Dining at McCormick & Schmick’s in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for upscale seafood and steak in downtown Atlanta, McCormick & Schmick’s is one of the better-known fine-dining options in the city. This guide walks through what to expect, how to plan a visit, and tips for getting the most out of a meal there—whether you live in Atlanta or are just in town near Centennial Olympic Park.

Where McCormick & Schmick’s Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta has no shortage of high-end restaurants, from chef-driven spots in Midtown and Buckhead to hotel-based steakhouses. McCormick & Schmick’s fits into the category of:

• Classic fine dining with white-tablecloth service
• Seafood-forward but with a full steak and chop menu
• Business-friendly setting close to major downtown attractions

It tends to attract:

• Convention and business travelers near the Georgia World Congress Center
• Locals celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or pre-theater dinners
• Visitors staying downtown who want something more polished than a casual chain

Location, Parking, and Contact Info

McCormick & Schmick’s in Atlanta is located in the Centennial Park / CNN Center area, placing it right in the heart of downtown.

Typical details to know:

• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park
• Nearby landmarks:
  • State Farm Arena
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola

Because hours, phone numbers, and specific entry instructions can change (especially with downtown redevelopment and event schedules), it’s smart to:

• Check up-to-date hours before you go, especially on holidays or event days
• Confirm parking options (valet vs. self-park garages)
• Ask about access if you’re heading over from a nearby hotel or event venue

Getting There

• By MARTA:
  • The closest major station is usually GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green line. From there, it’s typically a short walk through or around the CNN/Omni complex, depending on current building access.
• By car:
  • Expect downtown event traffic when the Hawks are playing at State Farm Arena or major concerts/conferences are happening.
  • Nearby garages often post event pricing, which can be higher than normal.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

McCormick & Schmick’s is designed to feel like a traditional upscale seafood and steakhouse rather than a trendy, minimalist space. Common impressions:

• Dark woods, leather seating, and low lighting
• Quiet enough for conversation, especially early in the evening or at lunch
• A mix of two-tops, four-tops, and banquettes, with some spaces feeling more private
• A full bar area that’s usually more casual and louder than the main dining room

In downtown Atlanta, this kind of space appeals to:

• Business dinners where you need to talk deals without shouting
• Date nights when you want a classic, grown-up feel
• Pre-event meals before basketball games, concerts, or shows at nearby venues

Dress is typically business casual:

• Collared shirts, blouses, slacks, or dresses are common
• Nice jeans are often acceptable; athletic wear and game jerseys sometimes feel out of place in the main dining room, though you may see them on big game nights

Menu Overview: Seafood, Steaks, and Seasonal Specials

While menus change periodically, you can expect a seafood-focused fine-dining menu with plenty of non-seafood options.

Starters and Raw Bar

You’ll usually find:

• Oysters on the half shell (often with regional options)
• Shrimp cocktail
• Calamari or crab cakes
• Seasonal or regional starters like seafood chowder or lobster bisque

These work well if you’re:

• Sharing plates at the bar before a game
• Hosting colleagues and want a more traditional steakhouse-style progression

Main Courses

The core of the menu generally includes:

• Fresh fish prepared in classic styles (grilled, pan-seared, or with signature sauces)
• Seafood combinations, such as fish with shrimp or scallops
• Steaks and chops, like filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip
• Chicken or pasta dishes for non–seafood eaters

In Atlanta, where diners are used to bold, Southern-influenced flavors, dishes may incorporate:

• Rich sauces and butter-based preparations
• Sides like mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, or rice pilaf
• Occasionally Southern touches, depending on seasonal menus

Sides and Add-Ons

Expect à la carte or bundled sides such as:

• Roasted or mashed potatoes
• Seasonal vegetables or asparagus
• Rice, risotto, or similar starches

These can run high in price compared with casual restaurants, so if you’re budgeting, ask what’s included vs. what’s extra.

Pricing and Budget Planning

McCormick & Schmick’s operates firmly in the fine-dining price range for Atlanta:

• Appetizers: Typically in the mid-teens
• Entrées: Often priced comparably to big-name steakhouses or higher-end seafood restaurants
• Steaks and premium seafood: Higher price tier, especially with add-ons like crab, lobster, or specialty sauces
• Desserts and coffee: Additional, but usually in line with other fine-dining spots

To plan your budget:

• Assume a full dinner with appetizer, entrée, and dessert plus a drink will cost noticeably more than a casual sit-down chain
• Factor in tax, tip, and parking—especially downtown event parking

If you’re trying to control costs, consider:

• Skipping appetizers and sharing a dessert
• Focusing on entrées that include sides rather than steaks that require à la carte add-ons
• Limiting alcoholic drinks or choosing by-the-glass options

Happy Hour and Bar Experience

One of the reasons many Atlantans know McCormick & Schmick’s is its bar and happy hour offerings. While available times and items vary, you can often expect:

• Discounted or signature cocktails
• Wine and beer specials
• A bar menu with smaller plates or approachable seafood options

This is popular with:

• Downtown office workers unwinding after work
• Convention attendees grabbing a drink without a full sit-down dinner
• Visitors who want the experience without the full fine-dining bill

Because happy hour options and timing can change in response to local regulations or business needs, always verify current offerings before you go.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Go

In Atlanta’s busy downtown, timing matters.

