isn't such a huge deal, but they actually had a card sitting at the table for us signed by the staff. We started out with half a dozen raw oysters. Although delicious, I feel that smaller oysters are much tastier and these were far larger than I'd expected. The apple vinegar sauce they had was the best, although my boyfriend hated it. I had a Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with 12-Year Aged Balsamic (medium). The waitress described the Delmonico as sort of a "bone in ribeye" but the texture was nothing close. It just wasn't as moist as most ribeyes I've had but regardless, the taste was delightful. The Balsamic wasn't overwhelming and complemented the steak perfectly, softening the strong taste of the Porcini. My boyfriend had the Filet Mignon (medium rare) which was served in an au jus with hints of mushroom. It was cooked to perfection and practically melted in your mouth. I'd have to say his Filet was definitely 10x better than my steak. And at the end of our meal, when we asked for the dessert menu, the server brought us a slice of their Flourless Espresso Cake for our not-so-celebration, on the house. The food was great but the service made our experience exceptional. 4 Stars (I wish I could rate it 4.5) simply because I wasn't 100% satisfied with my steak but I'll definitely return to have my opinion changed.
(4)Ellen P.
I mentioned at the office that we were taking a friend here for her birthday (her choice), and one colleague quipped "That would not be my first choice." Well, that may be true, but having dined here twice now I can say that NOT choosing CG first would be entirely her loss! The friendly, professional staff greeted us, gave us the option of the regular or Restaurant Week menu (and then allowed us to select from both), and escorted us to our table where a birthday card for my friend, signed by the CG staff, awaited us. We then enjoyed complimentary birthday champagne, the waiter took our photo with HIS camera & later brought a copy for each of us. The Restaurant Week menu was too good to pass up - and included full sized portions of everything offered: soup or salad, entree, side dish and dessert: $33 - at a place where the steaks alone start at $40 - not a bad deal! Wine selections were lovely and we all loved the Creme Brule and Flourless Chocolate cake served for dessert. And I have to say, while the decor is very traditional (dark woods, oriental rugs, large floral paintings with ornate frames) I would hardly call the atmosphere "stuffy". Yes, we were stuffed when we left, but the staff is professional with a great sense of humor. And while other Chicago steak joints seem to get a lot more press, the steak here is truly phenomenal. We'll be back - and again, it will be our first choice.
(5)Mehran F.
Solid 3.5. But given the overall price and name recognition, since it is not that great, i give it 3 stars instead of 4. i have been there 6 or 7 times. good downtown place for lunches. hostesses, good and professional. service pretty good. have a tendency to take you plate off the table as you are still chewing your last bite. steaks: 3 to 3.5. very good but not great or unforgettable. i have tried a few kinds of steaks and their burger, as well as some salads, appetizers, and side dishes...always between 3 to 3.5. never a 4. not a place for which i make a special drive...but if i am in downtown or at the apple shop, it is close by enough that i could visit. I prefer gene and georgetti....
(3)Anna V.
I love steak. If I ever am going to give in to a colossal meat craving, it will only be here. Capital Grille filet mignon is the best steak in Chicago. I have had all of the 'premiere' steak places. It's a joke. None of them are as good as Capital Grille or even close. It's got an old world luxury vibe and it's huge, all white tablecloths and ornate little lamps. Not a ton of young people. This isn't a hipster haven or a trendy hotspot and there tend to be a lot of tourists (which, depending on your native status, can be a good or irritating thing) because it's off Michigan. But for a slab of fantastic meat, there is no other. It really isn't even worth trying anything else.
(5)Emma C.
Blows Gibson's out of the water. No contest. Perfect special occasion restaurant. Lovely offerings for pescatarians, too. It's nice when something expensive is worth it!!!
(5)Wander W.
My husband and I had our wedding dinner here.... just the two of us - and boy, did the staff go above and beyond to make it memorable!! (as in, I'm writing this review 3+ yrs after the fact!) We were asked when we made the reservation whether it was a special occasion, and I made mention, but certainly wasn't expecting the VIP treatment we got from start to finish. His steak filets, custom cut and cooked three ways were out of this world (and he's a self-proclaimed steak snob), and my tuna was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The oysters at the start and the custom dessert sampler at the end were a delightful touch, as was the signed photo that we were given at the end of the meal to memorialize it. Hubby had never been to the Capital Grille before but we've since made it a point to celebrate anniversaries there (in whatever city) and to direct friends to the Chicago location for special (and everyday!) occasions. Thanks for going above and beyond - we've still never encountered another restaurant that has earned a tip that was more than the meal itself!! :)
(5)Matthew H.
Great place for a special night out. The service was great. Our waiter (Aaron) took time to talk through the menu options and provided some great suggestions on the wine and the food. The atmosphere was fancy enough for a celebration but offered a relaxed approach for those of us that don't frequend high end restaurants.
(5)You J.
with dear fb. great steak and nice service~ good memory with my dear fb! with dear fb. great steak and nice service~ good memory with my dear fb! with dear fb. great steak and nice service~ good memory with my dear fb!
(5)Jessica F.
Went here on V-day this year for dinner. All in all it was great experience -the staff were friendly and the service was quite good. The steaks were excellent, and the prices were actually quite reasonable for such a good steak place. Another positive is the wine menu. There is something for everyone. Bottles from $29 to $2K, and the staff did not try to push a more expensive bottle when asked for recommendations - they just provided some helpful info and let us decide. We had an order of the oysters, as well as the oyster special dish (hey, we like oysters). Both were OK... not the best oysters I've had, but they were cleaned well and they were really big for some reason that night! We also had the crab/lobster cakes, which were also pretty good. Very generous with the lobster meat. Again, not the best I've ever had, but we live in the midwest - what can you do? I would definitely like to try other appetizers if we go back, just to see what else they have. For dinner I had the special dry-aged sirloin with the shallot butter. I actually could have skipped that since I'm not a huge fan of rich sauces, but it absolutely tasted wonderful and did go very nicely with the more lean cut of meat. The BF had the special delmonaco (bone in ribeye), with the dried porcini mushroom sauce. It was absolutely fabulous. If we go back I'm having that. We also ordered the parmesan fries, but I'll be honest, I didn't even taste them - I was really focused on the meat. Next time, I'd like to try their lobster ravioli. For dessert we split a flour-less chocolate cake, because it went best with the bottle of red wine we were polishing off. On the way out, all of the ladies got a nice fresh red rose, which was a really nice touch. I would definitely recommend this place. It beats the pants of Smith & Wollensky for sure- in atmosphere, staff, normal-looking guests, AND of course the steak.
(4)Leang E.
I can't say anything bad about my experience here. We got here 5 minutes late and still we got seated right away. I like the ambiance of the place with all the historical portraits and decor giving it a classic yet slightly regal feel. I have to admit it does make you feel a little special sitting there amongst so many great figures. We ordered from the pre-fixe menu since Restaurant Week had just started, and there were excellent options. I went with the Clam Chowder, the Bone-in Kona Crusted Steak, Creamed Spinach, and Creme Brulee. My boyfriend went with the Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon, Mashed Potatoes, and the Hand-crafted vanilla ice cream. I admit to eating practically everything except for my boyfriend's filet in addition to having a glass of red wine. As I logged this 2500 calorie meal into my app on my phone I kept asking myself if breaking my diet was worth all of it, and I have to admit that it was. All the food was good, but the steak was certainly a stand-out for me. I really liked the way that it was marinated and cooked at the right temperature. The flavor of the seasonings was really delicious, and I can easily see why it's one of the Chef's Specialties. Our waiter was pretty attentive as well. I'd certainly like to be back when I can afford to cheat on my diet again.
(5)Amy L.
Decent chopped salad. The seafood (mahi mahi) was ok. The people are a bit too eager and sometimes could get a bit intrusive... Should have ordered the recommendations from the pix... Overall, a decent place to be.
(4)The A D.
Recently hosted a large business dinner at CG. Now there are a lot of folks out there that say "it's a chain" and it's the "Olive Garden" of steakhouses. Regardless of it being a chain I must say that I have never been let down at the Capital Grille in the dozen or so times I've been there. In fact, I think I have had some of the best steaks in my career at the CG. In my most recent experience we had a group of 12. We started with a couple of chilled towers and the shellfish was as fresh and delectable as any place I've been. All of us had a variety of steak as our mains. Staff was great and delivered everyone's entree within 90 seconds... somewhat of a feat when serving 12 people all at once. Everyone's steak was perfectly cooked to the particular diners requested temperature (this is a group of A-types... not the type to be bashful if something wasn't meeting expectations). Everyone was happy. Those that added something (Oscar style, au poivre etc) we're very happy with their addition. I had the bone-in Delmonico (medium) and it was DELICIOUS! Service was prompt, friendly, and attentive... but never overbearing. Perfect balance of service when we needed it... and standing by when we didn't. Most of us drank our desert and we lingered for a long time making merry after dinner. Never once did anyone feel rushed like its time to go. Another great experience at the Capital Grille and looking forward to going back.
(5)Mark D.
I love a place that serves me a steak that's larger than my face. We started with the cold shellfish platter which was delicious, the oysters were really good. I ordered the porcini rubbed delmonico with 12 year aged balsamic and my friend had the filet mignon with onions and wild mushrooms....both were a-mazing. We both had the lobster mac n cheese as a side and it was delish. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Danny C.
This is easily the best steakhouse I've been to. They did make us wait for about 20 minutes even though we had reservations, but I think it was well worth the wait. I came during restaurant week on a Friday night and it was just packed. The average wait time for someone without reservations was 1 hour 45 minutes... So let's talk about the food....There were several types of bread to start off with, and they were all so good. I also ordered the Clam Chowder and it was rich and creamy, with pretty big pieces of clams. I ordered the kona crusted dried age sirloin with shallot butter, cooked medium rare, and it was perfect. There was so much taste to it, and the portion size was pretty good too. The other dishes my friends ordered, the tournedos and filet mignon, also look very good. The sauce is amazing and really brings out the flavor. The mashed potatoes were also great. For dessert, I had the Creme Brulee, and it was one of the best that I ever had. I stole a piece of my friend's expresso cake and I liked its rich bittersweet taste too. The service was good and the place had a nice decor to it. They also have quite a bit of a wine selection. After having a meal here, I believe that the high ratings and positive reviews are accurate. I would gladly come back for another meal even though it is a little on the high side.
(5)Taylor F.
We went here for Valentine's Day because we'd received a Darden gift certificate for Christmas. Because the pictures on the card were of their other restaurants, Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster types, I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The breads were delicious, and my wine was fantastic - I had the New Zealand sauvignon blanc. I had the Lobster and Crab Stuffed Shrimp for $35 and my boyfriend had the Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with 12-Year Aged Balsamic for $45. He couldn't stop raving about the balsamic, and I was amazed at how gigantic a piece of meat it was. We shared a side of the Parmesan Truffle Fries for $10 as well, but we didn't finish them. It was just a lot of food. I also loved the old school ambiance - all in all, I was impressed and would recommend a dinner here.
(4)Raquel D.
Solid steak here, especially for a chain. This is where I tried my first Oscar filet (king crab meat and a bearnaise sauce on top of my medium rare filet) and it did not disappoint. It actually might have gotten me hooked instead. And the lobster bisque is excellent. Very good wine list as well. And a very business like atmosphere - but not snooty. Me likey!
(4)Saweena K.
I was researching for a steakhouse for my Chicago trip and came across all of the positive reviews for Capital Grille. Once again, thank you Yelp...you did not disappoint me! Great fine dining experience. For starters, they have absolutely the BEST fried calamari ever! I'm not sure if the oil was infused by jalepeno peppers but the dish was crispy, spicy and finger licking good. I had the Delmonico steak - very tender, seasoned and cooked to perfection. And that thing was huge! The lobster mac n cheese is also to die for - big lumps of lobster and great rich flavor. We also shared a side of wild mushrooms....which was nothing but fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I will definitely return on my next trip to Chi-town!
(5)Dennis S.
For lunch, this is a phenomenal bargain. Ten dollars for a nice lunch is a good deal. But in the Capital Grille's environment, with classy décor and excellent service, it's more than a good deal. The choices were quite varied, from three salads to a burger, mac and cheese with shrimp, a pizza, or several other options. My guest went with a grilled chicken salad, which was huge. I had soup and half sandwich. The soup was tomato with filled pastas - tasty and interesting. The half sandwich was grill chicken on a pita-type bread. Excellent. A soft drink was included - I had coffee instead, which I expected them to charge me for. Nope, coffee instead of soft drink was fine. Their whole attitude was friendly and gracious. It's nice to see a restaurant that treats you well when you partake of their bargain offerings. For me, that makes me want to come back.
(4)Dirk B.
For my money this is the best steakhouse in Chicago. Wife has Seared Ahi tuna and loved every morsel. I selected the Dry aged Porterhouse and now consider it to be the finest steak I've ever tasted. Capital Grille was exceptional in every detail, the service was phenomenal. The O'gratin potatoes were the only dish that I didn't love. The Lobster Mac n' Cheese more than made up for that.
(5)Demetrio P.
Great steaks! Not sure why I've waited so long to eat at the Capital Grille...but wait again no more! Brother and I went for lunch, where we both ordered the Aged Sirloins, but I ordered mine crusted with the Kona coffee. That was a great decision! Steaks were cooked perfectly to our liking, and mine came with a nice reduced sauce. Sides were nice, ordered side of mashed potatoes and string beans. Have to also mention that the service was topnotch! Overall, great food, great service, and reasonable steakhouse prices. Will definitely return here again!
(4)Lu H.
We love this place! We came for mother's day brunch where they buffet-style meal was awesome in every regard. But for regulars, we'd suggest going to the bar and grabbing some of the tastiest burgers. We tried the lobster sliders and cheeseburger and they were really just amazing. The vibe here does feel a little pretentious and old school, but we havent had any problems with it. We are looking to come back for dinner!
(5)Mike H.
Really nice dinner at Capital Grille this evening. OK, Restaurant Week took a little of the sting out of the check. But the service was excellent - Our waitress Lara was terrific: efficient, pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable. Atmosphere is always great there, but the food was even better than I remembered. Salad, soup, salmon, marinated tournedos (with a lobster tail poached in butter), a couple desserts, nice wines by the glass (Markham Pinot Noir, and a white blend called Equilibrium - Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscat), even a do-it-yourself hot toddy for my wife to soothe a scratchy throat (decaf tea, honey, lemon, and a glass of bourbon) - A memorable meal.
(5)Andrea K.
By far the best dining experience I have ever had. this includes ambiance, service, food, dessert. Very professional. Host was welcoming Server was Paul. He assisted me in ordering a filet mignon. He was very helpful since I don't eat steak a lot. We had the: Lobster bisque bowl- shared between two people. Large serving. Had large pieces of lobster in it. Very flavorful. They gave us a bowl of bread with soft butter. I asked a server for more onion bread, because it was so good. The server quickly gave me a large basket of onion bread without any attitude. That was really nice to see. They gave us 2 little crackers w/ complimentary lobster spread. It was a nice touch. Filet mignon with cipollini onions and wild mushrooms, medium rare- great flavor. perfect medium rare. Would order again 1/2 order of Mashed potatoes- large serving for 2 pple. We took the rest home. BF ordered Porcini rubbed delmonico with 12 yr aged balsamic- had good flavoring. had ordered it medium rare, but a large portion of it came out well done. My BF didn't say anything because he didn't want to wait another 20 minutes for another steak. He also didn't say anything to me until the end of the dinner because, I think he was just trying to have a nice quiet dinner with me. At the end, we told the bus boy, who was bagging out left overs to just kindly inform the server that the steak was well done. Paul, the server, came over and looked at the steak. Apologized and said, I can see the steak wasn't cooked right, you should have told me earlier, I would have gotten you another one. We said it was ok, we didn't want to bother, plus we didn't want to wait again, since it was already 9:30-10 pm. Paul said, he'd take the steak off the bill. We said it's ok, we ate 1/2 of it, it's fine. He ended up taking it off the bill and gave us a complimentary chocolate cake as a dessert. We made sure to leave a nice tip. Great service. A little pricey, but you pay for what you get. Everyone there seemed to be at least in their fifties, dressed nice. Anyone under 50 yrs old seemed to be out with their parents. I could see that happening since they would probably comp the bill.
