Culinary Delights and Rich History Uncovered

Culinary Delights and Rich History Uncovered

Well, here we go, the first blog entry. I created this blog, A View from the Top, as a resource for people interested in downtown Raleigh and all that it has to offer. Every week I hope to provide readers with an inside look at what is new, fun and unique in our City. I will provide restaurant reviews, highlights from downtown events, updates on shows and a glimpse into what it’s like to live, work, and play in downtown Raleigh; specifically living in the City’s tallest building, RBC Plaza!



As a foodie, I thought it would be appropriate to have the inaugural blog highlight one of my new favorite eating establishments. Located at 16 West Martin Street, just one block from RBC Plaza, Capital Club 16 offers diners wonderful food at a reasonable price, now what’s better than that! When you step into the restaurant you feel as if you have gone back in time. The walls are adorned with old photos, vintage wallcoverings, and fresh cut flowers delicately placed on each table (and in the restrooms).

After enjoying lunch with some friends, I did some research on Capital Club 16 and discovered that there was a good reason the menu featured classic German dishes and why I felt like I was in New York in the 1930s. The bar and back bar in the restaurant were made from salvaged pieces of mahogany and oak from New York City’s historic Luchow’s restaurant, which was founded by August Luchow, a German immigrant. Many prominent members of the entertainment industry frequented Luchow’s. In fact, Judy Garland held her post-concert party there after her legendary Carnegie Hall concert.

The chairs at Capital Club 16 came from Times Square’s Horn & Hardart, one of Manhattan’s last automat restaurants. Okay, I've never heard of the term automat restaurant, so I Googled it and found out that it is what we now refer to as a fast-food restaurant where you walk up to the counter and place your order. The owner, who is from Southern Pines, has thrown in some pieces from the great state of North Carolina by making the bar top and wooden tables from century-old reclaimed wood from mills and Neuse River docks.



A few things come to mind when I think back to that yummy lunch, such as their fresh, flavorful main dishes, their hand-sliced rosemary-seasoned French fries and their chocolate bread pudding. (We were celebrating a birthday, so of course had to get dessert!) My friends and I LOVED this little bit of heaven, featuring a subtly sweet rich, chocolate sauce drizzled over the top, and creamy homemade vanilla ice cream on the side that was just to die for!

Capital Club 16 offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The bar is open late, so pull up a stool and maybe, just maybe the ghost of Judy Garland will pull one up next to you.

Capital Club 16 Hours of Operation:
M 11:30am - 2:30pm
T 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5 - 10pm
W 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5 - 10pm
TH 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5 - 11pm
F 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5 - 11pm
SA 6pm-11pm
SU BRUNCH 11am - 4pm
Bar Open Late Night