The group behind the famed steakhouse chain, The Capital Grill, has launched the first ever upscale-casual burger joint right here in D.C. Taking over the former YELP office space on the corner of 7th Street and Massachusetts Avenue Northwest is The Capital Burger. The vintage looking corner lot allows for great views from inside the restaurants spacious windows that beam with natural light, and a side patio area for outdoor seating as well.
Inside the spacious new build out boasts are massive bar that gives rise to a elevated separate dinning area behind it where you can browse a high end and unique wine list featuring a few surprises, such as a 2015 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass, for $22.
Adorning the walls are original art that frame some of the larger tables; it’s big, new, pretty, spacious, and serves epic burgers and more. We loved the mason jar crunchy pickles that every tables gets as complimentary snack – sweet and super crunchy – great way to start a meal! We were very happy with a tomato soup with basil oil was surprisingly good and very flavorful, and the kale salad was packed with flavor and hints of sesame oil that leads us to believe it would be great with seared tuna, as our waitresses promised, it was lacking a pinch of salt and brightness that fresh lemon juice could provide.
An authentic and honest deviled egg dish that didn’t try too hard was perfect when paired with a mason jar of sweet and salty Nueske’s candied smoked bacon.
Lobster and crab cakes that were light as air and delicately crispy were delicious, fresh tasting and flavor packed. Although we wished it came with a dipping sauce, remoulade, or hot sauce, these two appetizers hit the spot and definitely should be ordered again, and often.
The main courses did not disappoint. The “Capital Burger” is a french onion soup variety which delivered intensely beefy flavor that was a perfect medium rare. The caramelized onions enhanced, not masked the flavor and a generous topping of Wisconsin Grand Cru Gruyere created the perfect cheese pull one expects with the soup, and desires with a burger bearing the same name. Another bonus factor is that this burger, priced at $16, is $10 cheaper than a similar burger at a nearby restaurant. The bacon cheeseburger, roasted wild mushroom and Swiss burger, blue cheese and truffle burger and classic cheeseburger all looked equally amazing, and a vegetarian burger aims to satisfy everyone.
Crispy salty fries that came with a trio of sauces were exactly as anticipated: crispy, cooked well, and properly seasoned.
A massive fried chicken sandwich with spicy honey was delightfully crispy and tender, delivering everything one wants in a classic. The bun held up well under the weight, and this dish could take well to many future options; Buffalo style, Nashville hot, sweet and tangy BBQ…don’t make us keep asking!
Attention was paid to their specially made all beef hot dog with a natural casing that had the perfect snap when bitten into. However when paired with the perfectly toasted bun given aid by a healthy smear of beef tallow (fat), which did yield a perfect toasted quality, left the bite extremely salty. The crispy cooling relish helped cut that some, however if you’re salt adverse, be aware.
Overall The Capital Burger delivered on the promise to be exactly what we wanted; a damn good burger joint, backed by a reputable brand, with a few pleasant and welcomed surprise standouts to accompany their beefy signature items. We can’t wait to return.
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