Always had great food but the restaurant is very dirty.
(3)
Flory W.
We had a late lunch at McGrath's Fish House in Milwaukee last Sunday. We were seated right away, and the first thing I noticed was our table was full of crumbs! My husband ordered the steak and mini-lobster tail. His side orders were a house salad and a baked potato. There was really nothing very special about this meal, and we will likely not return to this restaurant again. The steak was overcooked - not quite shoe leather, but not far from it. The lobster was indeed very small, and seasoned so heavily that the lobster flavor barely came through. The baked potato was a baked potato, and the house lettuce salad was a lettuce salad. Again, nothing special. I wanted the Lunch Special, but the waitress said they're not serving that on Sunday, but there's one almost like it, and pointed it out to me. Instead of Half Sandwich Combo, I could pick a whole Sandwich, Clam Chowder, Fisherman's Stew or Garden Salad, without the fries but for 50cents more (without the fries!). So OK, I went for it. (See photo posted on my profile). I ordered the Bay Shrimp Sandwich on wheat Ciabatta roll, tossed with 1000 Island Dressing, Tomato, Lettuce and Cucumber. Bay I must be hungry today, because I ate half of hubby's salad, all my sandwich, bread, and a few bites of his overcooked steak. I liked my sandwich, my stew & my garden salad! BTW, the 1st 3 bites he took he spit out, they were tough!, but I asked him how he liked it and he said it was OK. If it was OK, then why did he spit the 1st three bites? The last restaurant where he ordered steak, it was so good he didn't need bottled sauce on it! I should also mention that, while the water was delivered to the table promptly, the rest of the service was slow and intermittent. Their manager stopped by our table, to say Hi. I also noticed, they must be short-staffed, the manager was helping bussed, and set tables!
(2)
Keith B.
To me they are the epitome of 3 stars restaurants. Better than Red Lobster ( in know that's not saying much) not great but most of the food i have had here is OK. I think the best time to go is Happy hour and get a big bowl of steamers clams for $4.00 or so with a glass of wine. I have had fish and others entrees and every time the entree portion has been good but the sides, not so much. I have a big complaint in general about chain restaurant sides though. There not to good anywhere. At McGrath's you can get fresh made sourdough bread and fresh fish but the sides need some help. Hence the tip: Order Ala cart during happy hour. The service has always been super friendly at this McGrath's and the one on cedar hills and the restaurant always seems clean. One area where McGrath's does really well is value. If you sign up on-line you can get lots of coupons if you want full meals this is the way to go. For around $15 bucks or so you can have soup/salad, fresh bread, steak and shrimp/crab/lobster tail, plus a couple sides. Also, i have seen several complaints about food being cooked improperly which to me seem extra goofy. Maybe these people never ate out or cooked before?? IT HAPPENS, no matter where you go, sometimes it happens. It's NOT on purpose....EVER. They don't know you and have some private vendetta to take you down with badly cooked food. I have NEVER anywhere had a problem sending back food at a corporate restaurant. If your nice you'll get comped and sometimes twice. It's how their trained, don't get mad, be cool and see how much better you are treated. Decent entrees and happy hour deals, good service, clean restaurant, not great but defiantly OK.
(3)
Patrick M.
Twin lobster tail very salty. Salt overpowers lobster flavor. At this location we always wait for wait person To come take order. They cut their butter with margerin. If you want a great McGrafts experience eat at their Federal Way WA restaurant.
(1)
Andrew W.
McGraths is pretty much a Red Lobster. I always get Steak and Lobster. The wait is usually about 20 minutes. which isn't bad. The bread is good, the salad is average. I always get Steak and Lobster. The fish is okay, My wife has the trout my son had the salmon and it wasn't bad at all for the price. Obviously, a fresh caught salmon or trout is going to be better. The steak is a good size cut, and its tender and seasoned right. The lobster tails are small, but they are everywhere. 20 dollars for steak and lobster is a pretty good price IMHO. The building is nice and roomy, the tables are good and the seats are okay. The service is hit or miss. I think that has more to do with the Portland attitude of some of the servers. They just can't hide their passive aggressiveness no matter how hard they try. We tried a restaurant that was touted to make Mcgraths seem like a hot pocket in a dirty microwave. I found this particular place on ne sandy to be slightly better. The menu was too limited for my tastes. Also a certain place by the airport on Marine drive is overpriced and has similar quality food in my opinion. If the idea of a locally owned red lobster type restaurant doesn't frighten you then give it a shot.
(4)
D. E.
Beside all the other demerits my fellow Yelper's give this place, and they're all true, I must add this: The cooks are way overcooking the better cuts of fish. Not everything must be cooked extra well-done. I'm not here for tilapia or goat or whatever they are used to cooking. Give them a little guidance. This isn't Skippers and you certainly charge the going rate of other fish houses. And hey, on a side note, when a waiter tries to tell the customer what to order without even handing them menus, I want to get up and walk out. Who does he think he is? The Amazing Kreskin or some other clairvoyant? I'm not at the Palm or in Beverly Hills. Push whatever crap the boss told you to unload on Honey Boo Boo.
(2)
Holly D.
I have eaten here a couple of time because a friend of mine loves it and this is fish season for me, so I go (besides she pays). The bread and butter is nice, the place is clean. Please put straws with your glasses of water. Don't know why it bugs me when I have to ask for a straw, but it does. I had a nice shrimp salad and my friend had her favorite, the clam strips which looked great. Couldn't tell if the fries were frozen or not. but the real surprise was the almond apple crisp. Oh my..it was wonderful!!! and huge enough for both of us to share without complaint. Always ask for a seat by the pond, watching the Canadian Geese land is a treat.
(3)
Joseph H.
Service was great. Meal was chain food. It was good chain food, really good, just don't watch any movies about over fishing before you go. Cajun catfish was tasty, the vegetables were a hit, the rice pilaf dropped the ball. The latter had dried flakes of Oregano added AFTER it hit the plate. Not a good idea Mr. line cook, the dried herb just stood out and was appalled by the rice it was meant to court. The veggies were roasted simply, but they did a good job blending the flavors with the Catfish. Overall I was pretty happy with my order and kind of surprised. Drinks, and chowder were sub standard. The chow had nothing on many Portland restaurants and was clearly the thick corn starch type made by a lot of chains. Hey it was clean, the service was great and the food was consistent. ;)
(3)
MJ H.
Very friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere, and if you sign up for their e-mail newsletter they'll send 2 for 1 offers. They know their fish, and their chips are irresistible. I don't splurge on higher calorie meals often anymore, but for a real treat, at reasonable prices, McGrath's is great.
(4)
Tam F.
Here we are in Oregon again. This time, there are 9 of us in the house and we are expecting 2 more tomorrow. The wonderful Grammie likes to eat out in restaurants, so we ended up coming here (per the parents' recommendation). We had reservations for 6:30... We were seated at 7:05. Our drink orders were taken at 7:10. Our orders were taken at 7:15, our salads/soups came at 7:30 and our dinners...well 8 of the 9 dinners came at 8:05pm, the 9th dinner (our server "forgot" to put it into the system) arrived at 8:20. Overall, the food was mediocre. There were a couple of dishes that stood out-my man's crab legs and my daughters seafood tortellini's. The rest of the meals were luke warm, and fair. The restaurant had that shabby feel to it-like it needed Gordon Ramsey or something. To end the evening, I went to use the ladies room. There was no toilet paper in stall. Why 3 stars you ask? Well, since meal #9 wasn't ordered and came later than the rest , the manager comped the table 2 desserts. The key lime pie was horrible, but the mud pie (HUGE!) made the 6 of the 9 people at the table VERY happy. I don't think I ever need to eat here again....
(3)
Ely M.
Love the wood fire salmon! With tidal wave to drink. I come here with my husband & son. 2 to 4 times a month. Nice athmophere, service and great food.
(4)
Mardi C.
this can be a hit or miss, so I'll stick with the hits.... Oysters, raw, buttery, chilled and yummy. fresh fresh fresh... salmon stuffed with artichokes and crab. yum. my mom had the halibut with coconut? coconut, not fresh, tasty, but not fresh. out of a bag... probably the dried kind you get in a bag at the grocery store. she loved it... I poo pooed it. lots of old folks eat at this place. It reminds me of trying to be ray's boathouse in seattle, but it just isn't on the water, and someone needs to get shari's to move, as they ruin the view.... LOL staff is great. service is great. salmon is a hit or miss, I"ve tried some of the other salmon dishes, and they were too dry for me. I like FRESH salmon, so stick with the bay salmon stuffed. clam chowder? YUMMY OYSTERS again.... buttery yummy oysters....
(4)
Bob B.
I had crab crusted trout with lobster sauce which was out of this world. The salad and bread were excellent. Our guests had salmon and oysters, they really liked the oysters on the half shell. Their Merlo and Cab Red wine is the best. Plan to take our next guests from San Francisco there next week, it was really good! The Marion Berry Cobler is huge and was excellent, enough for 4 people to share. Great service too!
(5)
Robyn L.
This is the second year in a row that McGrath's has played some role in my Christmas feasting. Last year, it was a few days before the holiday and the place was fairly empty, this year it was Christmas Eve and the place was packed -- for good reason. We didn't plan well in returning home from Bend, and any restaurants we'd thought of having dinner were closed. The grocery stores were also closed. McGrath's graciously stayed open until 8 pm, and locals took advantage of it. People wanted their Seven Fishes. They have a great menu of fresh seafood, with everything from crab legs and calamari to hazelnut encrusted trout with marionberry sauce (one of the various specials). The wine list is solid, and the salads are filled with crisp, fresh veggies and croutons, but I think it was the fresh-baked sourdough bread with warm butter that made the dinner perfect. The staff is also very accomodating and friendly. If you find the wait too long and you're sans children, sit at the bar and enjoy a good meal.
(4)
Tabitha R.
This place is what I'd call -- pretty good for a place that feels like chain. We actually weren't sure if it was a chain -- but it had that "Chili's" kind of vibe. When you walk in there's a list of the "fresh fish" of the day and the staff is very friendly. We were told the wait was about 20 minutes -- and while we were waiting the lobby filled up to the point where they were telling people 45 minutes wait. Then we discovered the bar ... not only could we have a cold beverage while we waited -- but we could actually sit down and eat there ... so we did. The service was steller. The food was ... decent. I actually ordered the Dungeness Crab (as it was on the menu as fresh) and I would almost say that it wasn't quite cooked all the way ... strange. Hubby had a very yummy crab crusted snapper -- that was quite tasty. We definitely stuffed ourselves and will most certainly go back. I give it three stars -- because it wasn't as memorable as I was hoping. Perhaps I should lower my standards ... something to contemplate over dinner. HA!
(3)
Tara D.
I cringe anytime people suggest eating here. Though I swear never to go back, occasionally I have a friend/family member who makes us go here because they want seafood and want it nearby, or they forgot just how bad it is. If you really want seafood, please do yourself (and your dining companions) a favor and go to a nice seafood restaurant in Portland. The salads here are bland and seem to come straight from a bag (you know that sort of chemical taste?), the fried items are soggy/mushy, and the nicer dishes are just ok and overpriced. Edit: After being contacted by McGraths about my review, I will edit to clarify that I am not saying the seafood supplier is bad, it is really more the preparation and presentation that are the issues in my opinion. It is nice to see that they monitor their reviews and hopefully it will encourage some changes. As a locally owned/operated establishment, it would be great to see them get away from the "chain" type of feel that really comes through in items like salads.
(2)
Iban T.
My family and I came here to escape the rolling blackouts. We went in and noticed the wait was okay so we put our name in. When we got seated we had Michael as our server, shortly after a large party was seated next to us and with them so too went Michael. The supervisor that was there checked on us twice but mostly for show. We didn't have any dishes cleared or have our drinks refilled. All in all this place earned the rating I gave it. I'm still willing to come back and give them another shot at wowing me.
(3)
Alena C.
I wish I could give a better review-based on my parents love for this place, but it was a total miss. Granted we sat in the bar and there was only one waitress (who was lovely), as hard as she tried the food was mediocre and I never got my entree. We ordered two bloody Mary's which came out as fast as soda, which is a very bad sign. The BM tasted hurried, to say the least. We both had a some clam chowder which my dad enjoyed, but I felt the overriding flavor was butter and salt. The side salad was nothing to right home about. I ordered the cod fish and chips, but 50 mins of waiting, it never showed up. I was told many times that it was "almost ready" but I ended up cancelling my order so we could get the hell our of there. Won't be back.
(2)
Robert M.
Came here for lunch and ordered the fish and chips, 'cause, how can a fish place not have great fish-n-chips? The halibut itself was quite good, but the batter was tasteless. The fries were forgettable, and the cole slaw was runny. Service was on time, but the server was very business-like, & not smiley or engaging. It wasn't a "bad" experience, but they certainly don't "wow" you in any way. Can't say I'll be rushing back anytime soon.
(2)
Christian H.
Our waitress Crystal was by far the best waitress we've had in a long while. We had the crab stuffed wontons and the crab-cakes for appetizers. Both of which were perfectly cooked. Three of us had the wild smoked salmon which was also cooked very well. One of us had the Parmesan crusted halibut. Which was literally perfect! The potatoes could have used a little more seasoning, but over all the food was great. The service was fantastic! And we all left happy. Will recommend to friends.
(5)
Kim S.
happy birthday to me. err, not. we chose the restaurant based on previous good food / service and proximity to our house. party of 8, which included two kiddos. the ahi app was fantastic. the razor clams were also tasty. dad had the calamari, which he liked. i had the seafood sampler as my entree - the salmon was incredible dry and the crab cake tasted of all cake and seasoning. my mother had the halibut special and the halibut was hard (how do you do that to fish?). if you're ordering for your kiddos, make sure you request the drink and ice cream that comes with the meal (our waiter didn't offer and we ended up ordering it to go at the end of the meal). also, the macaroni and cheese is actually penne and cheese; great if you're 4, not so great if you're 2. all in all, a total bummer.
(1)
Holy-foo' X.
[the collective 3.5 rating seems just about right...] Used to live right across 224 from McGrath's, and didn't hesitate to take company over there for grub. A notch or two above any other options in the same strip mall (Subway, McDs, Taco Hell, Shari's, and a non-descript Chinese hole in the wall). Usually got blackened catfish filets over Caeser salad and a cup of chowder/fish stew. Frequently shared calamari or other sea food appetizer w/whoever was my dinner company. Their chowder was among the better you'll find, especially once it's properly dashed w/tabasco. Once in a great while, they would even offer STURGEON, which i LOVE! Wash it all down w/a pint of draft and you've had a healthful, tasty supper that hits the spot, every time!
(4)
Justin S.
No pirate costumes, no stolen identity, no hackers, but lots of chowder and iced tea... Guys, you really have great service. And, to make it stand out I will write the service is outstanding. (hope that double quote makes it into the top) Our waiter was David, even though he was serving 5 tables at once, was prompt and did a great job. The oysters, as many people have stated are quite good. Fisherman's stew, cioppino, was excellent with the hot sourdough bread. Salad croutons are zesty and the garlic noodles under the parmesan shrimp were quite good. The endless shrimp really should end. I would have preferred ending-shrimp with better flavors. I think I liked the noodles best, and the beer battered shrimp the least. The parmesan crust was a little too salty, the coconut version was ok, but a little too greasy (maybe overfried). The other food I have eaten from this place has been good and very reasonably priced. Of the seafood chains in Portland, I think this is my favorite, just not the endless shrimp. I'll be back and stick to the main menu.
(3)
Carl T.
We really like McGraths. Their clam chowder is up there with the best. The seafood is always fresh. They make wonderful razor clams. The portions are not huge so if your going for the BIG seafood feast you'll be disappointed here. The service is hit or miss, its never great. The food makes up for it. We are regulars.
(4)
Brandon F.
worst take out service i've ever had. salmon and chips terrible. save yourself a bad time and crappy food.
(1)
JoAnn L.
We came in for an early Valentines Day dinner around 4;30 on Friday, February 13th. We were seated right away and was greeted by JJ our waiter and asked what we would like to drink and he brought them quickly where we told JJ what we wanted for dinner. The salad was very good even though it seemed like bagged greens but had additional red cabbage, shredded carrots and was plenty and good. The waiter had brought two additional root beers when he saw that my husband had nearly finished his drink without even asking. JJ was very attentive and provided friendly and timely customer service. The server was nice and friendly as well. We've been coming here for years and have never had a problem and the few times that we did, they had remedied the problem. We enjoy coming here and will continue to in the future.
(4)
Theresa K.
The wait staff were great, but I felt sorry for them because they had to serve such awful food. The lobster was inedible and the salmon was like shoe leather. Why the place is so crowded all the time is beyond me.
(1)
Malia W.
I always enjoy the food but the customer service is so awkward. There doesn't seem to be anyone genuinely thrilled to be working, the personal interest isn't there, and they just seem to be in the mode of shuffling people through like cattle. I went in for a to-go order that I phoned in ahead of time. I was greeted with a friendly demeanor at first but as soon as I said why I was there, she just stared at me. She didn't ask me for my name or what my order was. She didn't say a word until a host came around the corner and asked me casually, "Quart of chowder?" Please use eye contact, smile, use full sentences when talking to customers, and care about the dining experience from the second someone enters the doors all the way to exiting them. Consider it as an interior curb appeal. If it weren't for the food, this location would be receiving less stars.
(3)
Michael S.
Friendly servers great though the waiting time before ordering was horrendous took 25 minutes before I had a chance to, the fire grilled salmon was worth it though
(4)
Martin E.
The food was good I had the shrimp salad, clam chowder and shrimp pasta but the service was terrible I did not get a regular waitress until I had been there 45 minutes and I almost had to grab somebody just to get a refill for my drink. Went back the other day service was much better someone waited on me this time. Had a salmon dish and shrimp salad will go back again soon.
(5)
Eric H.
Food was ok Service was good and they were busy. So I felt that they did a great job.Happy V d Day
(5)
Catherine F.
Worst service ever. We barely finished our over priced, watered down drinks before deciding to go somewhere else. Ruined our birthday party... And to top it off, we only tipped our waiter Joey a dollar, so he followed us out to the parking lot to tell us we shorted him. Needless to say, we will never be back.
(1)
Thomas E.
Start by reading the other reviews. The waitresses are friendly, but the service is very slow. The prawns were soft and lacking in flavor, probably frozen. Not fresh. The salads were decent. I waited about an hour for my dinner. The salmon was fresh, but lacking in seasoning. The size of the portions were generous. The price point of the food was good. The menu was way too busy. Food seems to be trending towards deep fried. This restaurant could be so much more.
(2)
Jet B.
We think it is an excellent value. Our waiter Dustin was fantastic. Bouillabaisse was fantastic as was the blackened mahi mahi. We will definitely go again both in Milwaukie OR and Bend OR.
(5)
Erin T.
Best place ever for Happy Hour! My uncle had been going to McGrath's since it had it's first Grand Opening. It was everything he had talked about and more!!!! Service was incredible, food was delicious, we were totally spoiled. Visit this place it is fabulous!!!
(5)
Iris I.
I almost turned around when I saw the display tank upon entering the restaurant. It was a sand scene with bottles and nets. It looked like a beach that needed a major cleanup. And the fish smell when entering the door was a little off-putting, but hey, it is a fish house. The next thing I noticed was what appeared to be pieces of straw wrappers strewn across the floor throughout the lobby. With that being said, this place should know how to cook fish/seafood, after all, they are a "fish house." We started with the oysters. These tasted fine, but were extremely tiny and mushy, almost liquified. Next, the salad. My partner enjoyed his coleslaw, but I paid extra for the pear, blue cheese, and walnut salad. My salad was 90% iceberg lettuce. I found a few tiny pieces of diced "pear" that actually looked like apple and had no flavor. I also has a cup of the clam chowder, which wasn't bad, but wasn't great either. My partner also ordered the "crab" stuffed mushrooms. These should be re-named "onion" stuffed mushrooms. Large pieces of diced onions overpowered the dish. There was way too much cheese, and I didn't see or taste any crab at all. Now for the worst part: My partner ordered steak and lobster and received steak and crab legs. The waiter was just going to replace the crab legs, but realized he had the wrong steak as well. My herb crusted scallops were extremely overcooked. Burnt cheese and rubber scallops. I couldn't eat it and had to send it back. It took a very long time to get the burnt cheese taste out of my mouth. Round two: My partner received his steak and lobster. Of course, the lobster was overcooked, as was his steak. For my second order, I decided to try something safer and went with prawn skewer. I received the tiniest, overcooked prawns. All I could taste was the char. The rice pilaf, was not really a pilaf and was very dry. The vegetables were flavorless. I certainly would not recommend this place, nor will I return.
