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Welcome to Capitol Square Bar & Grill

At Capitol Square Bar & Grill, the essence of comfort food meets a vibrant cocktail atmosphere in the heart of Washington, DC. This black-owned gem celebrates rich flavors with a diverse menu featuring Cajun, African, and Caribbean influences. Guests can savor mouthwatering dishes like oxtail egg Benedict or crab mac and cheese, crafted with love and generous portions. The inviting ambiance, adorned with lively decor and outdoor seating, encourages gatherings and celebrations. With attentive service and a commitment to delightful experiences, Capitol Square is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual brunch, dinner with friends, or a lively themed night.

Capitol Square Bar & Grill: Reviews & Ratings

Teressa B.
Teressa B.

The waiter was vey accommodating and personable. Host dressed well and I can appreciate that! we enjoyed our food although it took a little while; this is a newer restaurant and I believe on the day we went they were training new staff so we understood that there would be a few hiccups in service. Overall it is a great place for indoor and outdoor dining . They also host themed nights and kareoke. We especially enjoyed the photo wall and the outdoor decor. I would highly recommend. Amazing drinks are an added bonus.

Diane M.
Diane M.

I met some friends here on last Sunday. They kept bragging about the place. Upon first glance it's very quaint on the inside. I understand upstairs is much larger. I had the red snapper with jollof rice and cabbage. It was sooooooooo good. The fish was cooked to perfection. The rice was well seasoned and how I wish I had an entire plate of cabbage. My hubby had the catfish and grits. He said it was very good and the portion size was plentiful. For an appetizer I had the calamari. It was fantastic. For dessert we shared some sort of apple strudel with whip cream and strawberries with vanilla ice cream. It was enough to share with four people. We had an opportunity to meet the chef and owner Lorenzo. Both were gracious and kind. Our server was a sweetheart constantly checking on us. Making recommendations for us to try. Just everything about this restaurant was delicious and delightful. I will definitely revisit this place.

Spencer H.
Spencer H.

Full disclosure, the owner has been a friend over 25yrs, however, this review will be fair and honest. I love neighborhood restaurants and this one definitely gives off CHEERS vibes for sure. The name is long so I'll try and shortened it up.. Lol. DC Cap. Square Bar and Grill, is small but packs a powerful punch. This two level gem boasts a large bar on the lower level and a movie screen size TV if you want to check out a great game. The upper level also has an enormous TV and several tables which is definitely necessary because downstairs only has 4-5. We chose to sit at the bar and check out what's most important.. THE FOOD! Here we go.. Crab mac and cheese.. Must get 5/5 Bang Bang Shrimp..Must get 5/5 Delicious house made specialty drinks.. Must get 5/5 Lamb chops with spinach.. Lamb has great flavor but was a little fatty. The spinach was great 3/5 Cheese steak Panini..great flavor but also a little fatty 3/5 The staff was amazing and could not have been friendlier. This restaurant has all the potential in the world and even has a cool VIP Lounge on the upper level for private events! I'm super proud of my boy for doing his thing! Please come and support!!!

Rosie B.
Rosie B.

I passed by this neighborhood restaurant and the fun bright orange umbrellas on the patio caught my eye so I stopped in. The space downstairs was small, welcoming and cozy. A bit later the owner took me upstairs to their private dining room that accommodates up to 60 with a separate VIP room for 15. Now for the food. I ordered the oxtail egg rolls as a starter and the oxtail eggs Benedict with a side of friend plaintains as my meal. Well.... the oxtail egg roll were HUGE and I was only able to eat two pieces. The entire order could have been a scrumptious meal!!!!. The oxtail Benedict was pretty tasty and came with a generous side salad - this again was another meal. The order of fried plaintains came with at least 12 pieces so again a much larger portion than I anticipated. So be prepared to get more food than you bargained for which makes all the meals shareable. The flavor and taste of the food was also a pleasant surprise. The African infused spices made everything great yet not spicy hot. The bartender suggested I get the house favorite frozen cocktail called the Mama Africa. It was a sweet, Hennessy based glass of deliciousness. Parking was easily available on the street and overflow parking is also available at the school across the street. All in all a great experience

Shellie P.
Shellie P.

The owner was so hospitable and eager to help. All of the food was decadent and cooked to perfection. I will definitely be back. It's a fun and clean atmosphere.

Nessa R.
Nessa R.

DC Capitol Square Bar & Grill, it's under new management. Parking: YIKES, I can see how this could be a problem and if you don't live around the area where you could walk here, this could be a HUGE pain point. We got LUCKY and found a 2 hour residential spot. Ambiance: Small, quaint, and posh! Giving small bougie vibes! Really cute! Met the owner, he's very nice. Service was AWESOME! Let's Get Into It! Appetizer: Bang Bang Shrimp, YES PLEASE! More more more! Main Entree's: I picked a recommendation from the owner, Steak and Cheese. I didn't like the fatty parts of the sandwich. I would have preferred no fat and lean meat, definitely think they should ask customers preference. It is not a menu item but if they decided to add it, I would either cut the fat out or use a leaner meat option. I'd personally pay for a better quality of meat. It was good, but wouldn't order it again. Lamb Chops: My honeys lamb was also fatty, he's used to fat for the flavor but it had a lot for his liking. He usually cleans the bone but it was left with fat. Drinks were great! Overall, I'd definitely come again if in the area! Comfy restaurant! Come try this out! More like a 3.5ish 4....