When to Make a Reservation

It’s generally smart to reserve if:

• You’re dining Friday or Saturday night
• There’s a major event at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia World Congress Center
• You’re hosting a business dinner or special occasion where waiting would be awkward

Walk-ins may still be possible, especially:

• Earlier in the week (Monday–Wednesday)
• Later in the evening after event crowds have cleared

Ideal Times for a Quieter Experience

If you prefer a more relaxed or quieter atmosphere:

• Aim for early evening seatings (around 5:00–6:30 p.m.)
• Consider weekday lunches, which can feel less crowded and more business-focused

Special Occasions and Group Dining

McCormick & Schmick’s is often chosen in Atlanta for:

• Anniversaries, birthdays, or graduations
• Pre-theater or pre-game dinners
• Corporate dinners, client meetings, or small celebrations

If you’re planning an event:

• Ask about private or semi-private dining areas
• Confirm whether set menus are available for large groups
• Check any minimum spend or booking requirements

For special occasions, you can often request:

• A note on the reservation about the celebration
• Dessert options or small touches (availability varies by location and current policy)

Dietary Needs, Kids, and Accessibility

Fine-dining seafood restaurants can still be workable for a variety of diners if you plan ahead.

Dietary Considerations

Common accommodations may include:

• Shellfish or fish allergies: Steaks, chicken, and salads can sometimes be modified, but cross-contact is a real possibility in a seafood-centered kitchen.
• Gluten-conscious choices: Grilled fish or steaks without certain sauces or breading; staff can typically point you toward suitable options.
• Lighter fare: Grilled fish with vegetables, salads, or smaller plates at the bar.

If someone in your party has significant allergies or strict dietary needs, calling ahead allows you to understand:

• What the kitchen can realistically do
• How they handle cross-contact
• Which dishes are safest to avoid

Families and Children

While McCormick & Schmick’s is more adult-oriented, families do dine there, especially when staying downtown. Things to keep in mind:

• Ask about a children’s menu or smaller portions; availability may vary by location and time.
• The atmosphere is generally quiet and refined, so younger kids who are used to loud, casual restaurants may need some prep.

Accessibility

As a downtown fine-dining restaurant in a high-traffic area, typical features may include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entries and restrooms
• Seating options that can accommodate mobility devices

If you have specific needs (e.g., proximity to restrooms, step-free access from a nearby hotel, or space for a mobility scooter), it helps to mention these when making a reservation.

How McCormick & Schmick’s Compares to Other Atlanta Fine-Dining Options

Without ranking or endorsing any specific competitors, it helps to know how McCormick & Schmick’s fits into the wider Atlanta landscape:

• Type of experience:
  • More traditional than trend-driven
  • Appeals to those who like classic seafood and steakhouse menus
• Location advantage:
  • Hard to beat for downtown convenience near major attractions
  • Especially practical if you’re staying at or near CNN Center or Centennial Olympic Park
• Local vs. national feel:
  • McCormick & Schmick’s is a well-known national brand, whereas many other Atlanta fine-dining spots are local chef-driven concepts
  • Some diners prefer the predictability of a familiar brand; others seek out local-only names

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time and staying downtown, McCormick & Schmick’s can function as a reliable, upscale “home base” for at least one nice dinner near your hotel or event.

Quick Reference: Key Points About McCormick & Schmick’s in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

A few concise, Atlanta-specific tips:

• 🕒 Check the event calendar at State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium—on big event nights, make reservations and allow extra travel time.
• 🚗 Plan for parking costs downtown and consider MARTA if you’re already along the rail line.
• 📞 Call ahead for large parties, special occasions, or detailed dietary questions.
• 🧾 Review the menu online beforehand to get a sense of pricing and help your group choose confidently.
• 🍽️ Time your visit: early dinners are usually calmer and easier for conversation, especially on event nights.

With a bit of planning, McCormick & Schmick’s can be a convenient, polished choice for anyone seeking fine dining in the heart of downtown Atlanta, particularly if you value a traditional seafood and steakhouse experience close to the city’s biggest attractions.