The Capital Grille is at the front of a row of restaurants that flank the front of the Stamford Mall. Parking is available in the public garage immediately behind the restaurants or valet parking can be chosen (for a fee). However, the Capital Grille offers free valet parking for diners arriving after 5PM (I didn't know this until after parking in the garage and walking up to the restaurant to read the sign announcing such).
The atmosphere is pure, modern, higher-end steak-house restaurant - think Mortons or a newer Ruth Chris' restaurant. Medium-colored wood trim is used extensively as are brass accents. Dress is business casual to business though the bar area has tables where less-formal attire was seen. I myself just came off a golf course and didn't feel uncomfortable but I was definitely the only one in shorts that evening.
The wait staff was very attentive, perhaps a bit too much for my taste in that he was more conversational than informative (and he was very informative). The menu presentation was a bit long; I personally like to read the menu and ask questions vs. having each main menu item explained to me, but we survived the speech and placed our orders.
The steaks are dry-aged which gives the meat a very nice flavor. I ordered the Kona coffee crusted sirloin with shallot butter and was quite happy with my choice. This menu item is a chef's suggestion (at $42) and was recommended by the waiter - apparently it is one of their best sellers. I forget the size of the cut, it wasn't small but I have had larger, it must have been in the 16oz range, OK for a standard appetite but you'd have to supplement it with sides and an appetizer if you are hungry. Speaking of appetizers, the wedge salad with bleu cheese and bacon chips was excellent and you have to, have to, order the lobster macaroni and cheese. Chunks of lobster are melded with baked macaroni and cheese which is topped with a crumb mixture. The dish is incredibly rich but worth the shot of cholesterol as it is so good. In fact one person at the table considered ordering the wedge salad and lobster mac and cheese as his meal, foregoing the steaks altogether.
I passed on dessert and had coffee instead - average, nothing special about it. I prefer stronger coffee and was disappointed in that their coffee was almost diner-like, less than medium bodied. It definitely did not fit the rest of the meal in terms of quality or taste.
The tab for a party of 3, with tip and only one beer (and 2 diet cokes) was $260. This is not an inexpensive restaurant but worth the occasional splurge if you are in the mood for a steak (or are intrigued by the lobster mac and cheese).
Pros: Very Nice Steaks
Cons: Pricey for the Area
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