McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks

Below average for M&S. Music too loud — it competed with conversations. When we called, we were told the next available was 6:30, not 6 like I asked. When we got here there were plenty of tables.
Was never offered bread, but waiter came back twice to check on food. Fish (blue marlin) was very good.

I finally made it out to this popular restaurant, well it is unpopular to me and I will not return. It was a beautiful day I had lunch with my daughter we sat outside and had a great view of the city. The view of the city was the only great thing about our experience. We went to the hostess stand that had a sign see hostess to be seated, there was no hostess so the waiter sat us. The next disappointing issue we had was when I ordered the lobster and shrimp roll and I was informed they are out of lobster. How can a steak and seafood restaurant run out of lobster. We both ordered the claim chowder soup which was luke warm at best. I ordered an ice tea and it never came so I had to wait for the server who was the only server servicing the outside. About 10 minutes later the ice tea arrived. Once we finished our meal we received our check, it took another 15 minutes for the server to return with my credit card.
Our first experience was horrible I would not return, I hope others will read this review as well or better yet give it a try I hope your experience is better than ours.

Drinks — fab. No complaints at all. They have decent house wines, plus we had Makers 46 and Tanqueray 10.
Food — wasn’t what we expected based upon the reviews for the «Happy Hour». We tried fish tacos (they were fried but I didn’t ask how they were prepared and the menu didn’t provide the detail. Disappointed.), bruschetta (flavorless), shrimp tacos (drenched in sesame sauce and also fried. No, I didn’t learn my lesson the first time), and 2 spicy tuna dishes (which were decent).
My summary, not what I expected, hoped for better, just okay, might try again.

Food was very good. Experience was below par. We arrived with a reservation from open table. We got sat 30 – 40 min past our reservation. The appetizer came wrong and they replaced and comped us the error. One of the 6 dinners never came out. It was 20 minutes until it did. They said they gave to the wrong table. Again the comped and gave us the food. I’m sure they lost money while we got a lousy experience. They need to get it together.

This was my first time visiting this place. I’ve heard so much some about it. I was a bit hesitant about coming here. Wow! It’s so beautiful and grand. The tables, lighting and staircases. Wow! 15 minutes later I was shocked and embarrassed. There’s two locations in the loop and I went to the wrong one. I told the bartender thanks for the water

I came in last night for dinner with two friends. Our server was gregarious, but that quickly turned into full blown a narssassist. At one point he said «That’s why I’m a server and not a busser» and left dirty plates in front of us. Seriously?! I mean, how incredibly rude! Our food was very good overall, but with so many excellent places to eat in Chicago, I’d be hard pressed to recommend this location to anyone.

I arrived on a Friday for a business lunch. There was @15 of us, but we were in no rush– zero pressure on the kitchen. We did not do the ‘happy hour’, just a sit-​down lunch.
–Top-​notch atmosphere. Clean and stylish.
–Restroom facilities were perfect.
–Hostess seemed confused and inattentive
–Waitress was professional and attentive
–Drink service was correct and timely
–Bread service was late
–Hot soups/​bisques/​chowders were all cold
–Steak qualities were uniformally poor/​tough
–Hot sides were cold
–Pan fried/​tempura courses were made with cheap or old oil, giving an off flavor
I am not sure what happened. Off day?

Came in for Happy Hour which is 4:30 — 6:30 from Mondays-​Fridays. Came in at 5:45 and got a spot at the bar with my friend. All the tables were taken so I recommend maybe coming earlier for more than 2 people if you want a table. My happy hour expectations are low– so please don’t read this as a review if you are coming to dine here for dinner or have a nice lunch! BUT if you are looking for a bar to go to after work with great deals– McCormick is your place.
The 7 dollars cocktails are strong– the 6 dollars glass of wine is worth 10 bucks for a bottle so keep your expectations low if you are picky about cabernets, rieslings, or chardonnay.
I think the best deals are the 3 and 5 dollar ones! We got bruschetta– and as other reviews named it– just 4 crisp slices of baguette layered with balsamic vinegar and served with diced tomatoes. I also got a burger with fries for 5 bucks– completely worth it– not the best burger I have ever tasted but it was large and filling and as a friend pointed out ‘cheaper than a burger meal at mcdonalds.’ Also got a chicken quesidilla– the portion sizes are great! The bartender was amazing– very sweet and nice. Overall– a great Happy Hour experience with a quieter crowd and great menu. BUT– you also need to order a drink more than 3.50 (in case you are skippin’ the liquor that’s good to know!)