Sharon P.
Sharon P.

What a great find. The service is above and beyond The atmosphere was so impressive I thought they had just opened . I move to DC this year from NYC... eating out is part of my life style. I ate the crab cakes which were wonderful... IF you are a sport fan it IS the place to be.

Dee A.
Dee A.

My daughter loved it! I had to grab my 9 year old out of school early for an appointment but I happened to get her before her lunch at school. We stopped by this location on the way to the appointment. The venue is very small, but very quaint and cute. The menu is not kid friendly. The gorgeous waitress (?) or greeter was not very friendly- but the cook was more than nice. I ordered my girl a cheddar burger to go which came with fries. She says that "it was the best burger ever!" I'd come back to this location on my own or with adult friends as the restaurant and vibe seemed nice! Very decent place to watch games.

Ashley W.
Ashley W.

I had an awesome brunch with friends here Sunday. Despite being short staffed the wait wasn't long and the food was amazing. We sat on the patio and the staff didn't mind if we moved with the sun got too intense. Steak and eggs: everything was seasoned perfectly. The mix of potatoes and peppers added the spice I needed. The Mama Africa drink is a must if you like frozen drinks! Mimosas are also a good option, just $5 each.

Eunice I.
Eunice I.

I've been here twice. Once when I first moved to DC, and then yesterday. I like the fact it appears to be a neighborhood restaurant. They had a special going on yesterday for teacher appreciation, so I decided to treat myself after work. It was a little cloudy outside, but not particularly raining. I wanted to sit outside. I was told to wait for a server to come out, and maybe 10 minutes went by before a server came out and asked if anyone had served me. I said no, and she told me to come inside and she'd take care of me. I went inside and there were a few patrons. The music inside is exceptionally loud, so it's kind of hard to have a conversation or even take an order over the music. They had happy hour going on while I was there and they had some good options. I got a cup of pepper soup, jerk wings, and a side of jollof rice. Everything I had was very tasty. The pepper soup was very spicy, so I'd proceed with caution if you can't handle spice. I've had their jollof before and it was just as good as I remember. The chicken was also pretty good too. What is a little annoying is they have white table cloth which can stain easily. I'd prefer if they didn't have that, just because if you make a mess you are looking at it while eating. They seemed to be prepping for an event while I was there, so a lot of people running around and shifting seats. I felt like I should rush too, so I can be out of their way, lol. Overall, decent spot. I'd frequent here more if I lived in the neighborhood.

Location

Welcome to the heart of Washington, DC, where comfort food meets a lively atmosphere at the Capitol Square Bar & Grill. Located at 1500 East Capitol St NE, this black-owned gem serves up an enticing mix of comfort classics, innovative cocktails, and vegetarian options that cater to a diverse clientele. Whether you're seeking a cozy brunch spot or a vibrant dinner gathering, this trendy establishment has something special for everyone.

The menu at Capitol Square is a true celebration of flavor. Start your meal with their tantalizing Oxtail Spring Rolls—stuffed with decadent braised oxtails, cheese, and rice (priced at $20). For those craving something with a kick, the Jerk Wings marinated in spicy Jamaican seasoning are a must-try. Each dish showcases a thoughtful blend of flavors and generous portions, making sharing an exciting option for groups.

As you progress through the menu, don’t miss the signature Capitol Square Burger or the unique Crab Cake Sandwich. Diners are raving about the Maryland Crab Mac & Cheese, noted for its creamy texture and savory crab meat, a perfect representation of the soul-satisfying comfort food ethos that Capitol Square embodies.

The ambiance is equally inviting. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, guests can choose to bask in the vibrant decor or enjoy the charming patio adorned with bright orange umbrellas. The lively atmosphere is complemented by excellent service, as staff like the personable waiters ensure a delightful dining experience. The restaurant even offers events such as themed nights and karaoke, making it not just a meal, but a memorable outing.

Capitol Square’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the menu. The establishment is accessible for all, featuring wheelchair access and ample outdoor seating. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, happy hour specials, and private dining options, it’s an ideal choice for gatherings—large or small.

Whether you’re winding down after a long day or celebrating a special occasion with friends, Capitol Square Bar & Grill will likely charm you with its fusion of flavors and welcoming vibe. Don't forget to indulge in their house drinks, especially the well-curated cocktails that enhance your dining experience.

Overall, this restaurant stands out as a delightful addition to the local culinary scene. With strong community roots and an authentic approach to comfort food, Capitol Square Bar & Grill is bound to leave a lasting impression on your palate and heart.

For reservations, delivery, or takeout, call (202) 507-8492 and prepare for an exceptional culinary experience!