The third time's the charm and with McGrath's Center Street in Salem the third time made us realize we will never go back again. The first time my friend and I asked at the reception desk if we could eat out on the patio and were told yes that would be fine so we went out onto the patio and sat down. When a server came out she chastised us for coming out without being escorted. We said we had asked and were told we could go right through. The second time we went, we checked with the receptionist to see if we could go directly to the patio and were once again told we could. However, our previous experience made us sit down in the bar and indicate to the waitress that we really wanted to sit outside. When the server came to where we were sitting she rudely questioned why we were there without menus. We said we had asked if we could eat outside and were told to go into the bar for further instructions. The waitress was quite curt because we were not sitting in the bar but the restaurant side - the bar was on the other side of the room! (There were no signs to that effect.) She said we should have gotten menus from the hostess before we came to sit because now she would have to go to the receptionist and pick up menus for us. She said we could go outside and she would see that someone helped us with menus. Last Sunday mid-afternoon we tried for the third time. We asked the receptionist and were told we could go to the bar. (We knew where it was this time). After SEVERAL minutes the lady who had been doing things behind the bar left the room and soon a man came with menus for us and asked if we'd like something to drink. We ordered and he left. After a minute or two more the woman from behind the bar returned and stopped at our table to ask if we'd like to order something to drink. We told her we had already ordered and then asked if she could please turn the music down because it was so loud we couldn't carry on a conversation across the table. She said she would see to it. Several more minutes passed - the music was not turned down - the man returned with our drinks. We ordered our dinner and asked him if the music could be turned down so we would be able to talk with each other. He said he would take care of it. When he brought our food the music still hadn't been turned down so we asked him again. As we ate and chatted loudly over the music I finally became impatient and CALLED the restaurant on my phone and told the woman at the front desk that I was sitting in the bar and had asked two different wait staff three times for the music volume to be reduced and it was still so loud it was unpleasant to try to visit. She asked if I wanted to speak with the manager and I said I didn't need to speak with the manager but I had asked politely three times now and couldn't see why the volume couldn't be reduced. I thanked her and hung up. A few minutes later a gentleman came to our table and identified himself as the manager and told us that earlier in the day some customers had asked that the music be turned up and he seemed surprised that we would want it turned down. It was as though we should appreciate that he had already increased the volume. We once again explained it was uncomfortable trying to carry on a conversation over the loud music and yes we would appreciate having it turned down. He said he would "try to find the key" and get it taken care of. FINALLY the noise was reduced to a level that we could finish our meal while carrying on a conversation. We both decided that McGraths WON'T EVER be our choice for lunch or dinner on our weekend movie dates!! Jill Andrick read more

It was pretty bad. Really unorganized ordered an appetizer that never came to the table. I ordered a recommendation that the waitress gave me and it was cold and tasteless unfortunately had high hopes from the reviews. But definitely not coming back. read more

Despite the discounts and the coupons that I use, on some occasions, the crab that I get served tastes undercooked as if they prepared it and waited a long time for it to cool before giving it to me. The veggies on the side don't help either because they seemed like ones that you take out of a can or have been frozen and thawed. read more

Last night we went in as a party of 8 with reservations at 5:30 to celebrate a graduation. Five of us arrived at 5:15, nobody was waiting and I was informed we would be seated at our reservation time. That was not a big deal, we sat to wait. Not even five minutes later they decided to seat us. Salem is under a water advisory, some people in our party have conditions that would not allow them to eat food cooked in the city water. One of us called previously and was told they were not using water, but water was being brought in for safety of their customers. Upon arriving, we find out this is not true. The manager, the ONLY good thing about this place, gave us some reasonable choices. He even offered to give us a discount on a return trip if we decided to leave. He helped to choose things not cooked in the water as the graduate really wanted to eat here. So, the majority of us ended up with steak, baked potatoes (or french fried) and onion rings. Veggies, salads, fish, lobster .. all cooked or stored in the water which we were trying to avoid. None of us really minded, except the steak was tasteless. Seriously, it was like they were conserving salt and any other seasoning they might have had on hand. Even the onion rings had no flavor. I was not impressed at all. The waiter was present when the manager was talking to us about the water situation, he understood we were avoiding the veggies and salads. Yet, when our food was served, those of us that ordered steak, had green beans on our plate. No baked potatoes. The manager had to come, once again, and then go and get us everything we were missing. Even the manager was confused as to why the waiter had not understood how we felt about the situation as he had been present during our earlier talk. Later when the bills came, they were split. My bill was about $40, yet when he brought me the receipt for my charge, I was charged $105. He mixed it up with someone else's in the party. I asked for the manager and was told that the waiter would go ahead and correct it. The manager did eventually come, after corrections had been made. I'm not sure he even knew I had asked for him. He went ahead and did his very best to make things right, and we left feeling like he was very kind and cared very much about the customers. He is the only redeeming quality this restaurant has. Bland food, bad service and staff that just doesn't seem to have a clue. read more

Had the Parmesan Crusted Halibut which was slightly over-cooked and had a slight burnt taste to it. This location had the best freshly baked bread than any other McGrath's location I've eaten at. Server was great and very attentive, he even brought an extra basket of bread without asking for it. Besides the issue with the fish I actually enjoyed this location better than others I've visited, it looked to be newer than the other locations. I would have rated a 4 star if it wasn't for the Halibut issue. read more

For a chain restaurant, I like this place! I usually go to local places that are unique, but this really isnt a bad deal. The service is great, the ambience nice (even at dinner), and selection extensive. I recommend the alder plank salmon. The fillet is a great size, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a 3/4lb. I must stress that you will find MANY things to choose from (even non seafood stuff!!) so go for it! Veggies were a little overcooked one time, but the other time it was fine. Boyfriend likes the fish and chips, and at 10.99 thats not a bad deal! They also have fish and chips in Halibut and Salmon at a higher price. Give it a try! read more

