A reversal of fortune downtown: The brass-plated sign recessed over the door of the Captain’s Grill has been re-lit after 14 years of darkness.

The Captain’s Grill in the Hotel John Marshall was coated in history when chef George Shinko and his partners found it in December. The thought of renovation was daunting. Left out of use for more than a decade, the place was covered in what seemed more like 20 years of dust and grime.

If you remember the old establishment, you might recall going there for prom or a similar event, says co-owner Michael Back. He says many people have come in to relate such memories since the place reopened in August.

“A lot of previous history, we hear about it,” Back says. He and Shinko say that history also took its toll. The dining room required a complete overhaul.

Some things, like the booths and ’70s-era carpeting were so bad they had to go, Shinko says, and were replaced by white linen-covered tables and bright tiles. Much of the old, dark wood was salvageable, however, and adds to the feeling of relaxed fine dining. The overall nautical theme — the servers wear World War II era, striped Navy shirts — keeps the mood playful.

Expect American-International cuisine, like the filet Chesapeake, backfin crab on medallions of aged filet mignon with mushroom sauce.

The Captain’s Grill is open to the public and hotel guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and for dinner only Saturday. 5th and Franklin streets.