Contact MargaretHave You Dined at McCormick & Schmick’s in Annapolis?
February 11th, 2008 Categories: Crofton Restaurants
Larry and I eat out often, as I’ve mentioned before, and this weekend we decided to check out a new restaurant in the Annapolis Mall expansion, just 20 minutes from Crofton. McCormick & Schmick’s was our choice, and we thought early dining (5–ish) would mean no wait for a table and, therefore, good service.
Well, the service WAS outstanding, but we were wrong about the wait.
Reservations are the norm, not the exception – made easy by their online reservation tool – something we didn’t expect. We waited almost an hour for a table, but it was well worth it! Next time, however, we will make reservations, and I highly recommend you do so, too. The waiting area is cramped with no seating or stroller parking.
An elegant environment is created by the dark wood pillars, furnishings and trim, and several tables are separated by little walls with dark green drapes that close for private dining and conversation. The up-scale feel is enhanced by the beautiful overhead lighting fixtures, carpeted floors, nicely framed local photos, and a layout that makes each section of the restaurant seem intimate.
To the left of the door is the bar, where drinks are made using “fresh-squeezed juices and hand-crafted, with special interest and thought given to the quality of every drink served.” We didn’t visit the bar, on this visit, but they serve classic drinks, such as martinis, Irish coffee, single malt whiskeys and bourbons, complemented with modern favorites like lemon drops, cosmopolitans and more. They feature a selection of craft-brewed and quality imported beers and an extensive selection of fine Northwest, California, regional and international wines.
The menu changes twice daily to list the freshly delivered seafood varieties, ranging from Alaska halibut to New Zealand grouper to Maryland blue crabs, depending on availability. In fact, there are more than 80 menu items “sure to please each guest’s taste”.
Larry and I both ordered fried shrimp – a favorite that has never quite measured up to our standards in other local restaurants. No disappointment here! We enjoyed a plate of ten delicious jumbo fried shrimp, coleslaw, and fries, as well as some excellent bread with butter soft enough to spread (a small but important little detail). We passed on the appetizer and dessert this time, but I have no doubt anything and everything on their menu is good, and we’re looking forward to making McCormick & Schmick’s a monthly treat.
And thanks, Darren, for such great service! You were “there” when we needed you, but not hovering and interrupting us throughout the meal.
Except for the wait (our fault, because we didn’t take advantage of the online reservation tool), this was another perfect dining out experience in the Crofton area!
RELATED LINK: Crofton Restaurants and Carry-Outs
______________________
______________________
; ?>/images/eho.jpg)
; ?>/images/realtorsolo.jpg)
Margaret, I’ve never been to the one in Annapolis, but have dined at several McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants (D.C., Reston, Baltimore, Denver CO, Tysons Corner). Their seafood and service have always been topnotch! Great restaurant review!
It just so happens we are heading to McCormick and Schmicks in Providence RI on Sat evening, so I was glad to hear about your experience in MD. I tried the link to reservations but it wasn’t active, just FYI. I will have a review next week for RI!
Brian, I’ve been to the one in Tysons and enjoyed it – that’s one of the reasons we were eager to try the new one in Annapolis. Nowhere are there as many great restaurants as Northern Virginia, but that’s a little far for us to travel other than special occasions.
Ed, Thanks for the head’s up about the link. I just tried it, and it worked for me. Maybe their server was down when you tried it. But thanks for calling it to my attention so I can keep an eye on it. Enjoy your meal!