(1)
PJ F.
Congratulations to McGrath's for winning the top spot on my Worst Dining Experience Ever list. Sad, considering that until tonight, it was a place we looked forward to going for special occasions. Let's do the timeline: Arrival in lobby until seated (place was empty) - 10 minutes Seated until acknowledged by a single member of the staff - 20 minutes Time from told "we'll find a server for you right away" by he who would eventually be our server in the middle of his section - 5 more minutes. No greeting nor apology from server, just "what will you have?" Time from order to food on table - 1 HOUR A table of 15 elderly folks was seated just before us and was finished with their meals and paying the check before our meals arrived. During our wait, the server was a total ghost (no updates, drink refills). I just assumed he thought we were lepers or that we had big fungating masses on our faces. Even after we had food, we were never once asked how we were doing, or how the food was. If we had been asked about the food, we would have reported that the prawn platter and halibut parmesan were both uninspired and bland. The hit of the night was the orange slices which our toddler loved. Even the highly anticipated clam chowder tasted straight from the can. Ultimately we requested the company of the manager after this shit parade, and although she apologized, there was no sense of sincerity or empathy. Certainly the small gift card (no money off bill) did not make right this wholly ruined birthday dinner of my poor bride.
(1)
Heck N.
I go to Mcgraths about 10 times a month, (all take out). Occasionally when I get home I'll be missing the side salad, bread or some other small portion of something that to me doesn't matter much. Usually its just the one thing missing. Yet lately the orders have been missing multiple things, last night was the last time I'll be going to McGraths. For almost 20 dollars per meal, it was two meals on the order and they forgot this on both, they forgot the side salad, baked potato, vegatables and bread. Then when you call down to the restaurant they act like you're trying to rip them off. Oh and no I don't want to have to drive all the way back and wait for more food while my main course is getting cold. Other take out places just comp you a plate NEXT time or equivalent.
(1)
Melina H.
Went here for lunch with a girlie friend and sat in the bar. I ordered an Italian greyhound to start which was actually pretty good. Girlie friend ordered the chicken strips because she hates seafood and I must say...some of the better chicken strips I've had. Land lubbers would not be disappointed with the choice. I had the oyster lunch. Meh. Portion was just so-so for the price, the breading left much to be desired and the oysters did not taste as fresh as they should - not "off" by any means, but not fresh. The bread is, of course amazing and service was fine...prompt, attentive, and friendly.
(3)
Mcqueen C.
What a disappointment one server can ruin the evening. The food is always good no complaints. Our server was horrible, no refills, forgot my salad and I ordered fish and chips and he forgot the fries. He then told me he left off the fries because I ordered a cup of chowder in place of the fries. I never asked for this. Then he charged me for the chowder. Just real bad service not worth going back.
(1)
Robert G.
Tonight's was the best dinner yet at McGrath's. The salmon with the stuffing was very good and included both vegetables and penne pasta in a cream type sauce as accompaniments. The salad was decently sized and the bleu cheese dressing made it cohesive, meaning both stick together and taste good. They keep your sourdough bread basket and coffee, tea, and soft drinks filled. The courtesy of the serving staff, greeting staff, and management was noteworthy.
(4)
Tom M.
I like the feel of this place and the seating is nice and private. It was a very enjoyable experience but there was way too much A/C. Yes, this was a check in from summer that I'm just now getting around to. Our server was JJ and he was very helpful but I think after awhile he started to just get tired of us. I ordered a salad to start things off and as usual, when I order a salad and forget to ask for the dressing on the side, it's usually swimming in the stuff. I really hate that and don't understand why it has to be that way. The entree was a tuna steak cooked very nicely to medium rare. Anything beyond that is ruinous to a piece of fish so medium rare or less usually does it for me.. It is what it is. A chain restaurant with decent fare. Yeah, I think we'll do it again.
(3)
Jeannine B.
It has been a good decade since I have eaten here, and when my husband and I rediscovered McGrath's we very please. The food was excellent, I ordered a shrimp platter, he ordered chicken (he's a seafood baby), that family shared an appetizer sampler and my children ordered off of their kids menu. The food was fantastic and the service was very prompt. This isn't some stuffy seafood house, so elitists beware, nor is it a kitschy hipster dive, so if either of those destinations are your scene, you may want to head to Downtown or to Hawthorne... but if you are looking of moderately priced, really good seafood, this just might be the place for you. I know that our family with certainly be back.
(5)
Clara R.
We've been going to McGrath's Fish House for years and tonight will be the last time. While the food was excellent, the service was horrible. It started with the appetizer order - we ordered 2 items and they brought 3 and argued that we ordered all 3. The salad/soup round was even more messed up. To top it off, it was a birthday dinner for someone in our group and they brought the wrong dish to her twice - third time was a charm and they got it right. They did remove her meal and her birthday dessert from the bill which was very nice. The entire experience took 2 hours (50 minutes to get one cocktail). Sorry to say that we witnessed other patrons experiencing the same terrible service. 2 stars because the food was good.
(2)
Rob H.
Poor service. Tried to double bill out party multiple times. Added kids drink cost to our bill when menu says included, and then argued about it. Had to ask to have bill fixed 4x and still was not correct. 1 year Old became grumpy so I had seen enough. Left no tip to cover the servers mistakes and her nasty attitude. Now I'll address the food. It was brutally bad. Chewy fish, warm salad and dirty utensils. Will not be back and will tell others to avoid.
(1)
Tara C.
I gave it a 3 because their seared ahi tuna appetizer is delicious! Love the wasabi dip that comes with it. Unfortunately their crab legs are so overcooked and dry. Definitely not worth the price. They have been cooked so long there is hardly any meat left in the shell.
(3)
Michael B.
Called ahead of time to reserve a for 2 table and still had to wait 15 minutes to be seated. Other than the wait in our last 3 visits to this McGrath's location the food far exceeds our previous visits, we were to the point of not returning here again. The salads and entress were well prepared and the best I've had at any McGrath;s location. Well worth the price. My Halibut Parmesan was delicous. We will return as long as they keep up the good work. Previously the food was not good, overcooked, etc.
(4)
Kelsie H.
Why this place doesn't have 5 stars I do not know. I love the Parmesan halibut! I used to attend weekly when I was younger and enjoyed it still as an adult.
(5)
Jeremy L.
The food here was very good! First the clam chowder had good sized clams in it and we got the steamed clams which was also good. There weren't many clams in it though and they were small. I ordered the snow crab which was amazing! Lots of crab and very easy to get out of the shell. The price was average.
(4)
Aaron B.
I called in on Saturday and made reservations for a dinner at McGraths on Sunday night at 6:30pm. Upon entering the place was packed. We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation time at 6:30pm. When we talked to the male host at the front, he quoted us a 35-45 minute wait for our supposed reservation, telling us "Call aheads go first". Excuse me, but when did a reservation become less important then a call ahead? Basically they were too swamped, gave away our table, and made up some lame excuse as to why we were going to have to wait. For our misinformed host, if you knew anything about the restaurant industry you would understand that 'call ahead seating' is not guaranteed, where as in most restaurants that take them, a 'reservation' is your top priority, especially when they have "reserved the table" for that time.
(1)
Jens J.
Stopped by here on a whim, in the early afternoon this past Sunday, after catching a glance of McGrath's from Oregon S.R. 224. We had been driving around and checking out properties south of Portland. Since it is a fish house, I suppose it was only appropriate that it smelled a bit fishy when we first entered. But after being there for only a few minutes, we no longer noticed the odor. I liked that the waitstaff was dressed up. We were seated at a window table, overlooking a pond replete with mallard ducks. Service was very good, quite responsive throughout our entire meal. From the daily menu, JP ordered parmesan-crusted cod with a pear salad. If you order anything at McGrath's, order the pear salad! It comes with perfectly candied walnuts and an excellent dressing and is absolutely delicious. I went with a Crab Louie salad. My Crab Louie salad, served with a huge slug of crab and 1000 island dressing, was spot on. JP's cod was very good. We liked the slightly sweet chopped olive and tomato topping on the fish. We were offered dessert but passed. Prices are reasonable so I can say that overall McGrath's is a perfectly viable option for seafood.
(4)
David T.
Save your money. Food is mediocre at best. To sweat. To slimy for my taste. You my like it.
(1)
Margaret J.
Just came in and ordered desserts to go..many people complaining about the wait to get a table. One group was paged only to find out it was a mistake, so then they lost their seat in the bar. I'd be mad too, because it had been 45 minutes already. Glad we were getting to-go. Got home opened the boxes..must say for the prices it was SUPER disappointing. Won't do that again. VERY small and tasteless.
(2)
Kenny H.
We tend to go to Mc Graths in Medford, OR... just about every road trip to CA. I always loved the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad. Today, I had a sudden craving. We decided to go our most local Mc Graths option since a CA road trip is not planned for quite a while.. Well.. the crisp, tasty, well dressed salad with lots of food on the plate, including the lovely seared tuna... that kept bringing me back? Not. Here. The lettuce was NOT fresh. The leaves were all wilted. The dressing was weak. There was a little less food on the plate too boot. The tuna was seared well enough. The bread was not even as good. Less piping hot. Service was the only redeeming quality. Now I know this will remain something special on those road trips. Amazing how inconsistent a chain could be?? Disappointing.
(2)
Brian B.
Went to this place a couple weeks back because they were itching for some oysters and so we figured a fish house would have oysters. They ended up getting some and didn't seem all too disappointed with the result. Let it be known that this was the highlight of the night. All downhill from here. For starters the waitress was god awful. Took forever for us to put our orders in. Waited around for 15 minutes or so before be approached by wait staff. I ordered a glass of wine with my dinner which she completely forgot about and had to ask a busser to get it or else I probably wouldn't have. Overall, just very uninviting service and the waitress had to have multiple people do things for us because she was so inattentive. And it wasn't even that busy in there, so there was no good excuse. On to the food. I can speak for all the specific plates that we got but I got a halibut pasta which sounded really good from the description. Needless to say, no one was able to finish their food. And I don't mean because there was too much of it. Truly just not tasty food at all. We complained to the manager on the way out for what it's worth but we don't intend on ever going back there. I encourage you to do the same.
(1)
Terry K.
Good "chain" food restaurant with excellent service. Lots of fried stuff but you can ask for the fresh seafood to be broiled. They are accommodating to the method of preparation you want if it's other than fried (deep fried that is). I had their lunch salad and soup..... HUGE salad with bay shrimp. It looked like a chop chop salad sitting on a bed of large lettuce leaves. Interesting... but good. Their wines? Their wine by the glass are wines for the Oregon vineyards. So, you would have an opportunity to try Oregon wines before buying a bottle at the liquor store or super market.
(3)
david e.
The place is nice and the food decent. It wasn't anything special. I'll likely return because it's convenient and good for groups. My parents also like the place. The service was fine and I liked the board at the entrance that tells you what fish they have and where it came from.
(3)
Matt H.
Good customer service and food. From now on, I'll drive to this location and skip Vancouver
(3)
Holly W.
I enjoy seafood. The lunch menu and pricing is as good or better than what you pay at a fast food burger place. They have good food and great service. I eat at McGraths at least once a month and sometimes more. A good place to have meeting with others.
(5)
Kay G.
This is a Fish House. For 5 years now, I've walked in the door and been greeted with a fresh fish on ice. The chalkboard in the foyer shows the fish specials, where the fish came from, and where the fish are biting locally. The building is wonderful, nice and airy. The colors are relaxed. The location is good, on a pond, so you can watch ducks and nutria from the windows or the patio. What? Oh, the food. Yes, yes. For appetizers, I strongly recommend the crab and artichoke dip, as well as the crab and shrimp wontons. If you want cold appetizers, everything on the oyster bar menu is good. The Ahi, the cocktails, the prawns. All of it. Their chowder is great, especially with some of that fresh, hot sourdough bread. I'm not much of a tomato eater so I've never tried the fisherman's stew. They have also created some excellent seafood and salad pairings. When I am in a salad mood I get either the Herb crusted salmon salad or the Seared ahi salad, both of which are HUGE. If I'm not concerned about getting as much protein in my meal, I find the Oregon pear, bleu cheese, and walnut salad a delight. Fish dinners: HALIBUT PARMESAN, HAZELNUT SOLE, MACADAMIA MAHI MAHI are all great. You cannot go wrong. Their burgers say 'gourmet' on the menu and they really are very good...its hard to find a better burger in the Portland area. I usually ask them to cook the pattie medium rare, though. And the desserts. Well, if you have an entree it is unlikely that you will make it to dessert. And the desserts are quite good, and enough to feed 4, so no matter how big your tummy is, it is likely those big eyes of yours will have your hands carrying most of the dessert home in a bag. I have guests visiting me from all over the country and the world. All have found the food and the ambiance pleasing. My European friends are always surprised by the reasonable prices.
(4)
Mish N.
Excellent service. Their house favorite, halibut parmesan, was a tad dry but still delicious. Sides were prepared well. Nothing fancy, and a good place to take those less adventurous relatives and friends...above average for a seafood chain.
(3)
A M.
I love seafood... My experience at McGrath's was less than good. I have dined at McGrath's in Salem and the food and service was outstanding. The Milwaukie chain however lacked a lot. The view was amazing, the little creek outside seperating them from Sharis was actually really pretty, but the food was a great disapointment. I had the hazelnut sole and the fish itself lacked taste and texture, as did the crusting. I was sorely disappointed. My husband had a shrimp combination consisting of coconut, beer battered, teriyaki stir fried and herb/parmesan shrimp, all of which did not taste right. Another party had the salmon and it was dry and tasteless... I must say however that the service was lovely, although nothing outstanding, the staff members were corteous and pleasant. I thought the clam chowder was great and sort of wish I had the soup and salad combo, which, if I ever have to eat there again, is what I shall be doing. If you are an avid seafood lover, I honestly would think twice before dining here.
(2)
Nancy F.
Love this place. Met my husband there 15 years ago. I love seafood, and the chefs change up the menu according to what's ultra fresh, and they are creative but not 'artsy' with the menu. Portions are nice sized. Desserts are wonderful. Husband always orders the razor clams. Caesar salad is good. Drinks are good. Service is good. Never had a bad or even mediocre experience there and we go every few weeks!
(5)
Jody J.
It's seems you can go here and it is never really super busy and there is lots of parking around the building. Service was ok, but the waiter appeared to be not so cheery. The food and building exterior and interior are getting a bit run down. The G on their exterior sign has been falling off and now gone for months. Geez... Get some Gorilla glue and fix it. The battered fish was a bit greasy but the chowder was good. I noticed that the portion sizes have shrunk on the entrees but the prices haven't. If you get on their email list they do send coupons here and there. 2015-54
(3)
Carol R.
My husband and I were really looking forward to going to McGrath's last night for dinner. When we got there, it looked like a senior citizen event. My husband and I are in our early 60's and I felt like we were the youngest ones there. We ordered the crab salad and boy was that a disappointment. For $17.00 there was hardly any crab or anything else. It was nothing more than a salad with a little crabmeat. The dinner that we got wasn't very good either. My husband always gets the shrimp platter and he was totally not happy with the quality. I got a fish and that was very bland. I don't usually season my food but I needed to last night. The service wasn't very good either. Once we received out food, we never saw the waitress again until she saw all of the dishes stacked at the end of table, indicating that we're done. I really don't know if we're gong to go back for a while. We spent almost $70.00 for the two of us (no alcohol included) and we were both still feeling hungry afterward. I used to love going here but I'm totally turned off after last night.
(2)
Kyle R.
when we lived in Portland, used to come here often to eat. Interior is especially dark, unless things have changed over the years. Located in a mini strip mall, and just off the highway. i love McGraths cheese sticks...best things EVER. but every location makes them differently. Some are small, some are skinny, and some are HUGE and rockin'!
(3)
Elle L.
The fish and chips with salad was a nice lunch today. The waitress the worst I have ever seen. She must have been exhausted after the lunch rush, so when we came in at 2:30 she took forever to get us water, then menus and we actually had to go looking for her to place our order. Then once Again when we were done we had to go to the front desk to pay because she was nowhere to be seen. If you are going to be a server and represent a company you must at least TRY to do a good job. Today left a blight on the reputation of McGrath's restaurants. Today I received a very nice email from the McGrath family. They went above and beyond to make me feel better! Thank you!
(1)
Elizabeth P.
I'd give zero stars if I could!! Not a very busy night, we waited for a table for two maybe five minutes, but then sat at our table for 15 min with no one even acknowledging our existence! The table that was sat minutes before us (in the booth behind us) already had drinks and appetizers out and we still have no water. Finally I waved down another server who looked shocked we hadn't been served and was nice enough to take our drink and food order before he went to find our MIA server.
(1)
Gary L.
We ate dinner here last night ... went with no reservation was told 1/2 hour wait , happily we were seated in 20 min . Marco was our waiter and was great , the place was packed and service didn't suffer . Food was excellent Scallops for me and Cod for my wife we both were happy with our entrees and the best part you can upgrade your salad to a premium salad for $3 I got the bleu cheese wedge and my wife got the pear / walnut both were sizable and delicious. We will be back.
(4)
Mary B.
Room for improvement. And since Hubbs totally enjoys the company of older folks and predictably good (if boring) food, we will for sure be going back. Used to come all the time with the folks until we realized that we live in Portland, so why are we going to chains? BUT, it's a small-ish NW chain, so justified. Kinda. We went on a busy night and there was a wait for the dining room, so we waltzed right into the bar area. There were several dirty tables and so we asked if we could claim one of them, were given the go ahead and so we waited. And waited until another group of folks came in and eyed it and so we decided to break that cardinal rule and sit at the dirty table so that there was no confusion. Our waitress finally came by to half-assedly wipe it down. We both ordered virgin drinks. We got carded. Must be our lack of white hair. Friends of hers came in after we did and and got their dinners first, but whatever. My Shrimp Louie salad was decent and Hubbs had the Mixed Grill thingie; the crab cake was not so great, the skewer shrimp were good, nothing special and the salmon was the best part. He had a great time and that was all that mattered. Ambiance was lovely dark wood mixed with the old fogey banterings of the table next to us "fish taco sound just so terrible! Why would anyone put shrimp in a taco?"
(3)
Ben S.
My wife and I came here before the holiday season and had a very bad experience. We chose to go back and try it again. We came in the last Saturday night of 2014. We sat in the bar so we could watch some of the game. After ordering the food and drinks we noticed that there was a small group of people at the bar top that looked like they had been there for awhile. we could tell one of the ladies was served too much and was being loud and obnoxious. Once the food came we tried to enjoy our food and night out. As time progressed the lady at the bar became more and more drunk and and loud. As well as anther guy in the group was becoming the same way. My wife was pointing out to me of other guest that were noticing the 2 people too. When we walked in to the restaurant we had talked about staying for the whole game, but we left 1/2 through the 2nd quarter. Apparently if you have slept with the bartender it give you the right to be loud and obnoxious, as well as not to be cut off from drinking!!!!! The lady at the bar made this very clear to all of us guess. I guess that's what we get for sitting in the bar.
(2)
Vickie W.
We came here due to an ad that we received for "Lobster Fest". Approximately 7 pm on Friday eve. Appeared to be a good deal. Wait was not bad. However the entree we received was over cooked asked for steak. medium it was way over cooked. It was a lobster tail and shrimp and steak and potato entree. Shrimp was over cooked leathery taste. We were asked right away how everything was but we had not had a chance to taste anything yet. We were never asked again. The LOBSTER was a little two bite tail really small. Sorry to say your ad brought us their but your lack of preparing your food properly with decent portions will lead us to NOT come back.
(1)
L J.
I liked this place the first time I came here they can get a little pricey depending on what you order. I got this pasta the second time I came and with seafood the worst thing you can eat is raw scallops. The first time I came here I ordered it but the second time random pieces were raw. The crutons to there salad is unbearably over seasoned but the sour dough bread is delicious. The people there are very friendly and make sure everything is good.
(3)
Don S.
Got sick on CLEARLY old crab and shrimp. Took two bites, and wanted to hurl. AVOID.
(1)
Theresa Q.
