McCormick and Schmick’s is an upscale seafood restaurant with a waterfront view .It is located on the waterfront of the Potomac River, also known as the National Harbor. This restaurant offers a large menu, ranging from linguini alfredo to specialty steak and seafood. It is on more of the expensive side, but the ambiance makes everything worth it. My personal favorite dish from the restaurant is the Buttermilk Fried Shrimp with a side of caesar salad. If you plan on visiting this eatery, make sure to request outdoor seating to get a fantastic view of the water, but as the weather gets colder it’s better to get indoor seating which is just as good. The atmosphere of the restaurant has a very original and relaxed feel to it, making visitors want to come back. Although personally I thought the restaurant and service was great, many guests do complain about the wait for the food, averaging around 30-40 minutes.

After enjoying your meal, you can check out the many attractions in the area. Hop on the the Capital Wheel for $15 and enjoy the mesmerizing view or take a ride on the light up carousel for only $7. The Capital Wheel doesn’t compare to your average carnival ferris wheel. The price may seem a little steep, but considering it also comes with a free snow cone ticket and the astonishing experience makes it worth it. I would say that the best time to go on it would be in the evening right when the sun is about to set and when the colorful lights of the wheel light up. Another simple inexpensive attraction to take a look at is the infamous Awakening Sculpture, whether you take pictures in front of it or climb all over it. If the weather is too cold for you to want to walk around, consider stopping by the Muse Paintbar for a paint session or Savannah’s Candy Kitchen if you have a sweet tooth.

You can never go wrong when going here, no matter what kind of fun you’re planning. There’s always numerous events and attractions going on, so be sure to check the events calendar before you go! The National Harbor is filled with plenty of stuff to make your experience worth your while.

Rating for McCormick and Schmick’s: 7/10

Rating for the Capital Wheel: 9.5/10