While I usually try not to feature bigger chain restaurants, the happy hour at McCormick and Schmicks is too good to pass up. McCormick and Schmicks isn’t your typical chain restaurant though, as there are multiple locations around Portland, each with a different feel, and in some cases a different name.
Whether it is patio seating on the banks of the Willamette River at McCormick and Schmick’s “Harborside at the Marina” or relaxing at Jake’s Grill, one of the most historical restaurants in town, you won’t see the happy hour menu change much. And believe me, that is a good thing. Six California sushi rolls: $1.95. Blackened chicken sandwhich and fries: $1.95. 1/2 pound cheeseburger and fries: $2.95 (recently raised from, you guessed it, $1.95). There are over a dozen items for less than 5 bucks, and the quality is much better than many of the happy hours around.
McCormick and Schmicks also features a wide variety of beverage choices. At a recent trip to Harborside, there were 9 (NINE!) different IPAs from around the state on tap. They are also one of the only places in town that can make a decent Caipirinha (if you have never had one, I would definitely give it a shot).
With 6 locations in the Portland area, you should be able to find one no matter where you are. Although if you get the opportunity, you can’t really beat the outdoor seating at Harborside on a summer day. They also have a HUGE projection screen that is perfect for watching those playoff games.
Happy hour is available every day from 3-6 and 9 to close.
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UPDATE 6/3/2009: The original McCormick and Schmicks that opened in 1979 on 1st and Oak in downtown Portland has closed. Apparently they were unable to reach a new lease agreement with their landlord. You can see the article here.
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