Wish they'd come back to California. Whenever I'm traveling, I always look to see if there is one in town. Great customer service...I mean super great every time I go!
(4)
Erin T.
Best place ever for Happy Hour! My uncle had been going to McGrath's since it had it's first Grand Opening. It was everything he had talked about and more!!!! Service was incredible, food was delicious, we were totally spoiled. Visit this place it is fabulous!!!
(5)
Jody J.
It's seems you can go here and it is never really super busy and there is lots of parking around the building. Service was ok, but the waiter appeared to be not so cheery. The food and building exterior and interior are getting a bit run down. The G on their exterior sign has been falling off and now gone for months. Geez... Get some Gorilla glue and fix it. The battered fish was a bit greasy but the chowder was good. I noticed that the portion sizes have shrunk on the entrees but the prices haven't. If you get on their email list they do send coupons here and there. 2015-54
(3)
Carl T.
We really like McGraths. Their clam chowder is up there with the best. The seafood is always fresh. They make wonderful razor clams. The portions are not huge so if your going for the BIG seafood feast you'll be disappointed here. The service is hit or miss, its never great. The food makes up for it. We are regulars.
(4)
Brandon F.
worst take out service i've ever had. salmon and chips terrible. save yourself a bad time and crappy food.
(1)
Carol R.
My husband and I were really looking forward to going to McGrath's last night for dinner. When we got there, it looked like a senior citizen event. My husband and I are in our early 60's and I felt like we were the youngest ones there. We ordered the crab salad and boy was that a disappointment. For $17.00 there was hardly any crab or anything else. It was nothing more than a salad with a little crabmeat. The dinner that we got wasn't very good either. My husband always gets the shrimp platter and he was totally not happy with the quality. I got a fish and that was very bland. I don't usually season my food but I needed to last night. The service wasn't very good either. Once we received out food, we never saw the waitress again until she saw all of the dishes stacked at the end of table, indicating that we're done. I really don't know if we're gong to go back for a while. We spent almost $70.00 for the two of us (no alcohol included) and we were both still feeling hungry afterward. I used to love going here but I'm totally turned off after last night.
(2)
Kyle R.
when we lived in Portland, used to come here often to eat. Interior is especially dark, unless things have changed over the years. Located in a mini strip mall, and just off the highway. i love McGraths cheese sticks...best things EVER. but every location makes them differently. Some are small, some are skinny, and some are HUGE and rockin'!
(3)
Elle L.
The fish and chips with salad was a nice lunch today. The waitress the worst I have ever seen. She must have been exhausted after the lunch rush, so when we came in at 2:30 she took forever to get us water, then menus and we actually had to go looking for her to place our order. Then once Again when we were done we had to go to the front desk to pay because she was nowhere to be seen. If you are going to be a server and represent a company you must at least TRY to do a good job. Today left a blight on the reputation of McGrath's restaurants. Today I received a very nice email from the McGrath family. They went above and beyond to make me feel better! Thank you!
(1)
Elizabeth P.
I'd give zero stars if I could!! Not a very busy night, we waited for a table for two maybe five minutes, but then sat at our table for 15 min with no one even acknowledging our existence! The table that was sat minutes before us (in the booth behind us) already had drinks and appetizers out and we still have no water. Finally I waved down another server who looked shocked we hadn't been served and was nice enough to take our drink and food order before he went to find our MIA server.
(1)
Gary L.
We ate dinner here last night ... went with no reservation was told 1/2 hour wait , happily we were seated in 20 min . Marco was our waiter and was great , the place was packed and service didn't suffer . Food was excellent Scallops for me and Cod for my wife we both were happy with our entrees and the best part you can upgrade your salad to a premium salad for $3 I got the bleu cheese wedge and my wife got the pear / walnut both were sizable and delicious. We will be back.
(4)
Mary B.
Room for improvement. And since Hubbs totally enjoys the company of older folks and predictably good (if boring) food, we will for sure be going back. Used to come all the time with the folks until we realized that we live in Portland, so why are we going to chains? BUT, it's a small-ish NW chain, so justified. Kinda. We went on a busy night and there was a wait for the dining room, so we waltzed right into the bar area. There were several dirty tables and so we asked if we could claim one of them, were given the go ahead and so we waited. And waited until another group of folks came in and eyed it and so we decided to break that cardinal rule and sit at the dirty table so that there was no confusion. Our waitress finally came by to half-assedly wipe it down. We both ordered virgin drinks. We got carded. Must be our lack of white hair. Friends of hers came in after we did and and got their dinners first, but whatever. My Shrimp Louie salad was decent and Hubbs had the Mixed Grill thingie; the crab cake was not so great, the skewer shrimp were good, nothing special and the salmon was the best part. He had a great time and that was all that mattered. Ambiance was lovely dark wood mixed with the old fogey banterings of the table next to us "fish taco sound just so terrible! Why would anyone put shrimp in a taco?"
(3)
Ben S.
My wife and I came here before the holiday season and had a very bad experience. We chose to go back and try it again. We came in the last Saturday night of 2014. We sat in the bar so we could watch some of the game. After ordering the food and drinks we noticed that there was a small group of people at the bar top that looked like they had been there for awhile. we could tell one of the ladies was served too much and was being loud and obnoxious. Once the food came we tried to enjoy our food and night out. As time progressed the lady at the bar became more and more drunk and and loud. As well as anther guy in the group was becoming the same way. My wife was pointing out to me of other guest that were noticing the 2 people too. When we walked in to the restaurant we had talked about staying for the whole game, but we left 1/2 through the 2nd quarter. Apparently if you have slept with the bartender it give you the right to be loud and obnoxious, as well as not to be cut off from drinking!!!!! The lady at the bar made this very clear to all of us guess. I guess that's what we get for sitting in the bar.
(2)
JoAnn L.
We came in for an early Valentines Day dinner around 4;30 on Friday, February 13th. We were seated right away and was greeted by JJ our waiter and asked what we would like to drink and he brought them quickly where we told JJ what we wanted for dinner. The salad was very good even though it seemed like bagged greens but had additional red cabbage, shredded carrots and was plenty and good. The waiter had brought two additional root beers when he saw that my husband had nearly finished his drink without even asking. JJ was very attentive and provided friendly and timely customer service. The server was nice and friendly as well. We've been coming here for years and have never had a problem and the few times that we did, they had remedied the problem. We enjoy coming here and will continue to in the future.
(4)
Theresa K.
The wait staff were great, but I felt sorry for them because they had to serve such awful food. The lobster was inedible and the salmon was like shoe leather. Why the place is so crowded all the time is beyond me.
(1)
Ian M.
Always had great food but the restaurant is very dirty.
(3)
MJ H.
Very friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere, and if you sign up for their e-mail newsletter they'll send 2 for 1 offers. They know their fish, and their chips are irresistible. I don't splurge on higher calorie meals often anymore, but for a real treat, at reasonable prices, McGrath's is great.
(4)
A M.
I love seafood... My experience at McGrath's was less than good. I have dined at McGrath's in Salem and the food and service was outstanding. The Milwaukie chain however lacked a lot. The view was amazing, the little creek outside seperating them from Sharis was actually really pretty, but the food was a great disapointment. I had the hazelnut sole and the fish itself lacked taste and texture, as did the crusting. I was sorely disappointed. My husband had a shrimp combination consisting of coconut, beer battered, teriyaki stir fried and herb/parmesan shrimp, all of which did not taste right. Another party had the salmon and it was dry and tasteless... I must say however that the service was lovely, although nothing outstanding, the staff members were corteous and pleasant. I thought the clam chowder was great and sort of wish I had the soup and salad combo, which, if I ever have to eat there again, is what I shall be doing. If you are an avid seafood lover, I honestly would think twice before dining here.
(2)
Mardi C.
this can be a hit or miss, so I'll stick with the hits.... Oysters, raw, buttery, chilled and yummy. fresh fresh fresh... salmon stuffed with artichokes and crab. yum. my mom had the halibut with coconut? coconut, not fresh, tasty, but not fresh. out of a bag... probably the dried kind you get in a bag at the grocery store. she loved it... I poo pooed it. lots of old folks eat at this place. It reminds me of trying to be ray's boathouse in seattle, but it just isn't on the water, and someone needs to get shari's to move, as they ruin the view.... LOL staff is great. service is great. salmon is a hit or miss, I"ve tried some of the other salmon dishes, and they were too dry for me. I like FRESH salmon, so stick with the bay salmon stuffed. clam chowder? YUMMY OYSTERS again.... buttery yummy oysters....
(4)
Bob B.
I had crab crusted trout with lobster sauce which was out of this world. The salad and bread were excellent. Our guests had salmon and oysters, they really liked the oysters on the half shell. Their Merlo and Cab Red wine is the best. Plan to take our next guests from San Francisco there next week, it was really good! The Marion Berry Cobler is huge and was excellent, enough for 4 people to share. Great service too!
(5)
Robyn L.
This is the second year in a row that McGrath's has played some role in my Christmas feasting. Last year, it was a few days before the holiday and the place was fairly empty, this year it was Christmas Eve and the place was packed -- for good reason. We didn't plan well in returning home from Bend, and any restaurants we'd thought of having dinner were closed. The grocery stores were also closed. McGrath's graciously stayed open until 8 pm, and locals took advantage of it. People wanted their Seven Fishes. They have a great menu of fresh seafood, with everything from crab legs and calamari to hazelnut encrusted trout with marionberry sauce (one of the various specials). The wine list is solid, and the salads are filled with crisp, fresh veggies and croutons, but I think it was the fresh-baked sourdough bread with warm butter that made the dinner perfect. The staff is also very accomodating and friendly. If you find the wait too long and you're sans children, sit at the bar and enjoy a good meal.
(4)
Tabitha R.
This place is what I'd call -- pretty good for a place that feels like chain. We actually weren't sure if it was a chain -- but it had that "Chili's" kind of vibe. When you walk in there's a list of the "fresh fish" of the day and the staff is very friendly. We were told the wait was about 20 minutes -- and while we were waiting the lobby filled up to the point where they were telling people 45 minutes wait. Then we discovered the bar ... not only could we have a cold beverage while we waited -- but we could actually sit down and eat there ... so we did. The service was steller. The food was ... decent. I actually ordered the Dungeness Crab (as it was on the menu as fresh) and I would almost say that it wasn't quite cooked all the way ... strange. Hubby had a very yummy crab crusted snapper -- that was quite tasty. We definitely stuffed ourselves and will most certainly go back. I give it three stars -- because it wasn't as memorable as I was hoping. Perhaps I should lower my standards ... something to contemplate over dinner. HA!
(3)
Nancy F.
Love this place. Met my husband there 15 years ago. I love seafood, and the chefs change up the menu according to what's ultra fresh, and they are creative but not 'artsy' with the menu. Portions are nice sized. Desserts are wonderful. Husband always orders the razor clams. Caesar salad is good. Drinks are good. Service is good. Never had a bad or even mediocre experience there and we go every few weeks!
(5)
Tara D.
I cringe anytime people suggest eating here. Though I swear never to go back, occasionally I have a friend/family member who makes us go here because they want seafood and want it nearby, or they forgot just how bad it is. If you really want seafood, please do yourself (and your dining companions) a favor and go to a nice seafood restaurant in Portland. The salads here are bland and seem to come straight from a bag (you know that sort of chemical taste?), the fried items are soggy/mushy, and the nicer dishes are just ok and overpriced. Edit: After being contacted by McGraths about my review, I will edit to clarify that I am not saying the seafood supplier is bad, it is really more the preparation and presentation that are the issues in my opinion. It is nice to see that they monitor their reviews and hopefully it will encourage some changes. As a locally owned/operated establishment, it would be great to see them get away from the "chain" type of feel that really comes through in items like salads.
(2)
Iban T.
My family and I came here to escape the rolling blackouts. We went in and noticed the wait was okay so we put our name in. When we got seated we had Michael as our server, shortly after a large party was seated next to us and with them so too went Michael. The supervisor that was there checked on us twice but mostly for show. We didn't have any dishes cleared or have our drinks refilled. All in all this place earned the rating I gave it. I'm still willing to come back and give them another shot at wowing me.
(3)
Alena C.
I wish I could give a better review-based on my parents love for this place, but it was a total miss. Granted we sat in the bar and there was only one waitress (who was lovely), as hard as she tried the food was mediocre and I never got my entree. We ordered two bloody Mary's which came out as fast as soda, which is a very bad sign. The BM tasted hurried, to say the least. We both had a some clam chowder which my dad enjoyed, but I felt the overriding flavor was butter and salt. The side salad was nothing to right home about. I ordered the cod fish and chips, but 50 mins of waiting, it never showed up. I was told many times that it was "almost ready" but I ended up cancelling my order so we could get the hell our of there. Won't be back.
(2)
Robert M.
Came here for lunch and ordered the fish and chips, 'cause, how can a fish place not have great fish-n-chips? The halibut itself was quite good, but the batter was tasteless. The fries were forgettable, and the cole slaw was runny. Service was on time, but the server was very business-like, & not smiley or engaging. It wasn't a "bad" experience, but they certainly don't "wow" you in any way. Can't say I'll be rushing back anytime soon.
(2)
Christian H.
Our waitress Crystal was by far the best waitress we've had in a long while. We had the crab stuffed wontons and the crab-cakes for appetizers. Both of which were perfectly cooked. Three of us had the wild smoked salmon which was also cooked very well. One of us had the Parmesan crusted halibut. Which was literally perfect! The potatoes could have used a little more seasoning, but over all the food was great. The service was fantastic! And we all left happy. Will recommend to friends.
(5)
Malia W.
I always enjoy the food but the customer service is so awkward. There doesn't seem to be anyone genuinely thrilled to be working, the personal interest isn't there, and they just seem to be in the mode of shuffling people through like cattle. I went in for a to-go order that I phoned in ahead of time. I was greeted with a friendly demeanor at first but as soon as I said why I was there, she just stared at me. She didn't ask me for my name or what my order was. She didn't say a word until a host came around the corner and asked me casually, "Quart of chowder?" Please use eye contact, smile, use full sentences when talking to customers, and care about the dining experience from the second someone enters the doors all the way to exiting them. Consider it as an interior curb appeal. If it weren't for the food, this location would be receiving less stars.
(3)
Michael S.
Friendly servers great though the waiting time before ordering was horrendous took 25 minutes before I had a chance to, the fire grilled salmon was worth it though
(4)
Martin E.
The food was good I had the shrimp salad, clam chowder and shrimp pasta but the service was terrible I did not get a regular waitress until I had been there 45 minutes and I almost had to grab somebody just to get a refill for my drink. Went back the other day service was much better someone waited on me this time. Had a salmon dish and shrimp salad will go back again soon.
(5)
Eric H.
Food was ok Service was good and they were busy. So I felt that they did a great job.Happy V d Day
(5)
Catherine F.
Worst service ever. We barely finished our over priced, watered down drinks before deciding to go somewhere else. Ruined our birthday party... And to top it off, we only tipped our waiter Joey a dollar, so he followed us out to the parking lot to tell us we shorted him. Needless to say, we will never be back.
(1)
Jeremy L.
The food here was very good! First the clam chowder had good sized clams in it and we got the steamed clams which was also good. There weren't many clams in it though and they were small. I ordered the snow crab which was amazing! Lots of crab and very easy to get out of the shell. The price was average.
(4)
Aaron B.
I called in on Saturday and made reservations for a dinner at McGraths on Sunday night at 6:30pm. Upon entering the place was packed. We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation time at 6:30pm. When we talked to the male host at the front, he quoted us a 35-45 minute wait for our supposed reservation, telling us "Call aheads go first". Excuse me, but when did a reservation become less important then a call ahead? Basically they were too swamped, gave away our table, and made up some lame excuse as to why we were going to have to wait. For our misinformed host, if you knew anything about the restaurant industry you would understand that 'call ahead seating' is not guaranteed, where as in most restaurants that take them, a 'reservation' is your top priority, especially when they have "reserved the table" for that time.
(1)
Iris I.
I almost turned around when I saw the display tank upon entering the restaurant. It was a sand scene with bottles and nets. It looked like a beach that needed a major cleanup. And the fish smell when entering the door was a little off-putting, but hey, it is a fish house. The next thing I noticed was what appeared to be pieces of straw wrappers strewn across the floor throughout the lobby. With that being said, this place should know how to cook fish/seafood, after all, they are a "fish house." We started with the oysters. These tasted fine, but were extremely tiny and mushy, almost liquified. Next, the salad. My partner enjoyed his coleslaw, but I paid extra for the pear, blue cheese, and walnut salad. My salad was 90% iceberg lettuce. I found a few tiny pieces of diced "pear" that actually looked like apple and had no flavor. I also has a cup of the clam chowder, which wasn't bad, but wasn't great either. My partner also ordered the "crab" stuffed mushrooms. These should be re-named "onion" stuffed mushrooms. Large pieces of diced onions overpowered the dish. There was way too much cheese, and I didn't see or taste any crab at all. Now for the worst part: My partner ordered steak and lobster and received steak and crab legs. The waiter was just going to replace the crab legs, but realized he had the wrong steak as well. My herb crusted scallops were extremely overcooked. Burnt cheese and rubber scallops. I couldn't eat it and had to send it back. It took a very long time to get the burnt cheese taste out of my mouth. Round two: My partner received his steak and lobster. Of course, the lobster was overcooked, as was his steak. For my second order, I decided to try something safer and went with prawn skewer. I received the tiniest, overcooked prawns. All I could taste was the char. The rice pilaf, was not really a pilaf and was very dry. The vegetables were flavorless. I certainly would not recommend this place, nor will I return.
(1)
PJ F.
Congratulations to McGrath's for winning the top spot on my Worst Dining Experience Ever list. Sad, considering that until tonight, it was a place we looked forward to going for special occasions. Let's do the timeline: Arrival in lobby until seated (place was empty) - 10 minutes Seated until acknowledged by a single member of the staff - 20 minutes Time from told "we'll find a server for you right away" by he who would eventually be our server in the middle of his section - 5 more minutes. No greeting nor apology from server, just "what will you have?" Time from order to food on table - 1 HOUR A table of 15 elderly folks was seated just before us and was finished with their meals and paying the check before our meals arrived. During our wait, the server was a total ghost (no updates, drink refills). I just assumed he thought we were lepers or that we had big fungating masses on our faces. Even after we had food, we were never once asked how we were doing, or how the food was. If we had been asked about the food, we would have reported that the prawn platter and halibut parmesan were both uninspired and bland. The hit of the night was the orange slices which our toddler loved. Even the highly anticipated clam chowder tasted straight from the can. Ultimately we requested the company of the manager after this shit parade, and although she apologized, there was no sense of sincerity or empathy. Certainly the small gift card (no money off bill) did not make right this wholly ruined birthday dinner of my poor bride.
(1)
Heck N.
I go to Mcgraths about 10 times a month, (all take out). Occasionally when I get home I'll be missing the side salad, bread or some other small portion of something that to me doesn't matter much. Usually its just the one thing missing. Yet lately the orders have been missing multiple things, last night was the last time I'll be going to McGraths. For almost 20 dollars per meal, it was two meals on the order and they forgot this on both, they forgot the side salad, baked potato, vegatables and bread. Then when you call down to the restaurant they act like you're trying to rip them off. Oh and no I don't want to have to drive all the way back and wait for more food while my main course is getting cold. Other take out places just comp you a plate NEXT time or equivalent.
(1)
Melina H.
Went here for lunch with a girlie friend and sat in the bar. I ordered an Italian greyhound to start which was actually pretty good. Girlie friend ordered the chicken strips because she hates seafood and I must say...some of the better chicken strips I've had. Land lubbers would not be disappointed with the choice. I had the oyster lunch. Meh. Portion was just so-so for the price, the breading left much to be desired and the oysters did not taste as fresh as they should - not "off" by any means, but not fresh. The bread is, of course amazing and service was fine...prompt, attentive, and friendly.
(3)
Mcqueen C.
What a disappointment one server can ruin the evening. The food is always good no complaints. Our server was horrible, no refills, forgot my salad and I ordered fish and chips and he forgot the fries. He then told me he left off the fries because I ordered a cup of chowder in place of the fries. I never asked for this. Then he charged me for the chowder. Just real bad service not worth going back.
(1)
Robert G.
