San Antonio’s steak race will get tighter on August 3. Upscale chain The Capital Grille is opening its first Alamo City steakhouse, bringing dry-aged ribeyes, pan-seared sea bass, and an encyclopedic wine list to 17446 Fiesta Texas Dr. for the first time.
The high-end restaurant was an unlikely hit when founder Ned Grace introduced the concept in 1990. Not only was it located in a rundown part of downtown Providence, Rhode Island, but it also debuted in the middle of a recession. The restaurateur got the last laugh when it became a see-and-be-seen spot for local businesspeople and political leaders. Today, it is owned by the Darden restaurant group, the company behind Cheddar’s, Olive Garden, Seasons 52, Ruth’s Chris, and Eddie V’s.
Lobster mac ‘n’ cheese is among The Capital Grill more indulgent sides.Photo courtesy of The Capital Grill
The Capital Grille is most known for prime steaks that are dry-aged in-house for 18-24 days. Each restaurant staffs butchers to hand carve the daily selections, which are made into traditional steakhouse plates and chef’s preparations like a porcini-rubbed ribeye, seared tenderloin with butter-poached lobster tails, and a filet mignon with cipollini onions, wild mushrooms, and fig essence.
The restaurants supplement the red meat with various seafood options, including pan-fried calamari with cherry peppers, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, seared sesame tuna, and a grand plateau of cold bar shellfish. Desserts include a brûléed cheesecake and a coconut cream pie.
Although The Capital Grille has a full bar, it is most proud of its wine cellar holding 3,000 bottles. The Wine Spectator award-winning list includes 30 pours by the glass, offering guests a chance to sample rare vintages. Oenophiles who want to take their vino obsession further can rent a private wine locker on an annual basis.
A brûléed cheesecake stars on the dessert menu.Photo courtesy of The Capital Grill.
A press release announcing the opening did not include many interior details, but the 10,068-square-foot space makes room for a lounge and private event spaces. The company typically outfits its restaurants with traditional furnishings, richly colored upholstery, patterned carpeting, and Craftsman-inspired pendant lamps. And a pair of lion statues always guard the doors.
Once open, The Capital Grille will be open for weekday lunch service from 11:30 am-4 pm. Dinner hours are Monday through Thursday, 4-9 pm; Friday, 4-10 pm; Saturday, 5-10 pm; and Sunday, 5-9 pm. Reservations are recommended but not required.
“I’m thrilled for The Capital Grille to open here in San Antonio and to bring our upscale dining experience with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an impressive wine selection to the vibrant culinary scene at The Shops of La Cantera,” managing partner Chris Madere said in a statement.