McCormick & Schmick's, Chicago

After a great day at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, we were very hungry, but it was almost 3PM.  Needed something quick and McCormick & Schmick's was close by.

McCormick & Schmick's is located near the Old Orchard Mall property.   Parking in the middle of the afternoon was very difficult to find.  Packed parking lot would be a better description.

We found the entrance and immediately went into the plush cocktail lounge.  Lunch serving was over in the dining room but the staff was more than gracious to help with our hunger pains.

The first view was the great looking dessert cart!   Oh...that could cause some problems

Since we were too early for the Happy Hour Menu (330-530PM),  we looked at the Lunch Menu.  Our bartender/server was busy with after lunch clean up duties, but she was always available when we needed her assistance.  We chose from the Lunch Selections that included Fish & Chips Beer Battered, Chesapeake Fries, Tartar Sauce 14.95 and Buttermilk Fried Shrimp Chesapeake Fries, Cocktail Sauce 13.95.  

The Fish & Chips

The Buttermilk Fried Shrimp

 All the seafood was well prepared, freshly made and worth the parking hassle.  

We enjoyed a nice quiet lunch while the world passed us by.  

Private Dining Booths in the Main Dining Room

Outback Steak House--Chicago

While on the road, we stayed at the Spring Hill Suites in Chicago off Higgins Road.   Unaware that Outback was at this location since Urbanspoon didn't have it listed.   Must be new?....but it was very convenient having Outback on the hotel property.   No driving, since we had a long haul of 500 miles that day.   Didn't appeal to get back in the car and drive any further.  

We sat in the high top tables in the bar.  At that point, we enjoyed the service of two different servers...actually, it became a little confusing since both were trying to help us.  Finally, the server that was suppose to be helping us was established.  

The traditional bread and salads arrived while we enjoyed 

a few margaritas and beer.   Well prepared salads

with dressing.  

We both had our server recommend the Rib Eye Steaks, medium rare.   The suggestion was spot on.  My plate was accompanied with mashed potatoes while others enjoyed the steak with broccoli.  

 

 

When it comes to chain dining, you always can depend on Outback Steakhouse.  Whether in Florida, Tennessee or Chicago, you just can't miss with the dependability of a their operations. Outback doesn't provide the BEST STEAK you have ever enjoyed, but you can't go wrong with their consistency.