McCormick & Schmick’s rotates its seafood offerings with the seasons, making their nutrition guide essential for tracking calories across changing menu selections. If you are watching your waistline or counting macros, understanding McCormick & Schmick’s Nutrition and Calories before you arrive can save you from a guessing game at the table.
This restaurant is famous for fresh fish, but not every filet is a lean choice. Sauces, butter, and frying methods add up fast. Let’s break down how to order smart without ruining your diet.
McCormick & Schmick’s Nutrition And Calories
Dining out often feels like a black box for calorie counters. However, this chain provides detailed allergen and nutritional PDFs online. You just have to know what to look for and which menu traps to avoid.
The biggest issue is portion size. A standard salmon dinner might be healthy, but the “fish taco” appetizer could pack more fat than a burger. You need a strategy before you sit down.
How To Find The Official Calorie Counts
Do not rely on third-party apps for this data. They are often outdated. Instead, use the official source.
- Visit the official McCormick & Schmick’s website.
- Scroll to the footer and click “Nutrition” or “Allergen Information.”
- Select the current seasonal menu PDF.
- Check the date on the PDF to ensure it is the current quarter.
This is the only way to get accurate numbers for the seasonal specials. If you are dining during the winter, the summer menu PDF will not help you.
Low Calorie Seafood Options
Fish is your friend here, but preparation is everything. Grilled, broiled, or blackened are your best bets. Avoid anything described as “crispy,” “tempura,” or “basted.”
- Grilled Salmon: Usually around 400-500 calories with sides.
- Mahi Mahi: A lean white fish, often under 350 calories without sauce.
- Oysters on the Half Shell: Very low calorie, around 10 calories each.
- Steamed Mussels: High protein, but watch the butter broth.
- Simply Grilled Shrimp: Ask for lemon instead of cocktail sauce.
Ask for sauces on the side. A ladle of hollandaise can add 200 calories instantly. You want the flavor, but you control the amount.
High Calorie Traps To Avoid
Some menu items are calorie bombs disguised as fancy cuisine. The “Fish and Chips” is a classic disaster, often exceeding 1,200 calories. The creamy chowders are also heavy.
Here is what to skip if you are counting:
- Seafood Pot Pie: The puff pastry crust is pure butter and refined carbs.
- Fish Tacos: Usually fried fish with heavy crema sauce.
- Alfredo Pasta: Any pasta dish is likely over 1,000 calories.
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: Delicious, but pan-fried in butter.
Also, beware of the “Daily Catch” preparations. If the server says it comes with a “lemon butter caper sauce,” ask for it on the side. That sauce alone can be 300 calories.
Smart Sides And Substitutions
Your main protein might be healthy, but the sides can ruin the math. Swap the garlic mashed potatoes for steamed broccoli or asparagus. These vegetables are usually steamed without heavy oils.
Ask for double vegetables instead of starch. This increases fiber and keeps you full. The restaurant is usually accommodating to substitutions, especially during lunch hours.
Salads are tricky. The “Cobb Salad” with blue cheese and bacon is not a diet food. If you order a salad, get the dressing on the side and skip the candied nuts or fried wontons.
Alcohol And Beverage Calories
Do not forget the drinks. A single signature cocktail can contain 400 calories. That is like eating an extra meal.
If you are drinking, stick to wine or light beer. A glass of white wine is about 120 calories. A martini or margarita is often 300+ calories due to the sugary mixers. Water with lemon is always the safest bet for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to common questions about this restaurant’s menu.
Does McCormick & Schmick’s have a low carb menu?
Yes, most grilled fish and steaks can be served without starch. Request extra green vegetables instead of rice or potatoes. Be careful with marinades, as some contain sugar.
Are the nutrition facts available for the happy hour menu?
Yes, the happy hour items are listed in the official PDF. However, these portions are smaller. The sliders and flatbreads are still high in calories, so check the document carefully.
Is the grilled salmon healthy?
It is one of the better choices. A 6-ounce portion has about 350 calories and 22 grams of fat. The fat is mostly healthy omega-3s, but the calorie count rises if you eat the skin or add butter.
What is the lowest calorie appetizer?
The shrimp cocktail is usually the winner, coming in under 150 calories. The ceviche is also light, but verify if they serve it with fried tortilla chips, which add calories quickly.
Can I get a gluten free meal here?
Yes, they have a gluten sensitive menu. However, cross contamination is possible in the fryer. Always inform your server about allergies. Grilled items are safest.
Final Tips For Tracking Your Meal
You do not need to obsess over every gram, but awareness helps. If you plan to eat a heavy dinner, eat a light lunch. Balance your day, not just the meal.
One last trick: ask for a to-go box immediately. When your food arrives, cut it in half and box one portion. This prevents overeating and gives you lunch for tomorrow. It is the easiest way to cut your calorie intake in half without changing what you ordered.
Check the official website before you go. Menus change seasonally, and the nutrition guide is updated to reflect that. A quick five minute check can save you 500 calories.
Dining out should be enjoyable, not stressful. With a little prep, you can enjoy the fresh seafood without blowing your weekly progress. Remember to drink water and walk after dinner to aid digestion.
If you are unsure about a dish, ask the server. They are trained to know the preparations. Just remmeber that they are not nutritionists, so verify the details on the official PDF later.
Tracking calories is a skill. The more you practice looking up menus, the easier it becomes. You will start to recognize high fat words like “battered” and “creamy” instantly. Use these tools to make smart choices every time you eat out.
Enjoy your meal and feel good about your choices. A little planning goes a long way. Stick to the grilled items and you will leave satisfied, not stuffed.