(5)Oscar the Death Cat B.
A decent choice if you happen to be in the Michigan Av. area and seek a pricey, semi-classy, very meat-centric place to dine. Last time I visited a Capital Grille, I made the mistake of choosing seafood over steak and as a result had a so-so experience. This time I went steak and was not disappointed - had their steak au poivre, if you love peppercorns then this is your dish, it is coated with plenty of them. It was a pretty substantial portion but I managed to eat the whole darn thing in one sitting. Tried the parmesan truffle fries but they were a bit of a let-down, a little dry and not as much flavor as I expected. I've had better elsewhere. Should have stuck to my old, reliable lobster mac & cheese. Service was great and the meat came out cooked just as we had requested and expected. The intended atmosphere here leans more towards dressy/fancy, but since they primarily service the tourist crowd, you won't be turned away or treated poorly if you show up a bit dressed-down. However a nice collared shirt and/or blazer will help you fit in a bit better with the rest of the dining room.
(4)Bruce H.
Pretty much your typical big city, awesome steakhouse. Traditional menu. Good service. Loved the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella. Servers were great. Would have been 5 stars if the appetizers arrived hot.
(4)Santiago A.
Sweet sassy molassie! I'll make this review short and sweet, because there is only one phrase you need to know: Porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12-year aged balsamic Get this medium (I know, I'm a medium-rare guy myself, too, but this temperature will really get the fattyness of the steak going just right). It will literally melt in your mouth; you don't need to chew this delectable dish. Don't believe me? Knock your teeth out, get fitted for dentures... and then leave them at home. That's right, this 22oz beauty is a delicious pleasure to eat. So far, I've taken 9 people here to eat this exact steak and they have all said it's either the best steaks or one of the best steaks they've ever eaten. So, pair it with a glass or bottle of wine that catches your eye and enjoy! Also, the mashed potatoes are a pretty good side. The flourless chocolate espresso cake is an awesome dessert to end a night of great food.
(5)Colleen C.
Let me introduce you to my new friend... Me: Yelp, please meet the Bohemian Cocktail from Capital Grille. Boho, baby. Meet the yelpers, they'll love you. Then it goes like this, as you fall in love, too. Yelp: Whatchooooo about, yo? Boho: Well, let's see. I'm all up with one oz of Absolut Peach vodka, with a quarter oz of Bottlegreen Berry Cordial syrup, poured into a chilled champagne flute, topped with bubbly and garnished with two, delightfully fresh raspberries... Yelp: Ohhhhhhhhh. We'll take two. Or four. Ok, well maybe that's how my "first meeting" went with this cocktail fit for a trophy wife. You see, there is very little "Bohemian" about either the taste or the price tag ($14, ouchie), but no matter, this is one of the best (and most dangerously deceiving) drinks I've ever had the pure pleasure of slurping down in 2 minutes...errr, I mean...enjoying like a true lady. Capital Grille is pretty swank and the business crowd abounds. (oooo, Bohemians + Biz boys? wink). Yes, it's a chain...but a chain done quite well from start to finish. Bartenders were overly fantastic, so much so...that the sticker shock of expensive cocktails didn't even throw me. Not even for a second. I figure it's a $10 cocktail and $4 worth of charm, sweet ass smiles, and conversation. Not a bad rate, not one bit ;) Though playing second fiddle to my obsession with my drink, I did eat. And, truly...for just a quick bite, this was...splendid. A warm bacon spinach salad (heavenly) and a sinful crock of French onion soup. Tasty, truly indulgent, flavorful, well presented... The service is the true winner here...but the Boho, well of course, a very close second. Drink up, downtown style. I'd most definitely be back.
(5)Tyler R.
The bread offering was great and the water/bus boys were exceptional. The server was okay but not great..and the food was really not that good relative to my expectations of this place. Not worth spending $100+ thats for damn sure. Additionally, i realized afterwards that the waitress over charged me for my steak...i emailed the restaurant with no response. Good thing i paid with my Amex..got an instant refund. Thanks Capital Grille..you obviously cant eacape your poor Darden (olive garden/red lobster) roots. No wonder your own staff was protesting outside.
(1)Tom Y.
I came in late one Saturday night while in town for business and found a spot at the bar and I was greeted immediately and warmly. I had a Maker's on the rocks and ordered a kona steak, medium rare with a half-side of mushrooms. They did a great job with the steak and the selection of mushrooms were phenomenal, when my bourbon ran dry they poured me a tasting of a red wine for my steak. Not only did they know something about customer service but they didn't just pour the most expensive glass of red, rather a very reasonably priced one in fact, which I had a glass of with my steak. The seasoning on the steak was just enough to make it unique without overpowering the flavor of the beef, and the varieties in the side of mushrooms was just incredible at least 6 or 7 different ones. I almost never eat dessert but talking to some of the other diners at the bar they recommended the creme brulee and I had a serving of port wine. The creme brulee was done very well. This place is tops in my book, not your average Chicago restaurant or even a place for everyday dining in this economy but once in a while it is satisfying to have such a good meal.
(5)Emily G.
I've had two really fantastic experiences here at Capital Grille, and they are entirely thanks to Anter! He is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the menu, wine - pretty much everything Capital Grille! He made our experience very personal and added many special touches to our dinners. The food was phenomenal, of course. I had the filet mignon with porcini rub and 15-year aged balsamic, and it was the best steak I've ever had in my life! Very tender and accurately cooked (it was medium rare, truly!). I'm sure I'll be dreaming about that meal for quite some time! Anter has made a lifetime guest out of both myself and my family, and we look forward to our next visit.
(5)Traci B.
AMAZING. Great service, awesome food. We started with a bottle of red wine and oysters. For dinner, I had the beef tenderloin and lobster tails. My boyfriend had the filet mingon in the Kona dry rub. (Our waiter instructed us to do whatever substitutions we wanted). Split the lobster mac and cheese. For dessert, I definitely recommend the flourless chocolate cake.
(5)A. H.
My mother and I had the pleasure of dining at The Capital Grille today for lunch, and we were so impressed with the staff, food, and atmosphere. The ladies who greeted us at the front were very warm and friendly. Diego O. was in charge of our table, and I can honestly say that I haven't had such great service in longer than I can remember. He was outstanding! He had excellent menu suggestions, made sure our drinks were always full, checked on us just the right number of times, and made sure we knew of the latest promotion the Grille was running. I have no doubt we will be back soon to take advantage of the wine tasting promotion. I had the clam chowder and the salmon, mango and avocado salad, and my mother had the lobster roll. The food was perfectly prepared. The staff also thanked us as we were leaving and invited us to return soon. As a side note, the bathrooms were also well kept, which I always take note of in restaurants. The decor was lovely too. Nice job, Capital Grille! We will be back soon!
(5)Dan G.
I just don't bounce back the way that I used to. After a night full of too much boozin and boat cruisin, I awoke nursing a wicked hangover. I spent the morning feeling like I was still on a boat. I had lunch plans with a good friend and I wasn't about to be late for that. I kicked it in gear and hustled over to CG. I have never been to CG and I wasn't ready for how nice it was. I kind of felt underdressed in jeans. With the roomy booths, dark wood interior and portraits of Chicago's business luminaries all around, I sensed that I wasn't worthy and maybe should start busing the tables. Regardless, we were greeted warmly by the hosts and well attended to by our server. CG has a great lunch special that we wanted to take advantage of. $15 for a mix and match app, entree and side. Everything on the list looked amazing and we knew we wouldn't be disappointed. We both started with some good and tart mint lemonade. The extra back up pour of lemonade nicely made up for the negligible mint flavor. We tore into the assortments in our bread basket while awaiting our food. I enjoyed the "everything" roll as I badly needed something in my belly. Our soups arrived quickly, corn bisque for the lady and I had the clam chowder. The bisque was a hit with Red (No, I mentioned the bisque) and I really liked the chowda. It was packed with clams and chunky veggies. We were off to a great start. Things only got better when our lobster rolls and sides arrived. Any time I can get lobster and not spend an arm and leg for it, I'm all over it. This was a damn good lobster roll. Not on the small size at all and also not too covered with mayo. Tons of lobster meat, well blended with a light touch of mayo and chopped celery, served on an awesome roll. I preferred this to the buttery versions I've had in the past. Our sides were also just right for sharing. Heirloom tomato and watermelon salad and truffle fries that scented the air. The freshness of the salad and the high quality of the heirlooms stood out to me. That's an excellent summer bite. The fries were sinfully good and I liked that they didn't bother muddying the waters with unnecessary condiments for them. It was all so good and a real steal for the price. I don't know if lunch does this fantastic restaurant justice. It's a steakhouse after all. You'll likely spot the well heeled power players of the town here, as we did when we spied Hef's daughter gladhanding and working the room. Did I mention I didn't feel worthy?
(4)Lesley K.
Had dinner at this place on a Saturday night a few weeks ago. There were three of us, all middle-aged women. Service can be iffy for women at some places, but no such issue here. The service was amazing, the meal was phenomenal. Great wine list. Appetizer: tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar, was the best I've ever had. All three of us had steaks: all were cooked correctly and were great. Sides (asparagus and green beans) were a la carte: they were wonderful. For dessert we were given three truffles and we ordered sorbet: again, perfect. This place is the gold standard for steakhouses.
(5)lesley s.
The Capital Grille has done it again. I'm only able to dine here occasionally, but when I do, I go all out. And ordinarily I can't take advantage of all the wine TCG has to offer because of my budget, but hello, Generous Pour! For the summer you can sample several wines for just $25 and I (obviously) took full advantage. My clear favorites were the La Cana Albarino of Spain (white), Tarima Hill Monastrell of Spain (red), and Marquis de la Tour (sparkling white). And the pours were generous, indeed. I got to try some new appetizers as well. The lamb lollipop was great, and I don't ordinarily eat lamb. But what really wowed me was the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella, which literally melted in my mouth (I just found out they make their own mozzarella!). And as usual, my steak was done perfectly. I ordered the bone-in kona crusted dry aged sirloin with caramelized shallot butter (medium rare, to perfection), and I was practically licking my plate for any leftover shallot butter. Top it off with a side of the lobster mac n' cheese and I really had the perfect meal. Somehow my fork didn't make it onto the plate of spinach, so I can't attest to its deliciousness.... Although there might not be room in my budget for a steak dinner anytime soon, I think the Generous Pour is also available at the bar. Happy hour, anyone?
(5)Michael L.
I've been to a lot of great steak houses in Chicago and I will admit that I had lower expectations for a 'chain' steakhouse. I was blown away at how good the food and service were and left surprised at how great the entire evening was.
(5)Jason M.
Fantastic- I was celebrating my birthday and they did not disappoint! Excellent service, great atmosphere and one of the best steaks I've had. Highly recommend-
(5)Robert K.
An absolutly outstanding steakhouse. This was my second dining experience here.I came a little early when meeting friends and sat at the bar. Great drinks, nice bar. Decor of the restaurant is very rich and sumptous. Our seating was comfortable and service was excellent. The table ordered mostly Filet Mignons and lobsters and I personally had the massive Rib Eye steak bone in. All 8 of us thought it was exceptional. My Daughter who is in a top culinary school thought her lobster was the best she ever had and the chef came out to thank her for the compliment after hearing her praise from the waiter. The deserts were outstanding as well. The bill was a might scary but hey, as my folks used to say, you get what you pay for. At Capital Grille, you definitely get what you pay for. Thank you. I will return when I am in Chicago
(5)K M.
Excellent service! Excellent food! I am not a steak lover, but would happily come anytime because all the seafood dishes are excellent, and some of the best sides of any steakhouse downtown.Their mushrooms are great! We stay away from the unhealthy mac and cheese, but heard it's excellent. I love the atmosphere, and the service is some of the best in the city. Top notch.
(5)Chris C.
Phenomenal. I had been to other Capital Grille's before but this was my first visit to the downtown location, and it hopefully won't be my last. We came for for my birthday and received top notch service. I have to admit, I was a little worried we were going to be sitting at the kids table or ignored because were were on the younger end. However, this did not happen at all. We were greeted and seated promptly at a great booth. Since it was my birthday, there was also a birthday card signed by the entire staff. I thought that was a wonderful gesture and started off the evening right. Their wine list is excellent. A good variety of wines ranging in price. They also allow for BYOB with a $20 corkage fee (and a 1-2 bottle limit). We brought in a nice bottle of wine and the staff noticed and provided us with a decanter. I appreciated this gesture as it showed that they knew their wine. For my appetizer, I had the lobster bisque. It was perfect, not to salty at all. For my entree, I had the fillet mignon which was cooked perfectly. (Good also as a leftover the next day). Their potatoes au gratin are still the best out there. For dessert, the staff came by with a slice of flourless cake with a candle. We also tried the creme brulee and were pleased with both. And for the finishing touch, they took a picture of us as a take home souvenir. Overall, I loved my experience with the service and food. I hope to be back soon.
(5)Carmen H.
Phillip was a great server! Great Kona steak and wonderful made in house desserts. We had very attentive service. It was my first time in Chicago and it will be hard not to go back here next time.
(5)Dan R.
There are some places that you don't even need to go much further explaining to show how happy you are for going there. My husband and I went there for our anniversary dinner and we are in love! They put a smile upon my face. Great service, great people, great environment, and GREAT GREAT GREAT food. Pricey. But GOOD.
(5)Irene G.
Been here many times now in the past four years, mostly with coworkers when the boss takes us out. Always the best service and the food never disappoints. My favorites are the calamari as a starter. Burger, salmon, and lobster bisque are my top choices. The burger is soooo good! The next time I go, I'll try their filet mignon. For dessert, the fresh berries in vanilla cream and creme brulee are to die for. You do get what you pay for here-perfection.
(5)Derek D.
carryout is run by morons. our intern had to go back 3 times to get the correct food. ever hear od checking orders?! wowzer. lame d
(1)Molly P.
My husband and I had a great meal. The service was top notch. I had a flight of summer wines that was excellently pair with my food. We started with the calamari and the caprese salad. My husband had the Kona-rubbed steak and I had a tenderloin All the food was wonderful. We were stuffed when we rolled out of there!
(5)Stacy C.
Went here for Restaurant Week and was VERY pleased. I felt taken care of from the second I arrived. The hostess was overly attentive. The bartender while we were waiting for our table was great. Our waiter was amazing. The support staff also was perfect in making sure everything was taken care of without being noticed. I too noticed the napkin swap from white to black based on my outfit and was very impressed. You would think for RW the menu would be scaled back. But no...it was a full portion. They had filet mignon, a porterhouse w/an amazing rub, fish and something i can't remember b/c I was set on the filet. The wine list is HUGE, but has something for everyone. There are $30 bottles and $300 bottles. There is no pressure at all to order the "expensive" bottles like Ive had in some less expensive restaurants. I had the RW menu and my dining companion ordered off their regular menu. Our food was cooked to perfection. Our glasses of wine were filled w/out us even realizing it. We were one of several parties who were there long after the restaurant closed (b/c of RW) and there was no pressure at all to get out. When we were ready to leave, our waiter asked for our valet ticket so our car would be waiting out front and heated up for us. Excellent dining experience. Highly recommend it.
