The Capital Grille — Restaurant in Memphis

On 10/20/2022, I along with four friends visited the Capital Grille in Memphis to celebrate one of our friend’s birthday. I had earlier that day gotten a recommendation from a co-worker that I should try the calamari appetizer, the crackers and the ribeye steak. She was a very enthusiastic and made me even more enthusiastic about going. When we got there our server, Rachel, was great and I did not expect to have any complaints at all. Unfortunately, when I received my appetizer, the calamari was cold. I didn’t say anything about it and Rachel proceeded to split it amongst all the people at the table. I ordered my steak medium well, however it appeared that they cooked it medium instead and it was warm instead of hot. My coworker had described her steak as sizzling when it came out to her, so this was unexpected. Rachel offered to take my steak and have them put it on the grille, but I was extremely disappointed by this point and ready to go. I felt that I would have had a better experience at Outback for a lower price. One other friend had a steak that wasn’t hot also. Everyone that ordered something other than steaks really enjoyed their meals. I found this to be ironic, since this is a “steakhouse.” As we were gathering our items preparing to leave, Rachel stopped us after she picked up everyone’s check. She said, “I have two pens missing!” We stayed seated at the table and waited while she looked for her pens. She went to the extent of getting a flashlight and looking under the table for the pens. This was extremely rude of her and seemed to us to be her way of implying that we had stolen her pens. These pens were marketing materials for Capital Grill and should have been given to customer to spread good will. I would hate to think that this was something that was racially motivated, however I felt that if my group were of a different race we would not have been subjected to this type of treatment by Rachel. I also, thought that it was really intriguing that she made sure to collect the checks with the tips prior to asking about some ink pens. I wanted to get my check back and take the tip off. I gave her a twenty-dollar tip and then I was treated like this. Unbelievable. Is this how she treats everyone? I doubt it. I was really irritated by an event that was supposed to be a celebration and I not only will not be going back, I will also make sure that all of my family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, associates, acquaintances and Facebook friends will know that I had an extremely horrible experience at your...

The experience was terrible. I was celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday tonight, and decided to give the restaurant a try because we’ve never dined there before and have heard great reviews. However, to our dismay, the service and dining experience was nothing short of disappointing. We were sat at our table exactly at our reservation time, service staff filled our water glasses and told us our waiter would be with us shortly. Our waiter walked past our table at least 6-7 times before greeting us. Eventually he approaches the table and immediately asks us for our drink order, no introductory or greeting, and then asks us if we were ready to order our entrees in the same breath. He did inquire on who’s birthday we were celebrating. Our food took about 40-55 minutes to be prepared and brought to the table. When the entrees arrived both protein temperatures were incorrect. All three side dishes were cold as soon as they touched the table. We sent the food back to be corrected and it took another 40 minutes to return to our table. One protein was now overcooked and microwaved. No new meat was given after 49 minutes. We sat without silverware for at least 5 minutes after receiving our food. Every time we would try to gain our waiters attention he would ignore us. I had to significantly raise my voice to gain his attention to receive utensils to eat our food. He never came to check on us or inquire if the food was satisfying after having sent it back; I requested another alcoholic beverage for during my meal, we were never asked for a refresher, and because the waiter seemed so occupied with other guests, he never bothered to ask. The side dishes came out another 5-7 minutes after they brought the re-cooked entrees and they were still cold. We sat right in front of the kitchen and I heard my waiter complaining to another coworker about table distributions and using profanity right beside our booth. I spent a nice amount of money for a terrible experience. Very disappointed in celebrating a birthday in such manner, did not expect this for such an esteemed fine...

I mostly go here for the oysters, drinks and bar atmosphere, never anything less; although I have attended business functions in their private dining rooms. This is the only place I know of here that serves everything East & West coast oyster selections and they don't neglect the accompaniments... a true mignonette, cocktail sauce, lemon, and extra horseradish, Tabasco on request. The bar offerings are varied both in libations and food, I like the tapas (tuna tartare! Steak sliders! Lamb chops! ) and their signature cocktails are always on point! The full menu is well rounded in a classic surf and turf/steak house style. Their price point for entrees and sides is a bit high for the selection and quality of meats and vegetables used (not farm to table fresh but the prices feel like it should be on these items); the drink menu is moderately priced with high end wines and select liquors, they have a full service bar. I enjoyed their Stoli Doli tonight for the first time, compliments of the bartender, and it was delicious. The lobster Mac 'n Cheese is take home worthy. The staff is well versed in fine dining service and usually goes the extra mile to not only ensure an excellent experience but also amend for any inconsitencies or errors in preparation or execution of the food/service. This establishment is in line with corporate standards and while this is an achievement in itself, I wish there was more that set it apart from the other Capital Grilles I have visited elsewhere in the country. My constant dinner companion urged me to give 4 stars for this reason and the high pricing on standard ingredients, but I feel all in all it is a well-run restaurant with attention to detail in service. However, the service and menu are a sight for sore eyes to a traveler of the world who is currently stuck in Memphis so they get 5 stars for that and all of the above...