A Capital Idea - Capital Grille has set a new ruling class for steakhouses (Originally published 12/11)

For those who loved escaping the hipness of lower Newbury for the old-school pleasures of Capital Grille, fear not. Though the venue has changed, it is more than the well-established name that has remained the same.

Now at 900 Boylston, the Grille retains all the personalized class and intimate elegance of its former space, but now adds…space! In addition to a number of secludable private dining areas, a seasonal patio that allows for al fresco dining right downtown, and a welcoming and often bustling front bar area that offers an array of signature drinks and plenty of eating areas (where guests can enjoy a special menu that includes everything from mini lobster and crab burgers to lamb lollipops and pan-fried calamari, among other specialties), cool granite, warm woods and great light and views from giant widows (as well as sufficient screens to catch the news or the game without getting distracted during a “power lunch”), the new Grille boasts a main dining room that combines the familiar hi-backed leather booths and brass fixtures of old with high ceilings that lower the volume while keeping the ambience rich.

Since it was founded in Providence, the Grille has been known for its personal service. From private wine lockers to valet parking for Sox games, the new (and improved) Boston venue does not disappoint. From the “Captain’s list” of featured wines (helpfully arranged from “light” to “full”) to the mini-menu of three-part “plates” that allow guests to have the greater part of the Grille experience (including the quickly-becoming-legend burger) for just $15, the Grille has something for the busy executive and the ambitious intern alike. Though the new “plates” selections make for a great quick lunch (and though the Capital Grille chopped salad and many of the others could easily furnish an entire meal), the dinner menu is available as well, encouraging people to relax and indulge a bit in the middle of the day as well. Among the highlights of the menu are the French onion soup, smoked salmon plate, and mozzarella and tomato appetizer salad, the roasted chicken, sushi-grade tuna and, of course, the steaks, which range from Kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin to a luxurious seared tenderloin and lobster tails combo to a truly “melt-in-the-mouth” filet mignon. Desserts like the homemade ice cream, chocolate hazelnut cake and crème brulee are always creative and fresh without being frou-frou (this is a steak house, after all!) And the dessert beverage menu offers everything from specialty coffees and teas to an inter-regional array of Scotch (again depending on whether or not you have to race back to work after the meal). Throughout the meal, guests have the pleasure of working with the Grille’s professional and unpretentious staff who combine dignity with friendliness and help make the experience all the more pleasurable.

During the day, the Grille offers a great place to catch a quick bite or make that big deal. After work, the bar hums with recently-released singles and reuniting couples and the main room murmurs with reminiscences of the latest deal and maybe a new proposal or two. So whether you want a place to conduct commerce or commence a more conjugal arrangement, the new Grille is everything the old one was…and better!

Capital Grille

900 Boylston Street, Boston

Www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/boston