The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille Restaurant Review:

Meeting for meat, post-work cocktails and business lunches and dinners, Charlotte's power brokers find themselves very much at home at this upscale chain that has a member’s only, private club atmosphere. Lots of wood paneling, white tablecloths, glass and crystal help craft the right feel. Begin with the popular pan-fried calamari with hot cherry peppers; steak tartare with truffled deviled egg is an inventive take on a classic. Seafood also gets its due among the starters beyond the calamari, with shrimp and oysters playing starring roles. Meat lovers go for the often massive dry-aged steaks; however, there’s something for everyone, including the double-cut lamb chops, lobster, swordfish with lemon-shallot relish, tuna and citrus-glazed salmon. Sides are equally appealing: spinach; truffle fries; lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and more. Among desserts we suggest the coconut cream pie. The 400-plus-bottle wine list impresses with its breadth and depth of varietals and geography, but prices can be staggering. On the lighter side, a bar menu offers some tempting tidbits. Service is professional.