(5)Erica T.
I attended this restaurant for a birthday party of 25. The service was fantastic, food was great as well. Must haves include: skoli doli (pineapple infused vodka martini), swordfish, lamb chops, and they have the best calamari I've ever eaten; served w/peppers. This is an under-rated steakhouse!
(5)Brenda B.
My husband stopped by the Capital Grille in the late afternoon, in casual clothes, and were treated like royalty. The server was the most delightful person I have ever been waited on by. To say the food was delicious is an understatement. I got the filet and lobster tails and my husband got the rib-eye with balsamic vinegar sauce. We swapped half-way through and loved each others dishes. The coconut cream pie dessert was out of this world. I have never thought of using a macaroon for a pie crust -- amazing! The berries and cream were just spectacular. I grew up in California where fresh berries are the norm and I've never seen raspberries and blackberries the size and quality of those served at The Capital Grille. It was like a melted vanilla milk shake was poured over the huge, fresh berries. I now understand why people often talk about how delicious berries and cream can be. While this description might sound over the top, it's not an exaggeration. My husband is hard to please when it comes to eating out and he loves this place. We'll be back again and again.
(5)Michele M.
All I can say is that the porcini rubbed Delmonico steak has RUINED me for life!! I can't order a steak anywhere else and be satisfied. Also one of the best french onion soups I've had, not too salty, not too many onions and they don't skimp on the gruyere. AMAZING coconut creme pie. I dream of this dinner, regularly!
(5)Joscelyn M.
Honestly, I know it's not a "Chicago" steakhouse, but this is my favorite place for steaks in Chicago. Gibsons is really great for the Chicago feel and the over the top service, but if you're looking for something cozier and low-key, this is your place. I really love coming here - I know I'll always have a great steak in a wonderful setting with very nice service.
(4)Bill M.
I'm not a big visitor of steakhouses, preferring the ethnic diversity of Chicagoland's restaurants over a piece of good ol' American steak. Of course when one is invited to The Capital Grille for a business function (dinner included), it gave me a reason to check this place out. The dining area was large, but not as massive as I had anticipated. Our main group was sequestered in a cozy dining room, but our group had more people than our hosts had anticipated, so I actually sat at a large table just outside of this dining room with a few overflow guests. It was very considerate of the restaurant to accommodate our group like this. I enjoyed a blue cheese salad, a tasty filet mignon cooked medium well, mashed potatoes, and what appeared to be brocco-flower (the weakest link of the meal). Desserts sampled were flourless chocolate expresso cake and creme brulee, both satisfying my sweet tooth. The event was what mattered, but the food at The Capital Grille was pretty good as well.
(4)Joanne W.
Ive dined at the CG many times - all of them for business. The food was always very good and the service is top notch. I went here Sunday for an early dinner with my sister before a play we were catching. It was my little sister's first "fancy" dining experience so it was fun to see her all wide eyed. It was also a good ettiquette lesson for her but now I'm getting off topic... We each started wtih a salad - blue cheese wedge with bacon for me and mozzarella tomato basil salad for her. Both were delicious - the bacon on my salad was heavenly! She got a 10oz filet, I got the lobster crab cake appetizer and we split the seasonal side of corn & mash potatoes - all were tasty. (Ive had the lobster crab cake before for lunch so I knew it would be good). THEN we got cheesecake - my sis loves cheesecake. I have to say it was pretty flippin good. They put some carmelized sugar on top which I really enjoyed - berries and a raspberry sauce on the side. We both rolled out of there stuffed. Our bill was about 115. Service is always great here and I've always had a good steak...with one exception...hence the gift certficates! If you are looking for a nice meal and stellar service you cant go wrong with CG. They have a nice wine list and also a private room and are very accomodating with private parties. I know I will be dining here again.
(4)Dennie Y.
This was by far the BEST steak ever. I had the 24 Ounce Porterhouse (cooked medium) with Au Gratin potatoes and Asparagus. It was simply delicious! I had never tried a "Dry-Aged" steak before and I'm SOOO glad I did!. Our waitress was a very pretty lady named Connie and she gave us rock star treatment. I don't live in the Chicago area so I checked a lot of reviews before deciding that The Capital Grille would be where we celebrated our 20th anniversary and I was not disappointed in anything. Thank You Connie for a great meal and even greater service.
(5)Mikie B.
I've been fortunate to be able to eat at a lot of quality steakhouses in Chicago and many other places and so far, nothing's held a candle to the Capital Grille. I don't know if it's because it was one of my first dates with my husband, the excellent food or even better service, but there's something about this place that has never been topped by any other location. I think what definitely stands out is the service. The entire staff from hostess to manager is the epitome of concierge-service. You're not rushed through your meal; you feel like you're catered to and take care of; and the knowledgeable waitstaff can not only guide you through a wonderful meal but recommend the perfect wine pairings to make each bite even more delectable. It's a steakhouse, so definitely eat the steak. It's fresh and seasoned and cooked to perfection. The filet mignon (my preferred cut) literally melts in your mouth and is so tender that you want to cry. And the parmesan truffle fries are to-die-for. But the best of all? The flour-less chocolate espresso cake. And coming from this non-chocolate lover (and truth be told, I don't even really like dessert), that's a big endorsement. On one occasion we had made a reservation for a pre-theater dinner and I let our waiter know that we needed to leave at a specific time to make the curtain. He was amazing and got everything out like clockwork without making it feel rushed or harried. When we ordered dessert, it took a little longer than expected; and while we weren't really paying attention to the time, our wonderful waiter was and came over to apologize profusely about the delay and let us know that he was on top of the kitchen to get it out. When the dessert came to the table, the manager brought it himself-- along with a second dessert that we hadn't ordered, apologized for the delay and comped BOTH desserts and our wine. Crazy! By the time we'd finished and paid the bill, fully satiated, they had even called a taxi for us to whisk us to the theater just in time for the show. If that's not service, I don't know what is. Excellent food, above and beyond service and a completely perfect experience. It kills the competition every time.
(5)Todd H.
I'm not sure that I can say much about the Capital Grille that you probably don't already know. But it's simply one of the best steak places in Chicago along with Gibson's, Keefer's, and Harry Caray's. The dry aged steaks are ridiculously good, their balsamic-porcini rubbed Delmonico has to be tried to be believed, and to top it off the decor and ambiance is tops in the city. Old school Chicago steakhouse cool, but big enough to not feel overcrowded and claustrophobic (like Gibson's). The waitstaff is awesome, nice, informative, and attentive, but do a good job of leaving you alone to enjoy your meal. If I had one complaint it's that I wish they had a bigger bar/lounge area like Gibson's does. This is probably just a personal choice, but I tend to enjoy going to a restaurant hanging out in the bar/lounge and then ordering food if I get hungry, and I hate making reservations, so usually just hitting up a lounge and eating a full meal, or just an appetizer (depending on my mood) is preferable to me. But you can't really do that at The Capital Grille because the bar area is small and narrow so there aren't really any tables to speak of. It's hard to take away any points for that though, since they're in the business of running a restaurant, not in the business of catering to my specific dining peculiarities.
(5)Jennifer B.
a-MAZING dinner! My husband booked an anniversary dinner here, and Capital Grille really pulled out all the stops.... The Maitre D' was extremely friendly upon entering the restaurant and quickly escorted us to our table. Sitting atop the table was a card, signed by all the servers/cooks/etc saying "Happy Anniversary." Our waiter was phenomenal and explained the entire menu in detail. He was really laid back and genuine....reminded me exactly of Matthew McConaughey (which didn't hurt). His service was outstanding. The food was delicious! I try to get Filet Oscar whenever I go to a steakhouse, and my Filet Oscar at Capital Grille was the best I've ever had in Chicago. All our sides and salads were delicious as well. The wine menu is extensive and actually affordable. And dessert! Well, it was great too. Perhaps the best part of our experience at Capital Grille was when they brought us dessert with a candle in it (along with 2 glasses of champagne), and I said, "oh I wish I had a picture." My server ran and got a camera and then took our picture! Five minutes later he presented us with a card and inside was a perfect copy of our picture. What amazing service! We will definitely be back to Capital Grille!
(5)Laura S.
Delicious steaks, great wine list and you definitely will NOT go home hungry - great for business dinners - wouldn't suggest it for a girl's night out - I feel like it's a "guy's guy" type of place - although, every now and again, I'm all for it! Food: Do yourself a favor and SHARE the sides - they are not meant to be eaten alone! The Fillet Oscar is perfection - and the lobster mac n' cheese is a MUST!
(4)Todd D.
Absolutely awesome Steaks ! I had the Kona rubbed NY Strip, and it is probably the best steak I have ever had. It was done to perfection, and the flavors were complex and perfectly complementary to the outstanding quality of the steak. Nice pairing of a California Cab. I can comfortably say this is among the best of the steakhouses in all of Chicago.
(5)Mei Z.
Wow I can't believe this place averages 4.5. I only gave it a 3 even though I really was not impressed with it because perhaps it was just the restaurant week menu that was really lacking. Food: So I haven't tried it for a regular meal but this is what I ordered: 1) field green salad which turned out to be a horribly acidic romaine lettuce salad. I can't believe a place like The Capital Grille serves romaine. 2) Filet mignon which was just..bland. 3) Creme brulee which was great but creme brulee is always great. I would say the best part was the bread which was warm and delicious. They had some brown bread with raisins which was just fantastic. Ambiance: very all-Americana with eagles and deer decorations everywhere. Overall: Kind of a fancy, over-hyped place in my humble opinion.
(3)Kelly K.
The lobster crab burger is basically a crab cake with lobster on a roll. Let me tell you, it was delicious. Paired with the french onion soup, it made for a much needed afternoon nap.
(4)Dori S.
This is a story about meat. About really, really, really fabulous meat (and calamari) at the Capital Grille! After reading a lengthy and heated rant on chowhound over the best steak in Chicago, my friend and I found that we had an undeniably strong taste for steak. The overall winner in the online, steak-off appeared to be Capital Grille or DB Primehouse. The problem is that I'd become steak shy. In September of 2008 I had a ribeye at Delmonico's in New York that was so richly flavorful that red meat eaters anywhere would gladly debase themselves just for one medium rare forkful. Or at least I would. Now every steak I've had since then has left me unsatisfied, out about $100 and desperately missing that nirvana-like, perfectly cooked, cut of meat I had last year. Until now... Although it is not on the lunch menu, today I had Capital Grille's 22oz bone in ribeye (the bone takes up quite a bit of that weight). The steak can be prepared with a dry rub of salt, pepper and some other spice then crusted with porcini mushrooms and laced with an aged balsamic. It sounded delicious, but I'm an old school steak eater...good meat does not need anything but salt, pepper and a flame that takes it to medium rare, so that is how I ordered it. On the other hand, I also like to play a bit so I also ordered the fried onions and béarnaise sauce on the side. This was heaven on a plate. The steak was PERFECTLY cooked, excellent quality and texture, the ideal amount of marbling throughout, juicy and amazingly flavorful. Due to the flavor of the steak I did not eat much of the onions or béarnaise. Every bite amazed me over and over again. I do believe I shed a small tear. My friend, being more adventurous with her steaks, ordered the sirloin with a kona coffee bean crust and shallot butter. I tasted it. I thought "whatever." I hungrily returned to my perfect and naturally flavored slab of meat. However - if you like different rubs, seasonings and flavoring on your steak, then you'll probably like the Kona sirloin or some of the other tasty offerings. Almost forgot, before gorging on red meat, we enjoyed the calamari app. I didn't care one way or the other about ordering it, as many places prepare it the same deep fried, slap it on a plate and then claim they've made it special by throwing some single spice on it. But oh no! That is not the way they do it at Capital Grille. This calamari is pan friend 'til crispy and mixed and tumbled and sizzled with some garlic, some type of peppers and butter. The flavor of the peppers perfectly complement the calamari! I never would have known that, but then again I'm not a chef. The amount of butter is up to Goldilock's specifications: not too much, not too little but just right. Absolutely phenomenal! If anyone knows of better calamari than this, I'd be very interested in trying it. Please let me know. I should also mention that the service was outstanding. We were warmly greeted at the door by the Hostess and Manager, who checked in with us a couple times during our meal. Our waiter was professional, friendly, attentive and recommended a merlot that rolled over the tongue and was an ideal accompaniment to the ribeye. Also, I do like the decor and high ceilings, but really they could serve that ribeye out of a shack and I'd be happy. I am so very happy to have returned to Capital Grille and found that the ribeye of my dreams is only blocks away from my office. Thank you for a delightful lunch CG!
(5)Tara M.
Went to Capital Grille a few months back with a client for lunch. I hadn't heard a whole lot about it at the time but live nearby, so I became curious after walking by so many times. I was a little wary of the fact that it is in a hotel AND a chain, but gave it a shot anyway. The restaurant itself is gorgeous. I loved the dark wood and old school feel. We were seated in a small, empty room toward the back, which made things a little bit awkward and date-ish feeling with my (older, male) client. Luckily he is someone I know well enough that it wasn't a big deal, but I could see where it may have caused some awkwardness in a different situation. Perhaps this is where they sit their OpenTable "VIP" reservations, or they just thought that I was his mistress. I was a huge fan of the substitution of black napkins when our server noted that we were both wearing dark colors. Though now I expect this everywhere! Our server was knowledgeable and not overly attentive, which is exactly how I like it. I had the filet with the kona rub and mashed potatoes. The steak was cooked perfectly (medium rare), but I could have done without the kona as I did not taste it at all. The mashed potatoes were fine; not totally memorable but they served their carb-o-licious purpose. Unfortunately we did not order wine (damn business lunches) or dessert, so I will have to go back to get the full experience!
(4)Kay E.
Quality food and Nordstrom like top notch service. One of the best!
(5)Yi L.
Everything is so perfect! Definitely will go back to this place!
(5)FelineFluff F.
Is it wrong to love too much? Should a side dish be king? Can mac and cheese out wit a filet? Um, Yes, to all three. I think I've said too much already. My cheeks are blushing in embarrassment as I relive this divine dish that was an afterthought on my order. The lobster mac and cheese has elevated the common noodle to a proper vantage point, lording over the table with a tender cheesiness that reigns over all others accompanying dishes. So the steak is tender and tasty, too, but subtract the aforementioned side and it gets washed among the hundreds of other sumptuous steaks in our fair city.
(4)steve o.
This is one of our favorite places to go out and eat for a special evening. The food is always fantastic, the service is always impeccable, and i repeat the food is always fantastic. The lobster mac and cheese is to die for and the steaks are always cooked perfectly.
(5)Da J.
What a wonderful luxurious meal. From the friendly hostess to the patient waitress... just subliime. We started off with a half dozen oysters and the shrimp (more like prawn) cocktail, then split a salad. I had the lobster and tenderloin, which hit medium-rare SPOT ON. The lobster was delicious, too. You could taste the freshness. The berries and cream and creme brulee were both just perfect. I'm super picky about my creme brulee, and the sugar was thick enough to pick up a heavier caramelized taste, and cracked just-so under my spoon. The wine and capuccino were wonderful as well. Thankfully, I have no idea how much the bill was. I would probably feel guilty about it.
(5)Rebecca C.
