CAPITOL SOCIAL | charleston, wv

WineCheeseScallops
24 minutes ago
4 min read

A Fresh Chapter at Capitol Social in Downtown Charleston

Sign of "Capitol Social" with a dome and smiley on a textured dark wall, under curved lamps. Building in background, overcast sky.

There’s something special about seeing a new restaurant breathe life into a familiar space — and that’s exactly what’s happening at Capitol Social, newly opened in the building formerly occupied by DT Prime. Located in prime real estate in downtown Charleston, West Virginia, Capitol Social sits right on the corner of Quarrier Street and Capitol Street, next to the library — a spot that feels both vibrant and central to the heartbeat of the city.

Urban corner with "Capitol Social" building, street lamps, traffic signs, and parked car. Brick and concrete buildings in background.

The location alone makes it worth the visit, but once you step inside, you’ll quickly realize this place has all the makings of a downtown favorite.

Charleston Social on Facebook

201 Capitol Street,

Charleston, WV

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The Atmosphere

Bar interior with rows of liquor bottles and draft beer taps against a brick wall. Two TVs display a cityscape. Casual, inviting atmosphere.

Wine cellar with glass doors, showcasing multiple rows of wine bottles in racks. Metallic buckets and a warm, ambient glow fill the scene.

From the moment you walk in, Capitol Social feels polished yet welcoming. The interior hasn’t changed much from the previous restaurant — but that’s not a bad thing at all. The exposed brick walls, warm wood tones, and modern lighting fixtures give the space a cozy, upscale feel.

The glass-enclosed wine display immediately catches your eye — a dramatic wall of bottles stacked neatly from floor to ceiling, softly illuminated and framed by dark finishes. It adds a sophisticated touch while still feeling inviting.

Behind the bar, rows of spirits line the shelves beneath large mounted screens, creating a classic social atmosphere. The bar area feels lively but not overwhelming — a perfect spot to gather with friends, grab a drink, or settle in for dinner. Clean lines, polished tables, and thoughtful lighting all contribute to an environment that feels fresh and comfortable.

Cozy restaurant with brick walls, wooden tables, and black chairs. Condiments sit on tables, and a wine display is visible in the background.

It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a casual weeknight dinner or a downtown date night.

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Appetizers

Shrimp topped with herbs and lemon slices on a white plate, accompanied by a bowl of red sauce, set on a wooden table.

Caribbean Jerk Shrimp

We started with the Caribbean Jerk Shrimp, and this dish set the tone for the evening. The shrimp were impressively large — not the small, overcooked variety you sometimes get. These were plump, well-seasoned, and cooked perfectly.

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned shrimp on a white plate. The shrimp is pink and lightly garnished with herbs, creating an appetizing look.

The jerk seasoning brought just the right balance of warmth and spice without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Each bite had depth, flavor, and a satisfying texture. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you slow down and appreciate how well it was prepared.

Fried Calamari

Next up was the Fried Calamari — and it did not disappoint. The breading was light, crisp, and flavorful, avoiding the heavy or greasy feel that can sometimes accompany fried seafood.

Most importantly, the calamari itself was tender. Perfectly cooked calamari should never be rubbery, and this was spot-on. The texture and crunch worked beautifully together, making it a crowd-pleasing starter that’s easy to share.

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Entrées

Grilled salmon with a wedge salad, topped with blue cheese, red onion, and tomatoes on a white plate. Lemons on the side.

The Wedge Salad (with Blackened Salmon)

For something a bit lighter, we tried the traditional Wedge Salad — a classic presentation with crisp iceberg lettuce topped with tomato, cucumber, onion, carrots, and blue cheese dressing.

Grilled salmon and wedge salad with dressing on a white plate, featuring tomatoes and a wedge of lemon. Background shows a blurred restaurant setting.

We added blackened salmon, and that addition elevated the dish significantly. The salmon had a beautifully seasoned crust, with bold, smoky notes that complemented the creamy blue cheese perfectly. The contrast between the chilled, crunchy lettuce and the warm, flaky salmon created a balanced and satisfying plate.

It’s a great option if you’re craving something fresh but still substantial.

The Capitol Social Burger

And then there’s the Capitol Social Burger — a ½-pound custom ground beef patty with your choice of toppings.

Burger with lettuce, cheese, and tomato on a plate, served with fries and a pickle. Background shows red and yellow blurry objects.

The beef was juicy and flavorful, clearly made with quality in mind. A well-ground blend makes all the difference in a burger, and this one delivered. Cooked properly and generously portioned, it’s a classic option for anyone wanting something hearty and satisfying.

Simple. Well-executed. Exactly what you want in a downtown burger.

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Cuban sandwich with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a plate. Background: blurred dining setting, warm colors.

The Cuban Sandwich

Close-up of a sandwich with shredded meat, pickles, and salami on thick bread. It's on a white plate with a blurred background.

The Cuban Sandwich brought bold, classic flavors to the table. Roasted pork paired with sweet ham, tangy dill pickles, sharp mustard, and melted Swiss cheese — all pressed together on Cuban bread.

The bread had that ideal toasted exterior with a soft interior, holding everything together without overpowering the fillings. The combination of savory pork, sweetness from the ham, and acidity from the pickles created a well-rounded bite every time. It’s comfort food done right.

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Final Thoughts

We’re excited to see Capitol Social settle into its location and become fully operational. It’s always encouraging to see a new restaurant take root in such a prime downtown spot, especially one with this much potential.

We’re thankful to see new life in this space and can’t wait to watch Capitol Social grow and find its rhythm. Charleston thrives when its downtown dining scene flourishes — and we’re looking forward to seeing their continued success.

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