Only been for lunch as I work in the area. Atmosphere is clean and not overly cramped. Food is descent but at a higher price point as expected for the location. (I usually get the fish & chips which goes for ~$ 15.) Only watch out is that the service can be exceedingly slow, which can make it tough to get in and out during a normal lunch window. I have had a couple of meals where folks have had to take their food to go as it took so long to come out from the kitchen.

Steak and shrimp dinner combo was delicious and decently price for the portion and area. Not many beers offered but it’s a classy joint so their wines are probably the emphasis here. Overall good food and upscale atmosphere for the occasional special night out.

we came here for restaurant week, the food is average, but it is a nice and quite place for business lunch. compared to some of the other restaurants in the loop for business lunch, i think this is an above average place

This review is for happy hour at the bar. Having just left the scene of an epic nonprofit career fair fail, I knew I needed to drown my sorrows somewhere. Lucky for me, it was just before 5pm so I had no problem nabbing a seat at the bar. The décor is typical upscale steakhouse/​bar. Menus are provided for drinks — with handy reference pictures no less– as well as for daily happy hour specials. The food selection is appealing and the prices are equally attractive (think $ 5 for a cheeseburger, $ 3 bruschettas). Most of the drink selections included with happy hour are straightforward, with cocktails being extra. I went for a glass of the cabernet, which turned into two as I paired it with an appetizer of bruschetta. I didn’t mind the garlicky flavor but the balsamic was a bit of overkill and the dish could’ve done with more basil. The price was just right, and the drinks and food certainly served as a mid-​week pick-​me-​up. By the time I left the bar was CROWDED. One nit to pick — It is a little tricky to navigate to the restrooms, as they are located in the back of the establishment and one has to walk through the entire restaurant. This is a relatively minor complaint, and I am certain I will be back, now that I know the importance of getting here early to stake out a place at the bar.

I stopped in for a happy hour cocktail and a little filet minion, but to me the attitude of the bartender and staff were more expensive then the food. I don’t expect a lot but when you spend good money on food I expect the service to go with it. I can only hope that I can chalk this up to an off night for. the staff.

Has that high class atmosphere to it, and the prices are on par with that. Services depends on the day, but is usually good. Food itself is fresh and well cooked, but doesn’t quite dazzle in any sense. They even have a Thanksgiving Day special, a generous portion of turkey with some good sides, including the important stuffing (clearly the best side and a must at all T-​Day meals), butternut squash & mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, all for $ 25 per person. The portions were very large, the table split two appetiziers and I had enough left overs for another meal, quite filling. You can also order off the normal menu. The marlin was a bit tough, typical of those apex predator fish, and came with the most delicious Andouille Mashed Potatoes, and some spinach.

I love this place. Everything I had was delicious. The staff was very friendly. The lobster bisque soup was very rich.

The seafood stuffed mushrooms with a cream old Bay hollandaise sauce appetizer is delicious! The shrimp scampi was just ok. Description reads, «white wine sauce» but I was still expecting more of a garlic flavor. Nope… white wine sauce. Lol

I’ve been to McCormick & Schmick’s a total of three times, two out of three visits have been mediocre at best. No offense, but both their food and service is below satisfaction for the price. Oh, by the way, their New York Strip taste like bootleg food. Definitely one of the worst medium steaks I’ve ever had.

Saturday night before show. Drink and appetizer at bar was good. Dinner service slow and food quality (filet and Kobe burger) very mediocre. Will not eat dinner here again.

If your looking for a place for Happy Hour skip this place
We just stopped in to enjoy Happy hour! We normally love this place, but tonight they were rude. We were asked what we wanted to drink my wife ordered wine and I ordered water. I was informed that I must order a drink if I wanted to order any happy hour food specials. Really? I just took some meds and can’t drink alcohol, besides my wife always orders multiple glasses and I could have ordered wine and just gave it to her I guess? The waiter was rude and arrogant and I will not go in there again. We normally spend lots of money at Happy Hours but never again at this establishment. Skip this place if that’s the way you are treated. We are now at Flemings being treated as royalty.