So. Full. Can't. Even. Breathe. I just went here on a business lunch this afternoon for the first time. We had a fairly large group of people (about 15) and they were able to accommodate all of us at a round table near the kitchen. The service was fantastic. Our waiter took note of who was wearing black pants or skirts, and handed out black napkins accordingly. Always nice to have a staff who cares about unsightly white pillies on your freshly ironed black slacks -- perish the thought! On to the food...since it was a large group, we got to share lots of tasty things. Yay! For apps we had fried calamari (yum, with a little bit of spiciness), cocktail shrimp (they were GIGANTIC), and smoked salmon (pretty standard as smoked salmon goes). For my entree, I chose a special: clam BLT, which is basically what it sounds like. Four large clams atop a slice of homemade bread with lettuce, bacon, and cherry tomatoes -- mmm, the tomatoes, little bites of heaven. I shouldn't forget to mention that our table shared four servings of the lobster mac and cheese, which clearly took center stage of the entire meal. Needless to say, none of us had any room for dessert. But I intend to go back and test out the flourless chocolate cake!
(4)Ella A.
Service is good and so are the drinks. The food is great too if you're willing to wait since this place is always busy. Fun spot for brunch!
(5)Andy B.
I like chilling out in this kind of bar every weekends where I could relax and have happy hours with my friends. Somehow, I enjoyed this place, they have really great dishes...they're really good, most specially their calamari and their steaks! Oh no, i'm now getting hungry while writing this...gtg!
(5)Steve T.
Really great, definitely on par with the best steakhouses in Chicago. Went here with coworkers and there was a table of 8 of us. From the time we walked in until we left, we had very special attention by the server and serving team and ensured that we had a great time. The beef carpaccio appetizer was delicious, as well as the fresh calamari. We were told the seafood is flown in fresh every day, and you could tell that the calamari was not old, as it was very soft and cooked uniquely with spices. The prosciutto mozzarella appetizer was a hit with everyone as well. I do recommend doing the sharing of the apps, as it gave us a good idea of what was to come later in our dinner. I ordered the fillet with lobster and was definitely not disappointed. Everyone else had some other type of fillet, strip, etc and no one had any complaints. The lobster mac-n-cheese side dish was awesome - give it a try. The interior decor is very unique and has an old-school feel, very refined. Random addition, but you almost felt bad using more than one towel in the bathroom since their towels were of incredible thickness/softness, they almost didn't feel paper at all.
(5)Matt W.
This was one of the best experiences I've had dining in Chicago. At first I had to wait for my table and it seemed a little noisy so I was not expecting anything special. Then when we were called after about ten minutes and were taken to a huge wrap around booth pseudo isolated from the main room. It was packed in there and we were only two people so I don't know what I did to deserve that but it set the mood for the rest of the night. Our waiter seemed like a sommelier and was extremely helpful, unpretentious and friendly. Of course I dropped a bit of money on wine, surf and turf and some cocktails but I knew it was going to be expensive so that didn't other me and the food was great so it was worth it. Highly Recommended!
(5)Kathy K.
Have been here many times as I used to live a block away. The food and wine selection is great. The servers are very helpful and the entire staff is top notch. The kona coffee crusted rib eye might be my favorite steak anywhere. I've even tried to copy this recipe at home. It is just perfect.
(5)Valerie M.
I went to the one in Buckhead in Atlanta Gorgia a few years ago and I was anxious to try again in Chicago. I went for restaurant week and had the steak. It was absolutely amazing. The steak is tender and melts in your mouth and mashed potatotes. The service is fabulous. Great for a date.
(5)J. O.
I came to Capital Grille for its WONDERFUL Generous Pour event back from its winter hiatus until Labor Day. I cannot say enough great things about this, mainly because where else can you get a bottomless glass of a variety of (nice) wines for only $25 bucks? I felt super fancy, trying all the wines, asking for more, then asking for more, then finally having to stop because it was only Monday. Our waiter, Dan, was so well-educated about the wines and enthusiastically described each one in detail, as well as very attentive to what you liked and didn't like, just by looking at what you drank and didn't drink. The service felt very old fashioned and personal, the kind you don't really see too much of unless you are spending a ton of money, which you won't be if you go for the Generous Pour! I also sampled some of the Grille's fantastic food. The star of the night was the mozzarella - made in-house, which is something I got used to growing up in New Jersey but have not seen too much of in the Midwest. I love salty, flavorful mozzarella that is served ROOM TEMPERATURE, not practically frozen and flavorless as a lot of restaurants do. Capital Grille's was perfection, fantastically paired with a tender piece of prosciutto (also hard to find because most restaurants shy away from the really fatty kind, which is the most tender and the way prosciutto is supposed to be). I left feeling full and with a wonderfully pleasant buzz from my generously poured glasses of wine from Dan! Oh and the lobster mac 'n cheese. I could go back and just eat that, with some wine, and be perfectly happy.
(5)Sandi S.
Great celebratory dining, or after work cocktail unwind. It was our 1yr anniversary and I had made reservations online for 5pm on a Sat night. We were the first reservations & arrived early, so we took a spot at the bar. The hostess was warm and friendly as she explained that it'd be a few minutes for our table. Colin, the bartender, fixed us up w/ two Stoli Doli's & great conversation. At dinner, we ordered the carpaccio & half-doz oysters for apps, Filet Oscar & that evening's steak special for entrees & truffle fries & lobster mac for sides. For 2 apps, 2 entrees, 2 sides & 7(!) martinis, the bill came to $237 - a good value we thought for a romantic & indulgent evening out. We were comped a slice of flourless espresso-choc cake and a night cap round of martinis when we returned to the restaurant after a show. Another nice touch was the Happy Anniversary card on our table signed by the staff when we initially sat. A champagne bucket had been set out by our table & we thought we might get a bottle of bubbly on the house as well, but no such luck. Our server Dan, and especially our busser Teddy, were super-friendly and doting. We felt like regulars, though we'd never been. All portions were hearty and: tender, crunchy, creamy, rich, or savory where warranted, BUT ... the "truffle" in the truffle fries seemed undetectable & the lobster mac was so piping when it first arrived that there was a little oiliness to it, like it was so hot it separated. The carpaccio was accompanied with a vinaigrette-dressed pile of arugula and shaved parm. It was a nice starter. The oysters arrived with ramekins of cocktail sauce, horseradish & mignonette sauce. They were very fresh tasting for sure. My Filet Oscar was cooked as requested, but I did need additional Bearnaise sauce, it was a bit scant on the plate. The lumps of crab - and lobster in the mac - were plentiful and large. The hubby's steak special looked like a porterhouse, but we can't remember what is was now - hello, Stoli Doli's! In any case, he enjoyed it thoroughly and it was also cooked to perfection. There were earthy elements (porcinis maybe?) and a hint of acidity (balsamic?) to the au jus & seared outside. I thought it was a tad salty, but the hubby may've salted it beforehand. All in all it was a great experience and well worth another special occasion visit! I'd like to sample the food one more time before committing to five stars though.
(4)Patrick F.
one of the best steak house chains. Always great service and a good atmosphere.
(4)Angela B.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and I was a happy woman from the moment we sat down. Service was top notch. we even had a "wine expert" pick out a bottle of wine for us within our budget and it was a wonderful Spanish red that went great with our steaks. The filet was good as usual, but my boyfriend kept raving about his bone in ribeye. I had a bite of it...and OMG. It was heaven. Full of flavor and the texture was just.....well, perfect. Chocolate cake dessert with strawberries ended it all and I left extremely satisfied. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Chicago.
(5)Sheley L.
I have to admit this was not our first choice for a good Midwestern steak restaurant, but we were delightfully surprised and wowed by the food. Sure Capital Grill is a chain with over 40 locations in the U.S., including Vegas and ones that recently opened in Beverly Center and Costa Mesa, but the steaks here are so surprising among the best, if not the best steak I've ever had in my life, chain or no chain! We arrived at our reservation time and were promptly seated in a venue filled with borderline stodgy dark wood panels and rich paintings. While this motif did not appeal to my preferred design sensibilities, the ambiance was very welcoming. The two of us ordered and shared the 22 oz porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12 year aged balsamic ($45) and a 14 oz bone-in Kona crusted dry aged sirloin with carmelized shallot butter ($43), since just about every Yelper wrote about those two steaks. The food came out all at once about 20 minutes after we ordered. Good thing we followed the suggestions since those steaks were soooooooooooo phenomenally tender, succulent, flavorful and all around incredibly delicious! I was blown away by the excellent quality of the meats and how the steaks were both cooked to perfection! The hearty portions were of unparalled flavor from the very first to the very last bite. Each bite was met with a noticeable yet subtle ground Kona-coffee notes that gave the steak a very luxurious robust overall flavor as it was accompanied by the shallot butter flavor which was wonderfully infused into the entire steak. Likewise, I was expecting a distinct porcini coating on the rubbed Delmonico but the mushroom and the 12 year aged balsamic flavors were seamlessly blended in. I had such a great time alternating between bites of the Kona crusted sirloin and the porcini rubbed Delmonico that I was surprised at how we both inhaled those steaks in about 30 minutes, along with the sautéed spinach ($9) which provided a nice contrasting texture and the famous lobster mac 'n' cheese ($15) made with a deliciously rich and complex buttermilk flavored cheese with a few large chunks of lobster! I'm normally not a big mac 'n' cheese person but this side was to die for and served as a wonderful compliment to the meal. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough room for any dessert but this meal made my belly very very happy. We finished our entire meal in about 50 minutes (probably because we made sure to build up a big appetite and devoured everything). Although the price is not cheap, it was definitely worth the price. Service was good and our server was very friendly. In fact, she (Even though at first we thought she was being forgetful about getting us straws but then we realized that it's not uncommon to have to ask for straws at Chicago restaurants. We also thought she wasn't being super attentive about refilling the iced tea but later realized it's another guy who goes around the restaurant refilling iced teas but we did get refills whenever we asked.) I can't wait to go again...at any of the 40 locations!
(5)Michelle J.
Loved it! Great service, melt in your mouth food, and comfortable decor for an evening out. If you haven't tried yet, go for it during restaurant week!!
(5)Vanessa D.
I have come here for a few special dinners and have always had delicious food, great wine, and excellent service. However, on my last visit last Monday, the service was incredibly rude and we were treated with a bit of condescension. Truth is, we were wearing jeans because we hadn't planned in advance to come here. I was taking my best friend out for a belated birthday meal and we showed up around 5:45 for an early dinner. The hostess was incredibly rude and for some reason asked for our last name (even though we told her we had no reservation). What did they need that for? They'd never asked me before. Then we were placed in a really crappy table in back when the place was more or less empty. The server we had was pretty cool. But there was this general air of condescension, especially when we were leaving... "Come back again...IF YOU CAN". Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I wasn't pleased with the tone or choice of words. Anyway, the food was excellent as ever. We had pre-dinner martinis, the smoked salmon appetizer, the mozzarella salad, steaks, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and the espresso flourless chocolate cake. I recommend all of it. I just wish that when I'm dropping 300 bucks on a VERY nice meal I wasn't treated like I'm not good enough to be there. I mean, the place is a friggin' CHAIN. GMAFB. I'm going to go back dressed up really nice and see if the service is any different.
(3)sarah j.
What's to say. This is by far my favorite steakhouse in Chicago. Possibly my favorite restaurant ever. I never thought I would say that about a Chain restaurant! Head and shoulder better than Ruth Chris, Maestro, or Gibson's. Food: Calamari- the spicy peppers in here give this classic dish a great kick. It really is perfection. Lobster and Crab Cakes- I dream about these delicious little cakes. Huge chunks of lobster stirred in with mouth watering crab and served with just the right amount of breading and basically 0 filler. Perfect every single time. Bone in Kona Crusted Sirloin with Shallot Butter- Drool Drool Drool. Literally the best steak I have ever eaten in my life. The crust is perfect. Every single time this steak has been cooked exactly like I like it (medium) all the way through. No well done edges, no raw centers. Perfection, each and every single time. This is why I come back. I can't even bring myself to try anything else on the menu. Although my fiance states that his Delmonica is pretty good too. Creme Brulee- again you can't make bad creme brulee but this is truly perfection in creamy custard form. Chocolate Flourless Cake- also delicious ( i'm still more partial to the creme brulee though) The only thing I've ever eaten here that I would not reccommend is the the Clam Chowder @ $10 for a tiny bowl. It was just wasn't memorable or tasty enough to justify the price. Service: The service every time we have been here has been immaculate. We are laid back, young, casual kind of people and even when we've walked in at our most casual we have not been pushed into a dark corner or treated condescendingly. They have also been exceedingly pleasant and have even comped our desert for no reason whatsoever. No special occasion nothing. Love this place!
(5)Whiskey L.
Dependably good is the best way to describe Capital Grille. I've also been to a couple of other locations (Miami,Seattle) and the meals were solid every single time. The Wagyu Beef app was both original and well presented. The tuna tar tar was a pleasant surprise. Don't expect to be blown away, but you can bank on an enjoyable evening.
(4)B H.
Capital Grille is my favorite place to have a steak! This is huge considering I eat steak about every other day. Everything from the pineapple infused vodka, to the wait staff, to the old school charm of me dressing up just to go here...I am alway so excited to dine here. Sometime I make the good mistake of ordering the French onion soup, mistake because i still have to make room for more. Also for starters you can't go wrong with shrimp cocktail or the lobster and crab cake. The Delmonico here is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any cut of beef. My ultimate favorite is the lobster mac n cheese! Also the fresh asparagus with hollandaise helps to complete the meal. Again The Capital Grille is one of my favorite restaurants!!!
(5)Georgetta E.
It was good...I say with my voice rising which you knows means it was good but disappointing. Notable wine list. Otherwise, old boys club American decor down to the paintings of hunting dogs. Good service, if not a bit impersonal. Deconstructed caprese salad. Moist, rich flourless chocolate cake. Thick cuts of beef done right but not amazing. There are better places for your buck. I was not impressed with the black or white napkin depending on your outfit. That small touch was lost on me.
(3)Becky R.
I ate at Capital Grille for a business lunch this afternoon. First off, the restaurant impressed the entire party by swapping out the white linen napkins for dark ones, to reduce lint on our dark pants. That's such a classy touch! I started with the calamari appetizer. This was truly a treat! The calamari was very lightly breaded and was also served with hot cherry peppers. Not your usual calamari, my friends. I think I might have misordered on my entree, though. I ordered the lobster and crab burger. The bun was waaaaaaaaay too big to eat the sandwich as an actual burger. The burger itself was surprisingly bland, considering it was made with lobster and crab. Maybe they were trying not to cover up the sweetness of the lobster and crab, but the result was rather flavorless. I ordered mine with a side of homemade potato chips. I consider myself somewhat of a homemade chip fanatic. These did not fit the bill. Again, they needed some salt or pizazz or something. My dining companions, however, seemed to love their meals, including a special steak salad and a grilled chicken salad. I'd go back and try something else.
(4)Daniil V.
Sizzle: Delicious food, top notch service Juice: Perfectly cooked steaks, knowledgeable & attentive staff, b-day treatments & details superb
(4)Kassie C.
We went during restaurant week because the menu was only $33 whereas other higher end restaurants were $44. The menu was very solid...we ordered a filet and salmon. The filet was perfect but the salmon didn't taste that fresh. The creamed spinach was very good and so was the raspberry sorbet we had for dessert.
(4)Cathy K.
Just had dinner last night and it was fantastic all around. I've been to many steak houses (Gibsons, Mortons, Chop House, etc.) and will definitely return to Capital Grille. At the time of reservation, I let them know this was a special dinner before we become first time parents and when we got to the restaurant, they gave us the best seating, a nice personal card on the table and 2 free desserts! The server was really personable and offered several non-alcoholic beverages. I didn't think they'd even remember that this was a special dinner but they made it very memorable. We started off with the spinach salad and lobster bisque...both yummy! Salad was big portion and could barely eat it all. Bisque was on smaller side which was ok since it's so rich and wanted to save room for steak. I had the steak tenderloins with lobster tail and it was flavorful, juicy and cooked to perfection. It was on the smaller side but still enough that I had leftovers. Hubby had porterhouse steak (huge) and also thought it was delicious and he's a real big steakhouse critic. We also shared the staple lobster mac n' cheese. Large portion with nice thick chunks of lobster. For dessert, they brought us creme brûlée AND flourless chocolate cake...all on the house. Once again, large portions and perfection. I would highly recommend this place!