Tonight's was the best dinner yet at McGrath's. The salmon with the stuffing was very good and included both vegetables and penne pasta in a cream type sauce as accompaniments. The salad was decently sized and the bleu cheese dressing made it cohesive, meaning both stick together and taste good. They keep your sourdough bread basket and coffee, tea, and soft drinks filled. The courtesy of the serving staff, greeting staff, and management was noteworthy.
(4)
Tom M.
I like the feel of this place and the seating is nice and private. It was a very enjoyable experience but there was way too much A/C. Yes, this was a check in from summer that I'm just now getting around to. Our server was JJ and he was very helpful but I think after awhile he started to just get tired of us. I ordered a salad to start things off and as usual, when I order a salad and forget to ask for the dressing on the side, it's usually swimming in the stuff. I really hate that and don't understand why it has to be that way. The entree was a tuna steak cooked very nicely to medium rare. Anything beyond that is ruinous to a piece of fish so medium rare or less usually does it for me.. It is what it is. A chain restaurant with decent fare. Yeah, I think we'll do it again.
(3)
Jeannine B.
It has been a good decade since I have eaten here, and when my husband and I rediscovered McGrath's we very please. The food was excellent, I ordered a shrimp platter, he ordered chicken (he's a seafood baby), that family shared an appetizer sampler and my children ordered off of their kids menu. The food was fantastic and the service was very prompt. This isn't some stuffy seafood house, so elitists beware, nor is it a kitschy hipster dive, so if either of those destinations are your scene, you may want to head to Downtown or to Hawthorne... but if you are looking of moderately priced, really good seafood, this just might be the place for you. I know that our family with certainly be back.
(5)
Clara R.
We've been going to McGrath's Fish House for years and tonight will be the last time. While the food was excellent, the service was horrible. It started with the appetizer order - we ordered 2 items and they brought 3 and argued that we ordered all 3. The salad/soup round was even more messed up. To top it off, it was a birthday dinner for someone in our group and they brought the wrong dish to her twice - third time was a charm and they got it right. They did remove her meal and her birthday dessert from the bill which was very nice. The entire experience took 2 hours (50 minutes to get one cocktail). Sorry to say that we witnessed other patrons experiencing the same terrible service. 2 stars because the food was good.
(2)
Rob H.
Poor service. Tried to double bill out party multiple times. Added kids drink cost to our bill when menu says included, and then argued about it. Had to ask to have bill fixed 4x and still was not correct. 1 year Old became grumpy so I had seen enough. Left no tip to cover the servers mistakes and her nasty attitude. Now I'll address the food. It was brutally bad. Chewy fish, warm salad and dirty utensils. Will not be back and will tell others to avoid.
(1)
Tara C.
I gave it a 3 because their seared ahi tuna appetizer is delicious! Love the wasabi dip that comes with it. Unfortunately their crab legs are so overcooked and dry. Definitely not worth the price. They have been cooked so long there is hardly any meat left in the shell.
(3)
Michael B.
Called ahead of time to reserve a for 2 table and still had to wait 15 minutes to be seated. Other than the wait in our last 3 visits to this McGrath's location the food far exceeds our previous visits, we were to the point of not returning here again. The salads and entress were well prepared and the best I've had at any McGrath;s location. Well worth the price. My Halibut Parmesan was delicous. We will return as long as they keep up the good work. Previously the food was not good, overcooked, etc.
(4)
Kelsie H.
Why this place doesn't have 5 stars I do not know. I love the Parmesan halibut! I used to attend weekly when I was younger and enjoyed it still as an adult.
(5)
Jens J.
Stopped by here on a whim, in the early afternoon this past Sunday, after catching a glance of McGrath's from Oregon S.R. 224. We had been driving around and checking out properties south of Portland. Since it is a fish house, I suppose it was only appropriate that it smelled a bit fishy when we first entered. But after being there for only a few minutes, we no longer noticed the odor. I liked that the waitstaff was dressed up. We were seated at a window table, overlooking a pond replete with mallard ducks. Service was very good, quite responsive throughout our entire meal. From the daily menu, JP ordered parmesan-crusted cod with a pear salad. If you order anything at McGrath's, order the pear salad! It comes with perfectly candied walnuts and an excellent dressing and is absolutely delicious. I went with a Crab Louie salad. My Crab Louie salad, served with a huge slug of crab and 1000 island dressing, was spot on. JP's cod was very good. We liked the slightly sweet chopped olive and tomato topping on the fish. We were offered dessert but passed. Prices are reasonable so I can say that overall McGrath's is a perfectly viable option for seafood.
(4)
David T.
Save your money. Food is mediocre at best. To sweat. To slimy for my taste. You my like it.
(1)
Margaret J.
Just came in and ordered desserts to go..many people complaining about the wait to get a table. One group was paged only to find out it was a mistake, so then they lost their seat in the bar. I'd be mad too, because it had been 45 minutes already. Glad we were getting to-go. Got home opened the boxes..must say for the prices it was SUPER disappointing. Won't do that again. VERY small and tasteless.
(2)
Kenny H.
We tend to go to Mc Graths in Medford, OR... just about every road trip to CA. I always loved the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad. Today, I had a sudden craving. We decided to go our most local Mc Graths option since a CA road trip is not planned for quite a while.. Well.. the crisp, tasty, well dressed salad with lots of food on the plate, including the lovely seared tuna... that kept bringing me back? Not. Here. The lettuce was NOT fresh. The leaves were all wilted. The dressing was weak. There was a little less food on the plate too boot. The tuna was seared well enough. The bread was not even as good. Less piping hot. Service was the only redeeming quality. Now I know this will remain something special on those road trips. Amazing how inconsistent a chain could be?? Disappointing.
(2)
Thomas E.
Start by reading the other reviews. The waitresses are friendly, but the service is very slow. The prawns were soft and lacking in flavor, probably frozen. Not fresh. The salads were decent. I waited about an hour for my dinner. The salmon was fresh, but lacking in seasoning. The size of the portions were generous. The price point of the food was good. The menu was way too busy. Food seems to be trending towards deep fried. This restaurant could be so much more.
(2)
Jet B.
We think it is an excellent value. Our waiter Dustin was fantastic. Bouillabaisse was fantastic as was the blackened mahi mahi. We will definitely go again both in Milwaukie OR and Bend OR.
(5)
Brian B.
Went to this place a couple weeks back because they were itching for some oysters and so we figured a fish house would have oysters. They ended up getting some and didn't seem all too disappointed with the result. Let it be known that this was the highlight of the night. All downhill from here. For starters the waitress was god awful. Took forever for us to put our orders in. Waited around for 15 minutes or so before be approached by wait staff. I ordered a glass of wine with my dinner which she completely forgot about and had to ask a busser to get it or else I probably wouldn't have. Overall, just very uninviting service and the waitress had to have multiple people do things for us because she was so inattentive. And it wasn't even that busy in there, so there was no good excuse. On to the food. I can speak for all the specific plates that we got but I got a halibut pasta which sounded really good from the description. Needless to say, no one was able to finish their food. And I don't mean because there was too much of it. Truly just not tasty food at all. We complained to the manager on the way out for what it's worth but we don't intend on ever going back there. I encourage you to do the same.
(1)
Flory W.
We had a late lunch at McGrath's Fish House in Milwaukee last Sunday. We were seated right away, and the first thing I noticed was our table was full of crumbs! My husband ordered the steak and mini-lobster tail. His side orders were a house salad and a baked potato. There was really nothing very special about this meal, and we will likely not return to this restaurant again. The steak was overcooked - not quite shoe leather, but not far from it. The lobster was indeed very small, and seasoned so heavily that the lobster flavor barely came through. The baked potato was a baked potato, and the house lettuce salad was a lettuce salad. Again, nothing special. I wanted the Lunch Special, but the waitress said they're not serving that on Sunday, but there's one almost like it, and pointed it out to me. Instead of Half Sandwich Combo, I could pick a whole Sandwich, Clam Chowder, Fisherman's Stew or Garden Salad, without the fries but for 50cents more (without the fries!). So OK, I went for it. (See photo posted on my profile). I ordered the Bay Shrimp Sandwich on wheat Ciabatta roll, tossed with 1000 Island Dressing, Tomato, Lettuce and Cucumber. Bay I must be hungry today, because I ate half of hubby's salad, all my sandwich, bread, and a few bites of his overcooked steak. I liked my sandwich, my stew & my garden salad! BTW, the 1st 3 bites he took he spit out, they were tough!, but I asked him how he liked it and he said it was OK. If it was OK, then why did he spit the 1st three bites? The last restaurant where he ordered steak, it was so good he didn't need bottled sauce on it! I should also mention that, while the water was delivered to the table promptly, the rest of the service was slow and intermittent. Their manager stopped by our table, to say Hi. I also noticed, they must be short-staffed, the manager was helping bussed, and set tables!
(2)
Keith B.
To me they are the epitome of 3 stars restaurants. Better than Red Lobster ( in know that's not saying much) not great but most of the food i have had here is OK. I think the best time to go is Happy hour and get a big bowl of steamers clams for $4.00 or so with a glass of wine. I have had fish and others entrees and every time the entree portion has been good but the sides, not so much. I have a big complaint in general about chain restaurant sides though. There not to good anywhere. At McGrath's you can get fresh made sourdough bread and fresh fish but the sides need some help. Hence the tip: Order Ala cart during happy hour. The service has always been super friendly at this McGrath's and the one on cedar hills and the restaurant always seems clean. One area where McGrath's does really well is value. If you sign up on-line you can get lots of coupons if you want full meals this is the way to go. For around $15 bucks or so you can have soup/salad, fresh bread, steak and shrimp/crab/lobster tail, plus a couple sides. Also, i have seen several complaints about food being cooked improperly which to me seem extra goofy. Maybe these people never ate out or cooked before?? IT HAPPENS, no matter where you go, sometimes it happens. It's NOT on purpose....EVER. They don't know you and have some private vendetta to take you down with badly cooked food. I have NEVER anywhere had a problem sending back food at a corporate restaurant. If your nice you'll get comped and sometimes twice. It's how their trained, don't get mad, be cool and see how much better you are treated. Decent entrees and happy hour deals, good service, clean restaurant, not great but defiantly OK.
(3)
Terry K.
Good "chain" food restaurant with excellent service. Lots of fried stuff but you can ask for the fresh seafood to be broiled. They are accommodating to the method of preparation you want if it's other than fried (deep fried that is). I had their lunch salad and soup..... HUGE salad with bay shrimp. It looked like a chop chop salad sitting on a bed of large lettuce leaves. Interesting... but good. Their wines? Their wine by the glass are wines for the Oregon vineyards. So, you would have an opportunity to try Oregon wines before buying a bottle at the liquor store or super market.
(3)
david e.
The place is nice and the food decent. It wasn't anything special. I'll likely return because it's convenient and good for groups. My parents also like the place. The service was fine and I liked the board at the entrance that tells you what fish they have and where it came from.
(3)
Matt H.
Good customer service and food. From now on, I'll drive to this location and skip Vancouver
(3)
Patrick M.
Twin lobster tail very salty. Salt overpowers lobster flavor. At this location we always wait for wait person To come take order. They cut their butter with margerin. If you want a great McGrafts experience eat at their Federal Way WA restaurant.
(1)
Andrew W.
McGraths is pretty much a Red Lobster. I always get Steak and Lobster. The wait is usually about 20 minutes. which isn't bad. The bread is good, the salad is average. I always get Steak and Lobster. The fish is okay, My wife has the trout my son had the salmon and it wasn't bad at all for the price. Obviously, a fresh caught salmon or trout is going to be better. The steak is a good size cut, and its tender and seasoned right. The lobster tails are small, but they are everywhere. 20 dollars for steak and lobster is a pretty good price IMHO. The building is nice and roomy, the tables are good and the seats are okay. The service is hit or miss. I think that has more to do with the Portland attitude of some of the servers. They just can't hide their passive aggressiveness no matter how hard they try. We tried a restaurant that was touted to make Mcgraths seem like a hot pocket in a dirty microwave. I found this particular place on ne sandy to be slightly better. The menu was too limited for my tastes. Also a certain place by the airport on Marine drive is overpriced and has similar quality food in my opinion. If the idea of a locally owned red lobster type restaurant doesn't frighten you then give it a shot.
(4)
D. E.
Beside all the other demerits my fellow Yelper's give this place, and they're all true, I must add this: The cooks are way overcooking the better cuts of fish. Not everything must be cooked extra well-done. I'm not here for tilapia or goat or whatever they are used to cooking. Give them a little guidance. This isn't Skippers and you certainly charge the going rate of other fish houses. And hey, on a side note, when a waiter tries to tell the customer what to order without even handing them menus, I want to get up and walk out. Who does he think he is? The Amazing Kreskin or some other clairvoyant? I'm not at the Palm or in Beverly Hills. Push whatever crap the boss told you to unload on Honey Boo Boo.
(2)
Holly D.
I have eaten here a couple of time because a friend of mine loves it and this is fish season for me, so I go (besides she pays). The bread and butter is nice, the place is clean. Please put straws with your glasses of water. Don't know why it bugs me when I have to ask for a straw, but it does. I had a nice shrimp salad and my friend had her favorite, the clam strips which looked great. Couldn't tell if the fries were frozen or not. but the real surprise was the almond apple crisp. Oh my..it was wonderful!!! and huge enough for both of us to share without complaint. Always ask for a seat by the pond, watching the Canadian Geese land is a treat.
(3)
Kim S.
happy birthday to me. err, not. we chose the restaurant based on previous good food / service and proximity to our house. party of 8, which included two kiddos. the ahi app was fantastic. the razor clams were also tasty. dad had the calamari, which he liked. i had the seafood sampler as my entree - the salmon was incredible dry and the crab cake tasted of all cake and seasoning. my mother had the halibut special and the halibut was hard (how do you do that to fish?). if you're ordering for your kiddos, make sure you request the drink and ice cream that comes with the meal (our waiter didn't offer and we ended up ordering it to go at the end of the meal). also, the macaroni and cheese is actually penne and cheese; great if you're 4, not so great if you're 2. all in all, a total bummer.
(1)
Holy-foo' X.
[the collective 3.5 rating seems just about right...] Used to live right across 224 from McGrath's, and didn't hesitate to take company over there for grub. A notch or two above any other options in the same strip mall (Subway, McDs, Taco Hell, Shari's, and a non-descript Chinese hole in the wall). Usually got blackened catfish filets over Caeser salad and a cup of chowder/fish stew. Frequently shared calamari or other sea food appetizer w/whoever was my dinner company. Their chowder was among the better you'll find, especially once it's properly dashed w/tabasco. Once in a great while, they would even offer STURGEON, which i LOVE! Wash it all down w/a pint of draft and you've had a healthful, tasty supper that hits the spot, every time!
(4)
Justin S.
No pirate costumes, no stolen identity, no hackers, but lots of chowder and iced tea... Guys, you really have great service. And, to make it stand out I will write the service is outstanding. (hope that double quote makes it into the top) Our waiter was David, even though he was serving 5 tables at once, was prompt and did a great job. The oysters, as many people have stated are quite good. Fisherman's stew, cioppino, was excellent with the hot sourdough bread. Salad croutons are zesty and the garlic noodles under the parmesan shrimp were quite good. The endless shrimp really should end. I would have preferred ending-shrimp with better flavors. I think I liked the noodles best, and the beer battered shrimp the least. The parmesan crust was a little too salty, the coconut version was ok, but a little too greasy (maybe overfried). The other food I have eaten from this place has been good and very reasonably priced. Of the seafood chains in Portland, I think this is my favorite, just not the endless shrimp. I'll be back and stick to the main menu.
(3)
Joseph H.
Service was great. Meal was chain food. It was good chain food, really good, just don't watch any movies about over fishing before you go. Cajun catfish was tasty, the vegetables were a hit, the rice pilaf dropped the ball. The latter had dried flakes of Oregano added AFTER it hit the plate. Not a good idea Mr. line cook, the dried herb just stood out and was appalled by the rice it was meant to court. The veggies were roasted simply, but they did a good job blending the flavors with the Catfish. Overall I was pretty happy with my order and kind of surprised. Drinks, and chowder were sub standard. The chow had nothing on many Portland restaurants and was clearly the thick corn starch type made by a lot of chains. Hey it was clean, the service was great and the food was consistent. ;)
(3)
Tam F.
Here we are in Oregon again. This time, there are 9 of us in the house and we are expecting 2 more tomorrow. The wonderful Grammie likes to eat out in restaurants, so we ended up coming here (per the parents' recommendation). We had reservations for 6:30... We were seated at 7:05. Our drink orders were taken at 7:10. Our orders were taken at 7:15, our salads/soups came at 7:30 and our dinners...well 8 of the 9 dinners came at 8:05pm, the 9th dinner (our server "forgot" to put it into the system) arrived at 8:20. Overall, the food was mediocre. There were a couple of dishes that stood out-my man's crab legs and my daughters seafood tortellini's. The rest of the meals were luke warm, and fair. The restaurant had that shabby feel to it-like it needed Gordon Ramsey or something. To end the evening, I went to use the ladies room. There was no toilet paper in stall. Why 3 stars you ask? Well, since meal #9 wasn't ordered and came later than the rest , the manager comped the table 2 desserts. The key lime pie was horrible, but the mud pie (HUGE!) made the 6 of the 9 people at the table VERY happy. I don't think I ever need to eat here again....
(3)
Ely M.
Love the wood fire salmon! With tidal wave to drink. I come here with my husband & son. 2 to 4 times a month. Nice athmophere, service and great food.
(4)
Vickie W.
We came here due to an ad that we received for "Lobster Fest". Approximately 7 pm on Friday eve. Appeared to be a good deal. Wait was not bad. However the entree we received was over cooked asked for steak. medium it was way over cooked. It was a lobster tail and shrimp and steak and potato entree. Shrimp was over cooked leathery taste. We were asked right away how everything was but we had not had a chance to taste anything yet. We were never asked again. The LOBSTER was a little two bite tail really small. Sorry to say your ad brought us their but your lack of preparing your food properly with decent portions will lead us to NOT come back.
(1)
L J.
I liked this place the first time I came here they can get a little pricey depending on what you order. I got this pasta the second time I came and with seafood the worst thing you can eat is raw scallops. The first time I came here I ordered it but the second time random pieces were raw. The crutons to there salad is unbearably over seasoned but the sour dough bread is delicious. The people there are very friendly and make sure everything is good.
(3)
Don S.
Got sick on CLEARLY old crab and shrimp. Took two bites, and wanted to hurl. AVOID.
(1)
Theresa Q.
Wish they'd come back to California. Whenever I'm traveling, I always look to see if there is one in town. Great customer service...I mean super great every time I go!
(4)
Holly W.
I enjoy seafood. The lunch menu and pricing is as good or better than what you pay at a fast food burger place. They have good food and great service. I eat at McGraths at least once a month and sometimes more. A good place to have meeting with others.
(5)
Kay G.
This is a Fish House. For 5 years now, I've walked in the door and been greeted with a fresh fish on ice. The chalkboard in the foyer shows the fish specials, where the fish came from, and where the fish are biting locally. The building is wonderful, nice and airy. The colors are relaxed. The location is good, on a pond, so you can watch ducks and nutria from the windows or the patio. What? Oh, the food. Yes, yes. For appetizers, I strongly recommend the crab and artichoke dip, as well as the crab and shrimp wontons. If you want cold appetizers, everything on the oyster bar menu is good. The Ahi, the cocktails, the prawns. All of it. Their chowder is great, especially with some of that fresh, hot sourdough bread. I'm not much of a tomato eater so I've never tried the fisherman's stew. They have also created some excellent seafood and salad pairings. When I am in a salad mood I get either the Herb crusted salmon salad or the Seared ahi salad, both of which are HUGE. If I'm not concerned about getting as much protein in my meal, I find the Oregon pear, bleu cheese, and walnut salad a delight. Fish dinners: HALIBUT PARMESAN, HAZELNUT SOLE, MACADAMIA MAHI MAHI are all great. You cannot go wrong. Their burgers say 'gourmet' on the menu and they really are very good...its hard to find a better burger in the Portland area. I usually ask them to cook the pattie medium rare, though. And the desserts. Well, if you have an entree it is unlikely that you will make it to dessert. And the desserts are quite good, and enough to feed 4, so no matter how big your tummy is, it is likely those big eyes of yours will have your hands carrying most of the dessert home in a bag. I have guests visiting me from all over the country and the world. All have found the food and the ambiance pleasing. My European friends are always surprised by the reasonable prices.
(4)
Mish N.
