McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks

Father’s Day at this McCormick and Schmick’s was a disappointment. Seated late despite having a reservation, service was extremely slow (it started with having to wait literally over 10 minutes to get our drink order taken and ended having to wait 20 minutes to get our check with the service in between being just as slow from step to step).
To top it off, the restaurant marketed a lobster and steak special for Father’s Day at the hostess stand, but ran out of lobster early in the evening. (This is a seafood restaurant… how do they not manage their food stock to have enough of their seafood special on a busy day like Father’s Day?)
The food (when we got it) was good, but otherwise we should have followed our first instinct and left when we first saw that this was’t going to be a dinner experience we’d enjoy.

On 6÷5÷2016 we went to McCormick & Schmick’s for a high school graduation dinner/​lunch. We had a reservation for We had a reservation for 9 and had made it days in advance. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were all surprised that there was barely anyone eating there. We had THE WORST service I have every experience. That being said, I have had a cigarette bud in my soup at a restaurant once, so you can imagine how the meal at McCormick & Schmick’s was. When we got there, it took them over 45minutes to get us the bottle of wine we ordered and another 30 to get two sodas. After the waitress finally came back, we were able to order. After ordering, 45minutes later some of the appetizers and salads came out. Then another 40 minutes went by and they brought out some people’s food, which was wrong and the waitress couldn’t even tell what the dishes were, and left three people at the table without their meals. After we had to go to the front of the restaurant to ask when the rest of us would be receiving our food, since we had been there for almost 3 hour and people were starving. After we brought this to the manager’s attention they gave some stupid excuses. We then, after 20 more minutes, needed to leave because we had to drive back to Baltimore. When we told them we wanted the check and were leaving, that is when then they told us they would package the peoples food to go who never received their meals. It was especially irritating to me because I am a vegetarian and only ordered two different mash potatoes and some veggies, so sitting there for three hours and not getting anything to eat was quite frustrating. When we got the check they told us they would not charge us for the food we did not receive but we could still take it to go (wow)…I don’t want food 3 hours after I ordered it, was I supposed to eat it while driving? Anyways, while we were all getting in our cars the waitress came out and told me that she had forgot to charge us for the alcohol and would be running the card again, after I paid over $ 300 for shitty service and food that never came. Overall, this is the worst service and restaurant experience I have EVER had.

M&S had a Memorial Day special for veterans and service members, so my husband (active duty Navy) and I decided to check the place out for lunch. When we arrived, other than staff members, the restaurant was completely empty. As in, there wasn’t a single customer around and every single table was open. We walked up to the concierge and requested a table for two. The gentleman asked if we had a reservation to which we replied no. He then proceeded to talk about how they had SO MANY reservations for the day to which I asked «well are they all for 11:00, because no one is here.» He responded no, but that he would have to check with the manager to see if he would be allowed to seat us. My first thought was «are you kidding me? I could understand if the place was bustling, but you’re telling me you can’t accommodate two people in an empty restaurant?» I don’t know if it was because we looked young, but this whole exchange felt very condescending, and left a very unpleasant taste in my mouth. My biggest regret was not turning around and leaving at that moment. We were eventually seated. Food was mediocre at best, and service was terrible, but our waiter was nice. He seemed new, so I cut him some slack. My burger was definitely supposed to come with fries, as it says very clearly on the menu, but my dish was served with chips instead. It wasn’t a big deal, and I didn’t want to make a fuss about it, but that certainly did not help my impression. By the way, when we had finished our meal, the restaurant was still 80% empty, meaning there clearly were not that many reservations, which really makes me wonder why the gentleman was so reluctant to seat us. In any case, I definitely do not plan to return. I’ll be taking my business to establishments that are a little more inviting, thanks.

This place has seriously declined in terms of overall quality. Sure the restaurant looks nice and has a great bar with a happy hour feel, but from my days in Portland, OR, in the 90’s M&S was known to be top quality — food/​dishes and service. Now I’m sad to say it’s gotten to be just a notch above Red Lobster (who yes also used to be a high quality seafood restaurant). I only gave it 3 stars because the food was average and the place was clean. Service was miserable, management on Mother’s Day look ragged and unprofessional. The dessert menu was disgraceful and the specials on Mother’s Day — boring. I’m just sad about this establishment and the owners should be embarrassed to the level they’ve reached. It might be a great app and happy hour place but I will not be returning anytime soon for any special meal given the pathetic service. I’d give 2 ½ stars if I could and maybe my nostalgic memories of this place in Portland is only what’s keeping it from a 2 star rating.