(5)Ted A.
From the chilled shrimp appetizer on the Bar menu to the "Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin," the food and the service were fantastic. The sides were available in 1/2 sizes, so my wife and I shared a couple of them. The mushrooms were so good we were practically speechless. But the steaks were the centerpiece of the meal. My sirloin and my wife's fillet were prepared exactly as requested and were superb in tenderness and flavor. At the conclusion of the meal, we were presented with a free serving of the flourless chocolate espresso cake as we were celebrating our anniversary. I HIGHLY recommend the Capital Grille as one of the best dining experiences I've had in quite a while.
(5)Robert T.
Great Waitress, Great Food, Great Ambience. I'm not a foodie capable of elaborate description of the eats there, but suffice to say, the Lobster Mac N Cheese will make you sit up and take notice of the flavor, and the filet mignon rivals any I've had anywhere. Loved this place and time with an old friend.
(5)Carl L.
We had dinner there Saturday night. I started with a small cup of mediocre onion soup. For my main course, I tried one of their steaks. The first one came out overcooked. Not unexpectedly, 15 minutes later, the replacement came out almost raw, about the same time the rest of our party was finished. Both steaks were quite tough and other than a very flavorful crust, the meat itself had very little taste. The manager was kind enough to take mine off the bill. The atmosphere is very nice, but the service was quite slow, probably because it was a holiday weekend. They use an iPad for the wine list and the dessert menu. A printed wine list and dessert menu would be a lot easier to handle and to navigate. I've had nice lunches there a few times, and will stick to lunch in the future.
(2)Steve M.
Great food. The balsalmic steak was superb! We came for our 31st anniversary. It was great, the service always attentive. Go for the wild mushroom side and asparagus, but with half dishes if there are only two of you. If you go with the wine flight, don't drink too much wine! Great place.
(5)Tina J.
Amazing! ! Love love this place. Best filet I've had in a while. I ordered an oldie but goodie off the menu... Filet Oscar.
(5)Eric M.
This is going to be one of new favorite steakhouses. My sister and mother took me here for a belated birthday dinner and it was great. We came during restaurant week so there was a fixed menu but we each got a different item and tried each others and everything was outstanding! Our waiter, Paul, was very great, attentive and informative. Especially about the wines. The rest of the staff was very friendly as well. This is a really nice, classy restaurant and we had fun dressing up and coming out. Hopefully, I will come back again before next years restaurant week as this place is a tad expensive but definitely worth it.
(5)Jilly Pop S.
Such a wonderful place to go for a special occasion. You're greeted with warmth and a smile, especially from the coat check woman (who is STUNNING). The menu was filled with many delicious choices. My party and I decided to have a sampling of a bit of everything and ate family style since we all could not decide what to get. The mac and cheese is AMAZING! The wine selection was just perfect and the waitress was more then happy to help us choose a wine that fit what we ordered. Everything was perfect. I look forward to going back and having another great experience! Make sure to stop by the coat check and say hi, she is quite lovely and has a warm, friendly smile that stays with you. ENJOY!
(5)Grant M.
Delicious meal and they went way out of their way to make our special occasion feel all the more special. Great, reasonably priced wines. Steaks were delicious. We ordered the calamari but it was a little spicy for my taste. Service was top notch. Lobster Mac n cheese was sufficient but not show stopping.
(4)Molly M.
This is the best new steak house to come along in years. We've been fortunate enough to visit a couple of times & found everything we've ordered to be absolutely outstanding. Wine selection is second to none! They actually had Halo which nobody has. If you're lucky enough to go, ask for Paul as your waiter. Not only is his service style impeccable, he Is a font of knowledge.
(4)Kevin N.
This place is at the top of its game. When it comes to a classic quality steakhouse, I haven't experienced better. The interior is a high-ceilinged, stately gentleman's club, with a nice private booth in the back as well as a separate private dining room of the main as well. There is a formality to the place which is sort of what you would expect for the premium offerings. Our birthday group of 8 tried a number of things, and the standouts were the spicy calamari with peppers. The portions are really huge, certainly enough for 4 to share as an appetizer. We were unimpressed with the smoked salmon on toast points, however. The caesar salad was nearly perfect, classical and fresh in every way with a light lemon, anchovy dressing and shaved parmesan. The Delmonico steak is ginormous and has a nice meaty chew compared to the perfectly buttery filet mignon. I ordered a parmesan crusted sole with a side of crab and avocado salad. The portion really serves two, but I enjoyed nearly every bit of this perfectly crispy and delicate sole. The simple side salad with the jumbo lumps of premium crab was heaven. This entree is a winner. Sides are to die for, and you have to try creamed spinach which also plentily serves four or more. I have never tasted spinach as rich and delicious as this. The flourless chocolate espresso cake was out of this world. We had one comped because of the birthday and my nephew liked it so much, he ordered another just for himself. Service is professional and seamless, but not too chummy, which I appreciated. The hamburger at lunch may also be a best kept secret. It's one of the tastiest in the city and comes at a fraction of the rather high cost of entry for this place if you just want a sample of the how the city fat cats and business executives expense their lifestyle.
(4)Valeria D.
I'm going to make this short and sweet. Holy Moly. We were walking by and decided to pop in for a cocktail - everything being served around us looked absolutely delicious... Steak and mashed potatoes, lobster mac & cheese, prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella something-or-other... yes, we were being the vulture bar patrons checking out everyone's dishes. We ended up caving in and trying one of the appetizer plates with our drinks, and it was amazing. To top it all off, the service was top notch (something I absolutely LOVE about Chicago). Will definitely add this to the Must-Do's next time we're in town again.
(5)Dax R.
They are consistent and a good place fir a formal business lunch or dinner. The steaks are large, tasty, and satisfying. The wine selection is good. My go to steak is the Delmonico Steak (bone in ribeye).
(4)M K.
Capital Grille has surpassed my expectation every time I have gone here which is unusual for a chained restaurant. You must start the night off with a cocktail from the bar, but expect to pay Downtown prices. I really enjoyed the Manhattan that I ordered. It is one of the better ones I have had. I don't think you can really go wrong with anything on the menu. I ordered the bone-in sirloin which was perfectly cooked medium rare. You should expect to be treated here like you have more money then you actually have. Capital Grille has consistently delivered the best experiences while dining. I would highly recommend this place for any occasion.
(5)Gloria M.
For the past 7 years Capital Grill in Stamford, CT has been my home. So naturally while on business/ leisure travel in Chicago Capital Grill was my first choice. By the end of the evening I was blown away. Evan our waitperson was excellent. He was upbeat and knowledgeable about the food and the history of their location. My husband loves asking about the company and how long they have occupied their building. I get a kick out of that. Evan was on point. Not once did we have to ask for refreshments or refills. This helped us to maximize our time and catch up without being interrupted. Now for the most important part of our evening. The food. My In-Laws both ordered from the Restaurant Week Menu. My son stuck with his usual chicken fingers and fries. My husband ordered porter house . I tried something different this time. I tried the Gorgonzola Crusted Filet Mignon and creamed spinach. As soon as it was placed in front of me I thought I could not finish this large piece of meat. After eating my last bite I realized that the portion was large but so amazing I could not put my fork down. Everyone at my table loved their food. After we were done we decided to walk around the Chicago area. The location of this property has many hotels to choose from, high end shopping, and a massive Apple Store. Once the evening was over we walked back to Capital Grill where the valet person could not have been nicer. Our car was parked a couple feet away. He walked us there, opened the door, and after we were all in the car he wished us a good evening. I liked the fact that instead of waiting for it to be retrieved from a lot it was so close. Given that the weather was very cold we were on our way in seconds.
(5)Don D.
Food was outstanding ! Matt our server helped with some great wine. My wife and I had a great dinner and would definitely go back. Staff was excellent!
(5)Daniel G.
My 1st time at the Capital Grille on St. Clair for lunch. The house salad was so so. Then I had the Main Lobster pot pie-an $18 special. The pot pie was incredible: chunks of lobster, potatoes, Lima beans, mushrooms, sherry and corn under a very tasty crust. The waiter, Wade, and the wait staff were fabulous. 4 stars, moderately priced.
(4)Laila C.
The steak here is aboslutely delicious. I had the Porcini Rubbed Delmonico, it was amazing. Buuuuuuuut, for a place of this caliber I didn't expect 60% of my medium rare steak to be RAW. Since it was a 24oz steak, I was only able to actually eat like 1/4 at the restaurant. When I took the rest home, I realized the entire middle of the steak was raw. Not sure rare....raw. I get that medium rare has a slight raw center...but this was a bit too much, too raw. I definitely had to cook the leftover some more but it was still one of the best steaks I've ever had. I don't have too much more to add besides amazing beef carpaccio, the chocolate cake is fantastic but far too rich to finish after such a heavy meal. Given the raw steak, I think it says a lot about the place that I'd still give it 4 stars.
(4)allison g.
My sister is a cancer patient at Northwestern Hospital and she was craving mashed potatoes and a grilled cheese. I could not find a place to get them and I was frustrated because she had not eaten in a two days. The manager at The Capital Grille noticed this and not only asked the kitchen to make her what she wanted, he would not let me pay. He said that he hoped that she liked it and that it made her feel better. Well I am happy to report that she LOVED it and she is now falling asleep with a smile on her face. Thank you Robert Brito, you are a class act and I truly appreciate it.
(5)Jennie C.
Came here for restaurant week, had to wait 40 min despite having a reservation. I HATE it when restaurants do that. Yes, I get it, you're busy. But working out your reservation schedule is part of your job! What's the point of making reservation if I still have to wait for my table? Long wait aside, the food was excellent...once they got the steaks to the right temperature. Our table of 8 had to send back 3 steaks. Clam chowder was very flavorful and full of clams. Bread was also excellent. It was an amazing deal for restaurant week, but the atmosphere was a bit hectic for me.
(4)S C.
Thank you, Capital Grille! Once again our meal was fantastic. Thank you, too, for being so generous with your restaurant week menu, with many choices - all fantastic. We have never had a bad meal here. The atmosphere is calming and sophisticated, the staff is friendly...everyone, from the second you arrive makes you feel welcome and that your business is appreciated. Even the valets...who don't technically work for the restaurant....they, too, are nice. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. The steak was fantastic, as was the salmon, all perfectly cooked. The sides wonderful, the desserts yummy. You will enjoy your dining experience, appreciate the attentive and caring service, and love the food!
(5)Nelson M.
Restaurant Review Great weekday lunch special! For an early birthday meal, I took my wife for lunch at this wonderful restaurant that serves her favorite chocolate hazelnut cake that cost 10 dollars a slice. This is a classy restaurant which I have been to in the past for pharma dinner. I was surprised that for 16 dollars you get quite a exquisite lunch. You start with a starter which is either clam chowder (large amount of clams) or a small salad. The entree choices included sirloin steak salad (maybe 6 oz) of aged steak cooked to perfection with some greens/beans. My wife chose the lobster roll which is quite a treat. The roll itself was a long skinny brioche or pretzel roll with large helpings of lobster. There was also a scallops dish which the waiter did not recommend... Finally the third option is the side. We went with the truffle fries with parmesean. Hands down the best fries ever. The meal also comes with a nice bread basket. Server was attentive and super nice. He did accidentally give us the wrong dessert which we ordered to go, a chocolate tart instead of the hazelnut cake so I had to walk back and exchange it. All and all, this is a super nice business for lunch or a nice date! Remember to dress business casual as the restaurant is quite nice, but some people still go to lunch wearing shorts which looks tacky. Pro- Nice pre-fixe lunch deal 16 dollars with the items per above Con- limited menu items on the pre-fixe meal Hidden deals- Lunch pre-fixe meal 16 dollars, check out the menu (plate) section
(5)Tiffany H.
The cheese cake was delicious and the server was attentive. He memorized our names. We went there for restaurant week.
(4)Audrey S.
Restaurant Week menu. Finished only like half of their filet mignon. Service is average. Ambiance = eh but I think it's b/c it was too crowded (restaurant week). There are better steakhouses in Chicago.
(3)Laci B.
This was a phenomenal dinner, and one of my favorite in the city. I ordered the Steak Tartar, the Chef's choice filet and lobster tail, lobster mac and cheese, and then they surprised me with a sampler dessert plate and champagne (complimentary). I did order a bottle of their pino grigio that was delicious, and they even bagged up the unfinished bottle so I could bring it home. The lobster mac and cheese is to DIE for. I would go again just for that. The service was great, and I didn't feel rushed at all- I was there for maybe 2 and a half hours. Everything was top of the line, and so delicious! I would HIGHLY recommend for a nice night out, or a special occasion.
(5)Paul G.
Rushed by our waitress from the minute we sat down. We were a party of four gentlemen and ordered apps, salads/soup, steaks with sides, and dessert. We had just started in on our appetizers when she dropped back in on our table to find out if we had made any decisions, in a rushy sort of tone. Later, we were only about halfway into our desserts when she dropped the bill on us. I don't know, call me old school, but when you are spending that kind of cash at dinner, I don't want to feel rushed. Great food, great atmosphere, and the Chef and GM stopped by our table which were very nice touches. Too bad our primary server detracted from the evening, perhaps she was just having a bad night.
(3)Rebecca S.
We went here for my sisters birthday dinner and it was absolutely fabulous. Our server, Scott was wonderful at helping us select drinks and dishes, as well as his patients with our family and asking for certain ways for the steaks to be cooked. I tried the Mojito which was excellent, my sister tried some sort of champagne drink and my other sister tried a wine from their white selection which was excellent. I was intrigued by their french onion soup since I am very picky and particular about french onion soup. I tried the crock size, which was big enough to serve 3 people which was awesome. I must say, the french onion soup is the best I have tried so far in the city. I tried the porterhouse steak with the Kona coffee rub and it was to die for. The wonderful coffee rub flavor and the juicy taste of the porterhouse, just sank in my mouth. Overall our experience here was wonderful and I defiantly recommend it to anyone in the city looking for a good steak dinner in a great atmosphere with great service.
(5)Christine S.
Somehow I was lucky enough to snag a table on a Friday night at The Capital Grille during restaurant week. I'm not a huge fan of the normal Chicago "staple" steakhouses (don't get me wrong, I'll go to them...but I like other steakhouses more). The Capital Grille has jumped into a top spot when it comes to Chicago steakhouses since my visit there this past Friday. From the minute you walk in, to the minute you leave, they take good care of you. Dave P was our server and he was great. From the recommendations, to the actual service...he's really top notch. Pre-dinner, I loathe the damn bread basket that's on the table. 99.5% of the time, i'm able to fight off my urge to eat the bread they bring to the table....not this time. 3 slices of pumpernickle later and I hate myself and I can't wait to workout. It's SO damn good! For starters, I got the ceasar salad. It was delicious. It wasn't too full of dressing, the croutons were perfect, there's a shaved slice of parm for you to enjoy. I hear the clam chowder is also VERY delicious. "One of the best I've had in Chicago" was the reaction I got. For my entree, I was talked out of my usual Filet Mingon and swayed towards a 14oz Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter. I could not have been happier with this recommendation. This steak is amazing. I highly recommend it. Sam's mashed potatoes accompianied my steak and again, delish! For dessert, we had Classic Crème Brulée and Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake. If it wouldn't take hours at the gym to work this off, I'd eat either or both of those for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next two weeks. If you're a chocolate lover, the cake is the way to go. I feel like I'm going to start drooling thinking about it. For a cocktail, I had the Stoli Doli. Yeah, you heard me... Stoli Doli. It's pineapple vodka. I LOVE PINEAPPLES AND VODKA. Now, I have a combo....PINEAPPLES AND VODKA together in a martini form. I couldn't be happier with my choice (this was recommeneded to me a couple of years ago and I'm so happy that I remembered to try it).