Excellent service. Their house favorite, halibut parmesan, was a tad dry but still delicious. Sides were prepared well. Nothing fancy, and a good place to take those less adventurous relatives and friends...above average for a seafood chain.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Ian M.
Always had great food but the restaurant is very dirty.
(3)Flory W.
We had a late lunch at McGrath's Fish House in Milwaukee last Sunday. We were seated right away, and the first thing I noticed was our table was full of crumbs! My husband ordered the steak and mini-lobster tail. His side orders were a house salad and a baked potato. There was really nothing very special about this meal, and we will likely not return to this restaurant again. The steak was overcooked - not quite shoe leather, but not far from it. The lobster was indeed very small, and seasoned so heavily that the lobster flavor barely came through. The baked potato was a baked potato, and the house lettuce salad was a lettuce salad. Again, nothing special. I wanted the Lunch Special, but the waitress said they're not serving that on Sunday, but there's one almost like it, and pointed it out to me. Instead of Half Sandwich Combo, I could pick a whole Sandwich, Clam Chowder, Fisherman's Stew or Garden Salad, without the fries but for 50cents more (without the fries!). So OK, I went for it. (See photo posted on my profile). I ordered the Bay Shrimp Sandwich on wheat Ciabatta roll, tossed with 1000 Island Dressing, Tomato, Lettuce and Cucumber. Bay I must be hungry today, because I ate half of hubby's salad, all my sandwich, bread, and a few bites of his overcooked steak. I liked my sandwich, my stew & my garden salad! BTW, the 1st 3 bites he took he spit out, they were tough!, but I asked him how he liked it and he said it was OK. If it was OK, then why did he spit the 1st three bites? The last restaurant where he ordered steak, it was so good he didn't need bottled sauce on it! I should also mention that, while the water was delivered to the table promptly, the rest of the service was slow and intermittent. Their manager stopped by our table, to say Hi. I also noticed, they must be short-staffed, the manager was helping bussed, and set tables!
(2)Keith B.
To me they are the epitome of 3 stars restaurants. Better than Red Lobster ( in know that's not saying much) not great but most of the food i have had here is OK. I think the best time to go is Happy hour and get a big bowl of steamers clams for $4.00 or so with a glass of wine. I have had fish and others entrees and every time the entree portion has been good but the sides, not so much. I have a big complaint in general about chain restaurant sides though. There not to good anywhere. At McGrath's you can get fresh made sourdough bread and fresh fish but the sides need some help. Hence the tip: Order Ala cart during happy hour. The service has always been super friendly at this McGrath's and the one on cedar hills and the restaurant always seems clean. One area where McGrath's does really well is value. If you sign up on-line you can get lots of coupons if you want full meals this is the way to go. For around $15 bucks or so you can have soup/salad, fresh bread, steak and shrimp/crab/lobster tail, plus a couple sides. Also, i have seen several complaints about food being cooked improperly which to me seem extra goofy. Maybe these people never ate out or cooked before?? IT HAPPENS, no matter where you go, sometimes it happens. It's NOT on purpose....EVER. They don't know you and have some private vendetta to take you down with badly cooked food. I have NEVER anywhere had a problem sending back food at a corporate restaurant. If your nice you'll get comped and sometimes twice. It's how their trained, don't get mad, be cool and see how much better you are treated. Decent entrees and happy hour deals, good service, clean restaurant, not great but defiantly OK.
(3)Patrick M.
Twin lobster tail very salty. Salt overpowers lobster flavor. At this location we always wait for wait person To come take order. They cut their butter with margerin. If you want a great McGrafts experience eat at their Federal Way WA restaurant.
(1)Andrew W.
McGraths is pretty much a Red Lobster. I always get Steak and Lobster. The wait is usually about 20 minutes. which isn't bad. The bread is good, the salad is average. I always get Steak and Lobster. The fish is okay, My wife has the trout my son had the salmon and it wasn't bad at all for the price. Obviously, a fresh caught salmon or trout is going to be better. The steak is a good size cut, and its tender and seasoned right. The lobster tails are small, but they are everywhere. 20 dollars for steak and lobster is a pretty good price IMHO. The building is nice and roomy, the tables are good and the seats are okay. The service is hit or miss. I think that has more to do with the Portland attitude of some of the servers. They just can't hide their passive aggressiveness no matter how hard they try. We tried a restaurant that was touted to make Mcgraths seem like a hot pocket in a dirty microwave. I found this particular place on ne sandy to be slightly better. The menu was too limited for my tastes. Also a certain place by the airport on Marine drive is overpriced and has similar quality food in my opinion. If the idea of a locally owned red lobster type restaurant doesn't frighten you then give it a shot.
(4)D. E.
Beside all the other demerits my fellow Yelper's give this place, and they're all true, I must add this: The cooks are way overcooking the better cuts of fish. Not everything must be cooked extra well-done. I'm not here for tilapia or goat or whatever they are used to cooking. Give them a little guidance. This isn't Skippers and you certainly charge the going rate of other fish houses. And hey, on a side note, when a waiter tries to tell the customer what to order without even handing them menus, I want to get up and walk out. Who does he think he is? The Amazing Kreskin or some other clairvoyant? I'm not at the Palm or in Beverly Hills. Push whatever crap the boss told you to unload on Honey Boo Boo.
(2)Holly D.
I have eaten here a couple of time because a friend of mine loves it and this is fish season for me, so I go (besides she pays). The bread and butter is nice, the place is clean. Please put straws with your glasses of water. Don't know why it bugs me when I have to ask for a straw, but it does. I had a nice shrimp salad and my friend had her favorite, the clam strips which looked great. Couldn't tell if the fries were frozen or not. but the real surprise was the almond apple crisp. Oh my..it was wonderful!!! and huge enough for both of us to share without complaint. Always ask for a seat by the pond, watching the Canadian Geese land is a treat.
(3)Joseph H.
Service was great. Meal was chain food. It was good chain food, really good, just don't watch any movies about over fishing before you go. Cajun catfish was tasty, the vegetables were a hit, the rice pilaf dropped the ball. The latter had dried flakes of Oregano added AFTER it hit the plate. Not a good idea Mr. line cook, the dried herb just stood out and was appalled by the rice it was meant to court. The veggies were roasted simply, but they did a good job blending the flavors with the Catfish. Overall I was pretty happy with my order and kind of surprised. Drinks, and chowder were sub standard. The chow had nothing on many Portland restaurants and was clearly the thick corn starch type made by a lot of chains. Hey it was clean, the service was great and the food was consistent. ;)
(3)MJ H.
Very friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere, and if you sign up for their e-mail newsletter they'll send 2 for 1 offers. They know their fish, and their chips are irresistible. I don't splurge on higher calorie meals often anymore, but for a real treat, at reasonable prices, McGrath's is great.
(4)Tam F.
Here we are in Oregon again. This time, there are 9 of us in the house and we are expecting 2 more tomorrow. The wonderful Grammie likes to eat out in restaurants, so we ended up coming here (per the parents' recommendation). We had reservations for 6:30... We were seated at 7:05. Our drink orders were taken at 7:10. Our orders were taken at 7:15, our salads/soups came at 7:30 and our dinners...well 8 of the 9 dinners came at 8:05pm, the 9th dinner (our server "forgot" to put it into the system) arrived at 8:20. Overall, the food was mediocre. There were a couple of dishes that stood out-my man's crab legs and my daughters seafood tortellini's. The rest of the meals were luke warm, and fair. The restaurant had that shabby feel to it-like it needed Gordon Ramsey or something. To end the evening, I went to use the ladies room. There was no toilet paper in stall. Why 3 stars you ask? Well, since meal #9 wasn't ordered and came later than the rest , the manager comped the table 2 desserts. The key lime pie was horrible, but the mud pie (HUGE!) made the 6 of the 9 people at the table VERY happy. I don't think I ever need to eat here again....
(3)Ely M.
Love the wood fire salmon! With tidal wave to drink. I come here with my husband & son. 2 to 4 times a month. Nice athmophere, service and great food.
(4)Mardi C.
this can be a hit or miss, so I'll stick with the hits.... Oysters, raw, buttery, chilled and yummy. fresh fresh fresh... salmon stuffed with artichokes and crab. yum. my mom had the halibut with coconut? coconut, not fresh, tasty, but not fresh. out of a bag... probably the dried kind you get in a bag at the grocery store. she loved it... I poo pooed it. lots of old folks eat at this place. It reminds me of trying to be ray's boathouse in seattle, but it just isn't on the water, and someone needs to get shari's to move, as they ruin the view.... LOL staff is great. service is great. salmon is a hit or miss, I"ve tried some of the other salmon dishes, and they were too dry for me. I like FRESH salmon, so stick with the bay salmon stuffed. clam chowder? YUMMY OYSTERS again.... buttery yummy oysters....
(4)Bob B.
I had crab crusted trout with lobster sauce which was out of this world. The salad and bread were excellent. Our guests had salmon and oysters, they really liked the oysters on the half shell. Their Merlo and Cab Red wine is the best. Plan to take our next guests from San Francisco there next week, it was really good! The Marion Berry Cobler is huge and was excellent, enough for 4 people to share. Great service too!
(5)Robyn L.
This is the second year in a row that McGrath's has played some role in my Christmas feasting. Last year, it was a few days before the holiday and the place was fairly empty, this year it was Christmas Eve and the place was packed -- for good reason. We didn't plan well in returning home from Bend, and any restaurants we'd thought of having dinner were closed. The grocery stores were also closed. McGrath's graciously stayed open until 8 pm, and locals took advantage of it. People wanted their Seven Fishes. They have a great menu of fresh seafood, with everything from crab legs and calamari to hazelnut encrusted trout with marionberry sauce (one of the various specials). The wine list is solid, and the salads are filled with crisp, fresh veggies and croutons, but I think it was the fresh-baked sourdough bread with warm butter that made the dinner perfect. The staff is also very accomodating and friendly. If you find the wait too long and you're sans children, sit at the bar and enjoy a good meal.
(4)Tabitha R.
This place is what I'd call -- pretty good for a place that feels like chain. We actually weren't sure if it was a chain -- but it had that "Chili's" kind of vibe. When you walk in there's a list of the "fresh fish" of the day and the staff is very friendly. We were told the wait was about 20 minutes -- and while we were waiting the lobby filled up to the point where they were telling people 45 minutes wait. Then we discovered the bar ... not only could we have a cold beverage while we waited -- but we could actually sit down and eat there ... so we did. The service was steller. The food was ... decent. I actually ordered the Dungeness Crab (as it was on the menu as fresh) and I would almost say that it wasn't quite cooked all the way ... strange. Hubby had a very yummy crab crusted snapper -- that was quite tasty. We definitely stuffed ourselves and will most certainly go back. I give it three stars -- because it wasn't as memorable as I was hoping. Perhaps I should lower my standards ... something to contemplate over dinner. HA!
(3)Tara D.
I cringe anytime people suggest eating here. Though I swear never to go back, occasionally I have a friend/family member who makes us go here because they want seafood and want it nearby, or they forgot just how bad it is. If you really want seafood, please do yourself (and your dining companions) a favor and go to a nice seafood restaurant in Portland. The salads here are bland and seem to come straight from a bag (you know that sort of chemical taste?), the fried items are soggy/mushy, and the nicer dishes are just ok and overpriced. Edit: After being contacted by McGraths about my review, I will edit to clarify that I am not saying the seafood supplier is bad, it is really more the preparation and presentation that are the issues in my opinion. It is nice to see that they monitor their reviews and hopefully it will encourage some changes. As a locally owned/operated establishment, it would be great to see them get away from the "chain" type of feel that really comes through in items like salads.
(2)Iban T.
My family and I came here to escape the rolling blackouts. We went in and noticed the wait was okay so we put our name in. When we got seated we had Michael as our server, shortly after a large party was seated next to us and with them so too went Michael. The supervisor that was there checked on us twice but mostly for show. We didn't have any dishes cleared or have our drinks refilled. All in all this place earned the rating I gave it. I'm still willing to come back and give them another shot at wowing me.
(3)Alena C.
I wish I could give a better review-based on my parents love for this place, but it was a total miss. Granted we sat in the bar and there was only one waitress (who was lovely), as hard as she tried the food was mediocre and I never got my entree. We ordered two bloody Mary's which came out as fast as soda, which is a very bad sign. The BM tasted hurried, to say the least. We both had a some clam chowder which my dad enjoyed, but I felt the overriding flavor was butter and salt. The side salad was nothing to right home about. I ordered the cod fish and chips, but 50 mins of waiting, it never showed up. I was told many times that it was "almost ready" but I ended up cancelling my order so we could get the hell our of there. Won't be back.
(2)Robert M.
Came here for lunch and ordered the fish and chips, 'cause, how can a fish place not have great fish-n-chips? The halibut itself was quite good, but the batter was tasteless. The fries were forgettable, and the cole slaw was runny. Service was on time, but the server was very business-like, & not smiley or engaging. It wasn't a "bad" experience, but they certainly don't "wow" you in any way. Can't say I'll be rushing back anytime soon.
(2)Christian H.
Our waitress Crystal was by far the best waitress we've had in a long while. We had the crab stuffed wontons and the crab-cakes for appetizers. Both of which were perfectly cooked. Three of us had the wild smoked salmon which was also cooked very well. One of us had the Parmesan crusted halibut. Which was literally perfect! The potatoes could have used a little more seasoning, but over all the food was great. The service was fantastic! And we all left happy. Will recommend to friends.
(5)Kim S.
happy birthday to me. err, not. we chose the restaurant based on previous good food / service and proximity to our house. party of 8, which included two kiddos. the ahi app was fantastic. the razor clams were also tasty. dad had the calamari, which he liked. i had the seafood sampler as my entree - the salmon was incredible dry and the crab cake tasted of all cake and seasoning. my mother had the halibut special and the halibut was hard (how do you do that to fish?). if you're ordering for your kiddos, make sure you request the drink and ice cream that comes with the meal (our waiter didn't offer and we ended up ordering it to go at the end of the meal). also, the macaroni and cheese is actually penne and cheese; great if you're 4, not so great if you're 2. all in all, a total bummer.
(1)Holy-foo' X.
[the collective 3.5 rating seems just about right...] Used to live right across 224 from McGrath's, and didn't hesitate to take company over there for grub. A notch or two above any other options in the same strip mall (Subway, McDs, Taco Hell, Shari's, and a non-descript Chinese hole in the wall). Usually got blackened catfish filets over Caeser salad and a cup of chowder/fish stew. Frequently shared calamari or other sea food appetizer w/whoever was my dinner company. Their chowder was among the better you'll find, especially once it's properly dashed w/tabasco. Once in a great while, they would even offer STURGEON, which i LOVE! Wash it all down w/a pint of draft and you've had a healthful, tasty supper that hits the spot, every time!
(4)Justin S.
No pirate costumes, no stolen identity, no hackers, but lots of chowder and iced tea... Guys, you really have great service. And, to make it stand out I will write the service is outstanding. (hope that double quote makes it into the top) Our waiter was David, even though he was serving 5 tables at once, was prompt and did a great job. The oysters, as many people have stated are quite good. Fisherman's stew, cioppino, was excellent with the hot sourdough bread. Salad croutons are zesty and the garlic noodles under the parmesan shrimp were quite good. The endless shrimp really should end. I would have preferred ending-shrimp with better flavors. I think I liked the noodles best, and the beer battered shrimp the least. The parmesan crust was a little too salty, the coconut version was ok, but a little too greasy (maybe overfried). The other food I have eaten from this place has been good and very reasonably priced. Of the seafood chains in Portland, I think this is my favorite, just not the endless shrimp. I'll be back and stick to the main menu.
(3)Carl T.
We really like McGraths. Their clam chowder is up there with the best. The seafood is always fresh. They make wonderful razor clams. The portions are not huge so if your going for the BIG seafood feast you'll be disappointed here. The service is hit or miss, its never great. The food makes up for it. We are regulars.
(4)Brandon F.
worst take out service i've ever had. salmon and chips terrible. save yourself a bad time and crappy food.
(1)JoAnn L.
We came in for an early Valentines Day dinner around 4;30 on Friday, February 13th. We were seated right away and was greeted by JJ our waiter and asked what we would like to drink and he brought them quickly where we told JJ what we wanted for dinner. The salad was very good even though it seemed like bagged greens but had additional red cabbage, shredded carrots and was plenty and good. The waiter had brought two additional root beers when he saw that my husband had nearly finished his drink without even asking. JJ was very attentive and provided friendly and timely customer service. The server was nice and friendly as well. We've been coming here for years and have never had a problem and the few times that we did, they had remedied the problem. We enjoy coming here and will continue to in the future.
(4)Theresa K.
The wait staff were great, but I felt sorry for them because they had to serve such awful food. The lobster was inedible and the salmon was like shoe leather. Why the place is so crowded all the time is beyond me.
(1)Malia W.
I always enjoy the food but the customer service is so awkward. There doesn't seem to be anyone genuinely thrilled to be working, the personal interest isn't there, and they just seem to be in the mode of shuffling people through like cattle. I went in for a to-go order that I phoned in ahead of time. I was greeted with a friendly demeanor at first but as soon as I said why I was there, she just stared at me. She didn't ask me for my name or what my order was. She didn't say a word until a host came around the corner and asked me casually, "Quart of chowder?" Please use eye contact, smile, use full sentences when talking to customers, and care about the dining experience from the second someone enters the doors all the way to exiting them. Consider it as an interior curb appeal. If it weren't for the food, this location would be receiving less stars.
(3)Michael S.
Friendly servers great though the waiting time before ordering was horrendous took 25 minutes before I had a chance to, the fire grilled salmon was worth it though
(4)Martin E.
The food was good I had the shrimp salad, clam chowder and shrimp pasta but the service was terrible I did not get a regular waitress until I had been there 45 minutes and I almost had to grab somebody just to get a refill for my drink. Went back the other day service was much better someone waited on me this time. Had a salmon dish and shrimp salad will go back again soon.
(5)Eric H.
Food was ok Service was good and they were busy. So I felt that they did a great job.Happy V d Day
(5)Catherine F.
Worst service ever. We barely finished our over priced, watered down drinks before deciding to go somewhere else. Ruined our birthday party... And to top it off, we only tipped our waiter Joey a dollar, so he followed us out to the parking lot to tell us we shorted him. Needless to say, we will never be back.
(1)Thomas E.
Start by reading the other reviews. The waitresses are friendly, but the service is very slow. The prawns were soft and lacking in flavor, probably frozen. Not fresh. The salads were decent. I waited about an hour for my dinner. The salmon was fresh, but lacking in seasoning. The size of the portions were generous. The price point of the food was good. The menu was way too busy. Food seems to be trending towards deep fried. This restaurant could be so much more.
(2)Jet B.
We think it is an excellent value. Our waiter Dustin was fantastic. Bouillabaisse was fantastic as was the blackened mahi mahi. We will definitely go again both in Milwaukie OR and Bend OR.
(5)Erin T.
Best place ever for Happy Hour! My uncle had been going to McGrath's since it had it's first Grand Opening. It was everything he had talked about and more!!!! Service was incredible, food was delicious, we were totally spoiled. Visit this place it is fabulous!!!
(5)Iris I.
I almost turned around when I saw the display tank upon entering the restaurant. It was a sand scene with bottles and nets. It looked like a beach that needed a major cleanup. And the fish smell when entering the door was a little off-putting, but hey, it is a fish house. The next thing I noticed was what appeared to be pieces of straw wrappers strewn across the floor throughout the lobby. With that being said, this place should know how to cook fish/seafood, after all, they are a "fish house." We started with the oysters. These tasted fine, but were extremely tiny and mushy, almost liquified. Next, the salad. My partner enjoyed his coleslaw, but I paid extra for the pear, blue cheese, and walnut salad. My salad was 90% iceberg lettuce. I found a few tiny pieces of diced "pear" that actually looked like apple and had no flavor. I also has a cup of the clam chowder, which wasn't bad, but wasn't great either. My partner also ordered the "crab" stuffed mushrooms. These should be re-named "onion" stuffed mushrooms. Large pieces of diced onions overpowered the dish. There was way too much cheese, and I didn't see or taste any crab at all. Now for the worst part: My partner ordered steak and lobster and received steak and crab legs. The waiter was just going to replace the crab legs, but realized he had the wrong steak as well. My herb crusted scallops were extremely overcooked. Burnt cheese and rubber scallops. I couldn't eat it and had to send it back. It took a very long time to get the burnt cheese taste out of my mouth. Round two: My partner received his steak and lobster. Of course, the lobster was overcooked, as was his steak. For my second order, I decided to try something safer and went with prawn skewer. I received the tiniest, overcooked prawns. All I could taste was the char. The rice pilaf, was not really a pilaf and was very dry. The vegetables were flavorless. I certainly would not recommend this place, nor will I return.
