Insider Pages Reviews for McCormick & Schmick's

5 Stars: Awesome food and excellent service (by Ecstasy)

Ecstasy — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:00:00 GMT

We (Me & My Husband) often go to this restaurant. It has an excellent food, service and the ambience. I love this restaurant. The waitresses are very courteous.
The ambience of this restaurant is stylish,cozy and romantic. Food is very fresh and delicious. We love eating fish here. They have lots of variety of seafood.

We went on our Anniversary last time. I ordered one entree. I didn't like the taste as it was new for me. The cooking was good. It was my personal palate that i couldn't appreciate its taste. I told the waitress. She talked to her manager and he came to ask me bout the food and was very sorry for that. He asked me to choose another entree. I chose one. The service was very quick. He asked again if the second one was fine. Apart from that he didn't charge us for the first order and gave complimentary dessert.
That was an excellent behavior towards a customer. We were very happy.
I recommend everyone who wants to eat good fresh food and an excellent service.

1 Stars: Horrible customer service..we didnt' even make it to the food! (by cookiesandjava)

cookiesandjava — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

My first post on Citysearch and my first time to EVER walk out of a restaurant. We made 5:30 reservations for our V-day dinner (on Fri 13th) about a week ago and when we came in, the sloppily dressed hostess looked for our reservations, confused, and told us we needed to wait to be seated. Why would we need to wait if we made reservations? After 15 more minutes, it seemed as though they forgot about us because they seated 5 more couples that just walked through the door.

When it was our time, the hostess (who didn't remember us) told us there was a seat ready. She took us to a room (which wasn't even 15% full!) and sat us down. Everyone around was eating and being assisted. We then waited 15 more minutes for someone to even acknowledge us. Mind you, I've worked in the restaurant AND retail industry so I usually have sympathy for people; however, this is just sad. We kept looking around for our waiter.

One nice guy, who seemed new and wasn't even a waiter, came over to ask us if we have been assisted. We told him no and he took our drink orders. 15 minutes later we had to stop him to ask where is our real waiter. He says he doesn't know. AND HERE COMES THE WORST PART: Right behind us, literally 3 feet, "our waiter" and a floor supervisor were arguing about our table. We overheard the waiter saying that our table wasn't in his zone and why should he have to help us. He didn't even look busy! We felt like the reject table that nobody wanted.They should have at least argued about this in the back. We were definitely offended, and 30 minutes into waiting, still have not even received our drinks or a real waiter. We decided to get up and leave.

I have never walked out of a restaurant before and I cannot believe we received the worst customer service: NO SERVICE on our Valentine's Day dinner. Way to ruin it for us McCormick and Stinks! I have told all of my friends and we will never return to THIS location again and neither will they.

5 Stars: Great Seafood (by loveshouston2)

loveshouston2 — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

We where seated promptly. The seafood was great! Our waitress was pleasant and accomedating. We enjoyed everything. We arrived a few minutes after the kitchen closed and they still allowed us to order.

4 Stars: Beautiful Decor, Excellent Seafood, But Pricey (by wadester)

wadester — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We both really enjoyed our experience here. The wine list is varied and very accomodating for the seafood fare offerings. The Oysters Rockefeller that we tried as an appetizer were wonderful, but they only give you five of them on an order. I would prefer to be able to order a dozen, without having to place two and a half orders. But they were delectable.
The ambience of McCormick & Schmick's is really upscale, formal, and cozy. It's a great spot to share a romantic evening with someone special. Their fresh fish offerings are all delicious. It's definately a "must try" experience for anyone in Houston who loves seafood, great service, and formal surroundings. Dress up, take a special date, and make a nice evening out of it. You will not be disappointed.

4 Stars: Great Seafood (by LanaH11)

LanaH11 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I have been eating here since they came to Houston several years ago. You can always count on good, consistent and high-quality fish. They have the best oysters in Houston. The bar is also fun for happy hour.

5 Stars: Best seafood in town (by seafood1)

seafood1 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I was blown away by this restaurant all the way around. A menu that changes twice daily depending on the availability of fresh fish and the mouthwatering preperations created daily by a team of highly skilled chefs, where else can you find that? Not to mention the oyster selection that can sometimes include up to nine different species. Great service, great atmosphere and 90 plus scotches, whitch makes it great for large parties and business dinners. I will be back again and again!

