Capital Grille
 

What are your thoughts on Capital Grille, compared to other steakhouses like Morton's and Ruth's Chris? Mr. Kipper and I had a delightful meal there over the weekend. The kona rub for the steak was very yummy. We did have problems getting reservations for the exact time we wanted, and had to settle for 15 minutes before, but that was about the only issue with the restaurant.

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Disclaimer: I am a long-time, loyal Mortons customer, probably to the point of being biased.

That said, I've always been very impressed by Cap Grille, particularly the bar scene. It's definitely my 'second choice' steak chain. I think Mortons steaks are better, and their crabcakes are unbeatable. But, Cap Grille has great variety on menu. I love the tartare.

I've had some great experiences at Cap Grille. It's not quite at Mortons level in my biased opinion, but always top notch.

I've found the lunches at Capital Grille to be better than dinners, both in taste and service quality. A Capital Grille server ruined a birthday dinner of mine two years ago, and it was the first time I ever walked out of a fine-dining restaurant of any stripe. That kind of thing tends to stick with someone. In fairness, I did go back and insist that I not get that server, and I thought the Kona rub was OK, but not great. The lunch I had at the same location was to die for.

its amazing how inconsistent even these chains are.

i wasnt impressed with mortons and flemings in northern virginia.

OTOH the capital grille in northern virginia was fantastic. and scotch menu is always a plus.

the only chain crabcakes ive found acceptable are at Great American Restaurants. have yet to try redrock canyon grill.

The kona crusted sirloin there is tough to beat. I have them hold the shallot butter though, it is a bit much. I also think their tar-tar is excellent. As far as chains go, it is better than a sharp stick in the eye.

I've been to Capital Grille's across the country, they're usually consistently good. I definitely prefer CG to Ruths Chris, Mortons, Smith and Wollensky's, etc. But I have to say that the best steak that I have in cities are usually the local/regional steakhouses - not the chains. :)

I have had some inconsistent, and in a couple of cases actually mediocre, experiences here. I prefer Morton's and Ruth's Chris.

I do love the fried calamari at Capital Grille, however, with the cherry peppers.

I'm a coffee junkie, so the kona rub was a new treat. I think Mr. Kipper and I are going to try a similar mix, but with brewed coffee, and let the steak marinate in it as an experiment. Yes, I know, I'm odd. :D

I was gifted with a $100 gift card for Capital Grill(The closest one is in Las Vegas)Will I be able to get dinner for two with that?(sans booze of course)

No. A la carte steaks are probably in the mid-$30s to 40s, so the only way that you would get dinner for two is if you basically had a steak each and that's about it. Perhaps share a salad!

Won't cut it if you truly are a "bigguy."

No, expect to spend about $150, probably, with no booze.

Yum yum - the Cap grille is the best! But all of the above mentioned spots have a dish that is close to my heart and stomach!!! The lobster macaroni and cheese side dish was decdent! Unfortunately I could not take some to go ...

When I lived in New Orleans in the 80's we had some fine meals at the original Ruth's, before it expanded. Same holds for the original Morton's.

In recent years however my experiences at Capital Grille (DC, KC, Las Vegas) have surpassed any other chain steak house I'm familiar with.

I really like the Capital Grille. I've been to the Tysons Corner, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Dallas location. I like it more than Ruths Chris and Mortons. However the only Mortons I have been to is the one in Georgetown and had a bad experience (obnoxious table seated near mine). I would be willing to go to Mortons again.

I have never been to our Capital Grille, although it is on my list of places to try.

Our first choice is always Ruth's Chris. I have eaten in other locations and found ours in Mpls to be the best. The steaks are aged perfectly. I love the heated plates. The salads are wonderful and they make the best Southern Comfort Old Fashioned's.

We took my sister and her husband there as a birthday gift to celebrate her "big" birthday in October and they didn't fail to please.

But, now I know that I have to try the Capital Grille! :D