(1)PJ F.
Congratulations to McGrath's for winning the top spot on my Worst Dining Experience Ever list. Sad, considering that until tonight, it was a place we looked forward to going for special occasions. Let's do the timeline: Arrival in lobby until seated (place was empty) - 10 minutes Seated until acknowledged by a single member of the staff - 20 minutes Time from told "we'll find a server for you right away" by he who would eventually be our server in the middle of his section - 5 more minutes. No greeting nor apology from server, just "what will you have?" Time from order to food on table - 1 HOUR A table of 15 elderly folks was seated just before us and was finished with their meals and paying the check before our meals arrived. During our wait, the server was a total ghost (no updates, drink refills). I just assumed he thought we were lepers or that we had big fungating masses on our faces. Even after we had food, we were never once asked how we were doing, or how the food was. If we had been asked about the food, we would have reported that the prawn platter and halibut parmesan were both uninspired and bland. The hit of the night was the orange slices which our toddler loved. Even the highly anticipated clam chowder tasted straight from the can. Ultimately we requested the company of the manager after this shit parade, and although she apologized, there was no sense of sincerity or empathy. Certainly the small gift card (no money off bill) did not make right this wholly ruined birthday dinner of my poor bride.
(1)Heck N.
I go to Mcgraths about 10 times a month, (all take out). Occasionally when I get home I'll be missing the side salad, bread or some other small portion of something that to me doesn't matter much. Usually its just the one thing missing. Yet lately the orders have been missing multiple things, last night was the last time I'll be going to McGraths. For almost 20 dollars per meal, it was two meals on the order and they forgot this on both, they forgot the side salad, baked potato, vegatables and bread. Then when you call down to the restaurant they act like you're trying to rip them off. Oh and no I don't want to have to drive all the way back and wait for more food while my main course is getting cold. Other take out places just comp you a plate NEXT time or equivalent.
(1)Melina H.
Went here for lunch with a girlie friend and sat in the bar. I ordered an Italian greyhound to start which was actually pretty good. Girlie friend ordered the chicken strips because she hates seafood and I must say...some of the better chicken strips I've had. Land lubbers would not be disappointed with the choice. I had the oyster lunch. Meh. Portion was just so-so for the price, the breading left much to be desired and the oysters did not taste as fresh as they should - not "off" by any means, but not fresh. The bread is, of course amazing and service was fine...prompt, attentive, and friendly.
(3)Mcqueen C.
What a disappointment one server can ruin the evening. The food is always good no complaints. Our server was horrible, no refills, forgot my salad and I ordered fish and chips and he forgot the fries. He then told me he left off the fries because I ordered a cup of chowder in place of the fries. I never asked for this. Then he charged me for the chowder. Just real bad service not worth going back.
(1)Robert G.
Tonight's was the best dinner yet at McGrath's. The salmon with the stuffing was very good and included both vegetables and penne pasta in a cream type sauce as accompaniments. The salad was decently sized and the bleu cheese dressing made it cohesive, meaning both stick together and taste good. They keep your sourdough bread basket and coffee, tea, and soft drinks filled. The courtesy of the serving staff, greeting staff, and management was noteworthy.
(4)Tom M.
I like the feel of this place and the seating is nice and private. It was a very enjoyable experience but there was way too much A/C. Yes, this was a check in from summer that I'm just now getting around to. Our server was JJ and he was very helpful but I think after awhile he started to just get tired of us. I ordered a salad to start things off and as usual, when I order a salad and forget to ask for the dressing on the side, it's usually swimming in the stuff. I really hate that and don't understand why it has to be that way. The entree was a tuna steak cooked very nicely to medium rare. Anything beyond that is ruinous to a piece of fish so medium rare or less usually does it for me.. It is what it is. A chain restaurant with decent fare. Yeah, I think we'll do it again.
(3)Jeannine B.
It has been a good decade since I have eaten here, and when my husband and I rediscovered McGrath's we very please. The food was excellent, I ordered a shrimp platter, he ordered chicken (he's a seafood baby), that family shared an appetizer sampler and my children ordered off of their kids menu. The food was fantastic and the service was very prompt. This isn't some stuffy seafood house, so elitists beware, nor is it a kitschy hipster dive, so if either of those destinations are your scene, you may want to head to Downtown or to Hawthorne... but if you are looking of moderately priced, really good seafood, this just might be the place for you. I know that our family with certainly be back.
(5)Clara R.
We've been going to McGrath's Fish House for years and tonight will be the last time. While the food was excellent, the service was horrible. It started with the appetizer order - we ordered 2 items and they brought 3 and argued that we ordered all 3. The salad/soup round was even more messed up. To top it off, it was a birthday dinner for someone in our group and they brought the wrong dish to her twice - third time was a charm and they got it right. They did remove her meal and her birthday dessert from the bill which was very nice. The entire experience took 2 hours (50 minutes to get one cocktail). Sorry to say that we witnessed other patrons experiencing the same terrible service. 2 stars because the food was good.
(2)Rob H.
Poor service. Tried to double bill out party multiple times. Added kids drink cost to our bill when menu says included, and then argued about it. Had to ask to have bill fixed 4x and still was not correct. 1 year Old became grumpy so I had seen enough. Left no tip to cover the servers mistakes and her nasty attitude. Now I'll address the food. It was brutally bad. Chewy fish, warm salad and dirty utensils. Will not be back and will tell others to avoid.
(1)Tara C.
I gave it a 3 because their seared ahi tuna appetizer is delicious! Love the wasabi dip that comes with it. Unfortunately their crab legs are so overcooked and dry. Definitely not worth the price. They have been cooked so long there is hardly any meat left in the shell.
(3)Michael B.
Called ahead of time to reserve a for 2 table and still had to wait 15 minutes to be seated. Other than the wait in our last 3 visits to this McGrath's location the food far exceeds our previous visits, we were to the point of not returning here again. The salads and entress were well prepared and the best I've had at any McGrath;s location. Well worth the price. My Halibut Parmesan was delicous. We will return as long as they keep up the good work. Previously the food was not good, overcooked, etc.
(4)Kelsie H.
Why this place doesn't have 5 stars I do not know. I love the Parmesan halibut! I used to attend weekly when I was younger and enjoyed it still as an adult.
(5)Jeremy L.
The food here was very good! First the clam chowder had good sized clams in it and we got the steamed clams which was also good. There weren't many clams in it though and they were small. I ordered the snow crab which was amazing! Lots of crab and very easy to get out of the shell. The price was average.
(4)Aaron B.
I called in on Saturday and made reservations for a dinner at McGraths on Sunday night at 6:30pm. Upon entering the place was packed. We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation time at 6:30pm. When we talked to the male host at the front, he quoted us a 35-45 minute wait for our supposed reservation, telling us "Call aheads go first". Excuse me, but when did a reservation become less important then a call ahead? Basically they were too swamped, gave away our table, and made up some lame excuse as to why we were going to have to wait. For our misinformed host, if you knew anything about the restaurant industry you would understand that 'call ahead seating' is not guaranteed, where as in most restaurants that take them, a 'reservation' is your top priority, especially when they have "reserved the table" for that time.
(1)Jens J.
Stopped by here on a whim, in the early afternoon this past Sunday, after catching a glance of McGrath's from Oregon S.R. 224. We had been driving around and checking out properties south of Portland. Since it is a fish house, I suppose it was only appropriate that it smelled a bit fishy when we first entered. But after being there for only a few minutes, we no longer noticed the odor. I liked that the waitstaff was dressed up. We were seated at a window table, overlooking a pond replete with mallard ducks. Service was very good, quite responsive throughout our entire meal. From the daily menu, JP ordered parmesan-crusted cod with a pear salad. If you order anything at McGrath's, order the pear salad! It comes with perfectly candied walnuts and an excellent dressing and is absolutely delicious. I went with a Crab Louie salad. My Crab Louie salad, served with a huge slug of crab and 1000 island dressing, was spot on. JP's cod was very good. We liked the slightly sweet chopped olive and tomato topping on the fish. We were offered dessert but passed. Prices are reasonable so I can say that overall McGrath's is a perfectly viable option for seafood.
(4)David T.
Save your money. Food is mediocre at best. To sweat. To slimy for my taste. You my like it.
(1)Margaret J.
Just came in and ordered desserts to go..many people complaining about the wait to get a table. One group was paged only to find out it was a mistake, so then they lost their seat in the bar. I'd be mad too, because it had been 45 minutes already. Glad we were getting to-go. Got home opened the boxes..must say for the prices it was SUPER disappointing. Won't do that again. VERY small and tasteless.
(2)Kenny H.
We tend to go to Mc Graths in Medford, OR... just about every road trip to CA. I always loved the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad. Today, I had a sudden craving. We decided to go our most local Mc Graths option since a CA road trip is not planned for quite a while.. Well.. the crisp, tasty, well dressed salad with lots of food on the plate, including the lovely seared tuna... that kept bringing me back? Not. Here. The lettuce was NOT fresh. The leaves were all wilted. The dressing was weak. There was a little less food on the plate too boot. The tuna was seared well enough. The bread was not even as good. Less piping hot. Service was the only redeeming quality. Now I know this will remain something special on those road trips. Amazing how inconsistent a chain could be?? Disappointing.
(2)Brian B.
Went to this place a couple weeks back because they were itching for some oysters and so we figured a fish house would have oysters. They ended up getting some and didn't seem all too disappointed with the result. Let it be known that this was the highlight of the night. All downhill from here. For starters the waitress was god awful. Took forever for us to put our orders in. Waited around for 15 minutes or so before be approached by wait staff. I ordered a glass of wine with my dinner which she completely forgot about and had to ask a busser to get it or else I probably wouldn't have. Overall, just very uninviting service and the waitress had to have multiple people do things for us because she was so inattentive. And it wasn't even that busy in there, so there was no good excuse. On to the food. I can speak for all the specific plates that we got but I got a halibut pasta which sounded really good from the description. Needless to say, no one was able to finish their food. And I don't mean because there was too much of it. Truly just not tasty food at all. We complained to the manager on the way out for what it's worth but we don't intend on ever going back there. I encourage you to do the same.
(1)Terry K.
Good "chain" food restaurant with excellent service. Lots of fried stuff but you can ask for the fresh seafood to be broiled. They are accommodating to the method of preparation you want if it's other than fried (deep fried that is). I had their lunch salad and soup..... HUGE salad with bay shrimp. It looked like a chop chop salad sitting on a bed of large lettuce leaves. Interesting... but good. Their wines? Their wine by the glass are wines for the Oregon vineyards. So, you would have an opportunity to try Oregon wines before buying a bottle at the liquor store or super market.
(3)david e.
The place is nice and the food decent. It wasn't anything special. I'll likely return because it's convenient and good for groups. My parents also like the place. The service was fine and I liked the board at the entrance that tells you what fish they have and where it came from.
(3)Matt H.
Good customer service and food. From now on, I'll drive to this location and skip Vancouver
(3)Holly W.
I enjoy seafood. The lunch menu and pricing is as good or better than what you pay at a fast food burger place. They have good food and great service. I eat at McGraths at least once a month and sometimes more. A good place to have meeting with others.
(5)Kay G.
This is a Fish House. For 5 years now, I've walked in the door and been greeted with a fresh fish on ice. The chalkboard in the foyer shows the fish specials, where the fish came from, and where the fish are biting locally. The building is wonderful, nice and airy. The colors are relaxed. The location is good, on a pond, so you can watch ducks and nutria from the windows or the patio. What? Oh, the food. Yes, yes. For appetizers, I strongly recommend the crab and artichoke dip, as well as the crab and shrimp wontons. If you want cold appetizers, everything on the oyster bar menu is good. The Ahi, the cocktails, the prawns. All of it. Their chowder is great, especially with some of that fresh, hot sourdough bread. I'm not much of a tomato eater so I've never tried the fisherman's stew. They have also created some excellent seafood and salad pairings. When I am in a salad mood I get either the Herb crusted salmon salad or the Seared ahi salad, both of which are HUGE. If I'm not concerned about getting as much protein in my meal, I find the Oregon pear, bleu cheese, and walnut salad a delight. Fish dinners: HALIBUT PARMESAN, HAZELNUT SOLE, MACADAMIA MAHI MAHI are all great. You cannot go wrong. Their burgers say 'gourmet' on the menu and they really are very good...its hard to find a better burger in the Portland area. I usually ask them to cook the pattie medium rare, though. And the desserts. Well, if you have an entree it is unlikely that you will make it to dessert. And the desserts are quite good, and enough to feed 4, so no matter how big your tummy is, it is likely those big eyes of yours will have your hands carrying most of the dessert home in a bag. I have guests visiting me from all over the country and the world. All have found the food and the ambiance pleasing. My European friends are always surprised by the reasonable prices.
(4)Mish N.
Excellent service. Their house favorite, halibut parmesan, was a tad dry but still delicious. Sides were prepared well. Nothing fancy, and a good place to take those less adventurous relatives and friends...above average for a seafood chain.
(3)A M.
I love seafood... My experience at McGrath's was less than good. I have dined at McGrath's in Salem and the food and service was outstanding. The Milwaukie chain however lacked a lot. The view was amazing, the little creek outside seperating them from Sharis was actually really pretty, but the food was a great disapointment. I had the hazelnut sole and the fish itself lacked taste and texture, as did the crusting. I was sorely disappointed. My husband had a shrimp combination consisting of coconut, beer battered, teriyaki stir fried and herb/parmesan shrimp, all of which did not taste right. Another party had the salmon and it was dry and tasteless... I must say however that the service was lovely, although nothing outstanding, the staff members were corteous and pleasant. I thought the clam chowder was great and sort of wish I had the soup and salad combo, which, if I ever have to eat there again, is what I shall be doing. If you are an avid seafood lover, I honestly would think twice before dining here.
(2)Nancy F.
Love this place. Met my husband there 15 years ago. I love seafood, and the chefs change up the menu according to what's ultra fresh, and they are creative but not 'artsy' with the menu. Portions are nice sized. Desserts are wonderful. Husband always orders the razor clams. Caesar salad is good. Drinks are good. Service is good. Never had a bad or even mediocre experience there and we go every few weeks!
(5)Jody J.
It's seems you can go here and it is never really super busy and there is lots of parking around the building. Service was ok, but the waiter appeared to be not so cheery. The food and building exterior and interior are getting a bit run down. The G on their exterior sign has been falling off and now gone for months. Geez... Get some Gorilla glue and fix it. The battered fish was a bit greasy but the chowder was good. I noticed that the portion sizes have shrunk on the entrees but the prices haven't. If you get on their email list they do send coupons here and there. 2015-54
(3)Carol R.
My husband and I were really looking forward to going to McGrath's last night for dinner. When we got there, it looked like a senior citizen event. My husband and I are in our early 60's and I felt like we were the youngest ones there. We ordered the crab salad and boy was that a disappointment. For $17.00 there was hardly any crab or anything else. It was nothing more than a salad with a little crabmeat. The dinner that we got wasn't very good either. My husband always gets the shrimp platter and he was totally not happy with the quality. I got a fish and that was very bland. I don't usually season my food but I needed to last night. The service wasn't very good either. Once we received out food, we never saw the waitress again until she saw all of the dishes stacked at the end of table, indicating that we're done. I really don't know if we're gong to go back for a while. We spent almost $70.00 for the two of us (no alcohol included) and we were both still feeling hungry afterward. I used to love going here but I'm totally turned off after last night.
(2)Kyle R.
when we lived in Portland, used to come here often to eat. Interior is especially dark, unless things have changed over the years. Located in a mini strip mall, and just off the highway. i love McGraths cheese sticks...best things EVER. but every location makes them differently. Some are small, some are skinny, and some are HUGE and rockin'!
(3)Elle L.
The fish and chips with salad was a nice lunch today. The waitress the worst I have ever seen. She must have been exhausted after the lunch rush, so when we came in at 2:30 she took forever to get us water, then menus and we actually had to go looking for her to place our order. Then once Again when we were done we had to go to the front desk to pay because she was nowhere to be seen. If you are going to be a server and represent a company you must at least TRY to do a good job. Today left a blight on the reputation of McGrath's restaurants. Today I received a very nice email from the McGrath family. They went above and beyond to make me feel better! Thank you!
(1)Elizabeth P.
I'd give zero stars if I could!! Not a very busy night, we waited for a table for two maybe five minutes, but then sat at our table for 15 min with no one even acknowledging our existence! The table that was sat minutes before us (in the booth behind us) already had drinks and appetizers out and we still have no water. Finally I waved down another server who looked shocked we hadn't been served and was nice enough to take our drink and food order before he went to find our MIA server.
(1)Gary L.
We ate dinner here last night ... went with no reservation was told 1/2 hour wait , happily we were seated in 20 min . Marco was our waiter and was great , the place was packed and service didn't suffer . Food was excellent Scallops for me and Cod for my wife we both were happy with our entrees and the best part you can upgrade your salad to a premium salad for $3 I got the bleu cheese wedge and my wife got the pear / walnut both were sizable and delicious. We will be back.
(4)Mary B.
Room for improvement. And since Hubbs totally enjoys the company of older folks and predictably good (if boring) food, we will for sure be going back. Used to come all the time with the folks until we realized that we live in Portland, so why are we going to chains? BUT, it's a small-ish NW chain, so justified. Kinda. We went on a busy night and there was a wait for the dining room, so we waltzed right into the bar area. There were several dirty tables and so we asked if we could claim one of them, were given the go ahead and so we waited. And waited until another group of folks came in and eyed it and so we decided to break that cardinal rule and sit at the dirty table so that there was no confusion. Our waitress finally came by to half-assedly wipe it down. We both ordered virgin drinks. We got carded. Must be our lack of white hair. Friends of hers came in after we did and and got their dinners first, but whatever. My Shrimp Louie salad was decent and Hubbs had the Mixed Grill thingie; the crab cake was not so great, the skewer shrimp were good, nothing special and the salmon was the best part. He had a great time and that was all that mattered. Ambiance was lovely dark wood mixed with the old fogey banterings of the table next to us "fish taco sound just so terrible! Why would anyone put shrimp in a taco?"
(3)Ben S.
My wife and I came here before the holiday season and had a very bad experience. We chose to go back and try it again. We came in the last Saturday night of 2014. We sat in the bar so we could watch some of the game. After ordering the food and drinks we noticed that there was a small group of people at the bar top that looked like they had been there for awhile. we could tell one of the ladies was served too much and was being loud and obnoxious. Once the food came we tried to enjoy our food and night out. As time progressed the lady at the bar became more and more drunk and and loud. As well as anther guy in the group was becoming the same way. My wife was pointing out to me of other guest that were noticing the 2 people too. When we walked in to the restaurant we had talked about staying for the whole game, but we left 1/2 through the 2nd quarter. Apparently if you have slept with the bartender it give you the right to be loud and obnoxious, as well as not to be cut off from drinking!!!!! The lady at the bar made this very clear to all of us guess. I guess that's what we get for sitting in the bar.
(2)Vickie W.
We came here due to an ad that we received for "Lobster Fest". Approximately 7 pm on Friday eve. Appeared to be a good deal. Wait was not bad. However the entree we received was over cooked asked for steak. medium it was way over cooked. It was a lobster tail and shrimp and steak and potato entree. Shrimp was over cooked leathery taste. We were asked right away how everything was but we had not had a chance to taste anything yet. We were never asked again. The LOBSTER was a little two bite tail really small. Sorry to say your ad brought us their but your lack of preparing your food properly with decent portions will lead us to NOT come back.
(1)L J.
I liked this place the first time I came here they can get a little pricey depending on what you order. I got this pasta the second time I came and with seafood the worst thing you can eat is raw scallops. The first time I came here I ordered it but the second time random pieces were raw. The crutons to there salad is unbearably over seasoned but the sour dough bread is delicious. The people there are very friendly and make sure everything is good.
(3)Don S.
Got sick on CLEARLY old crab and shrimp. Took two bites, and wanted to hurl. AVOID.
(1)Theresa Q.