4 Stars: Great Happy Hour (by Monica L.)

Monica L. — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:23:00 GMT

They have great happy hour deals. The prices run from 1.95 - 3.95 for appetizers, The burgers are just a 1.95 just as long as you spend $3 on a drink. the drink doesn't even have to be alcoholic, but if you like to drink the apple martini's are really good

PROS: location, parking, quality of food

4 Stars: Good food & service (by shinobi)

shinobi — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I had dinner here last night w/ a group of friends. I had the lobster bisque for my appetizer & live Maine lobster for my entree. The bisque was creamy, but lacked much lobster. Of course, it was only $4.95 so you can't expect much lobster in it. It was still pretty good though. There aren't too many ways to prepare a whole lobster so it's a matter of not messing it up. I thought my Maine lobster was very good. In addition to the good food, our waiter was very attentive. I would recommend this restaurant. My friends also liked it & would come back.

1 Stars: Horrible customer service & dining experience (by kward61)

kward61 — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

This is my first time to post an opinion online - but woke up in the early morning hours feeling compelled to warn other diners about our experience at McCormicks & Schmicks on 8/26/07. First we tried to make reservations for 2:30 pm. We were told the earliest there was availability was 3:30 pm. (The restaurant was less than a quarter full at 3:00 pm.) We arrived at 3:00 pm and meet in the bar area - where we waited forever to place and receive our drink orders. At 3:30 pm we went to the hostess and asked to be seated. We were told then we were in between lunch and dinner menus - the main difference being price! We waited at our table until after 4:00 for the dinner menu. After finally being able to order, the appetizers and soups arrived promptly. Then we sat until close to 5:30 when SOME of our table was served luke warm food. We had all finished eating before my niece was finally brought the fish she ordered - which she declined. Three at the table agreed one round of margaritas were not good and asked that they be returned. New, better margaritas were brought. At the end the host for the party asked to speak to the manager. After waiting again for over 15 minutes the manager on duty finally appeared and insulted him by offering to take the drinks that were returned off of the bill. (We never imagined that they would have been included to begin with.) Anyway to make a long story short we paid the bill in full and left a tip for over $120 to the waitress ? as we felt things were not her fault ? more the manager & kitchens incompetence. However then the waitress failed to return the American Express card with the receipt. Luckily we realized it before leaving and at that point decided not to leave a tip at all. I believe others in the party will call the general manager tomorrow to let him know how bad things run when he is not onsite.

3 Stars: Slow and indifferent... (by Carlosbob)

Carlosbob — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

McCormick & Schmick's has some good food. Unfortunately, the experience is soured by the poor service. Both the hostess and the waitstaff were MIA most of the time and indifferent when present. There was a 10 minute wait for the hostess to show up to find us a table. A 10-15 minute wait for the server to show his face. A 20-30 minute wait for the food to reach our table (simple order, too). By time the food arrived, it was lukewarm. The kitchen seems to be on top of things, just not the servers. The only reason they get an "Average" is because the food was so tasty.

5 Stars: Excellent restaurant (by waynenorton)

waynenorton — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We went to McCormick & Schmick's to celebrate a special occasion with my Son. This is an excellent restaurant with great food, excellent service and very nice atmosphere. We had a great time and still talk about the experience. We would go back anytime. Very nice restaurant.

5 Stars: IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! (by landa06)

landa06 — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I enjoyed my experience so much here! The food and service was wonderful! We had everything from shrimp, to oysters, to snapper, to mahi mahi. It was fresh, tasty, and affordable!! I will be back again and again! The pecan pie was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Stars: Awesome food and excellent service (by hannah530)

hannah530 — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Went here for the first time the other day for lunch and was truly impressed. The service was outstanding and the food even better. Definitely plan to come again!

5 Stars: Good Seafood and Good Service (by lindaklkw7)

lindaklkw7 — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Had a great experience! The Mahi Mahi was incredible. Cold Seafood appetizer plate was delicious and had an impressive presentation on our table. I finished my meal off with a huge slice of apple pie. The waiter was friendly, but not intrusive. I will go back soon!

