We made a reservation to celebrate our first wedding anniversary during restaurant week. We arrived early during happy hour to check the out the bar specials. We totally recommend those. The drinks were reasonably priced ($5 to $7 for top shelf cocktails and appetizers). The pink grapefruit cocktail was delicious and my husband enjoyed the Hyde Park sidebar. The bar staff was also very attentive.
We then made our way over to the table for dinner. The wait staff was nothing compared to the service we typically receive at the Capital Grille. My husband asked if he was able to substitute the French onion soup for the lobster bisque on the restaurant week menu (both are the same price). The waiter responded that he was "supposed to choose something from the menu, but could add it on." We were charged the full price of $9 for the soup. Not impressed.
My husband ordered the filet medium rare. It came out medium bordering on medium well. We sent it back. I ordered the filet medallions with the Cabernet sauce medium well. The steak itself was very tender, but the sauce was so peppery that it completely ruined the steak. I actually refused to eat my second medallion. I've never done that in my life. The waiters could care less that I sent back 3/4 of an entire meal untouched.
The flourless chocolate torte was also nothing special. The best part of the meal was the King Estate Pinot Noir that my husband treated me to for our anniversary (I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good Pinot!).
Nate, the assistant general manager, was the only person who genuinely seemed to care about our dining experience. Kudos to him for being everything a manager at a restaurant should be. He was working the dining room and checking in with all of the tables.
Overall, we will take our business back to the Capital Grille. Way better than this joint. I actually feel like we've wasted our money. Two stars for the happy hour. We'd definitely do that again.