Wish they'd come back to California. Whenever I'm traveling, I always look to see if there is one in town. Great customer service...I mean super great every time I go!
(4)Erin T.
Best place ever for Happy Hour! My uncle had been going to McGrath's since it had it's first Grand Opening. It was everything he had talked about and more!!!! Service was incredible, food was delicious, we were totally spoiled. Visit this place it is fabulous!!!
(5)Jody J.
It's seems you can go here and it is never really super busy and there is lots of parking around the building. Service was ok, but the waiter appeared to be not so cheery. The food and building exterior and interior are getting a bit run down. The G on their exterior sign has been falling off and now gone for months. Geez... Get some Gorilla glue and fix it. The battered fish was a bit greasy but the chowder was good. I noticed that the portion sizes have shrunk on the entrees but the prices haven't. If you get on their email list they do send coupons here and there. 2015-54
(3)Carl T.
We really like McGraths. Their clam chowder is up there with the best. The seafood is always fresh. They make wonderful razor clams. The portions are not huge so if your going for the BIG seafood feast you'll be disappointed here. The service is hit or miss, its never great. The food makes up for it. We are regulars.
(4)Brandon F.
worst take out service i've ever had. salmon and chips terrible. save yourself a bad time and crappy food.
(1)Carol R.
My husband and I were really looking forward to going to McGrath's last night for dinner. When we got there, it looked like a senior citizen event. My husband and I are in our early 60's and I felt like we were the youngest ones there. We ordered the crab salad and boy was that a disappointment. For $17.00 there was hardly any crab or anything else. It was nothing more than a salad with a little crabmeat. The dinner that we got wasn't very good either. My husband always gets the shrimp platter and he was totally not happy with the quality. I got a fish and that was very bland. I don't usually season my food but I needed to last night. The service wasn't very good either. Once we received out food, we never saw the waitress again until she saw all of the dishes stacked at the end of table, indicating that we're done. I really don't know if we're gong to go back for a while. We spent almost $70.00 for the two of us (no alcohol included) and we were both still feeling hungry afterward. I used to love going here but I'm totally turned off after last night.
(2)Kyle R.
when we lived in Portland, used to come here often to eat. Interior is especially dark, unless things have changed over the years. Located in a mini strip mall, and just off the highway. i love McGraths cheese sticks...best things EVER. but every location makes them differently. Some are small, some are skinny, and some are HUGE and rockin'!
(3)Elle L.
The fish and chips with salad was a nice lunch today. The waitress the worst I have ever seen. She must have been exhausted after the lunch rush, so when we came in at 2:30 she took forever to get us water, then menus and we actually had to go looking for her to place our order. Then once Again when we were done we had to go to the front desk to pay because she was nowhere to be seen. If you are going to be a server and represent a company you must at least TRY to do a good job. Today left a blight on the reputation of McGrath's restaurants. Today I received a very nice email from the McGrath family. They went above and beyond to make me feel better! Thank you!
(1)Elizabeth P.
I'd give zero stars if I could!! Not a very busy night, we waited for a table for two maybe five minutes, but then sat at our table for 15 min with no one even acknowledging our existence! The table that was sat minutes before us (in the booth behind us) already had drinks and appetizers out and we still have no water. Finally I waved down another server who looked shocked we hadn't been served and was nice enough to take our drink and food order before he went to find our MIA server.
(1)Gary L.
We ate dinner here last night ... went with no reservation was told 1/2 hour wait , happily we were seated in 20 min . Marco was our waiter and was great , the place was packed and service didn't suffer . Food was excellent Scallops for me and Cod for my wife we both were happy with our entrees and the best part you can upgrade your salad to a premium salad for $3 I got the bleu cheese wedge and my wife got the pear / walnut both were sizable and delicious. We will be back.
(4)Mary B.
Room for improvement. And since Hubbs totally enjoys the company of older folks and predictably good (if boring) food, we will for sure be going back. Used to come all the time with the folks until we realized that we live in Portland, so why are we going to chains? BUT, it's a small-ish NW chain, so justified. Kinda. We went on a busy night and there was a wait for the dining room, so we waltzed right into the bar area. There were several dirty tables and so we asked if we could claim one of them, were given the go ahead and so we waited. And waited until another group of folks came in and eyed it and so we decided to break that cardinal rule and sit at the dirty table so that there was no confusion. Our waitress finally came by to half-assedly wipe it down. We both ordered virgin drinks. We got carded. Must be our lack of white hair. Friends of hers came in after we did and and got their dinners first, but whatever. My Shrimp Louie salad was decent and Hubbs had the Mixed Grill thingie; the crab cake was not so great, the skewer shrimp were good, nothing special and the salmon was the best part. He had a great time and that was all that mattered. Ambiance was lovely dark wood mixed with the old fogey banterings of the table next to us "fish taco sound just so terrible! Why would anyone put shrimp in a taco?"
(3)Ben S.
My wife and I came here before the holiday season and had a very bad experience. We chose to go back and try it again. We came in the last Saturday night of 2014. We sat in the bar so we could watch some of the game. After ordering the food and drinks we noticed that there was a small group of people at the bar top that looked like they had been there for awhile. we could tell one of the ladies was served too much and was being loud and obnoxious. Once the food came we tried to enjoy our food and night out. As time progressed the lady at the bar became more and more drunk and and loud. As well as anther guy in the group was becoming the same way. My wife was pointing out to me of other guest that were noticing the 2 people too. When we walked in to the restaurant we had talked about staying for the whole game, but we left 1/2 through the 2nd quarter. Apparently if you have slept with the bartender it give you the right to be loud and obnoxious, as well as not to be cut off from drinking!!!!! The lady at the bar made this very clear to all of us guess. I guess that's what we get for sitting in the bar.
(2)JoAnn L.
We came in for an early Valentines Day dinner around 4;30 on Friday, February 13th. We were seated right away and was greeted by JJ our waiter and asked what we would like to drink and he brought them quickly where we told JJ what we wanted for dinner. The salad was very good even though it seemed like bagged greens but had additional red cabbage, shredded carrots and was plenty and good. The waiter had brought two additional root beers when he saw that my husband had nearly finished his drink without even asking. JJ was very attentive and provided friendly and timely customer service. The server was nice and friendly as well. We've been coming here for years and have never had a problem and the few times that we did, they had remedied the problem. We enjoy coming here and will continue to in the future.
(4)Theresa K.
The wait staff were great, but I felt sorry for them because they had to serve such awful food. The lobster was inedible and the salmon was like shoe leather. Why the place is so crowded all the time is beyond me.
(1)Ian M.
Always had great food but the restaurant is very dirty.
(3)MJ H.
Very friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere, and if you sign up for their e-mail newsletter they'll send 2 for 1 offers. They know their fish, and their chips are irresistible. I don't splurge on higher calorie meals often anymore, but for a real treat, at reasonable prices, McGrath's is great.
(4)A M.
I love seafood... My experience at McGrath's was less than good. I have dined at McGrath's in Salem and the food and service was outstanding. The Milwaukie chain however lacked a lot. The view was amazing, the little creek outside seperating them from Sharis was actually really pretty, but the food was a great disapointment. I had the hazelnut sole and the fish itself lacked taste and texture, as did the crusting. I was sorely disappointed. My husband had a shrimp combination consisting of coconut, beer battered, teriyaki stir fried and herb/parmesan shrimp, all of which did not taste right. Another party had the salmon and it was dry and tasteless... I must say however that the service was lovely, although nothing outstanding, the staff members were corteous and pleasant. I thought the clam chowder was great and sort of wish I had the soup and salad combo, which, if I ever have to eat there again, is what I shall be doing. If you are an avid seafood lover, I honestly would think twice before dining here.
(2)Mardi C.
this can be a hit or miss, so I'll stick with the hits.... Oysters, raw, buttery, chilled and yummy. fresh fresh fresh... salmon stuffed with artichokes and crab. yum. my mom had the halibut with coconut? coconut, not fresh, tasty, but not fresh. out of a bag... probably the dried kind you get in a bag at the grocery store. she loved it... I poo pooed it. lots of old folks eat at this place. It reminds me of trying to be ray's boathouse in seattle, but it just isn't on the water, and someone needs to get shari's to move, as they ruin the view.... LOL staff is great. service is great. salmon is a hit or miss, I"ve tried some of the other salmon dishes, and they were too dry for me. I like FRESH salmon, so stick with the bay salmon stuffed. clam chowder? YUMMY OYSTERS again.... buttery yummy oysters....
(4)Bob B.
I had crab crusted trout with lobster sauce which was out of this world. The salad and bread were excellent. Our guests had salmon and oysters, they really liked the oysters on the half shell. Their Merlo and Cab Red wine is the best. Plan to take our next guests from San Francisco there next week, it was really good! The Marion Berry Cobler is huge and was excellent, enough for 4 people to share. Great service too!
(5)Robyn L.
This is the second year in a row that McGrath's has played some role in my Christmas feasting. Last year, it was a few days before the holiday and the place was fairly empty, this year it was Christmas Eve and the place was packed -- for good reason. We didn't plan well in returning home from Bend, and any restaurants we'd thought of having dinner were closed. The grocery stores were also closed. McGrath's graciously stayed open until 8 pm, and locals took advantage of it. People wanted their Seven Fishes. They have a great menu of fresh seafood, with everything from crab legs and calamari to hazelnut encrusted trout with marionberry sauce (one of the various specials). The wine list is solid, and the salads are filled with crisp, fresh veggies and croutons, but I think it was the fresh-baked sourdough bread with warm butter that made the dinner perfect. The staff is also very accomodating and friendly. If you find the wait too long and you're sans children, sit at the bar and enjoy a good meal.
(4)Tabitha R.
This place is what I'd call -- pretty good for a place that feels like chain. We actually weren't sure if it was a chain -- but it had that "Chili's" kind of vibe. When you walk in there's a list of the "fresh fish" of the day and the staff is very friendly. We were told the wait was about 20 minutes -- and while we were waiting the lobby filled up to the point where they were telling people 45 minutes wait. Then we discovered the bar ... not only could we have a cold beverage while we waited -- but we could actually sit down and eat there ... so we did. The service was steller. The food was ... decent. I actually ordered the Dungeness Crab (as it was on the menu as fresh) and I would almost say that it wasn't quite cooked all the way ... strange. Hubby had a very yummy crab crusted snapper -- that was quite tasty. We definitely stuffed ourselves and will most certainly go back. I give it three stars -- because it wasn't as memorable as I was hoping. Perhaps I should lower my standards ... something to contemplate over dinner. HA!
(3)Nancy F.
Love this place. Met my husband there 15 years ago. I love seafood, and the chefs change up the menu according to what's ultra fresh, and they are creative but not 'artsy' with the menu. Portions are nice sized. Desserts are wonderful. Husband always orders the razor clams. Caesar salad is good. Drinks are good. Service is good. Never had a bad or even mediocre experience there and we go every few weeks!
(5)Tara D.
I cringe anytime people suggest eating here. Though I swear never to go back, occasionally I have a friend/family member who makes us go here because they want seafood and want it nearby, or they forgot just how bad it is. If you really want seafood, please do yourself (and your dining companions) a favor and go to a nice seafood restaurant in Portland. The salads here are bland and seem to come straight from a bag (you know that sort of chemical taste?), the fried items are soggy/mushy, and the nicer dishes are just ok and overpriced. Edit: After being contacted by McGraths about my review, I will edit to clarify that I am not saying the seafood supplier is bad, it is really more the preparation and presentation that are the issues in my opinion. It is nice to see that they monitor their reviews and hopefully it will encourage some changes. As a locally owned/operated establishment, it would be great to see them get away from the "chain" type of feel that really comes through in items like salads.
(2)Iban T.
My family and I came here to escape the rolling blackouts. We went in and noticed the wait was okay so we put our name in. When we got seated we had Michael as our server, shortly after a large party was seated next to us and with them so too went Michael. The supervisor that was there checked on us twice but mostly for show. We didn't have any dishes cleared or have our drinks refilled. All in all this place earned the rating I gave it. I'm still willing to come back and give them another shot at wowing me.
(3)Alena C.
I wish I could give a better review-based on my parents love for this place, but it was a total miss. Granted we sat in the bar and there was only one waitress (who was lovely), as hard as she tried the food was mediocre and I never got my entree. We ordered two bloody Mary's which came out as fast as soda, which is a very bad sign. The BM tasted hurried, to say the least. We both had a some clam chowder which my dad enjoyed, but I felt the overriding flavor was butter and salt. The side salad was nothing to right home about. I ordered the cod fish and chips, but 50 mins of waiting, it never showed up. I was told many times that it was "almost ready" but I ended up cancelling my order so we could get the hell our of there. Won't be back.
(2)Robert M.
Came here for lunch and ordered the fish and chips, 'cause, how can a fish place not have great fish-n-chips? The halibut itself was quite good, but the batter was tasteless. The fries were forgettable, and the cole slaw was runny. Service was on time, but the server was very business-like, & not smiley or engaging. It wasn't a "bad" experience, but they certainly don't "wow" you in any way. Can't say I'll be rushing back anytime soon.
(2)Christian H.
Our waitress Crystal was by far the best waitress we've had in a long while. We had the crab stuffed wontons and the crab-cakes for appetizers. Both of which were perfectly cooked. Three of us had the wild smoked salmon which was also cooked very well. One of us had the Parmesan crusted halibut. Which was literally perfect! The potatoes could have used a little more seasoning, but over all the food was great. The service was fantastic! And we all left happy. Will recommend to friends.
(5)Malia W.
I always enjoy the food but the customer service is so awkward. There doesn't seem to be anyone genuinely thrilled to be working, the personal interest isn't there, and they just seem to be in the mode of shuffling people through like cattle. I went in for a to-go order that I phoned in ahead of time. I was greeted with a friendly demeanor at first but as soon as I said why I was there, she just stared at me. She didn't ask me for my name or what my order was. She didn't say a word until a host came around the corner and asked me casually, "Quart of chowder?" Please use eye contact, smile, use full sentences when talking to customers, and care about the dining experience from the second someone enters the doors all the way to exiting them. Consider it as an interior curb appeal. If it weren't for the food, this location would be receiving less stars.
(3)Michael S.
Friendly servers great though the waiting time before ordering was horrendous took 25 minutes before I had a chance to, the fire grilled salmon was worth it though
(4)Martin E.
The food was good I had the shrimp salad, clam chowder and shrimp pasta but the service was terrible I did not get a regular waitress until I had been there 45 minutes and I almost had to grab somebody just to get a refill for my drink. Went back the other day service was much better someone waited on me this time. Had a salmon dish and shrimp salad will go back again soon.
(5)Eric H.
Food was ok Service was good and they were busy. So I felt that they did a great job.Happy V d Day
(5)Catherine F.
Worst service ever. We barely finished our over priced, watered down drinks before deciding to go somewhere else. Ruined our birthday party... And to top it off, we only tipped our waiter Joey a dollar, so he followed us out to the parking lot to tell us we shorted him. Needless to say, we will never be back.
(1)Jeremy L.
The food here was very good! First the clam chowder had good sized clams in it and we got the steamed clams which was also good. There weren't many clams in it though and they were small. I ordered the snow crab which was amazing! Lots of crab and very easy to get out of the shell. The price was average.
(4)Aaron B.
I called in on Saturday and made reservations for a dinner at McGraths on Sunday night at 6:30pm. Upon entering the place was packed. We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation time at 6:30pm. When we talked to the male host at the front, he quoted us a 35-45 minute wait for our supposed reservation, telling us "Call aheads go first". Excuse me, but when did a reservation become less important then a call ahead? Basically they were too swamped, gave away our table, and made up some lame excuse as to why we were going to have to wait. For our misinformed host, if you knew anything about the restaurant industry you would understand that 'call ahead seating' is not guaranteed, where as in most restaurants that take them, a 'reservation' is your top priority, especially when they have "reserved the table" for that time.
(1)Iris I.
I almost turned around when I saw the display tank upon entering the restaurant. It was a sand scene with bottles and nets. It looked like a beach that needed a major cleanup. And the fish smell when entering the door was a little off-putting, but hey, it is a fish house. The next thing I noticed was what appeared to be pieces of straw wrappers strewn across the floor throughout the lobby. With that being said, this place should know how to cook fish/seafood, after all, they are a "fish house." We started with the oysters. These tasted fine, but were extremely tiny and mushy, almost liquified. Next, the salad. My partner enjoyed his coleslaw, but I paid extra for the pear, blue cheese, and walnut salad. My salad was 90% iceberg lettuce. I found a few tiny pieces of diced "pear" that actually looked like apple and had no flavor. I also has a cup of the clam chowder, which wasn't bad, but wasn't great either. My partner also ordered the "crab" stuffed mushrooms. These should be re-named "onion" stuffed mushrooms. Large pieces of diced onions overpowered the dish. There was way too much cheese, and I didn't see or taste any crab at all. Now for the worst part: My partner ordered steak and lobster and received steak and crab legs. The waiter was just going to replace the crab legs, but realized he had the wrong steak as well. My herb crusted scallops were extremely overcooked. Burnt cheese and rubber scallops. I couldn't eat it and had to send it back. It took a very long time to get the burnt cheese taste out of my mouth. Round two: My partner received his steak and lobster. Of course, the lobster was overcooked, as was his steak. For my second order, I decided to try something safer and went with prawn skewer. I received the tiniest, overcooked prawns. All I could taste was the char. The rice pilaf, was not really a pilaf and was very dry. The vegetables were flavorless. I certainly would not recommend this place, nor will I return.
(1)PJ F.
Congratulations to McGrath's for winning the top spot on my Worst Dining Experience Ever list. Sad, considering that until tonight, it was a place we looked forward to going for special occasions. Let's do the timeline: Arrival in lobby until seated (place was empty) - 10 minutes Seated until acknowledged by a single member of the staff - 20 minutes Time from told "we'll find a server for you right away" by he who would eventually be our server in the middle of his section - 5 more minutes. No greeting nor apology from server, just "what will you have?" Time from order to food on table - 1 HOUR A table of 15 elderly folks was seated just before us and was finished with their meals and paying the check before our meals arrived. During our wait, the server was a total ghost (no updates, drink refills). I just assumed he thought we were lepers or that we had big fungating masses on our faces. Even after we had food, we were never once asked how we were doing, or how the food was. If we had been asked about the food, we would have reported that the prawn platter and halibut parmesan were both uninspired and bland. The hit of the night was the orange slices which our toddler loved. Even the highly anticipated clam chowder tasted straight from the can. Ultimately we requested the company of the manager after this shit parade, and although she apologized, there was no sense of sincerity or empathy. Certainly the small gift card (no money off bill) did not make right this wholly ruined birthday dinner of my poor bride.
(1)Heck N.
I go to Mcgraths about 10 times a month, (all take out). Occasionally when I get home I'll be missing the side salad, bread or some other small portion of something that to me doesn't matter much. Usually its just the one thing missing. Yet lately the orders have been missing multiple things, last night was the last time I'll be going to McGraths. For almost 20 dollars per meal, it was two meals on the order and they forgot this on both, they forgot the side salad, baked potato, vegatables and bread. Then when you call down to the restaurant they act like you're trying to rip them off. Oh and no I don't want to have to drive all the way back and wait for more food while my main course is getting cold. Other take out places just comp you a plate NEXT time or equivalent.
(1)Melina H.
Went here for lunch with a girlie friend and sat in the bar. I ordered an Italian greyhound to start which was actually pretty good. Girlie friend ordered the chicken strips because she hates seafood and I must say...some of the better chicken strips I've had. Land lubbers would not be disappointed with the choice. I had the oyster lunch. Meh. Portion was just so-so for the price, the breading left much to be desired and the oysters did not taste as fresh as they should - not "off" by any means, but not fresh. The bread is, of course amazing and service was fine...prompt, attentive, and friendly.
(3)Mcqueen C.
What a disappointment one server can ruin the evening. The food is always good no complaints. Our server was horrible, no refills, forgot my salad and I ordered fish and chips and he forgot the fries. He then told me he left off the fries because I ordered a cup of chowder in place of the fries. I never asked for this. Then he charged me for the chowder. Just real bad service not worth going back.
(1)Robert G.
Tonight's was the best dinner yet at McGrath's. The salmon with the stuffing was very good and included both vegetables and penne pasta in a cream type sauce as accompaniments. The salad was decently sized and the bleu cheese dressing made it cohesive, meaning both stick together and taste good. They keep your sourdough bread basket and coffee, tea, and soft drinks filled. The courtesy of the serving staff, greeting staff, and management was noteworthy.