5 Stars: Freshest seafood & excellent customer service (by seamrippstress)

seamrippstress — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We had our office holiday lunch here and 10 of us enjoyed a delicious meal with excellent, attentive waitstaff service. My family and I returned the following week for Christmas dinner. I had a baked salmon with crab topping that was to-die-for and an apple feta cheese salad (I requested extra cheese and it was excellent). My husband had the grilled steak which I tasted and it melted in my mouth - truly delicious tender steak. We had to wait about 15 minutes for a table which for a nice restaurant it was well worth it. Our out-of-town guests were very impressed with the overall experience and we will be back to feast on their excellent selection of oysters!

3 Stars: A must (by rlm3)

rlm3 — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Beautiful, cozy atmosphere. Our waiter was on the spot with treating us very well and entertaining. The food was top notch and if a fish lover the salmon is recommended. A must go to if looking for a new place that offers fine dining in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

3 Stars: Awesome time for Drinks and Dinner with the Girls (by tabikatz33)

tabikatz33 — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I was visiting from NYC and the Girls took me here. I felt at home. The food is great and the atmoshere was even better. I would definitely bring my husband her when we come back into town for a romantic dinner for two. The seaford especially the oysters were were the best I have had in a long time. Overall it was great and I would recommend to others

3 Stars: Not impressed at all. (by danamel)

danamel — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Some co-workers and I tried lunch here. The food is way overpriced for what you get. I had the Greek Salad w/Grilled Prawns. For almost $12 I expected lots of olives, cheese and decent size "prawn". What I got was a pile of field greens with 2 tiny pieces of tomato, very little feta cheese, 3 olives and 5 tiny shrimp. The shrimp were butterflied but not deveined. Yuck. My co-workers enjoyed there food but were very disappointed in the portions compared to price. The staff was not overly friendly but did seem knowledgible about the food. I don't think we'll eat there again.

5 Stars: Go to the Bar.... (by kmact)

kmact — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The bar at McCormick & Schmick's offers one of (if not the THE) largest scotch selections in all of Houston. They've got great happy hour appetizers, as well. I've never had a problem with the service...too bad for those that have. It's classy and cofortable.

4 Stars: great happy hour (by Claire L.)

Claire L. — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 22:50:00 GMT

too expensive for me to go for dinner (i'm on a grad student's budget), but the happy hour has great deals. 1.95, 2.95, and 3.95 for appetizers (steamed mussels, quesadillas, 1.95 for a half pound burger!) as long as you spend $3 on a drink. the drink doesn't even have to be alcoholic. call them for the times - they have a regular happy hour on weekdays plus a reverse happy hour at night. and these specials run all day on saturday and sunday.

PROS: location, parking, quality of food
CONS:

3 Stars: Mediocre (by dp777)

dp777 — Sat, 05 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

We had to wait 10 to 15 min for our table, despite reservations. Once seated it took 10 to 15 min for the waiter to finally wonder over and get our drink order. After the initial wait the service was decent. The waiter did not know the proper order of service and did not bring the appitizers out at the same time, but could be found when you needed something. The portion sizes are small. The bread for the table is a single serving, not enough for 4 people, the shrimp had all of 5 on the plate, the seafood pasta had 4 of the smallest shrimp you've ever seen in the pasta. All our dishes tasted wonderful though. For as much as you are paying per person I expect to be bringing home a doggybag and I expect waiters to know proper order of service.

5 Stars: Awesome Restaurant (by yanniwearsatruss)

yanniwearsatruss — Sun, 09 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Went for dinner with my wife last night. We were astounded by the freshness of the seafood (especially the oysters), the beautiful surroundings (though the music was a little bit loud), and our server's professionalism/knowledge. Will be back often.

P.S. I noticed some bad reviews on here, so I asked our server about them. He acknowledged them, and basically said the restaurant's previous management let some bad servers run unchecked. I looked again at these reviews and noticed they're all old...supporting his explanation.

2 Stars: Over Rated (by iamspy007)

iamspy007 — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The service was okay but somewhat ackward. The food was below average. I will not go back and will not recommend the place to any of my friends. In fact, I will steer them elsewhere.

4 Stars: Good Seafood Bad Value (by keiocorp)

keiocorp — Sat, 06 Nov 2004 01:00:00 GMT

We were not welcomed at the restaurant as I approached the hostesses. After being seated and waiting for our waiter for 5 minutes, the rest of the service was rushed. The waiter hurried us through our good but somewhat overpriced small filets of fish. With the ambience, I think this restaurant should be better.

