The Capital Grille — Restaurant in Washington

My daughter made a lunch reservation for 4 at the Capital Grille for lunch. We arrived slightly before our time and were seated immediately. Our server, Joharra (I hope I got that right) came over and told us the menu specials and took our drink order. She was friendly and professional. Throughout our meal she came at all the right times. She definitely helped make our time there more pleasant! Soon afterward we gave our drink order, and our bread selection w/butter was brought to the table. The bread was nice and warm, the butter was fresh with salt lightly sprinkled on top. It was very good. Our drinks came soon afterwards, and Joharra took our orders. I ordered the Seared Salmon with Avocado, Mango and Tomato Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette. My fiancé ordered the Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Roasted Garlic, white wine and lemon butter and he also ordered Potatoes Au Gratin as a side. My daughter ordered a special that had steak and a salad, and her boyfriend ordered the Signature Cheeseburger. We ordered calamari for the table as an app. We also ordered 2 crème brûlée , and an espresso flourless cake for dessert. Everything came very promptly. First the calamari. The flavor of the calamari was very good. Whatever it’s breaded with had a nice flavor that complimented the calamari. However, some of the larger clusters of tentacles were somewhat underdone. The breading wasn’t crisp in those clusters, and it had a bit of a wet, unappealing feel in those spots. All of the rings were done perfectly though and they were lightly crisp. My salmon was tasty, but a little overcooked for my taste. I like my salmon cooked to medium with a moist middle so it melts in your mouth. The accompanying salad was really good and perfectly dressed. I don’t like too much dressing and usually ask for it on the side. But this was perfect. My fiancé enjoyed his salmon and his au gratin potatoes, very much. My daughter’s boyfriend enjoyed his burger and said it was done the way he likes it. My daughter had asked for her steak medium rare (the server confirmed deep pink inside with medium pink throughout and my daughter agreed), but I think her steak came more medium or medium well. She seemed to enjoy it regardless and enjoyed the salad too. The desserts were very good. The espresso cake seemed a little too dense at first, but I think it was just a bit cold… we were seated outside (it was very hot that day) and after about 10 minutes the cake was much smoother. A much nicer texture. The espresso flavor was prominent and amazing. The crème brûlées had a rich vanilla flavor and a very satisfying crack when you broke the top, but didn’t have the soft-set, ‘barely holding its shape’ texture it should have. This was almost a custard-like flan, but still very good. Overall we were happy with our meals at the Capital Grille, and the service was perfection, as was the company and atmosphere. We had a wonderful time. I would go back any time we’re in DC. (Just discovered I put this review under the wrong Capital Grille so this is...

My husband and I's overall experience at Capital Grille was overall 8/10. It's been about a year since we last went (for my husband's birthday) but the overall experience was something we'd love to experience again.

It starts with optional valet, but my husband and I chose to find parking in a nearby parking garage since it's in the heart of DC. There are workers to assist you in opening the doors, and service was fairly fast in terms of the hostess checking you in and being shown to your table. It's worth noting we made a reservation, so I wouldn't be able to speak on what walk-in patrons would be like.

The space is on the smaller end but decorated with class and has a quiet, "old money" ambience. It is understood many US politicians (senators, congressmen/women) dine here. No one party ever got too loud throughout the night. The maître d' visited our table one time while we were dining to ask how our experience was.

The customer service was pretty incredible if I do say so myself. They go above and beyond to make sure your requests come to fruition. As it was a birthday celebration for us, they brought out a complimentary dessert at the end of the night and complimentary flutes of champagne for each of us.

Alright, the crux of the review: the food. The food was incredible--that is all. I don't have any particular dishes to recommend, but their menu seems to have something for everyone, and I'm not sure you'll go wrong with anything you order on there. However, with it being a pretty high-end restaurant, their specialty fares are choice cuts of meat, alcoholic drinks, and various Italian pasta dishes.

The price is 4x dollar signs for a reason ($$$$). It's certainly not cheap. We spent total, about $260+ (without tips) for an alcoholic drink each, two appetizers, two entrees (one being a steak), and another dessert. With that being said, all the food and drinks we ordered were divine and certainly something we'd be happy to have again. Could it a bit more affordable? Absolutely. But is that the clientele they're serving? Absolutely not. Just understand when you go, you're choosing to participate in a more exclusive experience--good or bad--you'll pay a decent amount for your dinner, and the food and service you'll get in return is...

This would've been a 5-star review, however, paying the tab ruined that. We ate Thanksgiving dinner here today, a group of eight service members who are temporarily working in D.C. and unfortunately away from their families. I purposely selected a nice restaurant for us to enjoy together as a makeshift family, and most of them have never ate a high-end restaurant before.

The service and meals were all delicious! We all enjoyed our meals and the desserts they ordered. My gripe is the fact that we were forced to pay for the meal either on one person's tab or split it between three people because the waiter said that's the highest he was allowed to split the tab. This was not listed anywhere on their website nor was it posted on the menu or in the restaurant. It wasn't addressed by the waiter either, which most normally would inform patrons when a large group is present.

This asinine requirement put a burden on the person that had to pay the full tab, as each member is required to use their individual government charge card for all official travel. Unfortunately, this put a damper on our evening and made it end on a less positive note.

I tried to leave a comment on the website, but it kept denying me the ability to do so. This ridiculous policy needs to be updated or clearly posted on the menus or briefed ahead of time by the waiter. It is not that difficult separating tabs. Most, if not almost all, restaurants do this, so I do not understand why this restaurant could not.

The staff were all friendly and professional. The atmosphere was great. Overall, it would've been "perfect" had each individual been allowed to pay for their own meals instead of making one person...