You’re walking through Fountain Square, the wind is whipping off the buildings, and you’re starving. Most people see the green awning and the polished wood of McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks Cincinnati and think "corporate steakhouse." They assume it’s just another chain link in a very long Landry’s Inc. chain. Honestly? They’re missing the point.
While the brand has faced some massive shifts lately—like the sudden closure of their iconic Chicago Loop spot just a few weeks ago in early 2026—the Cincinnati location at 21 East 5th Street remains a weirdly resilient staple of the downtown scene. It’s a place that feels like 1995 in the best way possible, but with a kitchen that still knows how to handle a piece of Chilean Sea Bass.
Why This Specific Spot Still Matters
Downtown Cincinnati is a gauntlet of high-end dining. You’ve got Jeff Ruby’s nearby, Prime Cincinnati, and the ever-present Morton’s. So, why do people still flock to 5th Street? It’s the "Fresh List."
Basically, while other places have a static menu that stays the same for six months, these guys are still printing their menu twice a day. It sounds like a gimmick, but it’s actually a holdover from the original 1974 Portland philosophy. If the swordfish didn't look good at the docks this morning, it's not on the paper. Period.
In an era where "farm-to-table" is a buzzword people throw around to justify a $15 side of carrots, McCormick’s sticks to a "port-to-table" vibe that actually delivers. You’ve got access to the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic, and the Gulf all on one sheet of paper. It’s kinda impressive when you think about the logistics involved in getting fresh Hawaiian Ahi Tuna to the middle of Ohio by 11:30 AM.
The Menu: Beyond the Standard Surf and Turf
Most diners walk in and order a Filet Mignon. It’s safe. It’s fine. But if you're going to McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks Cincinnati, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don't look at the "Ocean’s Favorites."
The Heavy Hitters
The Sugar & Spice Cedar Roasted Salmon is arguably the most famous dish they serve. It’s not just "grilled fish." It’s rubbed with a blend that hits those savory-sweet notes and served over farro risotto with a butternut squash puree. It’s heavy, it’s comforting, and it tastes like autumn even in July.
Then there’s the Seafood Alfredo. Most places use "seafood" as a code word for three tiny shrimp and some rubbery scallops. Here, they load it with bay scallops and shrimp over black pepper fettuccine. It’s $29.30, which, in 2026, is actually a steal for a meal that will leave you in a literal food coma.
- The Butcher’s Specialties: If you must have steak, go for the R.C. Ranch Wagyu Steak Frites. It’s served with a shallot confit and sauce au poivre. The fries are tossed in truffle oil. It’s messy, rich, and perfect for a business lunch where you want to look like you know what you’re doing.
- The Bar Specials: Don’t ignore the bar. They do "Taco Tuesdays" with $3 fish or shrimp tacos. On Fridays, they usually have "Buck-a-Shuck" oysters or $2 shrimp. It’s one of the few places downtown where you can feel fancy without emptying your savings account.
The 2026 Reality Check
Let’s be real for a second. The restaurant industry is weird right now. We’ve seen McCormick & Schmick’s locations vanish in places like Portland and Chicago because of lease issues and shifting office habits. People aren't doing the "three-martini lunch" as much as they used to.
But the Cincinnati location is tucked inside The Westin, which gives it a bit of a safety net. It’s the go-to for travelers, but also for the local crowd heading to a show at the Aronoff or a Bengals game. The atmosphere is "upmarket" but not "stuffy." You can wear a suit, sure, but you won't get side-eyed if you're in nice jeans and a sweater.
Practical Details for Your Visit
- Location: 21 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202. (Right across from Fountain Square).
- Phone: (513) 721-9339.
- Hours: They open at 11:30 AM daily. Sunday through Thursday they close at 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday they stay open until 10:00 PM.
- Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. This is the sweet spot. Bites start around $6.
What Most People Miss
The "Chocolate Bag." If you have never ordered this, you haven't really been here. It is literally a bag made of dark chocolate, filled with white chocolate mousse and fresh berries. It’s ridiculous. It’s over the top. It’s $19.80 and you should absolutely split it with someone because finishing it alone is a Herculean task.
Also, the wine list. Because they are part of the Landry’s portfolio, they have access to some serious pours. They frequently host wine dinners—like the Caymus Vineyards dinner coming up in April 2026—that are actually worth the price of admission if you’re a collector.
Making the Most of It
If you’re planning a trip to McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks Cincinnati, don’t just show up and hope for a table on a Friday night.
- Book early: Use their online portal or call. Even with the office crowd thinner than it was five years ago, the "theatre and sports" crowd fills this place up fast.
- Check the "Fresh List": Seriously. Ignore the printed glossy menu for a second and look at the daily insert. That’s where the actual kitchen talent is on display.
- Validate your parking: If you're parking in the Fountain Square garage or the Westin’s valet, ask the host about validation. Downtown parking prices in 2026 are no joke.
The restaurant might be a classic, but it isn't a museum. It’s a living, breathing part of the Cincinnati downtown core that has survived the culling of other locations by staying consistent. Whether you’re there for a $3 taco or a $60 lobster tail, it’s one of those places that just feels like Cincinnati.
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Take a seat at the bar, order the clam chowder (it's loaded with more bacon than you’d expect), and watch the city move outside the windows. It’s still one of the best views in the 513.