3 Stars: Good but Costly (by wine4bill)

wine4bill — Tue, 02 Nov 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Good seafood at Great prices. The quality is nice; the portions are for the appetite impaired. The crab cake appetizer was fantastic, but at the price of an entree. I'll go back when I'm not looking for a bargain.

4 Stars: Service Lacking... (by reading_gaol)

reading_gaol — Mon, 25 Oct 2004 02:00:00 GMT

While I love every dish I've ever tried here (and that's quite a few, as I go to business lunches here at least once a week), I'm constantly disappointed by the service. For what this restaurant charges, the waitstaff should be much more attentive and friendly. I've had ONE waiter that was pleasant in the twenty-odd times I've been here. That said, the interior is gorgeous - I especially love the private booths - and the food is consistently good. The only dish I have ever been disappointed with was the Goose Pointe Oysters. I can get better at Ragin Cajun right down the street... Go if you must, but don't say I didn't warn you.

3 Stars: Whatsallthefuss (by slkershman)

slkershman — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Highly over rated. The food was a big disappointment. The service, slow. We do not plan on going here again.

5 Stars: Great fish. (by Gypsum)

Gypsum — Fri, 24 Oct 2003 02:00:00 GMT

I love McCormick & Schmicks. Their fish has always been outstanding, and their oysters are some of the freshest and most delectable I have had outside of Bretagne. Half the time I go there, though, it is for the apetizers. They have a generous Happy Hour from 3:30 to 6:30 and then again from 9:30 to 11 or something - HIGHLY recommend their delicious and reasonably priced aps. I have had mixed experience with service. Several times servers have been rude, but last time I went for a special occasion we had excellent service.

4 Stars: Freshest fish in Houston (by innerlooper)

innerlooper — Thu, 24 Jul 2003 02:00:00 GMT

For fresh, well-prepared fish, this is the place to be. My dinner companions and I have had particularly good luck with the halibut, salmon, Texas redfish, crabcakes, and oysters. The calamari appetizer should be avoided, however. Service, like others have noted, is inconsistent at best, unprofessional and rude at worst. I wouldn't recommend McCormick & Schmick for special occasion dining, although I do think it works well for larger groups, business meals, or a typical date night. The wine list is just okay, with several selections overpriced.

4 Stars: musical chairs (by muskateer)

muskateer — Mon, 17 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

when asking to be moved to another (ESPECIALLY when the table is available) table, only noise that should be heard is "Yes".

5 Stars: Just Right (by dibi1)

dibi1 — Wed, 22 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Celebrated our Anniversary here. EXCELLENT SERVICE! SUPERB FOOD!

We will be back.

Thanks, Cecilio C.

3 Stars: Good food - Lousy Service (by Tcoppola)

Tcoppola — Thu, 14 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Waited at the bar for our friends to show up and ordered a tap beer, I got a warm glass with warm beer, after complaining, I got a cooler glass with warm beer, gave up. Sat down to have dinner, the waiter asked the ladies what they wished to dring, they ordered a bottle of wine to split between them. The waier left to get the wine without even acknowledging us men, when he got back with the wine, he then asked us what we would like. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. However, the food was good, well prepared well presented.

5 Stars: Great happy hour! (by keristooksbury)

keristooksbury — Sat, 29 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Their $1.95 happy hour, M-F 3:30-6:30 is great. The best deals are the 1/2 lb hamburger and fries, the mussels, the eggrolls, and the catfish. The calamari was MINISCULE and rubbery. We'll be back -- it was a great deal!

5 Stars: Great! (by pugfriend)

pugfriend — Mon, 24 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

My husband took me here for my birthday. We had a wonderful time. The music, atmosphere and food were all wonderful, and the waitstaff came by just enough to make us happy and not enough to pester us. Even the mixed drinks were great. I agree with the other person who wrote that the unhappy people must have gone to a completely different place, because we had a wonderful experience and left with our tummies full.

5 Stars: FOOD IS GREAT!! (by srlaries)

srlaries — Tue, 04 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

The food is wonderful! Make sure you are ready to spend about $175 per couple, that includes drinks and appitizer. I strongly suggest this rest. for business gatherings as well as a romantic dinner for two. The service was the best I have ever had!