The Capital Grille — Restaurant in Leyden Township

My wife and I had dinner at the Capital Grill in Rosemont last night, Friday, June 9th. The occasion was our 32nd anniversary and we were looking for an upscale experience. We decided to try Capital Grill because a friend recommended it. He suggested we ask to be seated with Bridget as our server. I called on Tuesday to make a reservation. I was asked if there was any special occasion and I mentioned our anniversary.

When we were seated, we were surprised to find a single long stem red rose waiting for my wife and a note congratulating us on our anniversary, a very nice touch and the first sign of the attention to detail that was to mark the evening. Bridget was our server and after taking our wine order she surprised us with a complimentary bruschetta tasting and a shrimp cocktail to share. The shrimp were huge, fresh and delicious.

She brought us our selected wine and decanted it at our table without being asked. The menu is extensive and Bridget explained all our options and made suggestions. My wife opted for a special, Haddock, a fish we had not tried before and I had a 14oz dry aged NY strip steak. We ordered a shaved Brussel Sprout salad to split. It was served divided for us and we both agreed that the single salad was big enough for two. Linda's Haddock was superb! The fish was just as described and delicious. My steak was perfectly prepared and done as I requested, between med.rare and medium ( I know, a little picky, but that's how I always order it). We were enjoying the aftermeal glow and conversation when Bridget again surprised us, this time with a large platter with a small cheesecake cake on one side, fresh berries on the other side and "Happy 32nd anniversary" written in chocholate in the middle and accompanied by two flutes of proseco, all complimentary. Needless to say we were astounded by this attention, the exceptional service, and the excellent food. We never expected the rose, the note, the complimentary dessert and appetizer.

Most high end restaurants extend themselves to some extent. But Capital Grill, Rosemont, went above and beyond for our dinner. LInda and I do not always dine at this level but 3-4 times each year we look for a night out that is special. Yes, it was an expensive evening, we ordered expensive wine and expensive entree's. But when you are treated the way we were you don't mind spending the money. This was a special night out for us and Capital Grill will keep us coming back. This was truly a 5 Star experience. Everyone, from the valet attendants on up, worked to make us feel like special guests and all tried their best to make us want to return. They succeeded. We...

I have eaten at many steakhouses in NY, Spain , Argentina , Texas ,etc at high end steak houses , holes in the wall . Never been to this chain for a steak . Here visiting and staying at Loews hotel and was in the mood for steak . Show up around 3 for a late lunch , figured no one is there so I will probably get a really well cooked meal . I order the wedge with bacon , and it was ok other than the fact the bacon was very minuscule . A little bit bigger than tic tacs. Usually when I get this dish elsewhere the bacon is much bigger and thicker and a little less hard . Bottom line—- not enough bacon . Avoid . Now the steak . I am giving this place 2 stars . It is a steak house . Supposedly they should know what they are doing . The steak is supposed to be aged as well . 22 oz? Not even close . It was pretty small . No way this was a 22 oz before it was cooked . They really should let you see the steak before purchasing . It wasn’t cooked medium rare . Medium basically . The worst part was the taste . Perhaps they were masking something . But it was drenched in salt . It really took away from the steak and it’s flavor . The steak was not as juicy as it should have been and overly saturated in salt . Cappuccino was good . I am getting used to eating out post Covid and noticing the quality / quantity of food going down and prices going up . Service though has gotten better post Covid . I left a 20 dollar tip on this meal but that cook kind of butchered that steak or has lower quality steak to work with in the kitchen . Thumbs down . Avoid . I made a steak at On home stove top and then threw in the oven which tasted just as good or close to as good as this . Getting tired of eating out and getting substandard food and paying my hard...

The Capital Grille is a throwback of sorts and in all the good ways. Dark wood decor, wonderfully intimate tables, and a remarkable wine list.

Stephanie was our server. When she presented us with the wine list, it was so extensive that it was on a tablet rather than paper. This made it much easier to peruse the options although we were went with her recommendation of the Caymus Schooner. An excellent choice. We knew we were in good hands from that point on.

We ordered salads, a green salad for my wife and a wedge for me. The bacon on the wedge was remarkable. As a southerner, I pride myself on knowing good bacon. This was from a farm in Wisconsin; very special. Fortunately, it was served with the baked potato we ordered to accompany our steak, too!

Speaking of steak, my beloved and I split the porcini rubbed bone in ribeye. If you are a ribeye fan, this is what you want. The rub and the balsamic vinegar results in a wonderful char and a warm pink center. In addition to the huge baked potato (more than enough for two), we shared the fresh corn side dish.

Not usually ones for dessert, I ordered the coconut cream pie. Wow! The coconut was subtle enough that my wife, who is not a fan of that tropical delicacy, actually liked the bite I allowed her. She ordered the Crème Brûlée. Never a a bad choice.

During the course of our meal, we had the good fortune to have the manager, Mike, stop by. He was kind enough to offer me a brief tour of the wine cellar. If you are an oenophile, you will appreciate their wine list. Not expansive nor expensive, there is a really nice variety from which to choose.

This was a a nice spot for an intimate dinner. If you are near O’Hare, make the trip here. You won’t be...