The Capital Grille

06/30/2008 Posted by ceogolfshop

The first time I walked in I was greeted personally and then I went over to the bar to wait for my other friends to arrive. The bartender asked my name, and never forgot it on subsequent visits. Everything is expensive, but the quality is worth it. Whether you want to impress, or just have a quite place to dine, this is a great spot. If you are looking for a small crowded 'local pub' this is not it. The lounge area around the bar is a nice place to sit as well, and is set up like the club they market themselves as. Storage for your cigars and wines offered too. (The bar and dining area are smoke free.)

Pros: good food and service

Cons: not a great spot to drop in alone

06/29/2008 Posted by harold4550

Although a little pricey, the food and service at the Capital Grille are both outstanding. The service was wonderful! It's a place where you can have a quiet intimate meal. The one complaint that I have is that their prices are a little high. But then, if you want a good meal, the price is worth it.

Pros: Great Steaks!

Cons: Pricey

06/26/2008 Posted by Vix89

I went to Capital Grille with my sister for my 24th birthday and I was extremely impressed. Upon arriving, the hostess and manager both greeted me with a happy birthday. We were promptly seated at a booth for 2 that was covered with confetti for the occation. Our waiter greeted us both by our name and was very knowledgeable on the menu. He recommended a mozzerella-encrusted filet mignon which I ordered for $41. He also suggested a half-order of the au gratin potatoes instead of the regular $9 portion we tried to order. It was appreciated because we couldn't even finish that! The food was delicious, definately worth the price. Our waiter brought out choc cake with a candle lit, for dessert. He also snapped a picture of us on a digital camera and we were presented with the photo in an envelope when we left. My sister order filet mignon and a glass of reisling wine. I had a bacardi and juice drink. Our 2 steaks, 2 drinks, and potatoes came out to $108. We left a $22 tip. Upon leaving my waiter gave me a squishy light-up toy as a gift for my birthday. He was humorous and very good. I highly recommend this place. They made me feel very special

Pros: Informed and thoughtful service, exceptional food

Cons: Expensive

06/07/2008 Posted by delbocavista

Much more impressed with the Capital Grille in Kansas City. When you represent a restaurant of this caliber, details are important. I found the place in need of a good cleaning and dusting. Service was okay, but we did have a group of 7, so that may have had something to do with it. Disappointed with the meal...did not leave me with that "wow" factor that I look for, and always receive at Ruth's Chris.

01/19/2008 Posted by teamgraffix

There are a lot of choices in Tampa Bay for a business meeting or celebration dinner and all of the top restaurant chains have noticed this...and moved to town. Capital Grille replaced the failed Keyshawn Johnson's sushi restaurant in it's prime International Plaza location and it has flourished ever since. The decor is top notch, food always prepared fresh and arrives at your table hot and seasoned just right. The calamari is the best I have ever tried and the steaks are always cooked to the right temperature, which is hard even for other top chains to consistently produce. The bar area, centered around a two-story glass wine tower (the only part of the aforementioned sushi restaurant that remains) is probably the best in Tampa Bay. The atmosphere is welcoming and the bartenders always make you feel like you belong. The wine list certainly covers a lot of ground and is quite brash with some selections letting you know that there are some wines that are best left for people that don't ask the price (try the Screaming Eagle if you can get it), but just as many selections that will be easy on your wallet and fit well with the menu. The original manager (Paul Hawkins) that designed the wine list has left, but the remaining managers have a thorough knowledge of the cellar, so be sure to ask for suggestions. But for any restaurant where charge cards roam happily in fields of hundred dollar bills, to be rated 5 stars, the service must be beyond reproach; attentive when needed and anticipating your needs before they arise. This is where the Capital Grille shines - as close to the Ritz Carlton service standard as one can hope for outside of the Ritz. With the world renowned Bern's in town, The Capital Grille knew they would have to excel in all areas, and they have announced to Tampa - we are here and we are committed to be the best. Bern's will always be THE standard in town, but The Capital Grille has certainly planted their flag pole above all of the chains.

Pros: The standard for the big chains to strive for

Cons: Can get crowded at times and parking is a detractor when compared to competitors

01/12/2008 Posted by martingrama

Im proud to be your guest,No other restaurant like THE CAPITAL GRILLE. I missed Alberto Sandoval. He was a good men.

Pros: All you can imagine

Cons: I love like that

08/21/2007 Posted by mm10016

Disappointing. But a decent wine list, strangely enough. Server was serial rude-- 4 times, in fact. Beware the pretentious old guy waiter in glasses. Chefs are **** compared to Chicago/NY steakhouses. My coworker's food was raw. Mine was "airline" level. Management doesn't care. Figures local Tampans are easily satisfied. : ) Feel free to take your guests, family and clients, if they don't know any better

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/13/2007 Posted by JCOFCARROLWOOD

Great restaurant , love this place! With my 10th visit thus far, I am compelled to write this review - I have not been disappointed once. Right up there with Morton's of Chicago, Peter Luger's in NY (a legendary steakhouse) - this place is excellent PERIOD.

Pros: Steak, service, wine

Cons: None that I could see

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/25/2007 Posted by superstar104

Great Place, beautiful steaks and the calimari was great. I had great service and great food. I will definately go again.

Pros: Steak and Calimari

Cons: I Can't Think of Any

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/27/2007 Posted by mandybv

I have always had a great meal at Capital Grille. Great appetizers, I always start with the chopped salad. They have a nice wine list. The steaks are prepared beautifully. Great place for an after work dinner, located at International Mall. You can have drinks later at Blue Martini. Sit out on the patio!

Pros: appetizers and salads

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful