McCormick and Schmick's - Wacker Drive, Chicago

I know a lot of folks don't like seafood chains, but we heard many good things from some trusted palates about McCormick and Schmick's, enough to give it a go for ourselves. We we quite pleased overall.

We dined the day after New Years, visiting the McCormick and Schmick's at One East Wacker Drive. The restaurant was about 1/2 full throughout our evening, nicely decorated for the holiday.



The cocktails were excellent, with some inventive choices, as well as current raves. I felt a little adventerous, so I tried a cocktail of white grape, basil, vodka, and aromatic bitters and tonic. It was very refreshing and smooth...the grape and basil leaf worked well together. My wife had a pomegranate martini that had the right amount of sweetness. Both very enjoyable.

The menu had many choices, so the decision wasn't easy. (Yep, they have the wrong year on the menu)



For an appetizer, we started with their flash-fried calamari. The waiter had told us how they fly their seafood in fresh every day, and the calamari was especially tender. It's hard to find a good calamari, as most of the time, it will be frozen , causing it ot be rubbery and fishy. Not so here. It was so incredibly tender and fresh. It came with three dipping sauces, one of which was a citrus marmalade that I thought was a unique accompaniment, and quite good.



For our entrees, I ordered the Atlantic salmon stuffed with blue crab, bay shrimp, and brie. Incredibly fresh and oh so flavorful! It came with asparagus and whipped potatoes.



My wife ordered the Chilean Sea Bass with seared bok choy, red chili ponzu sauce, and mixed greens. Excellent and extremely fresh.



We were very satisfied with the freshness of the seafood, the unique and inventive preparations, and overall attentive service. We decided to bypass dessert and only enjoy a few cappucinos. Once again, perfect flavor and tempurature, served in a large cup. I would highly recommend a visit to this location, to enjoy some of the freshest seafood on your visit to Chicago.

I have been here more times than I care to remember. But, when I do go I must order the calamari and fish and chips as an appetizer.

I find the flavors too bland with everything else. But, that really shows the freshness of the fish. It is a safe bet for fresh seafood.

I prefer the one in the Gold Coast more than the other locations. Probably because booths by windows.

Don't forget about the discounted bar menu during happy hour.

i like having cocktails there, they use fresh juices

Can you tell me more about the happy hour? Going to the Goodman Friday night and wanted to stop in here for quick appetizers and drinks. Is the place jam packed crowded Friday at 6ish?

The Food Diva wrote:Can you tell me more about the happy hour? Going to the Goodman Friday night and wanted to stop in here for quick appetizers and drinks. Is the place jam packed crowded Friday at 6ish?

In general, the restaurant is not crowded at all at that time. The bar area, however, is SRO, and you must be in the bar to take advantage of the happy hour special.