With the opening of Kings Barcade and Neptune’s Parlour, excitement returned to what was a quiet section of Martin Street in Raleigh. But in addition to these great, hipster bars, don’t miss out on the wonderful food and dining at Capital Club 16, located right next door! Capital Club 16 does an updated Continental-American menu but at the core, it’s all about high-quality meats and ingredients with deft preparation. While the location and food may seem a bit unassuming at first, repeat visits to Capital Club 16 make you quickly realize how amazing this eatery really is.
Inside, Capital Club 16 is all awash in whites, traditional wallpaper, dark woods and refreshed continental decor. A lot of work and effort was put into finding specific pieces that enhance the interior. From the ornate mirror behind the bar, to the classic wooden chairs around dining tables, you get a sense of style and airiness at Capital Club 16. The open space and high ceilings means the place can get noisy-busy at times but you’ve got the option of sitting outside on the sidewalk.
Pop open their menu and you’ll see some familiar dishes (salad nicoise, roasted chicken, mac n cheese) but you’ll also seem some specialties like beef brisket mini’s, schnitzel sandwich and a wonderful butcher’s plate. And don’t miss the chalked specials menu next to the bar, where the chef really pushes the envelope. I’ve tried a great porchetta sandwich and lobster mac n cheese, off the specials board!
The devil is truly in the details and that’s where Capital Club 16 shines. Start off with their shanny fries, tender medium-cut fries sprinkled with sea salt and parsley. The fries are available with most meals but you’ll miss out on the delicious aioli dipping sauces. The sausage sampler app is a fantastic plate of meat served with a zippy, fresh mustard, great stuff…
For the main entrees, I’ve done a great golden buck breakfast burger with the fried egg cooked just right. The butcher’s plate comes with amazing grilled pork belly and sauerkraut. And I had a friend tell me that his beef brisket mini’s may have been some of the best barbeque he’s ever put in his mouth. Everything at Capital Club 16 is reasonably priced but they don’t skimp out at all on the quality of ingredients, a great combo.
The service at Capital Club 16 is also really good. Pleasant hipsters in casual plaid, they do a great job making sure your meal is well-paced and water glasses are filled. The old-school bar in front is small but has a decent selections of beer and liquor. Capital Club 16 also does a great brunch with options like challah french toast, sausage gravy over eggs and biscuits, along with a fantastic bloody mary!
So if you’re ever headed on Martin Street to a show at Kings, don’t miss this unassuming but delicious restaurant! Capital Club 16 works so well in many ways. A casual business lunch during the day. Late-night eats on the weekend. Or maybe a relaxing brunch on their busy sidewalk. And all at a decent price. Bon appetit Capital Club 16, and keep it up with all the great food and dining!
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