The Capital Grille — Restaurant in Philadelphia

We had a delicious dinner at the Capital Grille. This was the first time we went to a high-end steakhouse in a long time, and I was a little nervous about spending so extravagantly on a single meal. We were not disappointed, though.

It was a Saturday, around 6:30pm, but they gave us a table for two as walk-ins with no wait! We were enjoying a couple soft drinks and assorted breads in less than 3 minutes. Then our server, Bob, walked us through the specials and answered at least 5 questions I had about the menu, all with the patience of a saint and a genuinely friendly demeanor. He also demonstrated a great sense of humor throughout the night, but was very professional when it came down to business. He guided us expertly through the menu, and made perfect suggestions for starters (the best lobster bisque South of Bar Harbor) and dessert (a heavenly brulee-style cheesecake with fresh berries and raspberry sauce). The sides of creamed spinach (perfectly balanced) and soy glazed brussel sprouts with bacon (inspired) could have been an entire meal themselves. It was a long, hot day and we were both looking for something light, so we ordered the pan seared Sea Bass with asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, and miso butter. It was extraordinary and I was so glad I asked them to keep the bread on the table. Otherwise, I might have licked the plate. Not one drop was wasted.

But we really wanted to try one of their cuts and decided to split the 10 oz. filet mignon. This is where we should have listened to Bob and ordered it medium or medium rare, but we went with medium well. We had our reasons that I won't get into here, but suffice to say Bob was absolutely right. So, if the steak looks a little over done in this picture, it was my fault and no one else's. The night was near perfect, and the only thing wrong was that we should have listened to EVERY suggestion that Bob made. By the way, we brought home the sides and finished them with lunch the next day. The aroma alone out us right back at the Capital...

First impressions are EVERYTHING. . . Our entire experience at the Capital Grille was drastically tainted by the initial reception/treatment we were greeted with by the 2 hostesses. Whether intentional or honest, human oversight. . . Once, it was brought to BOTH their attentions that - not only had we been waiting over 20 minutes, but even AFTER we informed them of this, they actually seated TWO ADDITIONAL parties (1 of which had just walked in the door!!! And were seated immediately. 😯 🥺)

This was my 1st time patronizing this (seemingly) distinguished establishment. And since they did not extend the offer for us to check our coats, you can imagine my absolute dismay & utter shock when one of them snatched my Canada Goose from an adjacent chair without my knowledge!!!

The lack of concern for having been overlooked & ignored for such a long period; the cold and callous demeanor in their responses really left quite the sour taste in MY mouth. ESPECIALLY, since I chose NOT to address the issue at the time in the manner in which it deservedly warranted - (we were celebrating a close friend's birthday who was just overcoming an illness).

Thankfully, our server was on par with the expectations one would reserve for an eatery of this caliber. The crabcakes were simply scrumptious - seasoned perfectly & plated beautifully. The lobster bisque (soup special of the day) was one of the best I've ever had. I even have to "shout out" the assortment of herbal breads that preceeded our meal. . . FANTASTIC!!! So hats off to the chef!!! ALL the food we had was amazing.

And finally, Mr. Pertelli (the manager who just happened to stop by our table). . . You made everything better. Like the hug from your dad when you've had your heart broken. His warm smile & understanding ear was all it took to help reverse the entire experience. ...

I was there for business over the weekend. My colleague and I were seated in the back by the kitchen--no worries, we had no reservations. We were tired and hungry. I'd been to several Capital Grilles throughout the country so I was expecting no less than excellence across the board. This was my colleague's first experience. Our server was Matt. He was great until he wasn't and our experience was the poorer for it. We were easy too--we don't drink and we placed our orders promptly. Matt's follow through was substandard. I think that he had a bigger party in the front of the restaurant and that is where his attention remained throughout our dining experience. The other patrons around us had several servers/attendants that were on the ball. It would've been nice to have had him check in but he didn't and my colleague and I only needed two things after our meals were placed on the table; a refill and some au jus. That was it! We caught the the manager who brought over the au jus. Matt finally returned and when I refused the refill because we were done eating at that point. He took it off of my bill entirely. It was a nice gesture that came too late. Again, we didn't require much and Matt dropped the ball. It didn't feel the best either. Knowing that I had to give good money over for bad service and food. We just wanted a great meal before heading home after a long day of hard work. This experience was the price of my business and I'll be sure to re-think a visit here again (and tell others) whenever work places me in the City of Brotherly-Love.

P.S. The manager should check-in with guests about their dining experience closer to the end of their meals.

**Update: They reached out and I responded to them and as of 6/19/2023, I have heard...