capitol capital. the capital grille is a place that i often go to for lunch – it is so close to work – and rarely for dinner unless someone else is paying – like out of town visitors who want a quintessential dc experience. regardless of when you go you will be treated well. the service here is exceptional – attentive without being over bearing, helpful without condescension. at dinner i get a steak – which is a great big “duh!” they are marvelous and flavorful and always cooked to perfection. to be honest, i usually get the filet mignon simply because even it seems large to me. who ever can finish a porterhouse has my admiration – and the number to my cardiologist. the sides – from the shoestring potatoes, to the asparagus, whatever! - are perfect. on my numerous lunch visits i usually opt for one of two salads. the best is their well balanced lobster salad. perfectly boiled lobster is removed from the shell and lightly tossed in vinaigrette with crisp greens and a few radish slices (that makes it works so well!) over chopped romaine leaves. a glass of wine and this will make you happy at anytime of the year. my other salad option is the steak salad. similarly well-prepared it features corn with the just medium rare slices of steak and (for me) bleu cheese dressing. a great combo. i can easily recommend the steak sandwich and burger. both excellent (although very filling) and perfectly made. the crab cake sandwich, while very good, has not struck me as the best in town. i am confident in recommending it to others when asked but have to admit i will not bother ordering it again when there are superior options on the menu. my only marginal comment is about the host staff. they always seem frantic – at lunch or dinner – and while very polite always seem distracted. a little more finesse and calm would go a long way to making one's experience at the capital grille flawless.