McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks is a well-known upscale seafood and steak restaurant that many people consider for special occasions, business dinners, and pre-event meals. If you live in Atlanta or are visiting, here’s how this restaurant typically fits into the city’s dining scene and what to expect when planning a visit.

Where You’ll Find McCormick & Schmick’s in Atlanta

McCormick & Schmick’s has had a presence in the Perimeter/central office corridor area, commonly serving:

• Business travelers staying at nearby hotels
• Office workers from the surrounding corporate buildings
• Locals looking for a traditional seafood-and-steak fine dining option

Because restaurant openings and closings can change over time, it’s wise to:

• ✅ Confirm the current Atlanta location and hours directly with the restaurant or through the shopping center/hotel where it’s hosted.
• ✅ Check whether there are multiple locations in the metro area (for example, near Perimeter Center, Buckhead, or downtown) if you’re choosing based on commute or traffic.

If you’re coming from inside the city, you’ll likely drive via GA-400, I-285, or I-75/I-85 depending on where you are. Many locations are in or near mixed-use developments or upscale retail centers, which usually offer structured parking or a shared lot.

What Kind of Dining Experience to Expect

McCormick & Schmick’s in Atlanta generally falls into the fine dining / upscale casual category. It’s not as formal as a white-tablecloth, jacket-required spot, but it’s more polished than a typical chain restaurant.

Common expectations:

• Ambiance:
  • Dimmer lighting, comfortable booths, and a classic steakhouse feel
  • Often a separate bar area with high-tops, TVs, and a more relaxed vibe
• Noise level:
  • Dining room: moderate—reasonable for conversation, including business dinners
  • Bar area: can be livelier during happy hour or game nights
• Dress code (typical for Atlanta):
  • Business casual is the norm: collared shirts, dressy jeans or slacks, sundresses, blouses
  • Casual-but-neat is usually accepted (clean jeans and polos), especially at the bar
  • Athletic wear, swimwear, or overly casual outfits may feel out of place

For Atlanta residents, it often serves as a “safe pick” for:

• Client dinners near major office hubs
• Birthdays, anniversaries, and graduation celebrations
• Pre-theater or pre-event dinners when you want something more polished than fast casual

Menu Highlights: Seafood, Steaks, and Southern-Friendly Options

While specific dishes rotate with the seasons and availability, McCormick & Schmick’s typically focuses on:

Seafood

You’ll generally see:

• Fresh fish (often listed with the day’s preparation options)
• Shellfish such as shrimp, scallops, crab, and occasionally lobster
• Oysters when available, often on the half-shell and sometimes featured in specials
• Classic seafood preparations like:
  • Grilled or blackened fish
  • Seafood pastas
  • Crab cakes

Atlanta diners often look for:

• Grilled or blackened options that pair well with Southern sides
• Lighter dishes that still feel special for a business lunch or pre-game meal

Steaks and Surf & Turf

Steaks are a cornerstone here, with typical offerings like:

• Filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip
• Surf & turf combinations (steak with shrimp, scallops, or lobster)
• Sides such as mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, or rice

For Atlantans who want a traditional steakhouse experience without going to a specialty steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick’s often feels familiar and predictable in a good way.

Starters, Salads, and Lighter Choices

You’ll often find:

• Chowders or bisques, especially clam or seafood-based
• Calamari, shrimp cocktails, or crab appetizers
• Entrée salads with grilled or blackened fish, shrimp, or chicken
• A selection of vegetable and starch-based sides that can be combined into a lighter meal

If you’re dining with a group where some people want a full steak/seafood dinner and others prefer something more modest, this flexibility is helpful.

Pricing and What Atlantans Typically Budget

Pricing can vary, but in Atlanta, McCormick & Schmick’s usually feels mid-to-upper range within fine dining:

• Starters: Moderately priced, especially shared appetizers
• Seafood & steaks: Usually priced in line with other national steakhouses and seafood chains
• Cocktails and wine: Priced similar to other upscale restaurants around Buckhead, Midtown, or Perimeter
• Desserts: Standard fine-dining dessert range

A typical outing might look like:

For groups using per diem or corporate expense accounts, the restaurant generally aligns well with standard corporate dining limits in Atlanta.

Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go

Reservations

In Atlanta, it’s usually wise to reserve ahead if:

• You’re dining Thursday–Saturday evening
• You have a group of 4 or more
• You’re planning a special occasion or business dinner
• There’s a major event nearby (conferences, concerts, or sports games)

Most locations accept:

• Standard reservations by phone
• Online reservations through widely used reservation platforms

Walk-Ins

Walk-ins are often possible, especially:

• Early in the week (Sunday–Wednesday)
• For smaller parties
• At off-peak times, like early evening or later at night

If you’re visiting Atlanta and not sure of your schedule, you can often:

• Call ahead the same day to check current availability
• Ask about seating in the bar area, which sometimes has more flexible seating for walk-ins

Parking, Traffic, and Getting There in Atlanta

Because Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, planning your route can make a big difference.

Consider:

• Driving and parking:
  • Many locations are in shopping centers or mixed-use complexes with on-site parking or garages.
  • Validate parking if the restaurant or center offers it.
• Rideshare:
  • A common choice for date nights and business dinners, especially if you plan to enjoy cocktails.
• Timing:
  • Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes earlier than your reservation if you’re driving during rush hour on I-285, GA-400, or the Connector.
  • Factor in extra time if there’s a major event at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Truist Park, depending on your route.

If you’re staying in a hotel near Perimeter Center or a major corporate hub, McCormick & Schmick’s may be within walking distance or a short rideshare away.

Good Occasions for McCormick & Schmick’s in Atlanta

Atlanta diners often choose McCormick & Schmick’s for:

• Business lunches or dinners
  • Quiet enough to talk
  • Menu broad enough for diverse preferences
• Special occasions
  • Anniversaries, birthdays, graduations
  • Comfortable environment for multigenerational family gatherings
• Pre- or post-event meals
  • Before concerts, theater, or sports events if timing and location line up
• Out-of-town guests
  • Familiar name that still feels elevated compared to everyday dining

If you want a classic seafood-and-steak experience without navigating trendier or more experimental Atlanta spots, this restaurant can be a straightforward option.

Dietary Needs and Menu Flexibility

Staff at fine dining and upscale casual restaurants in Atlanta are typically used to handling common dietary requests, and McCormick & Schmick’s is no exception.

You can usually:

• Ask for items grilled, baked, or broiled instead of fried
• Request sauces or dressings on the side
• Inquire about gluten-conscious options or preparations
• Choose from a range of seafood, steak, chicken, and vegetarian-friendly sides

To make things smoother:

• Mention any dietary needs when you reserve, especially for larger parties.
• Remind your server at the table so the kitchen can adjust preparations where possible.

Large Parties, Events, and Business Functions

McCormick & Schmick’s locations commonly offer private or semi-private dining spaces, which can be useful for:

• Corporate dinners with presentations or speeches
• Rehearsal dinners, small receptions, or family gatherings
• Holiday parties or celebratory team dinners

If you’re planning an event in Atlanta:

1. Call the restaurant directly and ask for the event or private dining coordinator.
2. Discuss:
   • Group size and layout needs
   • Set menus or prix fixe options to simplify ordering
   • Audio/visual needs if you plan to show slides or give a presentation
3. Ask about:
   • Minimum spend requirements
   • Deposit and cancellation policies
   • Options for customized menus with your company logo or event name

This can be especially handy if your office is in Perimeter Center, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Buckhead, or Midtown and you need a convenient, familiar venue.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

A few Atlanta-specific planning tips:

• ⭐ Plan around traffic:
  If your reservation falls between 5:00–7:00 p.m. on weekdays, leave earlier than you think you need to, especially if you’re crossing I-285 or GA-400.

• ⭐ Check for seasonal seafood features:
  Ask about seasonal fish or chef’s features, which can give you a fresher, more regionally inspired meal.

• ⭐ Use the bar for a flexible visit:
  The bar area is often good for:

  • Solo travelers on business
  • Couples who want a more relaxed setting
  • Last-minute walk-ins who don’t have reservations

• ⭐ Clarify special occasion details:
  If you’re celebrating, you can call ahead to ask if the staff can:

  • Notate your reservation for a birthday or anniversary
  • Help arrange a small dessert or acknowledgment at the table

For Atlantans and visitors alike, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks offers a traditional, predictable fine-dining-style experience centered on seafood and steaks, with the convenience of being located near major business and retail hubs. With a little planning around reservations, traffic, and budget, it can fit smoothly into everything from weeknight business dinners to special occasions in the city.