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| - 4.5 stars and rounding up to 5; quite a feat given that within a 1-mile radius, you have Ruth's Chris, Fleming's, Morton's, McCormick and Schmick's -- not to mention Chima and BLT Steakhouse (we have been to all of these either in Charlotte or somewhere else around the world). I have to say that out of all the restaurants in Charlotte (in the short 5 months that I've lived here), Capital Grille ("CG") is my favorite because it: (1) has an idyllic ambience; (2) has stellar service; (3) has delicious food; and (4) is consistent in its delivery.
Fun fact: I'm sure all you Charlotteons know this but CG is featured in Shallow Hal and still looks exactly the same.
Worldwide consistency. We have been to CG in Orange County, Chicago, Mexico City -- to name a few -- and every time, every experience is the same, from the restaurant decor to the service to the food, whether you're dining indoors, on a patio, or lunch or for dinner, on a week day/night or weekend. When we go to CG anywhere, anytime, including this Charlotte location, I know exactly what to expect and they deliver on point every time, without exception.
Idyllic ambience. There is something comforting about feeling like you're coming back to the same restaurant even though you're in a different city. CG is old school traditional, like a cigar or country club, with its dark woods, white linen tables, and all-male waitstaff. They are literally frozen in time; they know what works and have stuck with it adamantly. Their tables are set far enough apart, the ceiling heights and rooms are sufficiently insulated as to promote an aura of privacy to enhance your dining experience, regardless of how busy they are (esp on Friday or Saturday nights). I personally prefer to sit on their patio, which does take in some of the city noise (especially cars that rumble by, blaring their speakers) but it is lushly landscaped and tucked back enough from the street that it feels like a serene reprieve from the bustle of the city.
Outstanding service. The service is impeccable every time. They seamlessly refill your drinks, serve various courses, remove plates and silverware with timed efficiency so that you have what you need, when you need it and whatever you don't want is gone in a flash. The staff works in unison in teams and they do it in the least obtrusive way possible as to enhance your dining experience.
Delectable food. In 5 months in Charlotte alone, we've been to CG Charlotte 5 times and have never been served anything that was less than delicious. When we're in the mood for steak and seafood, this is our go-to place and like the restaurant, we stick to what we know works.
+++++Complimentary breads. The array of fresh warm breads is splendid; the breads are moist, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The butter is absolutely wonderful. You can ask for the specific bread that you want (I prefer the dark bread, my BF prefers the sourdough).
+++++Cocktail shrimp. These jumbo-sized shrimp are fresh and succulent; the cocktail sauce has just the right amount of kick to it and is very flavorful.
+++++Oysters. These were my favorite oysters in Charlotte until I discovered the heavenly ones at Baku (review to follow shortly) but in their own right, they are marvelous. They aren't overly briny, they are always fresh (see my review and corresponding warning of Pearlz Oyster Bar) and are always absolutely marvelous.
+++++Caesar salad. The Caesar salad is perfect: every piece of lettuce is crisp and fresh; the croutons are crispy and garlicky; and the dressing is divine with its thick creaminess, with just a hint of lemon, garlic and anchovy.
+++++Lobster bisque. The bisque is heavenly; the lobster is sweet and fresh, the broth is creamy, buttery, semi-sweet incorporating the right blend of saltiness.
+++++Lobster salad. This salad is divine; the lobster is fresh and sweet but the star is the citrus vinaigrette that really enhances the lobster flavor with just the right balance of tart and semi-sweet.
+++++Lobster Mac and cheese. The lobster Mac and cheese is very cheesy, so much so that when you pull it on your fork, the cheese kind of glides onto your fork into your mouth. You have to eat this pretty fast or it dries up and you lose the ooze effect.
+++++Mashed potatoes. These potatoes are garlicky, nicely salted with the perfect blend of creaminess; they're densely fluffy -- oxymoron, I know, but that's what they are.
+++++Rib eye. The rib eye is tender, moist, juicy and cooked to your preference (we like medium rare). They do have A1 sauce but they definitely don't drown out the natural beef flavor with anything else.
+++++creme brûlée. The creme brûlée is not overly decadent; it is vanilla flavored, the custard is thick but not overpowering or decadent in its sweetness.
Overall, if you're looking for a solid semi-casual traditional steakhouse restaurant, I highly recommend Capital Grille, especially on their outdoor patio.
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