Seasonal seafood prices fluctuate, so understanding the market price section of the menu is essential before you commit to the catch of the day. When you look at the McCormick & Schmick’s Menu with Prices, you will notice that the ocean-to-table concept means the fish changes based on what was delivered that morning. This guide breaks down the current costs, portion sizes, and happy hour deals so you can plan your meal without any surprise on the bill.
McCormick & Schmick’s is a seafood chain that has been around since the 1970s. They are known for their daily fresh fish list and their classic American grill items. But the menu is long, and the prices are not always obvious at first glance. You need to know where to look for value, especially if you are dining with a group or on a budget.
Below is a full breakdown of the menu categories, what you can expect to pay, and how to handle the “market price” items that can change daily.
McCormick & Schmick’s Menu With Prices
Let us start with the core of the experience. The menu is split into appetizers, soups, salads, seafood entrees, steaks, chicken, and desserts. The prices below are average estimates based on recent visits and online menu listings. Remember that locations in major cities like New York or Chicago might have slightly higher prices than those in the Midwest.
Appetizers And Starters
You will find a mix of classic seafood starters and land-based options here. The portions are generous, so you can easily share one or two appetizers between three people.
- Crispy Calamari – $14.95. Served with a spicy banana pepper and a tangy marinara sauce.
- Maryland Style Crab Cakes – $17.95. These are broiled, not fried, and come with a remoulade.
- Shrimp Cocktail – $15.50. You get five large, chilled shrimp with a classic cocktail sauce.
- Seared Ahi Tuna – $16.95. Sliced rare and served with a wasabi soy glaze.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – $12.50. Filled with a blend of crab meat and herbs.
- Chicken Wings – $11.95. A non-seafood option for the table, tossed in a buffalo or BBQ sauce.
If you are watching your spending, the appetizer list is where you can get full without ordering a main course. The calamari is a solid choice, but the crab cakes are the signature item.
Soups And Salads
Soup prices are reasonable. The salads are large enough to be a meal if you add a protein.
- New England Clam Chowder – $8.95 per bowl. This is a house specialty and very creamy.
- Lobster Bisque – $9.95 per bowl. Rich and smooth, but sometimes a bit salty.
- Caesar Salad – $9.50. Classic romaine with parmesan and croutons.
- House Salad – $7.95. Mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Cobb Salad – $14.95. With bacon, egg, avocado, and blue cheese.
- Grilled Salmon Salad – $18.95. A full fillet on top of mixed greens.
Pro tip: The chowder is thick and filling. Order the cup instead of the bowl if you plan on getting an entree.
Fresh Fish And Market Price Selections
This is the most important section for you to understand. The menu lists several fish options, but the price is not printed next to them. Instead, the server will tell you the “market price” based on the daily catch. This is where you need to ask questions.
Here is how the system works:
- The fish is flown in fresh daily. It is never frozen.
- The price depends on the wholesale cost of that fish on that specific day.
- You will see the price on the printed menu insert, but sometimes it is only on the board at the front of the restaurant.
- Ask your server for the exact price before you order. Do not be shy about this.
Typical market price fish options include:
- Atlantic Salmon – Usually around $24.95 to $28.95.
- Halibut – This can be expensive, often $34.95 to $39.95 depending on the season.
- Sea Bass – Ranges from $32.95 to $36.95.
- Mahi Mahi – Usually $25.95.
- Rainbow Trout – Around $22.95.
You can choose how you want the fish prepared. The standard preparations are broiled, grilled, blackened, or pan-seared. Some preparations, like the “macadamia crust” or the “hollandaise,” might come with an extra charge of $2 to $3. Ask about the upcharge before you pick a sauce.
The fish portions are decent. You get a single fillet that is about 6 to 8 ounces. It comes with a side of vegetables and your choice of a starch, like rice or a baked potato.
Specialty Entrees And Pasta
If you want a fixed price, this is the section to look at. These dishes do not fluctuate with the market.
- Fish and Chips – $19.95. Beer-battered cod with fries and tartar sauce.
- Shrimp Scampi – $22.95. Served over linguine with a garlic butter sauce.
- Linguine with Clams – $21.95. White wine sauce or red sauce.
- Seafood Paella – $28.95. A mix of shrimp, mussels, clams, and chorizo over saffron rice.
- Mac and Cheese with Lobster – $24.95. A rich dish with chunks of lobster meat.
The lobster mac and cheese is popular, but it is very heavy. You might want to share it as a side dish for the table.
Steaks, Chicken, And Land Options
Not everyone in your party wants seafood. McCormick & Schmick’s covers this well with a standard grill menu.
- Filet Mignon – $38.95. 8 oz center cut.
- New York Strip – $34.95. 12 oz.
- Grilled Chicken Breast – $21.95. Served with mashed potatoes.
