Translation from English

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Capital Grille- Downtown, off Wall Street

Best restaurant reviews I have seen in a while now (with a couple of sour apples of course)

Basically a four or five star place for most people

The Capital Grille

4.0 star rating
200 reviews Rating Details
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271
Neighborhood: Financial District
(212) 374-1811
Make a Reservation
Photo by Timothy T.
6 of 92
Nearest Transit Station:
Wall St. (4, 5)
Wall St. (2, 3)
Broad St. (J, Z)
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
Attire:
Dressy
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage
Price Range:
$$$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Classy, Upscale
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Dogs Allowed:
No

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200 reviews in English

  • Review from

    New York, NY
    8/26/2013
    Restaurant week for lunch a few weeks ago. Came with a foodie buddie and we selected very different meals.

    We both enjoyed the bread, then I opted for the clam chowder while he got something else. Chowda was good, although easily construed as too heavy. I went little more than halfway (including the obligatory bread dip) before realizing I would not be able to enjoy soup & a dry-aged sirloin.

    Being the meat eater, I opted for the rare sirloin while my health conscientious friend got the salmon. Both were delicious! Mine in that dry-rubbed, tender, rare/pink way and his had the savory, juicy, salmony but not fishy flavor! My plate didn't look that big, but was pleasantly surprised to have 5 pieces to take home (lightly heated it up the next day, absolutely delicious!)

    We both got the rich & hearty expresso cake but were too full to eat it all. I thought about doggy-bagging this as well, but had my steak to tide me over..

    They were pretty good about bringing food out, but add in getting there/walking back, waiter service, paying...I still ended up taking an hour & a half lunch, on a Wednesday. Definitely give yourself some time to get to where you need to.

    PS. Our waitress was nice, and very prompt in bringing (and refilling) our waters! If only I could remember her name...
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    8/22/2013 1 check-in here
    Just as other yelpers rave about the scrumptious food, I too love "The Capital Grille".  The decor is absolutely romantic, dim and classy.  Good for couples.  There's a live band that added the extra sensual and loving feel in the air.  But when I scanned the room.  I saw men and women patrons in formal suits and attire. Well, the restaurant is located in Wall Street must give it away. It is such  Close proximity.

    We had a party of 8 and we were seated in formal meeting room with quiet and privacy.  We didn't even ask for it.  Nice touch!   We left the door open to listen to the live music outside.

    I dined during the last day of restaurant week and it was a bargain for $38.  One appetizer, one entree and one dessert.

    Filet Mignon was the best I had.  The yummy sides were and the mashed potatoes with real skin and creamy spinach.  They were  to die for.

    I  learned that capital grille is a franchise existence around town.  Must try them.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    8/17/2013
    Restaurant week on a Friday night:

    This place is huge! Very roomy and aside from the TV at the bar downstairs, the interior was very eye pleasing. We were waiting for the last member of our group while seated and the waiter was nice enough to wait for us for about 45 minutes. We didn't feel rushed.

    The wine list completely caught me off guard. It has two very large pages full of all kinds of wine, with all kinds of price ranges, as low as $30 for a bottle. There are also half-bottles available in a separate section. I believe there were no options for wine by the glass.

    Clam Chowder - Perfect! not too much to be filling.
    Kona-crusted Dry-Aged Sirloin Steak 14 oz - great! perfect doneness
    Creme Brulee - Perfect! It disappeared into my mouth.

    One mishap - they misplaced our dessert order and had to retake it. That is fine, but it extended our stay.

    I would have to say, it is pretty costly at normal prices.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 31 reviews
    REGO PARK, NY
    11/11/2013
    The service is very good. The foo is also very good. One of my favorite places.
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    8/14/2013
    Just came here for Restaurant Week and it was a great experience! Granted, I made the reservation less than an hour before showing up but everything went fine. We were seated immediately in a cute booth. The waiter was super friendly and attentive. We were expecting lunch to take 2 hours but we were out of there in 1, which is good because we had to get back to work.

