The Capital Grille — Restaurant in Raleigh

FINAL EDIT: I've decided to edit this review on my own accord because I am appreciative of the outreach and resolution received from the manager Dane with respects to my experience. I do believe these situations should be given the space to be fixed and am appreciative that this was an instance where resolution was possible. Thank you for taking the time to extend understanding, apology, and acknowledgment toward my experience, Dane. I want to acknowledge that this was an experience with 1-2 individuals and I recognize that it isn't a full representation of the entire establishment as I have had wonderful interactions prior to this.

EDIT: the server in question took it upon himself to find me on Facebook and message me. I’m attaching a screenshot as proof of the harassment. Out of respect for his privacy, I did cover his last name and photo, although I have not been extended the same courtesy of privacy since he found my social media. This is NEVER ok.

CLIFF NOTES: Check your bank statement after dining here. Their server, Phil, tipped himself $30 for each person in my party of three. However, none of us authorized that 27% tip.

I frequent Capital Grille several times a year for both personal and business engagements. To my surprise, my server, Phil, charged everyone in my party $30 each for his tip although none of us authorized for that amount to be charged to our card. When we reached out to the restaurant to discuss with the manager, we were informed that the manager, Daniel, would be in at 2 PM but he was late and we were told that he would call us upon his arrival. We still didn’t receive a call back by 3 PM, so we called and he informed us that he’s “Never had an issue with Phil before” that information was completely irrelevant, and was not even preceded by an apology or acknowledgment of a negative experience. This implied that we were lying. He informed us that he would pull the receipts, see what happened, and get back to us. When he returned my call, he indicated that the receipt showed that I didn’t tip at all, which is also inaccurate, and a further indication of tampering with my transaction. When I inquired about how we were charged $30 each, he said he didn’t know. He mentioned that it had to be an unintentional mistake. A mistake happens one time. In this scenario, a mistake would not be charging three separate checks an unauthorized amount back to back to back. I let Daniel know that that is an unsatisfactory response. Daniel then indicated that he will simply refund the gratuity as it was a “mistake”.

There are a lot of issues with this scenario, but this is a distasteful response from a place that I frequent. Charging an unauthorized amount is theft and when done to someone, could have led to overdraft fees as everyone’s financial situations are different. Thankfully, that is not my experience financially, but they would not have known that. Capital Grille should have a much better response to having a team member who is stealing from...

While visiting in Raleigh the week of the 15th my family of seven went to capital Grille for dinner. My two stars is not about the food the food was excellent. My two stars is about the staff. We had a reservation capital Grille was relatively empty at 6 PM. They put us in the middle of the restaurant between the kitchen and the bar high traffic area. There was a table across from us that was empty we asked if perhaps we could move there we were told we could not. the entire time that we were there no one sat at that table for seven. To me that is poor customer service. I would think that because no one was sitting there it would’ve been simple for us to move we had not even been sitting for one minute. Our waiter Russell I think that was his name was a very nice young man but not very attentive. He was very much preoccupied running back-and-forth. He didn’t seem to slow down enough to hear what we all wanted in terms of what we wanted to drink. Didn’t clean the table off after our Appetizers there were crumbs. I think that this is a five-star restaurant and I have been to many where they clean the table they give you new silverware they give you new napkins he did however continue to fill our water up. And there were times we had to look for him and even asked where he was. The entire weight staff seemed as though they had all had shots of caffeine before beginning the evening everybody was whizzing around the restaurant and a very high energy movement. It was not an enjoyable atmosphere. It was also not conducive to family conversation. The food was very good as I said. We tipped him over and above what he deserved because we are not vindictive people. And on the way out one of the server’s almost knocked my 80 year old sister over again because she was moving so fast and never said excuse me. The only satisfaction of making this a great evening were the three young men outside helping us with our car the valet. We gave them each a $20 tip. They were cordial gracious respectful great personalities and appreciative. Capital Grille please slow down and make your customers feel like they want to be there I know that it was below zero in that restaurant. Yes I’m exaggerating it was cold as all get out in the restaurant as well as the cold reception of the people working the room. And that is my review and we didn’t even get dessert we just wanted to get out. Boston MA Capital Grill is...

Easter 2025

I had previosly given this restaurant a very high review - see Christmas below. We returned to enjoy Easter dinner this year and cannot overstate our disappointment.

First let's talk about the appearance of the dining area. It was not particularly busy when we arrived at 4 PM, nor did it appear overwhelming when we left. Despite the absense of traffic, the room looked tired and unkept. Table placing on clean tables were haphazardly placed, chairs chaotic - several tables left undressed with basic wood tops exposed. It felt like a high end cafeteria.

We ordered apps - the ahi tuna was literally clear jelly - no taste. Ordered lobster/crab cakes never arrived, shrimp cocktail was served on this huge iced tray with the six small shrimp lost at sea! The prosciutto and goat cheese wrap was over-baked and dried out. The oysters and calamari were ok - nothing to write home about.

The wait staff was aggressive and rushed the meal through. We were not finished with apps when staff asked if it was ok to remove completed serving plates - and instead removed ALL - bread plates, apps that were still being shared - everything!

We ordered the wedge salad for the table - McDonald's serves a better salad - wedge was literally drowned in dressing leaving the salad tasteless.

The main meal and sides were ok - but by the time dinner came the entire 'upscale' dinner we had all so looked forward to was ruined. $250/person is a lot to pay to be disappointed.

We dine at a high-end restaurant at every major holiday, as we do not enjoy cooking. We totally understand that holidays can be challenging for restaurants, guests are often rushed, menus limited, staff junior etc. this said, we left the restaurant stunned by just how far the establishment has fallen in terms of the overall dining experience. The room and staff that once made you feel special is gone - Capital Grille needs to take a hard look at their operation and restore what brought repeat customers. What currently exists is a poor reflection on the brand.

Enjoyed Christmas Eve dinner with large family. Table was wonderful - large round table tucked away in corner giving us all the opportunity to chat - no one was stuck at the end of a table. Food was delish and well paced. Wine list is very nice too. Wait staff are extremely professional. Will be our new 'go to' place for large...