Walking into the CNN Center—or what we’re all supposed to call The Center now—usually feels like a frantic race against tourists and newsroom energy. But tucked right there at 190 Marietta St NW is a spot that's been a downtown staple for a minute. Honestly, if you've lived in Atlanta for more than a few years, you've probably walked past McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks Atlanta GA a dozen times.
Maybe you ducked in for a business lunch or a happy hour deal. Or maybe you've wondered if it's just another corporate chain lost in the sea of fancy steakhouse options.
Here’s the thing: it’s currently in a weird transition phase. As of early 2026, the parent company, Landry’s, has been doing some major reshuffling. There's a lot of talk about a Mastro’s Ocean Club taking over the space soon. But for now, if you’re looking for a white-tablecloth experience that doesn't feel quite as stuffy as some of the Buckhead giants, this place still holds down the corner of Marietta and Ted Turner Drive.
The Vibe and That Famous "Fresh List"
You walk in and the first thing you notice is the wood. Lots of it. Deep mahogany, brass accents, and those high-backed booths that make you feel like you’re about to close a million-dollar deal or hide from your ex. It’s got that classic "old school" steakhouse energy.
One thing most people get wrong is thinking the menu is the same every single day. It isn't. Or at least, it shouldn't be. McCormick & Schmick's is known for their "Fresh List." It's a printed sheet that shows exactly what seafood came in that morning and where it’s from.
We’re talking:
- Alaskan Halibut (if the season is right)
- Hawaiian Ahi Tuna
- Pacific Swordfish
- North Georgia Rainbow Trout (a nice local touch from Enchanted Springs)
It’s actually kinda cool to see the origin of your meal before you order. Most chains just throw a generic "salmon" on the plate, but here they usually specify if it’s Atlantic or Skuna Bay.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering?
Let’s be real—eating at a place like this isn't cheap. You don't want to drop $50 on a steak that tastes like it came from a grocery store.
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If you’re going for seafood, the Sugar & Spice Cedar Roasted Salmon is basically their greatest hit. It’s served with a farro risotto and butternut squash puree. It's sweet, it's smoky, and it’s consistently one of the best things on the menu. If you’re feeling extra, the Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a total calorie bomb but worth it. It’s got Brie cheese inside. Yes, Brie. It’s rich, messy, and delicious.
For the steak lovers, they use Center Cut Filet Mignon and Black Angus Ribeye. Is it the absolute best steak in Atlanta? Probably not—we have Kevin Rathbun Steak and Miller Union for that. But it’s solid. The R.C. Ranch Wagyu Top Sirloin is a decent middle ground if you want that buttery Wagyu texture without paying for a whole cow.
The Appetizer Strategy
Don't skip the Shrimp Kisses. They’re bacon-wrapped, stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and hit with a sweet chili glaze. It’s a bit 2005, but man, they work.
The Lump Crab Cake is another heavy hitter. It’s mostly crab, very little filler, which is how it should be.
The "Hidden" Value: Happy Hour and Lunch
If you want the experience without the $150 bill, you've gotta hit the bar. The Happy Hour here used to be legendary for $1.95 burgers (back in the day). Those prices are gone, but the bar menu is still one of the best ways to eat downtown on a budget.
You can usually grab:
- Korean Fried Chicken
- Artichoke Dip
- Ahi Tuna Tartare
The lunch boxes are also a sneaky good deal. For around $18-$22, you get a starter (like their New England Clam Chowder) and an entree like Fish Tacos or Salmon Pesto Pasta. It’s way better than the overpriced food court options nearby.
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The Parking Nightmare (And How to Avoid It)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: parking in Downtown Atlanta.
McCormick & Schmick’s is inside the Omni Hotel complex. If you use the valet, be prepared to pay. I’ve seen people drop $30 just for two hours of parking. It’s a "salt in the wound" situation if your meal was just okay.
Pro-tip: Look for the 104 Marietta St Garage or the 100 Luckie Street Garage. They’re usually way cheaper, often under $10 if it's not a game day. If there’s a Falcons game or a concert at State Farm Arena, just take MARTA to the GWCC/CNN Center station. Honestly, it’ll save you 45 minutes of sitting in traffic.
Service: A Mixed Bag
You’ve gotta be prepared for a wide range of service. On a quiet Tuesday, you’ll be treated like royalty. On a Friday night when a convention is in town? It can get hairy.
People have reported waiting 20 minutes for a martini or having apps show up after the main course. It’s a big house with a lot of moving parts. If you’re in a rush to catch a show, tell your server immediately. They’re used to the "event crowd" and can usually speed things up if you're upfront about it.
The Dress Code: Is it Actually Fancy?
The website says "Business Casual" or "Smart Casual." In reality? You’ll see guys in full suits next to a family in Falcons jerseys and shorts.
Try to aim for somewhere in the middle. A nice pair of jeans and a button-down is plenty. Just maybe leave the flip-flops and gym tanks at home. They won't kick you out, but you’ll feel a bit out of place under those massive chandeliers.
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Why the Change to Mastro’s?
You might hear staff whispering about the future. Landry’s is slowly phasing out the McCormick & Schmick's brand in major cities to bring in Mastro’s Ocean Club, which is a higher-end, "see and be seen" type of place.
Why? Because the market is shifting. People want high-energy, ultra-luxury dining. McCormick & Schmick’s feels like a cozy, reliable old friend, while Mastro’s feels like a party. If you love the current vibe, you should probably visit sooner rather than later before the renovation hammers start swinging later this year.
Is it Worth It?
If you’re downtown for a business meeting or staying at the Omni, it’s a great, reliable choice. It’s one of the few places in that immediate area where you can get a high-quality piece of fish and a quiet enough table to actually hear the person across from you.
However, if you’re looking for a "once in a lifetime" culinary experience, there are other spots in West Midtown or Inman Park that might blow your hair back a bit more. McCormick & Schmick's is about consistency and that old-school charm.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit:
- Check the Fresh List first. If they have Georges Bank Scallops or Wild Copper River Salmon, get those. They’re usually the highlights.
- Validate your parking. Always ask if they’re doing validation for the hotel garage. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't, but it never hurts to ask and save $20.
- Try the Chocolate Bag. It’s their signature dessert—a dark chocolate bag filled with white chocolate mousse and berries. It sounds gimmicky, but it’s actually really good for sharing.
- Time your visit. Avoid the 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM rush on nights when there's an event at State Farm Arena unless you have a reservation and plenty of time.
- Join the Select Club. If you eat at Landry’s properties (like Morton’s or Oceanaire) often, the Landry’s Select Club pays for itself pretty quickly with rewards.
Whether you're there for the $50 Ribeye or just a glass of wine and some oysters at the bar, it’s a piece of Atlanta’s downtown history that’s worth seeing before it changes faces. Just keep an eye on those parking signs.
Next Steps for Your Trip Downtown:
- Check the official menu before you go, as the "Fresh List" changes daily based on what’s actually at the docks.
- Book your table via OpenTable at least 48 hours in advance if you want one of the private booths.
- Verify the current event schedule at State Farm Arena to ensure you aren't caught in "event pricing" for nearby parking lots.