    You know a restaurant is good when (1) they treat you right for Restaurant Week and (2) the bread is toasty. Well, aside from the bread, we got the clam chowder as an appetizer. It was just the right size and wasn't too heavy. It usually ruins the meal when the clam chowder is too heavy and the portion is outrageously large. For entrees, we had the salmon and sirloin. Both were seared nicely. I had the espresso chocolate cake for dessert. It was a bit too sweet and hard to finish, but still very rich. Overall, a delicious lunch, a beautiful environment, and great service for $25. It's hard to beat their Restaurant Week offering!
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 41 reviews
    Cambridge, MA
    Updated - 10/8/2013
    Having revisited this restaurant on a few occasions after my previous review, my opinion has changed. The food & service just haven't been that good lately. The desserts are still great, but I found the apps and entrees to be lacking. Perhaps their cooking staff has changed? I've gone back enough times to register that there has been a significant decline and I can no longer applaud this restaurant for their quality or their consistency.

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 8/10/2013
      I could not recommend this place more. The food is delicious and of excellent quality, the… Read more »
  • Review from

    Brooklyn, NY
    8/12/2013 1 check-in here
    Went here for Restaurant week and I had the Sirloin option.

    It was one of the better steaks I have had in the NYC area.  Perfect medium yummy goodness.

    Service was awesome.

    Lost a star because the salad with champagne vinagrette was just salad really and the dessert were just ok.
  • Review from

    Ridgewood, NJ
    10/6/2013
    First you can find a place to sit at the bar and they have purse hooks with good service.  We had lovely wine by the glass and a snack.  Went on to the dinner and we had no main dishes but a series of appetizers and sides and the service was great.  Exactly the right pacing and attention.  Very safe selection for a comfortable dinner where you can have a conversation with your guests.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    9/29/2013
    Came here for a work lunch with one of my accounts.  The decor is very nice, very business like.  It's a decent place for a date too.  The food is just ok.  Must try the waffle fries, they were perfectly fried, yum.  Had the salmon dish, the salmon was a bit dry and overcooked.  If I ever come here again for work, I'll try another fish plate.  The prices are a bit expensive.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    8/5/2013 1 check-in here
    The Boyfriend and I came here with a large group of 10 and they gave us a very private room sectioned off from the rest of the crowd. We were seated right away and give both the Restaurant Week and regular menus. Their wine list is extensive!

    The Wall Street location doesn't charge an extra supplement for their Bone-In Kona Sirloin, which is a huge plus in my books. I came here planning on ordering that particular dish so not having to pay extra was amazing. Our waiter comped our bottle of wine since they ran out of the original two we ordered and they also ran out of creme brulees.

    The Bone-In Kona Sirloin is heavenly - it is definitely in my top 5 steaks in NYC. It was cooked to just the right temperature and tasted amazing. The sides were also very good as well - my favorite was the mashed potatoes. They were so creamy and buttery!
  • Review from

    Oklahoma City, OK
    7/1/2013 1 check-in here
    Great steaks especially the filet, melt in your mouth goodness. DELISH! All the salads super fresh, the lobster Mac & cheese, 2 die for Yummyliciousness!  Superb service! Always stop here when in the area it's that amazing :)
    A must try steak house if your in the financial district/lower manhattan.
  • Review from

    Brooklyn, NY
    6/29/2013 Seated via OpenTable
    I am the biggest fan of superb service. Spoiling me and making me feel like I am special really makes my heart flutter... and that's exactly what Capital Grille does on a daily basis.

    I first came for a lunch with a few colleagues and it took a bit of a while for our food to come so the manager kindly sent me $150 (yes ma'am!) of gift cards! Fast forward 2 years and it was time to take my girlfriend out for her last dinner with me as a single gal and wham bam! Gift cards finally put to use!

    We ordered seafood selections- seared citrus glazed salmon and parmesean crusted sole with crab and avocado salad. The fish was cooked to perfection and I enjoyed EVERY impeccable bite. No meal at the Capital Grille would be complete without trying the Lobster Mac and Cheese and believe me, unless I can find their recipe for at home use, I will never eat lobster mac and cheese anywhere else AGAIN. It's that good; better than my mamas (sorry Ma).

    So, check for great service, check for great food and check for me having $50 of gift cards still left to spend. Cha ching!
  • Review from

    • 3 friends
    • 32 reviews
    MIDDLE VLG, NY
    8/9/2013
    Passing this place every day on my way to work for the last few years, I decided to try it for the first time during restaurant week.