We came to McCormick & Schmick’s with family and had an enjoyable meal.
Décor: Both inside and out this is a pretty classy place. They have an outdoor area that, during nicer weather, is usually pretty full (from what I’ve seen walking past). Inside it has the feel of any other upscale chain like Capital Grille or Del Frisco’s. There is a nice-​sized bar off to the right and the dining area has lots of tables of varying sizes. The lighting is just right for a nice relaxing meal that feels intimate and cozy.
Bathroom: Nicely kept, decently lit, and clean.
Staff: The greeter was outstandingly nice, even going out of his way to accommodate us after we realized that I screwed up and booked an OpenTable reservation at a different location… on top of that, he called the other location and had them verify our reservation so we still got the OpenTable points! Wow, that is service! Our waiter was also very attentive throughout the meal. He did get a bit distracted by a VERY LARGE table next to us (probably about 20people in the party) but we barely noticed as he made sure to continually check in on us. Our food also came out rather quickly, which was nice.
Drinks/​Food: We started with a round of drinks (a bottle of wine, a beer, and a bourbon) and then dove into the appetizers. We enjoyed the calamari (very good) and the Shrimp Kisses (OUTSTANDING!). For a main course we had the swordfish (also outstanding), the marlin (very tasty, with andouille mashed potatoes that were out of this world!), and the surf and turf (the steak portion was a bit small but it was enjoyable). For dessert we shared the pumpkin cheesecake (great flavor).
Value: Being that it is a classy/​upscale seafood restaurant, in The Loop, you know the prices will be a bit higher. However, they are not completely outrageous and the food quality matches what you pay for… so there is good value had here.
This was my first time to a M&S and I must say that it was very enjoyable. I’d certainly consider a return visit in the future.

Shortly arriving Chicago for the first time and had worked up an appetite from our flight we stopped at McCormick & Schmick’s. And to our surprise it was well worth it! Casey our server provided superb, kid friendly service ;-) thank you! We ordered, arugula salad, kids mac and cheese, kids fish and chips and the ribeye bone in steak with herb goat cheese mashers. Everything was savory and delicious

McCormick and Schmick’s used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Not anymore :(The quality of food has reached a low. Tried them in Austin, TX last year and the food was not good. Thought it was an Austin thing. Came to the Wacker location on 10÷6÷15 and was again extremely disappointed.
First off, our waiter was a total douche. Wish I would’ve gotten his name. Younger guy, (told us he was from California). He was sweating profusely as though he was snorting plates of coke in the kitchen. I asked him if I could have a taste of the Pinot Gris on the menu, he laughed at me and said it’s the same thing as a Pinot Grigio. Really? Is that how you sell your wine? He brought me the taste and I didn’t like it, so I asked for a glass of the Pinot Grigio I was familiar with. He laughed at me again. I was livid! Boyfriend had to calm me down. Told me to wait until we got our food to speak to the manager so they don’t spit in our entrees (you never know).
We started with the crab tower (highly recommended by our knowledgeable waiter, HA!) It lacked flavor, but was very fishy and wasn’t served with anything to eat it on, bread, chips, etc.
For our entrees we both had halibut. Mine was blackened, boyfriend’s was almond crusted. His was terribly bland, mine was a little better because of the blackened seasoning. We both needed lemon wedges to add some flavor.
Flourless chocolate cake was the only thing decent.
I didn’t get a chance to speak to the manager because we were running a little late for our show. Wasn’t worth it anyway since we won’t be back.
P. S. I was a server for many years. I’ve never worked in a fine dining establishment, but I can tell you even in a casual setting I would have never laughed at my guest in such a patronizing way. So absolutely rude! Unbelievable!

We love working with the McCormick & Schmick’s they have always delivered great service and has always accommodated our needs. They run a well organized reception hall to keep your evening on course so that the couple enjoys their wedding. Looking forward in working in many events to come!
Thanks,
Extreme Sounds Entertainment & Lighting

So I love fine dining and experiencing new items. I visited the location on wacker and it did not disappoint. I did go during lunch and sat outside so my review is of the entire event. I ordered the lobster Cobb salad, very good but the presentation was awesome. Please see the pic. I had a freshly squeezed blueberry lemonade that was very refreshing. My coworker had the shrimp and lobster roll, we split it and it’s great also. Try it if you are walking down wacker in Chicago.

I am a huge fan of McCormick & Schmick’s happy hour! I was looking for an outside spot close to my office to host a summer outing for 70 people. Ashley Mauras helped me put together a fabulous menu with passed and stationed apps and carving station, pasta and salad. She was organized, easy to work with and followed up to make sure everything was ready to go. The day of the event I popped over to discuss patio setup. The weather was a bit chilly and Ashley was more than accommodating. She sent someone out to pick up propane so that we could use outdoor heaters. I went back a couple hours later and the patio looked great, the furniture is summery, the buffet stations and bar were upscale. The bartenders were quick, so there was never a long line and the food was fantastic! I highly recommend the passed app package, the shrimp kisses, chicken skewers and bruschetta were fantastic. Along with kobe beef sliders, chicken quesadillas and hummus bites stationed people were eating like crazy. They also put together a special vegetable pasta for us and along with a beef tenderloin carving station and big salad everyone was stuffed. Every food item was hot when it came out or cold if that is how it was supposed to be. Every person we encountered were accommodating and they were all concerned we had drinks, were comfortable and that we were having a great time. 5 STARS!
I have never received so many thank you’s, emails and reply-​alls thanking me for a great time! Thanks to Ashley and everyone at McCormick & Schmick’s for a wonderful evening!