Sorry M&S but you’ve seen the last of me. Visited you on Mother’s Day 2016 and your service was so bad as to be almost negligent. Having a confirmed registration, I was seated 25 minutes after reservation time. Bacon wrapped shrimp was so overdone and had too much bacon (as if…) and I couldn’t tell if the bacon was wrapped around chicken, pork, or shrimp. Lobster bisque was served tepid, a disappointment. Valet parking was complimentary, steak entrees were acceptable, nothing special, daughter loved the giant chocolate covered strawberry, and strawberry shortcake was very good but everything good was overshadowed by the exceptionally poor service. The wait times to receive food were much too long, we repeatedly had to ask for water refills, we had to ask for utensils for our entrees, and when we were the last patrons in the dining room, we were left completely alone for ten minutes when our table should have been cleared and check given to us. I give you two stars for the good food we did receive but zero stars for everything else. Bye bye…

Are all McCormick & Schmick’s the same? Haha, I cannot help ask that question for I have been to the McCormick & Schmick’s near me in El Segundo, California several times and walking into the McCormick & Schmick’s in McLean, Virginia was like seeing restaurant twinzies. They both have the same outlook and atmosphere with dark, wooden interiors.
Though I’ve frequented the El Segundo location several times for happy hours, I had never tried a full course dinner there and that was the one thing I got to try while at this McLean location.
My dining experience here started with trying their various appetizers. I got to try their chicken skewers, beef sliders and bruschetta! It was enough to make me quite full right up front but little did I know that i was in for more deliciousness that night. I was their for a work event and we were in for a lovely three course meal.
Soon after the appetizers, salads were served. My salad consisted of walnut mixed greens with candied walnuts, blue cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette. This salad was very light but tasty. I liked the simpleness and sweetness of the balsamic vinaigrette.
For my main entrée, I chose to get their New York Strip Filet. I got a nice, well done 6oz center cut that was finished with roasted mushroom demi. I loved that the meat was tender and not overcooked. It was perfect along with the fresh vegetables and mashed potatoes. I often don’t have red meat and so when I do, I appreciate a good steak.
Last but definitely not least was their dessert. I chose to get the Chef’s Seasonal Cheesecake. It was a nice slice of classic cheesecake drizzled with raspberry sauce and topped with a raspberry.
I enjoyed all the items I got to try at McCormick & Schmick’s in McLean that night and I was very full, content and happy at the end.

We have eaten here many times and never had complaints. When we got a gift certificate to go here again I was therefore excited until I read the Unilocal reviews. Service is supposed to be bad, oysters without lemon etc. Has this place really gone down so much after Landry’s took over? Luckily we had a great experience. Our server was very attentive and the food very tasty and fresh. I ordered two of each oyster for my appetizer and the server took his time to explain each of them. My husband had the shrimp cocktail which had plenty of shrimp and looked tasty. For my main course I ordered the seared tuna and specified I wanted it almost raw. That’s how it was delivered. My only complaint would be the ridiculously small amount of cucumber salad but I asked for more and got it for no extra cost. My husband’s barramundi looked very good too. They easily made my self concocted cocktail (martini with bloody Mary mix and glass rim dipped in Old Bay seasoning) very delicious. All in all a very enjoyable meal.

Great Happy Hour specials here. I think they recently extended that happy hour times. The food and drinks are always great, and the servers are attentive and friendly. This place can get busy during peak hours, as many of the patrons work in the nearby office buildings and stop in after work.

I generally don’t mind M&S or M&S Grill. Have been to several locations. Read some of the reviews and was surprised that this location was not rated that well UNTIL I actually ate here.
They have a Wednesday special at the bar which is $ 1 oysters and shrimp. Sounds good. We were seated at a booth at the bar. The server took our order and she didn’t seem to bad. Bar area was not busy but it seemed like the service was not going to be stellar.
First we ordered 18 oysters and 6 shrimp. Daughter had a NY Strip and I had crab cake appetizers, Bacon Macaroni and cheese. It took a half hour to get the oysters and the shrimp came out last of all items. Um it’s pretty easy to put 6 pieces of shrimp on some ice no? The Oysters had very little «meat» but the main problem is I don’t think I’ve ever been served oysters with no lemons. Huh?
We got our check and two items were incorrect. They gave me the crab cake dinner and not the appetizer and the side of mash that came with my daughters steak was $ 8 and not $ 4. They corrected and while I do give them credit for that I felt as if it was my fault and they were doing me a huge favor by removing the error and adjusting the price.
Finally the food took so long and I had to flag the server to get some bread after 20 minutes of nothing. Most of the time they just bring it out or at least ask if we want some.
Food was ok but nothing memorable but that’s why I gave 2 stars vs one. My wife loves oysters and I usually give a couple visits before reviews but I doubt I will return.

Happy hour lasts until like 9. Beer selection is great. Don’t know about the restaurant but their happy hour is great

I am giving this a bad rating not because of the food but due to the service. We were promptly seated and the staff was very polite. After being seated it took about 5 — 10mins between the serving of drinks /​entrée /​main meal /​dessert.
A 30 min lunch turned into a 2 hour experience. Won’t be back.