(4)Tom M.
I like the feel of this place and the seating is nice and private. It was a very enjoyable experience but there was way too much A/C. Yes, this was a check in from summer that I'm just now getting around to. Our server was JJ and he was very helpful but I think after awhile he started to just get tired of us. I ordered a salad to start things off and as usual, when I order a salad and forget to ask for the dressing on the side, it's usually swimming in the stuff. I really hate that and don't understand why it has to be that way. The entree was a tuna steak cooked very nicely to medium rare. Anything beyond that is ruinous to a piece of fish so medium rare or less usually does it for me.. It is what it is. A chain restaurant with decent fare. Yeah, I think we'll do it again.
(3)Jeannine B.
It has been a good decade since I have eaten here, and when my husband and I rediscovered McGrath's we very please. The food was excellent, I ordered a shrimp platter, he ordered chicken (he's a seafood baby), that family shared an appetizer sampler and my children ordered off of their kids menu. The food was fantastic and the service was very prompt. This isn't some stuffy seafood house, so elitists beware, nor is it a kitschy hipster dive, so if either of those destinations are your scene, you may want to head to Downtown or to Hawthorne... but if you are looking of moderately priced, really good seafood, this just might be the place for you. I know that our family with certainly be back.
(5)Clara R.
We've been going to McGrath's Fish House for years and tonight will be the last time. While the food was excellent, the service was horrible. It started with the appetizer order - we ordered 2 items and they brought 3 and argued that we ordered all 3. The salad/soup round was even more messed up. To top it off, it was a birthday dinner for someone in our group and they brought the wrong dish to her twice - third time was a charm and they got it right. They did remove her meal and her birthday dessert from the bill which was very nice. The entire experience took 2 hours (50 minutes to get one cocktail). Sorry to say that we witnessed other patrons experiencing the same terrible service. 2 stars because the food was good.
(2)Rob H.
Poor service. Tried to double bill out party multiple times. Added kids drink cost to our bill when menu says included, and then argued about it. Had to ask to have bill fixed 4x and still was not correct. 1 year Old became grumpy so I had seen enough. Left no tip to cover the servers mistakes and her nasty attitude. Now I'll address the food. It was brutally bad. Chewy fish, warm salad and dirty utensils. Will not be back and will tell others to avoid.
(1)Tara C.
I gave it a 3 because their seared ahi tuna appetizer is delicious! Love the wasabi dip that comes with it. Unfortunately their crab legs are so overcooked and dry. Definitely not worth the price. They have been cooked so long there is hardly any meat left in the shell.
(3)Michael B.
Called ahead of time to reserve a for 2 table and still had to wait 15 minutes to be seated. Other than the wait in our last 3 visits to this McGrath's location the food far exceeds our previous visits, we were to the point of not returning here again. The salads and entress were well prepared and the best I've had at any McGrath;s location. Well worth the price. My Halibut Parmesan was delicous. We will return as long as they keep up the good work. Previously the food was not good, overcooked, etc.
(4)Kelsie H.
Why this place doesn't have 5 stars I do not know. I love the Parmesan halibut! I used to attend weekly when I was younger and enjoyed it still as an adult.
(5)Jens J.
Stopped by here on a whim, in the early afternoon this past Sunday, after catching a glance of McGrath's from Oregon S.R. 224. We had been driving around and checking out properties south of Portland. Since it is a fish house, I suppose it was only appropriate that it smelled a bit fishy when we first entered. But after being there for only a few minutes, we no longer noticed the odor. I liked that the waitstaff was dressed up. We were seated at a window table, overlooking a pond replete with mallard ducks. Service was very good, quite responsive throughout our entire meal. From the daily menu, JP ordered parmesan-crusted cod with a pear salad. If you order anything at McGrath's, order the pear salad! It comes with perfectly candied walnuts and an excellent dressing and is absolutely delicious. I went with a Crab Louie salad. My Crab Louie salad, served with a huge slug of crab and 1000 island dressing, was spot on. JP's cod was very good. We liked the slightly sweet chopped olive and tomato topping on the fish. We were offered dessert but passed. Prices are reasonable so I can say that overall McGrath's is a perfectly viable option for seafood.
(4)David T.
Save your money. Food is mediocre at best. To sweat. To slimy for my taste. You my like it.
(1)Margaret J.
Just came in and ordered desserts to go..many people complaining about the wait to get a table. One group was paged only to find out it was a mistake, so then they lost their seat in the bar. I'd be mad too, because it had been 45 minutes already. Glad we were getting to-go. Got home opened the boxes..must say for the prices it was SUPER disappointing. Won't do that again. VERY small and tasteless.
(2)Kenny H.
We tend to go to Mc Graths in Medford, OR... just about every road trip to CA. I always loved the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad. Today, I had a sudden craving. We decided to go our most local Mc Graths option since a CA road trip is not planned for quite a while.. Well.. the crisp, tasty, well dressed salad with lots of food on the plate, including the lovely seared tuna... that kept bringing me back? Not. Here. The lettuce was NOT fresh. The leaves were all wilted. The dressing was weak. There was a little less food on the plate too boot. The tuna was seared well enough. The bread was not even as good. Less piping hot. Service was the only redeeming quality. Now I know this will remain something special on those road trips. Amazing how inconsistent a chain could be?? Disappointing.
(2)Thomas E.
Start by reading the other reviews. The waitresses are friendly, but the service is very slow. The prawns were soft and lacking in flavor, probably frozen. Not fresh. The salads were decent. I waited about an hour for my dinner. The salmon was fresh, but lacking in seasoning. The size of the portions were generous. The price point of the food was good. The menu was way too busy. Food seems to be trending towards deep fried. This restaurant could be so much more.
(2)Jet B.
We think it is an excellent value. Our waiter Dustin was fantastic. Bouillabaisse was fantastic as was the blackened mahi mahi. We will definitely go again both in Milwaukie OR and Bend OR.
(5)Brian B.
Went to this place a couple weeks back because they were itching for some oysters and so we figured a fish house would have oysters. They ended up getting some and didn't seem all too disappointed with the result. Let it be known that this was the highlight of the night. All downhill from here. For starters the waitress was god awful. Took forever for us to put our orders in. Waited around for 15 minutes or so before be approached by wait staff. I ordered a glass of wine with my dinner which she completely forgot about and had to ask a busser to get it or else I probably wouldn't have. Overall, just very uninviting service and the waitress had to have multiple people do things for us because she was so inattentive. And it wasn't even that busy in there, so there was no good excuse. On to the food. I can speak for all the specific plates that we got but I got a halibut pasta which sounded really good from the description. Needless to say, no one was able to finish their food. And I don't mean because there was too much of it. Truly just not tasty food at all. We complained to the manager on the way out for what it's worth but we don't intend on ever going back there. I encourage you to do the same.
(1)Flory W.
We had a late lunch at McGrath's Fish House in Milwaukee last Sunday. We were seated right away, and the first thing I noticed was our table was full of crumbs! My husband ordered the steak and mini-lobster tail. His side orders were a house salad and a baked potato. There was really nothing very special about this meal, and we will likely not return to this restaurant again. The steak was overcooked - not quite shoe leather, but not far from it. The lobster was indeed very small, and seasoned so heavily that the lobster flavor barely came through. The baked potato was a baked potato, and the house lettuce salad was a lettuce salad. Again, nothing special. I wanted the Lunch Special, but the waitress said they're not serving that on Sunday, but there's one almost like it, and pointed it out to me. Instead of Half Sandwich Combo, I could pick a whole Sandwich, Clam Chowder, Fisherman's Stew or Garden Salad, without the fries but for 50cents more (without the fries!). So OK, I went for it. (See photo posted on my profile). I ordered the Bay Shrimp Sandwich on wheat Ciabatta roll, tossed with 1000 Island Dressing, Tomato, Lettuce and Cucumber. Bay I must be hungry today, because I ate half of hubby's salad, all my sandwich, bread, and a few bites of his overcooked steak. I liked my sandwich, my stew & my garden salad! BTW, the 1st 3 bites he took he spit out, they were tough!, but I asked him how he liked it and he said it was OK. If it was OK, then why did he spit the 1st three bites? The last restaurant where he ordered steak, it was so good he didn't need bottled sauce on it! I should also mention that, while the water was delivered to the table promptly, the rest of the service was slow and intermittent. Their manager stopped by our table, to say Hi. I also noticed, they must be short-staffed, the manager was helping bussed, and set tables!
(2)Keith B.
To me they are the epitome of 3 stars restaurants. Better than Red Lobster ( in know that's not saying much) not great but most of the food i have had here is OK. I think the best time to go is Happy hour and get a big bowl of steamers clams for $4.00 or so with a glass of wine. I have had fish and others entrees and every time the entree portion has been good but the sides, not so much. I have a big complaint in general about chain restaurant sides though. There not to good anywhere. At McGrath's you can get fresh made sourdough bread and fresh fish but the sides need some help. Hence the tip: Order Ala cart during happy hour. The service has always been super friendly at this McGrath's and the one on cedar hills and the restaurant always seems clean. One area where McGrath's does really well is value. If you sign up on-line you can get lots of coupons if you want full meals this is the way to go. For around $15 bucks or so you can have soup/salad, fresh bread, steak and shrimp/crab/lobster tail, plus a couple sides. Also, i have seen several complaints about food being cooked improperly which to me seem extra goofy. Maybe these people never ate out or cooked before?? IT HAPPENS, no matter where you go, sometimes it happens. It's NOT on purpose....EVER. They don't know you and have some private vendetta to take you down with badly cooked food. I have NEVER anywhere had a problem sending back food at a corporate restaurant. If your nice you'll get comped and sometimes twice. It's how their trained, don't get mad, be cool and see how much better you are treated. Decent entrees and happy hour deals, good service, clean restaurant, not great but defiantly OK.
(3)Terry K.
Good "chain" food restaurant with excellent service. Lots of fried stuff but you can ask for the fresh seafood to be broiled. They are accommodating to the method of preparation you want if it's other than fried (deep fried that is). I had their lunch salad and soup..... HUGE salad with bay shrimp. It looked like a chop chop salad sitting on a bed of large lettuce leaves. Interesting... but good. Their wines? Their wine by the glass are wines for the Oregon vineyards. So, you would have an opportunity to try Oregon wines before buying a bottle at the liquor store or super market.
(3)david e.
The place is nice and the food decent. It wasn't anything special. I'll likely return because it's convenient and good for groups. My parents also like the place. The service was fine and I liked the board at the entrance that tells you what fish they have and where it came from.
(3)Matt H.
Good customer service and food. From now on, I'll drive to this location and skip Vancouver
(3)Patrick M.
Twin lobster tail very salty. Salt overpowers lobster flavor. At this location we always wait for wait person To come take order. They cut their butter with margerin. If you want a great McGrafts experience eat at their Federal Way WA restaurant.
(1)Andrew W.
McGraths is pretty much a Red Lobster. I always get Steak and Lobster. The wait is usually about 20 minutes. which isn't bad. The bread is good, the salad is average. I always get Steak and Lobster. The fish is okay, My wife has the trout my son had the salmon and it wasn't bad at all for the price. Obviously, a fresh caught salmon or trout is going to be better. The steak is a good size cut, and its tender and seasoned right. The lobster tails are small, but they are everywhere. 20 dollars for steak and lobster is a pretty good price IMHO. The building is nice and roomy, the tables are good and the seats are okay. The service is hit or miss. I think that has more to do with the Portland attitude of some of the servers. They just can't hide their passive aggressiveness no matter how hard they try. We tried a restaurant that was touted to make Mcgraths seem like a hot pocket in a dirty microwave. I found this particular place on ne sandy to be slightly better. The menu was too limited for my tastes. Also a certain place by the airport on Marine drive is overpriced and has similar quality food in my opinion. If the idea of a locally owned red lobster type restaurant doesn't frighten you then give it a shot.
(4)D. E.
Beside all the other demerits my fellow Yelper's give this place, and they're all true, I must add this: The cooks are way overcooking the better cuts of fish. Not everything must be cooked extra well-done. I'm not here for tilapia or goat or whatever they are used to cooking. Give them a little guidance. This isn't Skippers and you certainly charge the going rate of other fish houses. And hey, on a side note, when a waiter tries to tell the customer what to order without even handing them menus, I want to get up and walk out. Who does he think he is? The Amazing Kreskin or some other clairvoyant? I'm not at the Palm or in Beverly Hills. Push whatever crap the boss told you to unload on Honey Boo Boo.
(2)Holly D.
I have eaten here a couple of time because a friend of mine loves it and this is fish season for me, so I go (besides she pays). The bread and butter is nice, the place is clean. Please put straws with your glasses of water. Don't know why it bugs me when I have to ask for a straw, but it does. I had a nice shrimp salad and my friend had her favorite, the clam strips which looked great. Couldn't tell if the fries were frozen or not. but the real surprise was the almond apple crisp. Oh my..it was wonderful!!! and huge enough for both of us to share without complaint. Always ask for a seat by the pond, watching the Canadian Geese land is a treat.
(3)Kim S.
happy birthday to me. err, not. we chose the restaurant based on previous good food / service and proximity to our house. party of 8, which included two kiddos. the ahi app was fantastic. the razor clams were also tasty. dad had the calamari, which he liked. i had the seafood sampler as my entree - the salmon was incredible dry and the crab cake tasted of all cake and seasoning. my mother had the halibut special and the halibut was hard (how do you do that to fish?). if you're ordering for your kiddos, make sure you request the drink and ice cream that comes with the meal (our waiter didn't offer and we ended up ordering it to go at the end of the meal). also, the macaroni and cheese is actually penne and cheese; great if you're 4, not so great if you're 2. all in all, a total bummer.
(1)Holy-foo' X.
[the collective 3.5 rating seems just about right...] Used to live right across 224 from McGrath's, and didn't hesitate to take company over there for grub. A notch or two above any other options in the same strip mall (Subway, McDs, Taco Hell, Shari's, and a non-descript Chinese hole in the wall). Usually got blackened catfish filets over Caeser salad and a cup of chowder/fish stew. Frequently shared calamari or other sea food appetizer w/whoever was my dinner company. Their chowder was among the better you'll find, especially once it's properly dashed w/tabasco. Once in a great while, they would even offer STURGEON, which i LOVE! Wash it all down w/a pint of draft and you've had a healthful, tasty supper that hits the spot, every time!
(4)Justin S.
No pirate costumes, no stolen identity, no hackers, but lots of chowder and iced tea... Guys, you really have great service. And, to make it stand out I will write the service is outstanding. (hope that double quote makes it into the top) Our waiter was David, even though he was serving 5 tables at once, was prompt and did a great job. The oysters, as many people have stated are quite good. Fisherman's stew, cioppino, was excellent with the hot sourdough bread. Salad croutons are zesty and the garlic noodles under the parmesan shrimp were quite good. The endless shrimp really should end. I would have preferred ending-shrimp with better flavors. I think I liked the noodles best, and the beer battered shrimp the least. The parmesan crust was a little too salty, the coconut version was ok, but a little too greasy (maybe overfried). The other food I have eaten from this place has been good and very reasonably priced. Of the seafood chains in Portland, I think this is my favorite, just not the endless shrimp. I'll be back and stick to the main menu.
(3)Joseph H.
Service was great. Meal was chain food. It was good chain food, really good, just don't watch any movies about over fishing before you go. Cajun catfish was tasty, the vegetables were a hit, the rice pilaf dropped the ball. The latter had dried flakes of Oregano added AFTER it hit the plate. Not a good idea Mr. line cook, the dried herb just stood out and was appalled by the rice it was meant to court. The veggies were roasted simply, but they did a good job blending the flavors with the Catfish. Overall I was pretty happy with my order and kind of surprised. Drinks, and chowder were sub standard. The chow had nothing on many Portland restaurants and was clearly the thick corn starch type made by a lot of chains. Hey it was clean, the service was great and the food was consistent. ;)
(3)Tam F.
Here we are in Oregon again. This time, there are 9 of us in the house and we are expecting 2 more tomorrow. The wonderful Grammie likes to eat out in restaurants, so we ended up coming here (per the parents' recommendation). We had reservations for 6:30... We were seated at 7:05. Our drink orders were taken at 7:10. Our orders were taken at 7:15, our salads/soups came at 7:30 and our dinners...well 8 of the 9 dinners came at 8:05pm, the 9th dinner (our server "forgot" to put it into the system) arrived at 8:20. Overall, the food was mediocre. There were a couple of dishes that stood out-my man's crab legs and my daughters seafood tortellini's. The rest of the meals were luke warm, and fair. The restaurant had that shabby feel to it-like it needed Gordon Ramsey or something. To end the evening, I went to use the ladies room. There was no toilet paper in stall. Why 3 stars you ask? Well, since meal #9 wasn't ordered and came later than the rest , the manager comped the table 2 desserts. The key lime pie was horrible, but the mud pie (HUGE!) made the 6 of the 9 people at the table VERY happy. I don't think I ever need to eat here again....
(3)Ely M.
Love the wood fire salmon! With tidal wave to drink. I come here with my husband & son. 2 to 4 times a month. Nice athmophere, service and great food.
(4)Vickie W.
We came here due to an ad that we received for "Lobster Fest". Approximately 7 pm on Friday eve. Appeared to be a good deal. Wait was not bad. However the entree we received was over cooked asked for steak. medium it was way over cooked. It was a lobster tail and shrimp and steak and potato entree. Shrimp was over cooked leathery taste. We were asked right away how everything was but we had not had a chance to taste anything yet. We were never asked again. The LOBSTER was a little two bite tail really small. Sorry to say your ad brought us their but your lack of preparing your food properly with decent portions will lead us to NOT come back.
(1)L J.
I liked this place the first time I came here they can get a little pricey depending on what you order. I got this pasta the second time I came and with seafood the worst thing you can eat is raw scallops. The first time I came here I ordered it but the second time random pieces were raw. The crutons to there salad is unbearably over seasoned but the sour dough bread is delicious. The people there are very friendly and make sure everything is good.
(3)Don S.
Got sick on CLEARLY old crab and shrimp. Took two bites, and wanted to hurl. AVOID.
(1)Theresa Q.
Wish they'd come back to California. Whenever I'm traveling, I always look to see if there is one in town. Great customer service...I mean super great every time I go!
(4)Holly W.
I enjoy seafood. The lunch menu and pricing is as good or better than what you pay at a fast food burger place. They have good food and great service. I eat at McGraths at least once a month and sometimes more. A good place to have meeting with others.
(5)Kay G.
This is a Fish House. For 5 years now, I've walked in the door and been greeted with a fresh fish on ice. The chalkboard in the foyer shows the fish specials, where the fish came from, and where the fish are biting locally. The building is wonderful, nice and airy. The colors are relaxed. The location is good, on a pond, so you can watch ducks and nutria from the windows or the patio. What? Oh, the food. Yes, yes. For appetizers, I strongly recommend the crab and artichoke dip, as well as the crab and shrimp wontons. If you want cold appetizers, everything on the oyster bar menu is good. The Ahi, the cocktails, the prawns. All of it. Their chowder is great, especially with some of that fresh, hot sourdough bread. I'm not much of a tomato eater so I've never tried the fisherman's stew. They have also created some excellent seafood and salad pairings. When I am in a salad mood I get either the Herb crusted salmon salad or the Seared ahi salad, both of which are HUGE. If I'm not concerned about getting as much protein in my meal, I find the Oregon pear, bleu cheese, and walnut salad a delight. Fish dinners: HALIBUT PARMESAN, HAZELNUT SOLE, MACADAMIA MAHI MAHI are all great. You cannot go wrong. Their burgers say 'gourmet' on the menu and they really are very good...its hard to find a better burger in the Portland area. I usually ask them to cook the pattie medium rare, though. And the desserts. Well, if you have an entree it is unlikely that you will make it to dessert. And the desserts are quite good, and enough to feed 4, so no matter how big your tummy is, it is likely those big eyes of yours will have your hands carrying most of the dessert home in a bag. I have guests visiting me from all over the country and the world. All have found the food and the ambiance pleasing. My European friends are always surprised by the reasonable prices.
(4)Mish N.
Excellent service. Their house favorite, halibut parmesan, was a tad dry but still delicious. Sides were prepared well. Nothing fancy, and a good place to take those less adventurous relatives and friends...above average for a seafood chain.
(3)