Great food as expected. I always go for the lobster bisque regardless if it’s day or night.
Awesome outdoor seating at this location. Highly recommend.

Came here with some friends during the week after work to take advantage of their happy hour specials. We ordered the following: calamari, coconut shrimp, coast to coast, and margherita flatbread. All were pretty good with my favorite being the flatbread and calamari. I really liked the tuna tartar portion of the coast to coast. It paired really well with the crispy wonton chips and avocado. I ordered two cocktails: the agave rita and the talk of the town which wasn’t that good — pretty watered down (and that says a lot coming from someone who doesn’t drink that much). When the happy hour was over, we ordered the lobster bites which were awesome… and the shrimp kisses which were pretty good as well. Service was also pretty good as well. Overall, a good place to go to for happy hour if you’re in the Loop.

I’m a huge fan of McCormick & Schmick’s so when I found out they were offering a traditional Thanksgiving meal for the holiday I quickly made a reservation.
I was visiting Chicago for the holiday and wanted to go out to a nice restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner with my Mom. As always, we had a great time. Our food was delicious and the service was great!

My fiancé and I went here for our anniversary dinner. Tthe environment was very romantic and cozy.
The menu selection was great for everyone. I got the pasta and shrimp and it was amazing! We really enjoyed the food. The food was a bit pricy but I wasn’t surprised.
They had a great cocktail menu and the prices were reasonable.
The staff was very friendly. I plan to go back again.

tres bonne adresse, tres bonne qualite des produits, rapport qualite/​prix un peu elevee 45 $ pour un plat + 1 verre de vin + pourboire
mais ca fait du bien de manger a juste quantité et avec une tres bonne qualite de produits.

Ich kann meinem Vorredner nur zustimmen. Es ist ein gehobenes Ambiente und ein gutes Publikum. Der Service und Empfang sind sehr gut. Das Essen frische Meeresfrüchte waren sensationell. Sehr empfehlenswert.

Seafood beste Güte, alles frisch zubereitet, sehr zu empfehlen! Die Rpeise sind günstig, sättigende Portionen und vor allem ist das Restaurant für Sonderwünsche offen… Apfelkuchen, daneben das Vanilleeis…

Restaurant spécialisé en poissons et fruits de mer, mais les viandes sont aussi délicieuses, tout comme les salades.
Service impeccable, plats délicieux, il y en a pour tous les prix. Recommandé.

McCormick & Schmick’s ist eine Restaurantkette, die sich auf Fisch und Meeresfrüchte spezialisiert. In Chicago gibt es mehrere McCormick & Schmick’s — wir besuchten das Lokal in der Loop, direkt am Chicago River und nicht unweit from Chicago Theater, Oriental Theater und Millenium Park.
Das Ambiente ist gehoben; das Publikum überwiegend business people. Man wird sehr freundlich empfangen und zu Tisch gebracht.
Die (täglich wechselnde) Speisekarte präsentiert eine gute Auswahl an Köstlichkeiten: Fische, Meeresfrüchte aber auch Salate und Fleischgerichte. Die Herkunft der Fische wird in der Fresh List erläutert.
Wir probieren es mit zwei Fischen: dem Atlantic Salmon serviert mit einer Northwest Berry Sauce, und dem Yellowfin Tuna roh serviert auf asiatische Art. Beides ist sehr zu empfehlen, insbesondere der Thunfisch ist köstlich und von guter Qualität. Verschiedene Fischsorten kann man mit dem Broiled Seafood Platter kosten, auf dem u.a. Lachs, Krabben, Shrimps und Jakobsmuscheln serviert werden. Wer keine Lust auf Fisch hat, probiert es mit dem Klassiker New York Strip Steak oder einem Grilled Chicken (ab ~15 US$).
Bei schönem Sommerwetter kann man auf der Terasse vor dem Restaurant sitzen. Dort weht vermutlich ein lauer Wind, und es wird Piano gespielt. Für zwei Personen kostet ein Abend zwischen 50 und 100 US$. Enjoy your meal!