Have to go to McCormick & Schmick's...

[jeb]

I've only been to this chain a few times but wasn't overwhelmed. I will going to the one in Bethesda on Saturday night. What's good? Is everything fresh? Do they have specials that I should try to stick to? How are the crabcakes? Thanks.

[flavrmeistr]

The fish and chips at M&S is pretty good. I had it in Atlanta a few weeks ago and it hit the spot. Many of the fancier fish specials are good, but what I consider on the smallish side (between 4-6 oz. of fish).

[Mulan]

We were there for the first time on Saturday (at the Crystal City branch). Everything was fresh and great--pan-fried oysters, fried calamari, salad, bread, green beans, and potatoes. But whatever you do, don't order the Lobster Thermidor like I did. It was awful--tasted like ammonia, which I found out later meant it was too old. I should have returned it, but I was a wuss. My husband had the trout and it was good.

[Minger]

i took a date to the crystal city branch a year or two ago for a special occasion (bounced from a packed legal seafood) and i was disappointed with the waiter's service. he couldn't help -- or understand -- my guest's request for help with the wine and got some part of the order wrong. the crab bisque was okay, don't remember what else i ordered. bad service kills the experience.

[hollygolightly]

I am actually a fan of McCormick's happy hours (they have an early one as well as a late night one) - $1.95 apps in the bar area; and i saw that this wk in honor of St. Patrick's day, they have some special $1.95 Irish-themed apps as well.

[Glorybee]

There are worse sentences.... I'm allergic to most seafood but still I can find something tasty and fresh at M&S.

[Meg]

They have an excellent, fresh and very large seafood cobb salad that's always a winner. Not that it's relevant this Sat., but they also have a surprisingly good brunch (a la carte), which I actually prefer over their dinners.

[jpschust]

Watch your fish for fish replacements. The white chocolate bread pudding served extra hot is excellent.

[Bob W]

I second the bread pudding rec. Save room for dessert!

[Lowbar]

All of the fish I have had their has been quite fresh as advertised. I have not always been pleased with the preparations, but stick to simple preparations of fish that you like and you will come out of it just fine.

[ambrose]

Jeb, check out the following link concerning McCormick & Schmick.

http://www.fishbowl.com/clt/mccrmck/p...

[Katj]

Not a big fan of chains but I have to say everything I've ordered here has been really good.
I love to get their soup.
I have not tried their crabcakes.
Good Luck and good eatin'

[charmedgirl]

Last time I was there I enjoyed the pan roast. Chocked full of seafood with a flavorful broth.