Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Capital Grille
Hartford, CT · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Capital Grille runs a serious beverage program behind its steakhouse reputation. The cocktail list has range and history, anchored by The Doli, a pineapple-infused vodka martini served since 1991. The wine program is the deeper draw, with sommelier-curated bottles and rare pours by the glass via Coravin. Spirit-free drinkers get two thoughtful Seedlip-based options. Expect polished, pricey classics rather than experimental flair.
- What should I order?
- Start with The Doli, the signature martini that has been on the menu since 1991. For bourbon depth, the Double Oaked & Rye Manhattan layers Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and rye with Carpano Antica. Wine drinkers should scan the Coravin-poured rarities, like the 2021 Massolino Barolo.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want a dependable, well-made classic cocktail in a polished steakhouse setting. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the sommelier-curated list and the chance to try rare bottles by the glass. The spirit-free section is a small but real option for designated drivers.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $16 to $19, with the Doli at $17. By-the-glass wines start at $31 and climb to $74. A bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial runs $115.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Doli, a vodka martini infused with fresh pineapple, has anchored the cocktail list since 1991. The wine program counters with Coravin-poured rarities, from Massolino Barolo to Kosta Browne Pinot Noir, on a sommelier-curated list.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A wide-ranging list of classics and originals, headlined by The Doli, a pineapple-infused vodka martini poured since 1991. Bourbon-heavy options like the Double Oaked & Rye Manhattan and Blackberry Bourbon Sidecar show range, while the Dirty Goose gets a recent customer nod.
Menu strengths
- — Signature martini with a 1991 provenance gives the program a clear identity.
- — Broad stylistic range from a bourbon-forward Manhattan to a coconut-tinged Noble Paloma.
- — Customers specifically praise the Dirty Goose and Double Oaked & Rye Manhattan.
Standout selections
- — The Doli — Wheatley vodka infused with fresh Dole pineapple, served straight up.
- — Double Oaked & Rye Manhattan — Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and rye with Carpano Antica.
- — Blackberry Bourbon Sidecar — Angel's Envy bourbon, blackberries, lemon, thyme.
Pricing: $16 to $19
Wine
An award-winning, sommelier-curated list with a smart Coravin program that puts rare bottles in reach by the glass. Selections span Barolo, Burgundy, Napa Cabernet, and grower-style pours, with a recent customer calling the list deep.
Menu strengths
- — Coravin system allows rare wines by the glass, from Massolino Barolo to Taub Beckstoffer Cabernet.
- — Sommelier-curated list with an award pedigree.; Geographic and stylistic range across Barolo, Burgundy, Napa, and Willamette Valley.
Standout selections
- — Massolino, Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, 2021 — 31 — Rare wine by the glass.
- — Kosta Browne Pinot Noir 2022/2023 — Willamette Valley rarity.
- — Taub 'Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III' Cabernet 2023 — Napa heavyweight.
Pricing: By the glass $31 to $74; bottles from $40 to $128
Nonalcoholic
A compact spirit-free section with two Seedlip-based cocktails. Both drinks use the Grove 42 expression, one with salted strawberry honey and elderflower, the other with cucumber and lime. This is a functional alternative, not a full program.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated spirit-free section shows intentional nonalcoholic coverage.; Both options use Seedlip Grove 42, a consistent base.
Standout selections
- — Strawberry Fizz — Seedlip Grove 42, salted strawberry honey, elderflower, grapefruit.
- — Cucumber Spritz — Seedlip Grove 42, cucumber, lime.
Pricing: $12 to $13
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