- Pork Chops – $26.95. Brined and grilled.
- Burgers – $16.95. Served with fries. Available during lunch and dinner.
The steaks are cooked well, but they are not the main reason to come here. If you want a steak, you might be better off at a dedicated steakhouse. But the chicken is a safe bet for picky eaters.
Lunch Menu And Bar Menu
If you are visiting during the day, the lunch menu is significantly cheaper. You can get sandwiches, smaller portions of fish, and salads for under $18.
- Fish Tacos – $14.95. Two tacos with cabbage slaw.
- Grilled Salmon Sandwich – $16.95.
- Lunch Portion Fish – $18.95. A smaller fillet with one side.
- Caesar Salad with Chicken – $13.95.
The bar menu is available in the lounge area. It has discounted appetizers like sliders, wings, and small pizzas. These range from $8 to $12.
Happy Hour Prices
This is the best way to eat at McCormick & Schmick’s without spending a lot of money. Happy hour is typically from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays, and it runs late at night in the bar area. Check with your local store because times vary.
During happy hour, you can find:
- Half-Price Appetizers – The calamari drops to about $7.50.
- Discounted Drinks – $5 house wines and $4 domestic beers.
- Bar Bites – $6 to $9 for items like sliders and quesadillas.
If you sit in the main dining room, you do not get the happy hour prices. You have to be seated at the bar or in the lounge area. This is a critical detail to remember.
Desserts And Drinks
Desserts are standard restaurant fare. The prices are between $7 and $9.
- Key Lime Pie – $7.95.
- Chocolate Cake – $8.50.
- Cheesecake – $8.95.
- Crème Brûlée – $7.95.
The drink menu features a full bar. Specialty cocktails are around $12 to $15. They have a decent wine list with bottles starting at $35.
Tips For Saving Money
You do not have to spend $60 per person here. Here are some practical ways to keep the bill down.
- Go during happy hour and sit at the bar.
- Order the lunch menu if you are dining before 4 PM.
- Ask for the market price of the fish before you order. Sometimes the salmon is cheaper than the chicken.
- Skip the appetizer and order the chowder instead.
- Share a dessert. The portions are large enough for two.
- Check for a “Chef’s Special” or a “Three-Course Prix Fixe” menu. They often have these on weeknights for around $35.
Dietary Restrictions And Substitutions
You can ask for gluten-free options. The kitchen is usually accommodating. They have gluten-free soy sauce and will grill your fish without breading. However, the fries are cooked in a shared fryer, so they are not safe for celiacs.
Vegetarians have limited options. The salads and the mac and cheese are about it. This is not the best place for a strict vegetarian, but you can make a meal out of sides like asparagus, mashed potatoes, and sautéed spinach.
Service And Atmosphere
The service is professional but can be slow during peak hours. The restaurant is often loud, especially near the bar. The dress code is business casual. You do not need to wear a jacket, but you should avoid wearing beach flip-flops.
If you have a reservation, you will be seated quickly. If you walk in on a Friday night, expect a 30 to 45 minute wait. The bar area is first-come, first-served.
Comparing Locations
Prices vary by location. A location in a tourist district, like the one in downtown Boston or near the pier in San Francisco, will have higher prices on the market fish. A location in a suburban mall might have lower overhead and slightly cheaper prices. Always check the online menu for your specific zip code before you go.
Also, some locations have a “Daily Catch” board that is not on the printed menu. This is where you find the truly seasonal items like soft-shell crabs or Copper River salmon. These are usually the most expensive items on the board, so ask the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the McCormick & Schmick’s menu with prices change daily?
A: Yes, the seafood section changes daily. The core menu items like steaks and chicken stay the same, but the fresh fish list is updated every morning based on delivery.
Q: What does “market price” mean on the menu?
A: It means the cost of the fish is based on the current wholesale market rate. You must ask your server for the exact price of the day before ordering.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Business casual is safe. No swimwear or athletic wear is allowed in the dining room.
Q: Can I use a gift card or coupon?
A: Yes, they accept their own gift cards. They also participate in some dining reward programs like Rewards Network, so check if you have a linked credit card.
Q: Are there any gluten free options on the menu?
A: Yes, many of the grilled fish and steaks are gluten free. Inform your server about the allergy so they can flag the order for the kitchen.
Q: Is the happy hour menu available on weekends?
A: Usually no. Happy hour deals are typically Monday through Friday only. Weekend bar specials are rare, so call ahead.
When you are ready to order, do not feel rushed. The menu is large, but the strategy is simple. Stick to the lunch menu or happy hour if you want value. If you are here for the full experience, ask about the market price fish and the chef’s special. That is where the restaurant shines. The sides are extra, so factor that into your total. A typical dinner for two with an appetizer, two entrees, and a shared dessert will run you about $110 to $130 before tip. Plan accordingly and you will have a good meal.