Known for its dry-aged steaks, award-winning wine inventory, and unmatched customer service, Capital Grille is a popular steak house well-known in at least half of the entire US. While their delicious cuisine and delicacies stand out on their own, what makes Capital Grille so good is the fact that their vast menu has something for everyone.
If you enjoy wining and dining in dazzling style, the Capital Grille is ready to provide you with the luxury you deserve: mahogany paneling and art deco chandeliers. The classy and clean aesthetic further adds to the magic of the place.
One quick tip: choose the steaks. They are hand-cut on premises by the resident butchers- so there can be no doubt of their irresistible freshness. Here are some other things you might not know about the Capital Grille.
1. Owned by Darden Restaurants
Capital Grille is, in fact, owned by the Darden Corporation, which also owns several other franchises. Darden started up 70+ years ago and now has a total of 1700 restaurants. They have more than 180,000 employees all over the US, and their franchises span across North America. You can learn more at Darden.com
2. Locations in 20 states
Capital Grille is located in several locations across 20 US states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina.
3. 59 total restaurants
Capital Grille has about 59 restaurants in 59 different cities. You can easily access your favorite premium steaks and beloved wine labels wherever you are.
4. …and more are opening!
Capital Grille has promised that it will be opening several new restaurants. You can check out the new locations on their website.
5. They never waste food
The Capital Grille franchise has donated more than six million pounds of food to local food banks, shelters, and other charitable organizations since 2007.
6. Darden also owns Olive Garden!
It might be a surprise that the beloved Italian kitchen, Olive Garden, is also owned by Darden Restaurants Inc. The very popular food chain was founded in 1982 in Orlando and has since become the largest chain of Italian-themed restaurants in the country.
The family restaurant operates in 892 locations globally, with six locations in Canada, and one each in Brazil, Peru, Kuwait, and Mexico.
7. And some other favorite restaurants
Darden owns eight restaurants, including Season 52, Res Lobster, Yard House, and Eddie V’s. The different franchises they own have different vibes and specialties. While the Red Lobster is a casual dining chain, Eddie V’s serves prime seafood.
8. They placed a $780m bet on tiny restaurant chain ‘Cheddar’
To the surprise of many, Darden Restaurants placed a bid for the small restaurant chain called Cheddar’s in 2017. With only 165 locations, Cheddar is a small-scale restaurant that provides hefty portions, reasonable prices, and reliable service.
The star items on their menu include house-smoked baby-back ribs, chicken fingers, and a Monte Cristo sandwich. Under Darden’s ownership, the franchise is expected to expand.
9. Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth have visited!
In 2012 when their engagement was first announced, celebrity couple Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth visited the Capital Grille restaurant located in Philadelphia. They were photographed holding hands as they left the restaurant.
10. You can book a private dining room
If you would like to book Capital Grille for a special event, there is an option for a private dining room. You can have the luxury you expect from the steakhouse while enjoying some private time with loved ones or having a quiet meeting in a professional setting.
If you inform our Private Dining management of the details of your event, an event planner will be in touch with you to fine-tune the particulars.
11. …and have a customized menu!
If there is something you would like especially cooked for such an event, all you have to do is speak to the management, and a customized menu can be prepared just for you. You can get advice on what would best suit your needs and suggestions for the best wine pairings too!
12. So many vegetarian options
Capital Grille offers several vegetarian options for those who do not eat meat to ensure no guest feels left out. Veggies never tasted so good.
13. Gluten-free options
If you have a gluten allergy or you prefer to avoid gluten altogether, the Capital Grille has plenty of gluten-free options. All you have to do is ask your server.
14. The chef will share some of his recipes
If you subscribe to the restaurant newsletter, you will get access to recipes from our executive chef, Michael LaDuke. Keep a lookout; only the best ones will be shared!
15. Nutrition charts and calorie counts for all dishes
Capital Grille provides a detailed PDF that lists the nutritional charts and calorie counts for each of their cuisines and delicacies, so you know exactly what you are consuming.
16. Even for beverages!
The calorie counts and nutritional charts are also available for beverages.
17. You can order Capital Grille gift cards
Capital Grille gift cards are the perfect gift. There are traditional and electronic versions available. The cards are easily available for download online.
18. 350 wine labels from around the world
Capital Grille offers you a selection of 350 world-class wines that hail from nearly every place on earth where wine is made. Ranging from rare gems to little-known labels on their way to fame, they have everything you can wish for. They have wine experts and sommeliers that serve you only the best sparkling and red wines.
19. They’ll make you fall in love with Brussels sprouts!
When a diner was blown away by the Capital Grille’s Brussels sprout side dish, he exclaimed that he did not even like the vegetable initially, but the restaurant had changed his mind. The executive chef, Gilbert ‘Gil’ Suarez was not surprised by his reaction; he explains:
“People love our Brussels sprouts. I think it’s because of the technique we use to prepare them. We use three different cooking methods – blanching, frying, and sautéing. Blanching cooks the sprouts slightly, reducing the time needed for frying, and making them less oily. Frying briefly blisters the leaves, creating a crispy texture and forcing the leaves to open and separate. This allows the glaze to flow in between the leaves when they are finished by sautéing. They really are delicious.”
Well, it sounds like a dish we can get behind!
Source: Sun Sentinel
20. You can download the mobile app
The Capital Grille has a mobile app named The Capital Grille Concierge that allows you to easily make and manage reservations in seconds and purchase gift cards with the touch of a button. There is an app for Android users too.
If a Capital Grille is available in your city and you still haven’t visited, take this post as a sign and book a reservation now!