(5)Nichole M.
I abhor the decor, but love the food! Went here last night for restaurant week. Walked in and thought "old man." There are heads of animals all around and paintings of old men. The colors are drab and I only saw waiters, no waitresses. They have an extensive and impressive wine list. They boy and I ordered off the wine by glass menu just b/c we don't like the same wine. However, both glasses were very good. Onto the food. I started with the clam chowder, which was fantastic, and the fiance had the ceasar salad with an oil based rather than creamy ceasar, which we prefer. Then for the main course we had steaks. My sirloin with shallot butter was quite tasty, but overcooked. That was a bit disappointing. Jeff had the tournedoes (beef tenderoins) which had a great sauce on them. We had the creamed spinach and mashed potatoes both of which were pretty good. For dessert we went boring b/c we were so full and had sorbet and vanilla ice cream. My sorbet was amazing. Very refreshing. Our server was very...unique. He was very attentive and nice, so that was good, just a little cooky and I was surprised by that considering how expensive and nice the restaurant is.
(4)Saurabh P.
Awesome restaurant. Their peppered bone in steak is probably the best steak I've ever had. I'm not a big fan of a lot of marbling, I prefer my meat lean without too much fat.
(5)Candace C.
Had the best lunch at Capital Grill today! In between my appointments at Northwestern, my aunt and I had the best service and food.
(5)Mindy B.
I was disappointed. I have eaten here before and the food has usually been good. I am not a meat eater, the waiter recommended the halibut. It was so dry and tasteless. I also have to say the dessert did not ring any bells for me. My husband did enjoy his steak and the wine was good.
(3)Adriane P.
Egad! This is a chain highly regarded by myriad friends and Yelpers and is seemingly consistent in menu and decor. But was quite the let down. I overheard the server muttering to herself disparaging customers. I have empathy for her. But it was unpleasant to hear. The food was ok. The shrimp cocktail was good. The steak flavorful. The two house wines tasty. The atmosphere was stodgy, which I think is across the board with the chain. Paintings of local politicians or notables, lighting too bright, crowd mature, furniture and layout lacked romance or sex appeal. The bathroom (ha) was quite elegant and quaint. I can overlook all these petty quibbles, however, I was quite surprised at the server's comments (to herself?). It was unnerving. I'm disappointed I didn't have an experience my pals have had.
(2)Jon G.
service was polite and timely. Food was excellent. We had petite fillets, dinner salad and wild mushrooms. Atmosphere was also quiet so we could talk and not have to yell. we ended with the dark chocolate cake with fresh raspberries and a nice cup of cappuccino.
(4)Mellonie A.
capital grille is amazing the service the waiter the food is extremely great love there lobster Mac n cheese there steaks hmmmmm good no need for steak sauce capital grille get 10 stars love it n u will too
(5)Mike K.
Let me ask you a question, Young Yelper. Oh, never mind. You'll never go to Capital Grille, so it's probably best to keep this one short and sweet, as it will go into a black hole and never again see the light of day. + The Burger. It's infused with bacon and onion and cooked to perfection, with added on super fresh fixings. It's absolute madness in every bite. + The Parmesan Truffle Fries. Stop it. Sit down, shut up and listen, boy. If you try to compare or juxtapose these fries with any other fries, you will be committing a Capital crime and will be summarily stripped of all badges and integrity forthwith. These fries are King. + The Lemonade. This puckery-sweet drink could save an entire navy. And then there's that tiny little carafe with the replenishment which will likely make any woman gleefully swoon. + The Digs. Big. Ornate. Vaulted. Strong like bull. + The Service. Absolutely top notch, minus the obnoxious staring waiter. + The Damages. Sixteen bucks for a burger and fries. A burger at DMK is about 10 bucks and doesn't include fries, which are another three or four bucks, so you're just about right in line price wise relative to DMK and are getting a better burger. I suspect the same would be true in the case of the vaunted Kuma's. Overall, Capital Grille is simply outstanding in all facets and reasonably priced for lunch. It's an easy five stars.
(5)Eric K.
Adam Miller. Great service great steak and wine combo recommended by him! Ask for him when you stop in! He provided the best service I have had in six months in the city of Chicago!
(5)Lisa H.
I can't believe how long it took me to try this place. It seems like all my friends have been here and had nothing but great things to say. Finally I decided to come here with a party of four during restaurant week. Reservations were for 9:30 pm and we were seated about 15 mins afterwards. We all ordered off the pre-fixe menu for $33. I started off with the clam chowder, which was amazing. The soup was creamy and full of flavor. I also appreciate that they didn't skimp on the clams. For my main entree, I had the filet mignon cooked medium rare. The steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly. It wasn't bleeding, cold, or hard as a rock. The meal also came with mashed potatoes and cream of spinach for us to share. It was just ok, nothing too special. I ended my meal with the creme brulee. Oh Capital Grille, this was divine. Perfect ending to my meal. Another thing I appreciated was that the servers were attentive and not pushy. We were probably one of the last tables and they did not hover over us to see if we were done or need the check. They just let us eat and converse at our own pace. Overall, my friends and I enjoyed our meal and our experience here. Even one of my friends came here not hungry, but still ate everything. We are already talking about the next time we would come again.
(4)Mikey J.
I came back here for restaurant week and updating my review to 5 stars. The food was DELICIOUS. I had the dry aged sirloin... perfection! My mother had the filet mignon... also excellent! My brother had the tournedos (a cut of tenderloin)... wonderful! The steaks are perfectly cooked, flavorful, and tender. Sides included creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
(5)Susan M.
Woo I remember this was an awesome lunch. Great seat right up on the window at St. Clair. It was a lovely lady lunch of mom, grama, sis and me. We had steak sandwiches and burgers and truffle fries and salads. Everything was amazing, lick your fingers, no one said a word for 20 minutes except "ooohhh" and "mmmmmm" and "let me try that". Service was awesome too. Gotta get back there.
(5)Tiffany R.
Amazing food service the works! Paul C is such a pro excellent recommendations on wine pairings. Loved everything about our experience at The Capital Grille!
(5)Jordan W.
Solid as usual. Dine in Washington DC as well as KC. Just as good. Solid service. Staple go to when you want a great meal. I don't know how they are solid country wide but they are. Well done
(5)R. H.
My husband and I loved Capital Grille. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very nice. Our server, Matthew, was phenomenal! I would definitely go back!!
(5)Patrick D.
The porterhouse is always cooked to perfection and the oysters on a bed of ice complement it best. The service is flawless and the drinks couldn't have been mixed any better. I don't typically like steakhouse chains but this one is the only exception. Top three steakhouses in Chicago.
(5)Skip C.
CG is a pretty good steakhouse, but far from the best Chicago has to offer. My biggest complaint is that on a beautiful Saturday night in one of the world's greatest cities, in a perfect location one block east of Michigan Ave., there was no 'buzz' whatsoever. The bartenders pour a good drink, the service is above average, but the evening was boring. On top of this, the steak is just OK, and the au gratin potatoes were tasteless, but the prices were as much as anywhere else. We'll leave this place for others.
(2)Kaio B.
Went in for restaurant week. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of dishes. Some restaurants try to trick you during restaurant week. Not this one. The food was pretty good. Wine was reasonably priced and the place was big.Its big enough for a big group. It has a lil bit of a classic look.
(4)Patti B.
We made reservations weeks ago for 8:30pm on New Year's Eve. One of the hostesses called this afternoon (the day before New Year's Eve) to confirm our reservations and informed us that we would have to vacate our table at 10pm for the next guest. They were serious!!! So was I when I found another top notch steakhouse that had availability and promptly called The Capital Grille back and cancelled our reservations there! Our money spends just as good at a restaurant that isn't going to kick us out 90 minutes after we arrive!
(1)Gretchen D.
Good but underwhelming. Saturday, we had a reservation for 8:30. Arrived on time. Sorry--ten minute wait. Ok, no biggie. Actual wait was about 15 minutes. We are then taken through the dining room down lots of hallway to a small private room they are obviously using for overflow. This actually is a good thing because we walked through main dining room before and after dinner, it was extremely loud. Our water arrives quickly and our waiter arrives, looking and acting a bit disheveled. Ok, busy night. he seems almost reluctant to take our order. Water and bread come quickly. The bread is quite good. We order bottle of wine which comes and is poured correctly. We split a spinach salad, which is very good and dressed well. Then begins the long wait for our steaks. Probably a 50 minute wait--I didn't time it. We don't stress as we are not in a hurry. We had the filet and the kona sirloin and a side of green beans. Green beans very tasty but perhaps over-buttered (like that's a possible thing!). Both steaks cooked properly. Both delicious. We agree the filer is the better of the two though. Dessert? Creme Brulee--very well-executed. Waiter forgets husband's tea. He apologies profusely. He gives us his card (waiter's with cards? Is that a thing?) But it's not like he offers a discount or anything. Seemed odd. So--overall, food a solid four (there are equal or better steakhouses in the area for similar prices). Frazzled service brings it down to a three.
(3)S L.
Love this place, nothing quite like it in the area. I eat lunch at the bar, so quiet and away from the city noises. I had $30 lamb chops last time that were so good. Sounds expensive but totally worth it. The bartenders are attentive but they're not obnoxious. They know I like to be left alone and it's great. I can't say one bad thing.
(5)Anuraj R.
Normally we love this place, however during restaurant week, we had a bad experience. Not sure if they were just too busy by I ordered my steak medium & it came out Raw! The service was also slow which was strange bc every other time we have been ther it was great! I would say this place is okay not bad, but not the best!
(3)Lauren V.
This is all about Valerie, our exceptional server! My husbands' office arranged a surprise retirement party in the wine room on Tuesday night. The room was intimate, and some would call it a bit crowded. But, I enjoyed the intimacy which forced everyone to talk to each other! I got there early, and was greeted immediately by adorable and professional Valerie. She treated me as if I were an old friend. The rest of the evening, we were tended to with the best of care and great food. As a strict plant-based eater, Valerie took special care to make sure I got a beautiful meal! The icing on the cake came at the end of the evening. Valerie brought a large CG shopping bag full of fun items as a gift to my husband for his retirement. They included a lovely wooden boxed set of steak knives, a killer bottle of wine, golf tees and shirt and gold balls! Needless to say, he was in heaven. We were blown away by the extreme level of service and attention. Valerie, you are a consummate professional, and I truly could see having you as a great friend. We've been to Capital Grille many times and my husband has entertained there for business even more often. You can bet we are talking about this experience, and will be back....and will request to sit in Valerie's section! She's awesome.
(5)Grace N.
Another 5 star notch on Capital Grille's belt for an exquisite dining experience! My husband and I had been here in the past for corporate functions only, but CG more than delivered the romantic touch to our wedding anniversary and made it truly memorable. Service was top notch from the beginning. When we walked in, they took one look at me and congratulated us for expecting (and at 6 months, I was more than ready for steak!) and immediately brought us celebratory "mocktails." There were so many sweet touches throughout the night to help us celebrate (I don't want to ruin any surprises). We have made the Chicago steakhouse rotation for special occasions, and CG's steaks are one of my favorites. Their porcini rubbed Delmonico must have been invented for linebackers and pregnant ladies alike, because it is HUGE, delicious, and to my own shock and awe, I finished most of it. My husband loved his porterhouse, and the lobster mack and cheese was creamy and delicious. Capital Grille is truly a professional and considerate establishment, and we loved it.
(5)Monica M.
Service is the best, very knowledgeable staff who will bend over backwards to make your meal a great relaxing comfortable experience. Wonderful wine menu. I ordered the Lobster and crab cakes to start, then a large 10oz Filet Mignon, melt in your mouth delicious. My friend ordered the Porterhouse Steak and it was aged perfectly, seasoned and cooked sublimely. This place is not an economy experience, but if you are looking for decadence and deliciousness, it cannot be beat in my experience.
(5)Arlene O.
It was pretty good. I had the salmon and my husband and I split the lobster Mac and cheese. The waiter was friendly and all in all a good meal, but nothing too extraordinary.
(3)tr y.
good steak, poor service at this location on the night we went. The hostess was the stand out staff member in doing her job, black napkin for the Mrs. wearing dark slacks. Dinner Service was beyond sub par, even the manager walked past us without asking how everything was. We had to ask for silverware, not to sound snotty but I like to use it when I am eating. We Ordered Lobster had to flag down a different waiter for drawn butter which is sometimes served with the dish. Better service at The Capital Grille in Rosemont!! and red lobster, and half shell. Come on gang, tuck in your shirt, provide some top notch service and take pride in the brand.
(2)Byron C.
I went here a few years ago and it still stands out as one of the best steak restaurants I've ever been to. Normally I'm a purist when it comes to steak, and usually go with just salt and pepper but I had the Porcini rubbed Delmonico (ribeye) with 12yr old balsamic in medium rare and toppings brought the steak to another level. The porcini and balsamic brought out an umami flavor in the steak that simply kept you wanting more. Some of my friends had the Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Butter and that was amazing as well. I will definitely come back if I'm back in the windy city. Enjoy!
(5)Steven L.
For my first Father's Day, my wife took me to my favorite place, The Capital Grille for dinner. I was very excited about dining there but my wife and I felt a bit disappointed as we left. I must digress and highlight the fact that we were not dressed as well as we would have hoped. Our daughter is at Lurie Children's Hospital and we stayed a little too long to allow time for a costume change. Notwithstanding the aforementioned statement, my wife was in a nice skirt and blouse and I was wearing a button-down and nice navy shorts (I know shorts). Once we arrived, we gave the host our name, which the reservation was under and we were promptly directed to our table. We found ourselves in the upper deck of the restaurant, the back section if you will. We were sat with the "families" screaming kids and blaring iPods to pacify the children, understandable but not for this place. We should have been sat somewhere else. Then the next thing that grabbed our attention was this other party of two, which I cannot figure out the relationship of these two but that man paid. The woman never took her eyes off her phone long enough to enjoy a bite, while the "gentlemen" accompanying her continued to drink from a large form McDonald's sweet tea cup. This was noticed by the staff but they seemed to not care. I do not want to attend a restaurant that I will have to pay $275 with tip for two and experience these types of things. That is the whole reason to pay these prices is for the experience and class. Not drive thru beverages and arcade-like atmosphere. The food: We ordered the seafood platter for our appetizer and the filet and lobster for our entrée. Despite having to send the lobster tail back from the appetizer, everything was delicious. In addition, the Faust, which they did not make, was too delicious. C'mon Capital Grille, get you stuff together and I will bring back the "The"
(2)Jazz A.
The Capital Grille in Chicago, Illinois is located on one of those hard-to-get-to streets/locations but the place is gorgeous! Love the ambiance and the attention of the servers was on-par with the Chop House. I enjoyed the calamari with the spicy dipping sauce and the Cabernet Sauvignon our server recommended was absolutely divine! The steak was just OK, cooked well enough and seasoned fine...just nothing spectacular. The lobster mac and chesse was to-die-for though. All-in-all it was a great dinner.
(4)Matt W.
My wife and I went to the Capital Grille for our anniversary. The service was outstanding. The hostess, bartenders and wait staff were all very attentive. Our waiter, Dave (aka Sally or Casper) Preston, made great recommendations for our steak selections. Next time we are in Chicago, we are going back and asking for Dave. Oh, the food was great too.