We came here for a team dinner, as it was close to the office and because we’ve had positive experience with other McCormick & Schmick’s locations in the midwest. Upon being seated, we found out that ²⁄₃ of their menu items were unavailable due to the blizzard, leaving only a few handful of items that sounded decent. I went with the corn chowder soup to start, and the grilled salmon filet with mustard sauce. The soup was decent, but a bit heavy on the cream. The salmon was a bit disappointing, as it was overcooked and dry. I understand the lack of menu items, but expect to at least serve existing items in a manner that’s edible and enjoyable.
Best,
Charlie

My dinner was a 3-​star experience, my husband rated it 4-​stars. We went to celebrate a birthday. We were told when making the reservation that they would have special menus with a birthday message at the top. There were printer issues but we did get them. Not really anything special.
We were sat in a cool little room with a curtain for privacy, as needed. We were right outside of the kitchen so that was annoying and sometimes loud.
Our server was a bit quirky but no worries. When I ordered a bottle of Rose (the only one on the menu), he clarified «the bubbly one»? No. I said it’s not sparkling, the regular Rose on the bottom of the menu. He had to take a look and then covered by saying it was new. I got the impression he wasn’t very familiar with the wine menu.
The bread and butter they serve is tasteless.
Three of us ordered salad. The house salad is a waste of money. Not particularly tasty and way too expensive for what you get. My husband enjoyed his chopped salad.
The we ordered and never received the goat cheese mash… which he blamed on the kitchen.
I got the blacked Chicken Fettuccine with the chicken on the side. It was tasty. Two of our group ordered the Ultimate Seafood dish and enjoyed it. My husband ordered the stuffed salmon and really enjoyed it.
We received a chocolate dessert for the birthday. That was nice to share.
The free valet (remember to tip) was fast. He remembered our car too. He ran off to get it as soon as he saw us walking out.

I rarely give 4 stars at chain restaurants like these but I am giving 4 stars for their happy hour. First it ends as late as 9pm! Great enough food and wine selections and deals at excellent prices. I didn’t expect much when I ordered their fish tacos (Tuesdays). I’d come back just for these. Fish — fresh and crispy outside and not over cooked inside, none over-​seasoned. I haven’t been here for several years and am happy that their upside-​down apple pie is still as good as I remember it. Granted, I’d still take caution ordering some other items… (For consistent-​quality and execution throughout but I’ll never know as I tend to order «safe» stuff with a guarded attitude). Consistent good service ! Free valet or garage self-​park.

Something about Landry’s takeover of M&S changed things, and I don’t think for the better. USA Today calls their happy hour the best in America. That used to be true, and I used to come for the happy hour cheeseburgers, but somewhere along the way the prices went up and the quality went down. The last cheeseburger I ate tasted processed, like something that would have come microwaved out of the frozen food section. Last year I came for Thanksgiving, and the turkey was also processed and the side dishes were lukewarm. I was very disappointed. I was here at Tyson’s Corner last Sunday afternoon, and the female bartender was rude and sarcastic. She stood behind me to take my order, instead of in front of me. I made the mistake of buying a drink, which I went ahead and paid for, but I canceled my food order and went to Reston instead, and I had a much better experience.

Happy hour here is great. The burger was great and cheap, the mojito was good, and one of the best shrimp scampi I’ve had. Great happy hour and good server.

Over rated and over priced! The Veterans Day special was wonderful to the Vets in the group, but I just don’t understand how these establishments don’t understand that the family members are just as important. The family members are the backbone of the Vet and his primary support that gives you that Vet. Happy to pay for our meal. My mussels were gritty, our server was MIA, and the good $ 1 oyster deal was, «bar only»! Meh… Avoid the host seating area and do self seating around the bar area. Better yet, get on Unilocal –like ur probably doing right now– and do a search for restaurants in that area. There are plenty of fantastic places right in that area. Bön Apetit.

Poor fare for the money. Nothing was fresh, all of our dishes were overcooked. Waitstaff was very apathetic.
Will not be back.

Poor fare that is the usual mode of this place. I have visited them in several spots and the quality of the food is generally poor. Service was friendly but the food left a lot to be desired. Why go there you ask — well it is convenient and also sometimes it is someone else’s decision… Not a favorite.

… Service = snail pace at best
… Bartender = no comment
… Cleanliness = subpar
… Professionalism= feels like this restaurant is managed by college students
… Cost = completely over priced/​over rated
… Management = is there any? Present?
Will I be back? Ummm no.
There are plenty of other places to experience for dinner in the Tysons area where you will receive the service, the attention, the professionalism and the pricing that reflects the whole package. Don’t waste your time or money, unless of course those don’t matter to you.