    We had made a reservation and when arrived, were PROMPTLY seated. While we were both dressed in business attire, we were not in formal attire, but were still welcomed with open arms.  The decor is that commonly seen in many steakhouses with dark walls and oil paintings with big fancy looking frames.

    For an appetizer I had the cup of New England clam chowder which was delicious with lots of clams and not too salty as many places would usually make it.  My wifey had the Caesar salad which was prepared stunningly with a big piece of shaved Parmesan cheese on top.  Nice touch!

    For the entree, we both had the Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin; medium-rare.  While the 'crust' is made with coffee, cocoa, and mustard seeds, you can't actually taste any of the individual flavors, just pure seasoned goodness.  The roasted half an onion on the plate is a great idea for an edible garnish.   The only thing left on my plate when done was the meatless bone.  It was very difficult to resist the urge to pick up the bone and gnaw off all remaining meat (in the crevices), but I did want to remain proper in such a classy place.

    The sides included in the promotion were both good.   I choose "Sam's Mashed Potatoes" which were VERY creamy, but still had little potato lumps (which I really really like), and wifey got the creamed spinach which was good as well.

    It would have been nice if they were permit both sides for this promotion so as you didn't have to choose between a starch or vegetable, but the meal was quite filling as is currently served.

    For dessert, I had the flourless chocolate espresso cake.  I could care less it was flourless, but rather just wanted (and got) that rich chocolaty goodness.  It was in cake format, but tasted more like rich dark chocolate mousse.
  • Review from

    • 15 friends
    • 8 reviews
    Trenton, NJ
    9/23/2013
    My boyfriend and I came here during Restaurant Week and it's probably the best value out of all the restaurants listed for the event--you get so much food!  I wish I enjoyed it more because I was getting over a stomach virus but was determined to go anyway.  We both ordered the Kona steak and it was awesome.  It was a nice thick sirloin and it was cooked perfectly medium.  The creme brulee was the best I've ever had.  I'd definitely eat here every single day if I could.
  • Review from

    Jersey City, NJ
    4/30/2013
    For high end grill places, this definitely hits the spot in terms of decor, atmosphere, and taste. Steaks and seafood dishes are good, the side dishes taste great as you would expect from a place like this.

    The main issue is that there is nothing thats truly unique and stands out. They do not have anything special that they can be claimed to be known for but they do everything that is standard in the best way possible so yes that definitely deserves props.

    I think for the quality of the meal the food is still on the more expensive side and could be helped from more uniqueness. Still a highly recommended place to try as the atmosphere and service are great.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 18 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    9/28/2013
    AVOID AT ALL COSTS ON WEEKENDS!!!!

    Absolutely terrible. Apparently saturday nights here is "we dont give a damn" night. From when I walked in and was told they have limited seating I can go seat myself in the corner which I did through the entire meal this was the worst experience ever. After seating myself next to a table with dirty dishes and napkins on the floor I sat there and waited 20 minutes before anybody decided to pay my table any attention and it was only because I had to stand up and ask what I needed to do to place an order. All while I was waiting a table was seated and brought drinks next to me. None of us of course got napkins. Luckily I knew what I wanted and was finally able to order since I didnt get a menu.
    Once my food arrived the fries were not their normal fries. They were these thin cut disgusting overfried things that make mcdonalds look like they raise the bar. They explained oh yea well they are out of their normal fries today. Apparently management here doesnt have the foresight or care to send an employee to one of their other locations in the city to get some to hold them over since their chef can't order properly. This a bit unacceptable given they are trying to charge $10 pretax pretip for a side of fries and this is a $100 or so per person establishment. Following that the asparagus was undercooked and practically raw it was so hard and inedible. To top that off the steak was very dry and more petite than normal. You'd think someone would ask if something was wrong when the plates are cleared and the asparagus was untouched but not here apparently. At least I was lucky enough to have my plates cleared as by the time I left the table next to me that was empty and full of dirty dishes and napkins on the floor was still untouched and not cleared.

    I've been to capital grille's all over the country quite a few times and never had anything as close to this horrible lazy we dont give a damn experience. if I were the regional manager here I'd be spending a bit more time and attention on how this location is run. There is an obvious lack of standards, care, attention to detail from the kitchen to the front of house. Much of which is likely due to a complacency from all the wall st expense account diners they get.