(5)Asinia A.
I had a lobster butter festival. I had an amazing butter poached lobster with lobster mac & cheese. Oh did I mention lobster bisque? All amazingly flavored (but not in that over the top gross way). I was here for the weekend and was completely sick but I powered through the night with meds and an amazing dinner here. I was just angry that my appetite didnt hold up. I was only able to eat very small portions of everything i ordered. I even tried to keep the leftovers in the fridge at the hotel and FLY it home on the plane with me - but it didnt last :(. I MUST GO BACK! !!!
(4)Lauren F.
We came to Capital Grille for my birthday this year and it was an excellent choice. We arrived to the table and there was a card waiting for me with signatures from all the servers wishing me a happy birthday. Annette was our server and she was fantastic, super friendly and attentive with great recommendations. They had a great wine tasting special going on-$25/person for basically all the wine you can drink. They had a sparkling white, 3 whites, I think 6 reds, and a port and they were all fantastic wines. We were more than a little tipsy on our way out! We started with the Calamari app and loved it! The calamari was mixed with a variety of peppers so it had a little kick to it, loved the unique preparation-it totally worked. I had the Porcini rubbed Delmonico and my boyfriend had the Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin. Both were huge and delicious-but we both agreed that my Delmonico stole the show. It was tender, tasty, juicy-just all together awesome. I would get this steak every single time. For sides we had a half order of Green Beans and a half order of Au Gratin Potatoes-both well prepared, we thoroughly devoured both but the creamy, cheesy potatoes were our fav. For dessert they brought me a plate that had "Happy Birthday Lauren" written in chocolate and a delicious Chocolate Cake and Creme Brulee. Needless to say, we devoured this as well and at that point you basically needed to roll us out of there. A great place to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a great meal!
(4)Steve S.
A good quality steak house. We had a corner booth, large and easily accomondated four. Was next to a simple curtain that separated the lobby, so a bit drafty although there is a double door connecting the lobby to the outside. As for the food. Good solid steaks. We dined there a week ago, but nothing outstanding stood out. Generous with the carbonated water and soft drink refills (did not charge for each and every bottle of San Pelligrino). Extensive wine list with several excellent inexpensive wines. I wish I could provide more details about the food - but hard to remember anything special. Excellent, but not unique calamari, good aged porterhouse and fillet steaks. Vegitables etc. separate side dishes. But a good meal.
(3)J L.
Their porterhouse steak is very delicious, very tender, juicy and cooked very nicely. Their onion soup is good (and huge), but way too salty, no joking, unbelievably salty. Spinach salad is very good. Mac and cheese pretty salty too...
(3)Gabe L.
Not much bad to say about Capital Grille. Their food is excellent, and the only reason I can't give it 5 stars is that it's very safe and straight forward. The filet mignon is as good as any, and the potatoes au gratin and the creamed spinach are great. I can't say I find this place all that dissimilar than Morton's or Smith and Wollensky, but it's quite good.
(4)Upsham D.
Spectacular. I've been here twice, and both times have been great. It gets busy at times, and the decor is certainly nothing to write home about, but the food... oh, my! On my first visit, we started with the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, which was succulent, well made and perfectly spiced. For the main course, we had the Bone-in Kona and the lamb chops. The steak was immaculate, the shallot butter on top along with the rub made it sublime. Each bite was intricately layered, and had a balanced taste. This was one of the best steaks I've had, good enough to have me dreaming about it nights after. The lamb chops were good too, but were completely overshadowed by the steak. We were completely satiated, and failed to make it to the dessert course. Second time around, I had the Calamari to begin (adequate, it's hard to get Calamari just right) and the Delmonico steak for main course. I was loath to stray away from the Kona due to my previous experience, but my server strongly suggested that I try the Delmonico. And boy, was he right! The Delmonico is definitely different from the Kona, but is a worthy companion on the menu. We had the Crème Brûlée for dessert, and it was fantastic. I would recommend keeping room for dessert even with the awesome steaks in the main course, you won't be disappointed. Overall, the service was great both times. Our servers were attentive and helpful, but not over-bearing. They had accurate descriptions and good pairing suggestions for the menu items. Expect some wait though, we had to wait ~10-15 minutes even after making our reservations beforehand. This is definitely a restaurant I'll be visiting often, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a upscale steakhouse in Chicago.
(5)John K.
Haven't been here in over five years, but the place hasn't changed. Exceptional waiter, pleasant hosts and quality food. Tasted the salmon, filet and strip. All were nothing extraordinary though, nothing to justify the prices. I know it's in the heart of River North, but other steak places we thought had better quality meat. Questioned whether it truly was a dry aged strip. Soups and accompaniments were excellent though.
(4)Vindaloo T.
I have been to this Capital Grille several times, and every time has been a good experience. The service is always great, and the food never disappoints. It isn't the most interesting place for dinner, but you get exactly what you expect--well-cooked steaks and seafood, tasty drinks, warm and helpful service. As an added bonus the service was quite gracious with my young son--the servers went out of their way to make sure he was comfortable and taken care of. One note, however--there is nowhere to change baby's diapers in the restaurant! Can't they install a koala care fold-up station in the handicapped stall of the restroom? I had to hunt for someone to tell me where to change my infant.
(4)Kelly G.
For a classic menu and ambiance, you can never go wrong with The Capital Grille. Always great food, and attentive, professional service. Never been disappointed.
(5)Jeff C.
Looking for a steakhouse during out Chicago visit, we chose this one because of the good reviews. Just walking in, the place feels classy, like you're in a really nice place back in the '30s or '40s. Our server, Scott, was very helpful and attentive, giving us his thoughts and recommendations. We ended up ordering the Filet Oscar, Porcini rubbed Delmonico with 12 year aged balsamic, spinach, and lobster mac n' cheese. The filet oscar was very good, cooked medium rare, topped off with a generous helping of crab. The bearnaise sauce was tasty as well. However, the Delmonico was even better. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and the balsamic gave it a little different flavor... one of the best steaks I've eaten! Spinach was good and we loved the lobster mac n' cheese as well. Needless to say, we were stuffed by the end and took some of our dinner home. A great place to go when you're looking to splurge a bit for a great steak!
(5)Ashley B.
Amazing. I just went here with my family and sisters friends and we had an awesome time. We had our own private room in the back of the restaurant and our waitress was so good she should probably be in sales! We started with an awesome cheese plate with everything from sheep, goat, and cow's milk based cheeses along with fuit and crackers. It went perfectly with my mojito. Next I had the fluke with potato gnocchi and it was phenomenal. The fish was light and flaky, even while breaded, and the gnocchi made for a nice anchor to the dish. In addition to that, I sampled the mushrooms and au-gratin potatoes that my dad ordered as sides. I could probably make a meal of just those, to be perfectly honest! And to wrap things up, I had the cheesecake, which I have to say is the best I've ever had, EVER. All in all, my food was great (we all sampled each others dishes, which was super fun), the atmosphere was on point, and the service was exquisite, polite, without being stuffy. I'd definitely recommend this place for many reasons. It's well worth every dime!
(5)Janet K.
I truly believe that if I had to choose my last meal (I hope that never really happens!) that I'd order the following, all from The Capital Grille: Wedge Salad Lobster & Crab Burger w/ French Green Beans Coconut Cream Pie Each one is the best I've ever had anywhere! Service is exceptional, as it should be at this price point. Friendly, not stuffy. My family has also enjoyed the Easter Brunch - best buffet brunch I've ever experienced. Choices were endless and fresh.
(5)Denise W.
The food here was ok. The best was the lobster Mac and cheese and the pineapple martini! The steak was pretty solid. No complaints but I wouldn't rank it as the best in Chicago.
(4)Ryan B.
Overall very good. The trio of filets with various sauces (can't remember the actual name) was superb. I think it was a special though, so they may not have offer it all the time. We had a few sides and they were all mediocre. For upscale steakhouses in Chicago, I prefer the ambiance and food at Bavette's.
(4)Mari Y.
I'm giving Capital Grille 5 stars pretty much because the service was so strong. My boyfriend and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary here. We received a gift card and agreed that the occasion would be appropriate to spend the evening. On the reservations I noted that it was our anniversary and Capital Grille really made it the forefront of the evening - the staff signed a card for us, we had a wonderful table and a complimentary dessert and tasting potions of their specialty Stoli Dole drink. Our server Jan was also superkind. The bf ordered the 22 oz Delmonico steak and I ordered a 2 lb lobster. Both were fantastic - the steak was cooked just right at medium and the lobster was cracked open accompanied by warm butter. This doesn't seem like the place where you go to town with a cracker and bib which was fine because I was stuffed given the size of the lobster. We were so full, especially after starting with a Caprese salad. For dessert they gave us a gluten free chocolate cake with blackberries - not too heavy and with the berries tasted awesome. The Stoli Dole was a highlight - they steep a pineapple in Stoli for 2 weeks and serve straight. I'm pretty sure I'd been here a few years before on a client lunch - on the outside there's definitely a corporate look and feel which also carries to the inside with the dark wood and heavy meats. There are a lot of steakhouses in Chicago and as I've noted, I'm not a meat eater so I really look at the non-meat options. The lobster was awesome and hit the spot. We had a great time!
(5)Char Y.
i'm so sad to give it a 3 star this time due to slow/no service! we were there during restaurant week for lunch and ordered salad clam chowder burger lobster roll chocolate cake food was great but our waitress completely disappeared during the meal many times, we think she might have been taking care of a big party in the party room, but i would still have liked to have service!
(3)Lee L.
When I go out for steak, I want to barely be able to walk out the door. Capital Grille did not fail to meet these expectations. They have an extensive wine list arranged very nicely (I like that everyone can see the wine list at once because it's a part of the regular menu). The food menu is simple and straightforward. The basic highlights include a shellfish platter, smoked salmon, oysters, lobster tails, and several cuts of steak that can take on any preparation you see on the menu. The lobster mac n' cheese side is a runaway hit. The pricing is also very fair. It's a fancy restaurant with prices to match, but the pricing is definitely on par or slightly below other comparable steakhouses in Chicago. Overall, our service experience was very nice and the food was very good. It was a great experience that was everything I expected it to be, but there were also zero surprises, both positive or negative, for me on the menu.
(4)Joyce I.
We came here on the first day of Restaurant Week. The food was great. Service is good. Gave you the same portion as on regular menu. Only $33 for a 4-course meal. Appertizers: Clam chowder (my bf) Salad (myself) Entrees: Both of us order Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter Sides for both of us: Creamed Spinach Mashed potates Desserts: Crème Brule (my bf) Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake (myself) We also order a Lobster Mac n Cheese. It was a great dinner.
(5)Michelle C.
I went here the other night while on vacation in Chicago and was thoroughly impressed. The only downside was the fact that they made the reservation for ten, but the kitchen closes at ten. Despite that, everyone working there was super considerate and didn't rush us at all. We started with the caprese with the 12 year aged balsamic. The balsamic was unreal--I've never tasted better. I got the Kona rubbed steak with the shallot butter sauce which was fabulous. it really couldn't have been better. Additionally we ordered the lobster mac and cheese which was the BEST I've ever tasted. We literally sat in our hotel and ate it at three in the morning that same night after some light--well, let's be real--heavy drinking. That's how freaking good it was. However, despite the amazing food, the thing that really made this place stick out was the waiter, Ricky B. He was outstanding. Seriously. He was the best waiter we've ever had. He didn't rush us despite the weird reservation mix us. He was helpful, kind, friendly, hilarious, and engaged us. I would honestly go back because his service was so exceptional. Thank you! I'd definitely suggest going here if you're looking for a good steakhouse :)
(5)David G.
Capital Grille is such an awesome experience that it makes me want to break out in song: Now this is the story all about how My life got flipped, turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there I'll tell you how I enjoyed a meal like the Prince of Everywhere In "Nowville" born and raised In high end restaurants where I want to spend most of my days Chilling out, maxing, relaxing and eating all cool And all shooting some high balls outside of the pool When a couple of guys who were up to no good Started making trouble in my neighborhood (of the restaurant) I got in one little fight and the hostess got scared And said you're moving with your colleagues out to Cap Grille I begged and pleaded with her the other day But she packed my suitcase and sent me on my way She gave me a menu and she gave me my coat ticket I put my iPhone on and said I might as well kick it First class, yo this is bad ass, Drinking high end scotch and whiskey it's true Is this what the people of Cap Grille livin' like Hm this might be alright! I whistled for a steak and when it came near the Serving plate said 'Fresh' and had oysters in the mirror If anything I could say that this steak was mid rare But I thought nah forget it, yo holmes I'm totally square We ate up the house with our party of seven or eight And I yelled to the hostess, yo holmes smell ya later Looked at my kingdom I was finally there To sit on my throne as the Prince of Everywhere
(5)Jessica N.
I met a friend here recently for cocktails and we sat at the bar. Finally tried the Stoli Doli and found it to be just ok, nothing remarkable. We shared the lobster mac as an appetizer and it was delicious, absolutely divine!
(3)Arlin B.
We had a 5+ dinning experience here on a couple of different occasions. There are so many other reviews posted already, so i will keep my review shorter than usual. This Capital Grill is very similar to the others with some slight modifications in their decor and menu. Reservations are needed since they are booked most of the time. It's an easy walk or cab ride from most hotels downtown. The service here is outstanding and they are a notch above the average compared to other Capital Grills. Food recommendations: Apps ~ you must try their lobster Mac-n-cheese! Oh my... Their soups and salads are also excellent. Main course ~ steak, steak and ugh steak! They have of the Best aged beef you'll find anywhere. You can have your steak naked or crusted in herb, Kona coffee (I like the Kona crusted) or Oscar-fied. I always add a side of their fresh green beans and try to stay away from their creamy au gratin potatoes. If I get their au gratin potatoes, thats all I will eat! They are that good. They have an excellent wine selection and have some locals wines as well. This is a wonderful place to go if your looking for somewhere that is finer dinning with an outstanding menu, fantastic food and wonderful service.
(5)Alisa M.
The actual food, I would give it s 4.5 star, but the service, makes this place a 5 star! I am here on the last day of Restaurant week. Out of all the 3 other places that I went to (comparable to regular prices), I would have to say that the service here was amazing. I felt that at the other places, when the waiter/ waitress found out that I was planning to order the 3-course meal, they seemed to act different and more snobby. I mean, $33 for a meal is nice for restaurant week, but it's not super cheap. Add a drink, tax, and tip and you're looking at almost a $50 meal pp, so I don't understand why the service was so bad out of the other places. I made the reservation online and requested a booth. When we arrived, they had a booth waiting for us. The waitress, Connie, did an awesome job. She was attentive and very friendly. She even asked us what other places we tried for restaurant week and did not seem to treat us any different because we were ordering from the $33 menu. The FOOD: 1. Caesar salad- fresh and nice chunks of cheese. The amount of dressing was perfect. I really enjoyed this. 2. Clam chowder- this was just your typical clam chowder soup. Nothing out of the ordinary or over the top about this one, but it was good. 3. 10 oz kona steak- so juicy and tender. I had it cooked medium. It was charred to perfection! The sauce that came on the bottom was excellent. 4. Creme Brulee- EXCELLENT! I like creme brulee that have a more harder sugary top. When I order it from other places, it seems like they get skimpy on making the caramelized topping. Creme brulee is the best when you have to use your spoon to break the top. YUMM-O! 5. Flour-less Chocolate espresso cake- SOOO Good. I am a total chocolate person, so I enjoyed this also! It satisfied my chocolate fix. The cake was so rice and dense. It melted in your mouth like butter with every bite. Definitely something to try here. 6. The sides (mashed potatoes and creamed spinach). The portions are HUGE! The creamed spinach was creamy, but not too creamy. You could taste the spinach more so I didn't feel so guilty eating this. We finished the whole plate! Very good and not too greasy. The mashed potatoes was good too, but nothing special. What can I say, the food and service here was excellent!
