Darden Restaurants’ Inaugural Capital Burger Arrives This March

Capital Burger, a new casual alternative to chain steakhouse sibling the Capital Grille, is scheduled to begin serving gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and steak frites across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center next month.

The first dedicated burger restaurant to spring from the Darden family of eateries (Olive Garden, Seasons 52, Yard House) is opening at 1005 Seventh Street NW with 150 seats, a full bar, and daily happy hour (3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).

The opening menu includes six gourmet burgers ($15 to $17) including a cheeseburger, mushroom-Swiss burger, and the French onion-flavored house burger featuring caramelized onions and gruyere. Additional offerings include a ¼ pound hot dog ($10), bacon-laced grilled cheese ($12), fried chicken sandwich ($14), Maine lobster roll ($22), and filet mignon with French fries ($28).

Complementary drinks include local brews from DC Brau Brewing Company, Right Proper Brewing Company, and Port City Brewing Company; by-the-glass wines from around the globe; boozy milkshakes featuring tropical flavors, chili-spiked liqueurs, and chocolate ice cream; as well as specialty cocktails.

Capital Burger [Official photo]

The new restaurant is projected to operate from 11 a.m. to 11 a.m., seven days a week.

• More casual Capital Grille concept to open near D.C. convention center [WBJ]