    Wish I stayed home and ordered a pizza instead of wasting almost $100 on dinner here.
  • Review from

    • 146 friends
    • 65 reviews
    Little Ferry, NJ
    Updated - 8/18/2013 1 check-in here
    We are here on a friends birthday, enjoyed the food not bad at all for a chain steak house.. Service was good and it's the restaurant week so can't go wrong with the price at all..

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 8/16/2013
      We are here on a friends birthday, enjoyed the food not bad at all for a chain steak house.. Service… Read more »
  • Review from

    • 41 friends
    • 67 reviews
    New York, NY
    Updated - 8/11/2013 4 photos
    The best team lunch ever! With 7 people, Capital Grille gave us a private room! Food was awesome! The sirloin was delicious and juicy. The salad was a great companion to the steak. Definitely a great experience!

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 8/11/2011
      This place seems quite upscale.  The décor is definitely classy, good for business lunch.  After… Read more »
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 31 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    8/30/2013
    Really great steak. I got the filet Mignon and my girlfriend got the sea bass- both were great choices. The steak was cooked perfectly. Flawless.

    The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 is that if you care about what you are eating calorie wise the menu is a bit sparse. Because Capital Grill is a chain they have to post calorie counts on the menu, which makes some choices like the lobster mac and cheese seem less appealing (over 1500 calories). However, there are still some choices that are reasonable and it is oh so good. Also I presume most other comparable restaurants are equally unhealthy but you never know because they don't have to post nutrition information on the menu.

    If you book with http://savored.com at certain times you can also get up to 25% off, which is a nice bonus. Overall a bit pricey, but it is reasonable when you consider the quality of the food.

    A note on the dress code- most people are in business clothes (for dinner) and some have jackets. It is by no means required, as I had on jeans and a tee-shirt and was fine.
  • Review from

    • 2 friends
    • 35 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    2/8/2013
    So this place is super pricey, that is why myself and some friends decided to go there for Restaurant Week. The decor itself is worth a visit. That being said this was the best meal I have ever had in my life!!!

    With the Restaurant Week menu you get 3 courses. I started out with the clam chowder which was very good and actually contained clam, I am told that some chowders don't?? (confused expression +shoulder shrug)

    I then had the bone-in Kona steak which was the most well seasoned steak I have ever had (and I have had the filet mignon at Cipriani's). I order it medium well and it actually came medium well, most restaurants for some reason think medium well= well done. It was perfectly cooked, just a little pink inside. It was also a sizable steak if I do say so myself. If I could have kissed the cook I def would have. We also had mashed potatoes and creamed spinach- mashed potatoes were ok, creamed spinach was TO DIE FOR!!!. They put some special ingredient in it (I think it might have been coconut milk) that made me want to lick the plate it was so good, and trust me I'm not usually a creamed spinach fan.

    Last but not least I had the creme brulee which was excellent. I should also add that I have had creme brulee before at a French restaurant on restaurant row and hated it, I guess it just has to be made well. It was perfectly browned on top (not burnt) and just sweet enough- I'm drooling just thinking about it. My friends had the flourless chocolate cake and said it was really good.

    I would def suggest this place to anyone :-)
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 2 reviews
    JAMAICA, NY
    8/6/2013
    had the dry aged porter with butter sauce, creamed spinach, and mash potatoes. I ordered my steak medium plus and it was absolutely cooked to perfection . The Italian red wine recommended by our wonderful server Austin was the perfect compliment to an already flavorful steak. The service was terrific as well. The general manager made sure to stop by our table several times to make sure that my party and I were completely satisfied. I will definitely return and would recommend this chain to any of my friends. Next time I am hoping to try their Citrus Crusted Salmon.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews
    Houston, TX
    8/13/2013
    I can not get enough of the filet sliders. Completely addicted!
  • Review from

    Danville, CA
    6/23/2013
    The service and ambiance were five stars, no doubt.  But we were unanimously disappointed in our lunches.  The biggest complaint?  There is bacon mixed in with the hamburger meat and while I'm a bacon fan, it didn't taste good.  Five hamburgers, five not satisfied people.  The other meals were ok, not great.  Two caesar salads and two mehs.  Definitely wasn't a highlight of the trip to NYC, but wasn't a bad memory either.

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