(5)Jessica N.
I was reminded why this is such a solid place to go. I haven't been in a while and I dropped by for a quick business lunch. First, great service as always. Swapped the black napkin for the white one since we had dark bottoms (who does that!). Next, had great lunch options, we both chose the "Plates" which came with one soup/salad, one sandwich and one side. Clam Chowder - delish and good amount of clams actually in it (something absent from a lot of clam chowders) Tenderloin Sandwiches - AMAZING!!! I don't think I have ever had a tenderloin sammy this good. Good PERFECTLY medium rare, and the mushroom/onion/cheese accouterments were the perfect addition, not too messy to eat. The bun wasn't too hard to navigate or bite through. A-MA-ZING. French Green Beans - Normally a fine choice but these again were perfectly seasoned and cooked. Really tender green beans. All in all quite well done Capital Grille! Excited that my new office is only a block away. I will be frequenting you often!
(5)Daniel M.
Ok. I realize that there are A LOT of great local steakhouses here in Chicago. If I have my choice between local and chain, it's usually always local. My wife laughs because of my contempt for food chains. But, after reading the reviews for the Capital Grille's customer service I decided to skip my long-standing policy and try it for my wife's birthday. I made reservations online and specified it was for a birthday. We were NOT disappointed! Valet is only $11.99 which is great when you consider that parking in that area of downtown is hard to find and the parking garages are very expensive. When my wife walked in, they greeted her by name. I don't know how they knew that! The place has extremely high ceilings, dark wood trim, soft colored walls, and of course bright white table cloths. The place has a little art deco feel to it which kind of gives it a throwback to 20's and 30's. When we got to the table there was a birthday card waiting for my wife signed by all of the staff that would be waiting on us. Our waiter was Rich Dornan - the guy is FABULOUS. He was very helpful and not pushy at all. Often, these types of restaurants can be a little stuffy. But, Rich was down to earth and had some great suggestions for our meal. The actual server was a young man by the name of Wilson. Our water glasses never got beneath three-quarters full! This staff is very highly trained it shows! We had the aged porterhouse steak. It was packed with flavor! The mashed potatoes were creamy and just melt in your mouth good. Perhaps, the steak at another place might have been just a little bit better - I don't know. But for the service, the atmosphere and the quality of food; Capital Grille makes for a great evening. We will be going back. We took the time to compliment the manager before we left. He said he could add our requests and favorite items to the dossier they started for us - a dossier! LOL! These guys are serious about service!
(5)Donna F.
Sorry to have to lower my opinion of this place but things just were not as good as the first time. Service was not as spot on, food not as good. Had the filet/shrimp special and for $58.00 it needed to be a lot better than it was. Delmonico was nothing to brag about either. When everything is just okay I don't expect to pay what I did. I sat there regretting that I didn't go to one of the other places I was considering that I know I would have been more satisfied with.
(2)Erika C.
You can't go to Chicago without going to a steakhouse, you just can't. I usually only go to Gibson's when I'm visiting but heard Capital Grill was just as good. As you'd expect, the service was top notch from the bartenders to the many waiters that give you that fine dining experience you go there for. The bar was packed this night but still got a drink rather quickly, this would be unlike Gibson's. That obviously made me happy since seeing other people drink usually makes me insanely jealous. The food............the food was just perfect. My hearty rack of lamb was cooked to perfection, medium rare, just like I like it. The side of macaroni was equally indulgent with pieces of crab mixed in. After my meal, I couldn't resist trying their cappuccino which was just like getting dessert. Not too sweet or too bold, like everything else that night it was perfect. Definitely adding Capital Grille to the my list of Chi Town restaurants I frequent!
(4)Bernard M.
Excellent. I had my favorite steak house selections: shrimp cocktail and filet mignon. Both were memorable.
(5)Anna C.
I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars! Took my fiancé here for his birthday and the staff was so unbelievably friendly, our waitress was beyond excellent, I wish I remembered her name! (We went there a while ago and I'm terrible with remembering names). I had the shrimp stuffed with lobster and crab. Honestly, it was the best thing I've ever eaten in my life! The lobster Mac and cheese, well, don't even get me started! Awesome doesn't even begin to explain how good it is! The whole experience was just amazing to say the least.
(5)Kasey L.
Our trip here was a Christmas gift from a cool, old grandpa, and we were really excited to have some delicious steak. It's fairly pricey ($40-50/steak), but honestly there are more expensive restaurants that aren't nearly as good. This is worth every penny. Lobster Mac and Cheese: Pretty delicious, and we don't even really like lobster (and there were huge chunks in there) Steak: His was the porcini-rubbed delmonico and hers was a kona crusted filet. We each preferred our own, and they were both amazing. Creme Brulee: Really smooth, fabulous consistency, paired up with fresh berries. Yum. Only possible downside was that you're served little miniature bottled soft drinks, which is probably considered fancy but is not exciting when all you want is a bottomless fountain drink. Oh well, not that big of a deal. Bottom line, the whole experience was first class. Ambiance inside is great, really knowledgeable server, you leave feeling awesome. This is the second visit to The Capital Grille (first time was in Indianapolis), and it's been fantastic both times. Definitely will go back...especially if someone else is paying :)
(5)L R.
After the review, I received a call from the manager apologizing for the poor quality service we received, which was a nice touch. It's nice to know that the restaurant cares about their customers enough to reach out and try to make it better. We will try again based on their effort.
(3)Adam M.
I want to start off by saying that if I rated The Capital Grille after my first time eating here it would only receive 1 star. I decided to submit a complaint through their website letting them know about my disappointing experience. I received an email from the President and a call from the managing partner shortly thereafter. I told them that the Herb Marinated Tenderloin that I ordered reminded me of something one should expect from Applebee's and not from a top steakhouse in Chicago. Jim, told me to come back in and that he would take care of my steak. I gave Capital Grille a second try and am glad I did. The second time I ordered the Filet Mignon. Boy was that steak good! Now this is what I expected from a place with such a good reputation. A very tender cut of meat, cooked to perfection. Capital Grille had wonderful customer service and their Filet Mignon was amazing. I will definitel be coming back here and I would recommend it to others.
(4)Chris S.
Amazing food & amazing space. Wonderful Old Fashion Cocktails & my steak was really good. There is literally nothing bad to say about the Capital Grille, you are getting what you pay for, which is an amazing environment, fantastic food & superb service. You pay for it tho as the pricing is high by all standards.
(5)Ray D.
Very good place for lunch or dinner. I am a big fan of the lobster Mac and Cheese along with their steaks. Ambiance is great. Gets a little crowded and location is a little touristy but great food indeed.
(4)Andrew L.
Great food! Calamari was on point (cherry peppers were a nice touch), the filet melted in your mouth, the porterhouse was perfectly cooked and seasoned, cheesecake was rich, and creme brulee was good. The customer service was excellent. I even received a call a couple days later to ensure our meal was satisfactory. This is definitely a once or twice a year type of thing. The service and food was top notch and you're definitely paying for it! The ONLY reason I give this place 4 stars and not 5 is because I made a reservation was seated a good 30 minutes later than the reserved time. We saw others (dressed fancier and to be frank looked richer than us) seated as soon as they walked in. I don't want to speculate anything, but if weren't for that, this experience would have been perfect.
(4)Squeaky F.
Great service from Lara our server. The lobster mac and cheese should be on everyone's last meal list.
(5)Mahsa T.
I'm normally not a big fan of steak houses but this one is the exception. I also thought that this place would be snooty since it's an expensive steak house in a great location, but I was wrong again. Everyone was more than friendly and our server took great care of us. I had the sirloin and one of my friends had the delmonico steak, both were done to perfection and absolutely flavorful and juicy. Great food, great service, you can't ask for anything more. I hope to go back soon.
(5)Vivian L.
I dined last night and to say the least, I've had much better experiences just a few blocks away (Flemings, Mastro's, Gibsons). As soon as we ordered, our server Paul said the bread will be brought out shortly. 5 minutes later he came to check up on us and said again that bread will be brought out. Another 10 minutes pass and another diner was seated a table away. Bread was brought to their table by another waiter but our table still only had silverware. Paul then came to check up on us and said bread will be brought out, then proceeded to ask if we really did want bread. I felt that was an inappropriate question after 15-20 minutes of waiting. Of course I want my bread. I didn't get it until shortly before the appetizer arrived. The food was just ok. I loved the desserts and clam chowder. The check was promptly brought to us when I was only 1/4 of the way into my dessert. That's fine if the payment was processed quickly but it took way too long to pay. The bill and credit card was still on the table long after I finished my dessert and I'm a really slow eater.
(1)Lucia Z.
Came here for Restaurant Week and loved it. The RW menu was excellent and an incredible value, and the food was fantastic. I had: - Clam chowder - 8 oz filet (my husband had the 14 oz sirloan and we split) - Side of spinach and mashed potatoes - Sorbet dessert Everything was delicious. I ordered my filet medium rare, and the middle was definitely red and tender, but it was not obnoxiously bloody (so basically, it was perfect). Super tender. I was also really surprised at how tender and juicy the sirloin was. The steak here really is fantastic. The fact that the restaurant is spacious and comfortable and the service is excellent only made the experience even better. Highly recommend!
(5)Seth F.
A bit too stuffy for my tastes in terms of atmosphere and service. However, the food was well prepared and in this category, of a marginal value. Definitely better for business or a date - not a great family outing.
(3)David H.
The Delmonico bone in was amazing: slightly crisp on the outside and soft, juicy, and tender on the inside.The flavor of the meat from fat marbling was excellent. And the sauce supported but didn't overwhelm the meat. The lobster mac and cheese, while creamy and tasty, was not better than the sum of the parts. The lobster tail left something to be desired and was more salty than I would have liked.
(4)Scott N.
This was really really good, but I've had better of each of the following so I can't give it 5 stars. Service was 5 star though! Clam Chowder -- 2nd favorite (in Chicago anyway). Second only to the original chef of Quay's amazeballs chowder! Dry Aged Sirloin -- again very, very good, but I like Joe's steaks better Mashed potatoes -- a little too creamy for my tastes Flour-less chocolate espresso cake and Crem Brule for dessert! Amazing!
(4)Melanie S.
Thanks to Nishan P for the heads-up on the $15 "Plates" lunch special, another one of my favorite Yelpers and I met here for lunch yesterday. That is simply too good a deal to pass up, in spite of the fact that I'd spend just as much in cab fare getting here. We arrived within minutes of each other and were ushered to a large booth. The decor is very clubby, with dark wood and ambient lighting; very much befitting a steakhouse. Our server greeted us and went over the specials but we both had our hearts set on the $15 lunch. We started with the mint lemonade, which was tangy, refreshing and mouth-puckering (I agree with Ashley C that there is little discernible mint flavor). The lemonade is served in a tall glass with a mini carafe of extra lemonade - very nice touch. A bread basket was set on our table with delicious crusty rolls sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds and served with cold butter adorned with crunchy fleur de sel and chopped parsley. Rolls devoured in record time. The lunch special consists of a choice of three things in each category: starters, main, and sides. Starters - clam chowder, roasted corn bisque, or a field green salad Mains - two mini tenderloin sandwiches, lobster roll, or annatto-rubbed mahi served with corn tortillas Sides - seasonal vegetable of the day, truffle fries, or a watermelon and tomato salad with feta I zeroed in immediately on the corn bisque and to no one's surprise, my East Coast dining partner chose the clam chowder. We both selected the lobster roll, and for sides, I went with the truffle fries and he went with the salad. The soups came out pretty quickly. The corn bisque was drizzled with a little chili oil and garnished with fresh chives and it looked very pretty. I love that they roasted the corn (the kernels had a nice char) instead of just tossing the corn in; it amped up the flavor. Since the temperature yesterday dropped considerably, it was the perfect way to warm up my belly. The lobstah rolls and sides arrived soon after. I was pleasantly surprised at the portion sizes of both the sides and sandwiches as I was expecting smaller versions. The lobster was rich and decadent, lightly dresses with mayo and crunchy celery and served on a split toasted bun. It was fantastic. As for the truffle fries, although I thought they could have been thinner, I would pretty much eat a sock if it were drizzled with truffle oil. The watermelon / tomato salad was tossed with a light vinaigrette and had crumbled feta. I love that they used heirloom tomatoes in the salad and the watermelon added a nice texture and contrast to the tomatoes. We were both too full to order any dessert but that didn't stop me from taking a gander at it for future visits. It had the usual steakhouse classics: cheesecake, creme brulee, flourless chocolate cake, and ice cream. Capital Grille definitely caters to Chicago's movers and shakers and captains of industry. In fact, we spied Christie Hefner circulating around the dining room on our visit. Needless to say, she didn't stop at our table. Since all of the choices on the "Plates" menu were great, I fully intend on coming back to try every combination, and although it's far too early in the morning for me to calculate just how many visits it will take me to try each one, I just know it's a lot. I better get started and plan my next visit. Who's with me?
(4)Alex D.
This is one of my top two favorite steakhouses in Chicago (the other one is Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab). Always start with their signature drink, the Stoli Doli. It is a vodka martini that has been infused with pineapple for several days. The steak selection is fantastic... several dry-aged and specialty selections. I usually get the Porcini-rubbed delmonico, but sometimes go for the filet. They also have an excellent seafood platter appetizer, with shrimp, lobster, oysters, etc. For sides I like the spinach (sauteed, not creamed) and of course the lobster mac and cheese. Incidentally, they also have one of the best burgers in town. You can order it off-menu for dinner, and it is great medium rare. They have private rooms for larger parties. The decor is very traditional, feels like a law library with lots of oil paintings and wood paneling.
(5)Thao V.
Food was 5 stars Service 5 stars Cocktails 1.5 stars Had a lovely birthday dinner with my bf here. The filet mignon was phenomenal with sautéed mushroom. Also had the torledo with asparagus wrapped in bacon. Had a novice mojito ( no lime juice, mint was not muddled, not enough alcohol, too much soda). Bf had jack and coke so there was no way they can mess that up. Service was excellent! My server name was Kevin and he tried to accommodate for the poorly made drink by offering to remake it and gave me other choices. He checked on us with just the right amount of time without hovering over us. Definitely would come back to this place and recommend it to my friends.
(4)Drew B.
Great Food Great Service. It was a wonderful experience I would recommend if you are in town they are a must do.
(5)Sudario A.
Start with the calamari it is just freaking delicious! Weak on beer selection but strong on whiskey!
(4)Jimmy J.
The reason why I don't think of going elsewhere. 5 star food. 5 star service. The porcini rubbed delmonico in aged balsamic, the Rhode Island style Calamari, Their Caesar, the creamed corn n bacon, the truffle fries with parm and their chocolate hazelnut cake are highly recommended. First rate career servers. High class without a snooty atmosphere. And lastly, their locations are never these dark caves that Steakhouses have become where there is not enough light to read the menu. While their location at The Fashion Mall on the Las Vegas Strip is my fave, this Streeterville location is jammin just off Mich Ave. Always a first class steakhouse experience at Capital Grille.
(5)Phill C.
Came hungry and left stuffed. All I remember was my dry aged Steak au Poivre and those nomlicious Parmesan Truffle Fries. I enjoyed every last bite of steak (perfectly cooked and delicious), but I think the whole time I wished had some more fries. The service was exceptional, with very friendly and welcoming servers & staff. Capital Grille had a nice steak house vibe, from the classy decor to the meat window showing their dry aged steaks. Had a great dining experience and will be back.
(5)