McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks — Restaurant in Houston

A Disappointing Prelude to The Nutcracker: McCormick & Schmick’s Falls Short

Overview For our post-Thanksgiving traditional Christmas season kickoff—an evening marked by elegance and nostalgia—we chose McCormick & Schmick’s as the setting for our pre-ballet dinner before viewing The Nutcracker. Given the restaurant’s reputation for high-quality seafood and steak, we expected a meal that complemented the festive occasion. Unfortunately, while the ambiance and service met expectations, the food was anything but memorable.

Ambiance (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) Stepping into McCormick & Schmick’s feels like entering a refined sanctuary of classic elegance and warm hospitality. The gentle glow of amber lighting casts an inviting hue over the beautifully set tables, while rich, dark wood accents contrast perfectly with plush seating that invites you to settle in for a luxurious dining experience. The atmosphere is the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort—ideal for special occasions.

Service (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) If only the food had met the same standards as the service. From the moment we arrived, the staff provided an exceptional level of attentiveness. Our waiter, DeVante, was knowledgeable and personable, offering recommendations and ensuring our dining experience felt thoughtfully curated. Service was seamless, professional, and genuinely welcoming—exactly what you’d expect from a restaurant of this caliber.

Food (⭐️⭐️) Despite the promising start, the food was the biggest letdown of the evening. We began with Oysters Rockefeller, followed by the New York Strip and Seafood Alfredo for our entrées, and concluded with a Classic Crème Brûlée.

• The Oysters Rockefeller and New York Strip were decent—passable, but far from extraordinary. At this price point, I expected something that would impress, not simply meet the baseline of acceptability.

• The Seafood Alfredo, however, was a complete disappointment. If I had unknowingly received a microwaved frozen dinner instead, I might not have noticed a difference in taste. Bland, uninspired, and lacking the creamy richness one expects from a well-executed seafood pasta dish—it was a textbook example of an overpriced meal with no personality.

• Finally, the Classic Crème Brûlée, though beautifully presented, was just okay. While there was nothing inherently wrong with it, there was also nothing that set it apart or made it memorable.

At this level, mediocrity should not be an option—especially not when diners pay premium prices with the expectation of something special.

Final Thoughts McCormick & Schmick’s has mastered ambiance and hospitality—but when it comes to culinary execution, it falls woefully short. The food failed to rise to the occasion, leaving me with a feeling of disappointment and frustration rather than satisfaction.

This was our first and, unfortunately, last visit to the restaurant. I arrived excited and left disillusioned, feeling as though I had overpaid for subpar food that lacked the quality and refinement expected from such an establishment.

For a restaurant with a brand synonymous with elevated seafood and steakhouse experiences, this meal did little to justify the reputation or the premium pricing.

When dining at a place like McCormick & Schmick’s, one shouldn’t have to wonder if they would have been better off staying home with a well-prepared...

I had the worst service experience at this place and I couldn’t understand for the life of me why it was going so poorly when others around us were being treated so well. It started with no one acknowledging us after we were seated for at least 15 minutes. Then, a guy came over and took our drink orders and said he was coming right back with bread and our drinks. More time passed and a different waiter came and asked for our drink orders and told us the same, “I’ll be right back with your drinks and some bread”. Shortly after that, a waitress noticed that we were still waiting for those things and came to ask if we needed help and we let her know we just wanted to get our drinks and to talk to our waiter about the menu. She left and then the second waiter came with drink but no bread and then left (meanwhile bread was strangely being given to all the other tables). In yet another twist, the waitress I mentioned came back and said she was taking over the table because the waiter had too many tables and told us they just put some fresh bread in the oven (at this point, the bread has become strangely elusive). We never saw the waitress again, however, and the second waiter went on to be our waiter for the evening.

We finally got bread somewhere around the 35 minute mark and were able to give our order. Little did we know it would take at least another 30 minutes to get our food and, they would bring us out random food that we did not order. When we finally did get our Lobster Roll and Herb Chicken meals, I ended up sending mine back. I have never seen a lobster roll with such a small amount of lobster and the majority of the bun filled with COLESLAW of all things. This was a nearly $30 meal of coleslaw, bread, and a small amount of lobster. I ended up asking if they would be able to turn around another meal quickly since we were there to watch a show at the house of blues to which the waiter advised they could get us another meal quickly. My wife ate as SLOWLY as she possibly could but, it didn’t help. I ended up asking them to cancel my replacement meal (a Filet) since my wife had long finished eaten (mind you, I saw the waiter 6 times and tried to get his attention EVERY time but he would look at me from the side of his eye and rush away to avoid me). When I told him to cancel the order because it took way longer than he said it would, he send a different waiter over with the Filet and only came back to talk to me again about 10 minutes later.

If you think this story ends with something being comped on my bill or an apology, I can assure you, it does not. Service at a place such as this should never been this poor and, I can say for sure that I was completely dissatisfied.

PS: there was urine ALL OVER the floor in the restroom which I also could...

Review: McCormick & Schmick's - Houston Ribeye, Lobster Tail, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, and Silky Chocolate Pie

My recent dining experience at McCormick & Schmick's in Houston was nothing short of extraordinary, highlighted by their delectable ribeye and lobster tail, complemented by lobster mashed potatoes and crispy broccolini. From the moment I walked in, the elegant yet welcoming ambiance set the tone for an exceptional evening.

The ribeye steak was cooked to perfection, delivering a mouthwatering medium-rare with a perfect sear on the outside. The rich, beefy flavor was enhanced by expert seasoning, making each bite a delightful experience. The steak was tender and juicy, showcasing the high quality of the meat.

The lobster tail was a splendid companion to the ribeye. It was sweet, tender, and cooked just right, offering a fresh, oceanic flavor that paired wonderfully with the drawn butter. The combination of the rich, buttery lobster and the robust ribeye created a harmonious balance of flavors.

Adding to the indulgence were the lobster mashed potatoes. These were a revelation—creamy and smooth with chunks of fresh lobster mixed in, elevating the classic side dish to a gourmet level. The flavors were rich and decadent, perfectly complementing the main dishes.

The crispy broccolini provided a refreshing contrast, with its vibrant green color and delightful crunch. It was lightly seasoned, allowing the natural flavor of the vegetable to shine through, balancing the richness of the ribeye and lobster tail.

The crowning glory of the meal was the dessert: the silky chocolate pie. This dessert was sheer perfection—smooth, velvety chocolate filling encased in a delicate crust, delivering a rich yet not overwhelming sweetness. Each bite was a blissful experience, rounding off the meal on a high note.

Service at McCormick & Schmick's was impeccable. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic, ensuring our glasses were always full and our needs met promptly. The overall dining experience was seamless, thanks to their professionalism and genuine hospitality.

McCormick & Schmick's in Houston excels in delivering a top-notch dining experience. The ribeye and lobster tail, along with the lobster mashed potatoes and crispy broccolini, were outstanding, and the silky chocolate pie was the perfect end to an unforgettable meal. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a refined and delicious culinary adventure. Highly...