Good chowder, great food and decent price. Kids enjoyed their entrees and seemed fresh

Excellent experience! Short wait, friendly service. I had the Alder Plank Salmon and a cup of clam chowder. My friend had chowder and fish and chips. Each had great flavor and was cooked perfectly, still moist, not greasy, etc. Price was very reasonable. read more

we've been to this location twice.....if you go for the seafood it has been great. don't get the ribs. ribs are not so great, fatty yet flavor-less and fairly meat-free. Service has been spot-on both times. please we live so near the ocean, I want good fresh seafood someplace other than my own kitchen read more

I don't understand all the negative reviews of this place. I've been going for years and find the food consistently good and the service great. We eat lunch there frequently, I love their clam chowder and the turkey sandwich special. Also the spicy shrimp lettuce wrap appetizer is absolutely awesome! read more

Took awhile to get our order in. Ingredients are at par with general steakhouses. I had the ahi salad. The pineapples were from a can but the fish tasted alright. My friend had two big fish tacos. We had a nice time beating the rush by sitting at the bar. Definitely a popular spot on the weekends. read more

McGrath's Fish House - Ahi salad didn't come with avocado - Seafood Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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My wife and I had trouble finding anyplace to eat because everyplace had such negative reviews. So we decided to ignore the reviews and choose for ourselves. McGrath's service was prompt and friendly. They have a huge menu and we greatly enjoyed our dinner. Our server was very helpful and personable. We totally enjoyed our evening! read more

My day started at 7:00AM in DC and ended at 8:00PM in Salem. Had a craving for Seafood and asked my buddy, Yelp for advice. Well, McGrath's Fish House delivers. Started with the great Shrimp Lettuce Cup, followed by their great Fish Stew, and ended with Louisiana Blackened Cod topped with shrimp and all kinds of goodies... a nice twist to Jambalaya.. Awesome! read more

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Party of seven on a Monday night celebrating a birthday. Had to ask for bread, since there was seven of us, and we got 8 pieces of bread, had to ask for more; had to ask for"more water"; salads arrived but due to one of us just ordering an appetizer with a salad, we thought the salad would come with the appetizer - nope, had to ask for that salad....some of the entrees were great, one entree appeared to have set for a while; the bread was soggy and the shrimp was cold.....a couple across the way were served their appetizer with their meal.....they were extremely unhappy. A dirty table was not cleared the entire time we were there (two hours) and they were not busy. We also were taken-aback by the confrontational attitude of the manager when he questioned some of our group as to "why we would not be coming back". His customer service was clearly lacking. For quite a while, we have noticed the service is lacking and the food quality has gone downhill. Disappointing and our group will not be going back. read more

I paid twice what I would have at red lobster for half the portions. Drink menu on table was dirty and sticky. Looked like it had had hundreds of drinks spilled on it and hands touching it but had never been wiped off once. Those things are laminated for a reason. Although food tasted fine, it again wasn't as good as red lobster. Cheddar bay biscuits beat the sourdough any day of the week as well. Never going back. read more

Looked this place up on yelp. Wife and I decided to give it a try and.....it was amazing! The menu is intimidating at first but our lovely bartender/manager Sabrina was so helpful and friendly, helping us out with great suggestions on the menu and overall positive attitude. Portions were more than enough with some to bring home, and drinks on point. read more

Overall decent restaurant. Definitely get their cheese sticks as an appetizer. They're the best I've ever had. I also suggest going for lunch instead of dinner because they usually have great crab or lobster lunch specials for around $6-8.00...great deal! The reason I knocked them down 2 stars is the staff/service. I have no idea who hires these waiters/waitresses, but they are not friendly. They get the job done fine, but they need to work on their people skills and attitude. Solid place to eat though. read more

I have never written a review for a restaurant, but I felt I had to say something this time. My wife and I have tried McGrath's one to two times a year, for the last 5 years, hoping to have a decent meal. It is really sad that the only items on the menu that are ok are the fried foods and the salads. Have tried the fresh fish and it either has no flavor or is encrusted with something. I tried a steak a few times and definetely needed my knife to saw through it. Our most recent attempt was lunch today. Out of our party of 5, 3 had to be taken off the bill. Waited over an hour for food to arrive after ordering. Popcorn shrimp was cold and greasy. Fish sandwich on ciabatta bread had sat so long that the bread was soggy all the way through. Shrimp sandwich was prepared by a 5 year old. Supposed to be mixed with thousand island, similar to a chicken salad, toasted sourdough,lettuce,tomato and cucumber. Bread was white bread, untoasted. Thousand island dressing just a smear on one slice. Shrimp portion was less than a quarter cup, in a clump on one half of the bread. Recently read that McGraths won Gold for best seafood, and Bronze for best restaurant in Statesman Journal 2013 Best of the Mid-Valley. Not quite sure how they achieved this. read more

Nasty over cooked frozen food. The good was poor quality and it was most decently frozen not fresh. The shrimp were like a rubber tire from binging reheated after frozen, the haibate was nasty,, looked just like McDonald's fish patty, the scallops were tough from over cooking and from being caused the breading to fall off everything read more

Will not order to go any more or even come and eat here.. ordered a popcorn shrimp. When I got on my car almost half way home I opened the box and literally there was 10 popcorn shrimp inside.. I turned around and went I inside and asked to speak with manager as to why was there that portion when I go and eat there and my kid orders from the kids menu I have to even ask for a to go box and whatever I take home is literally what I got from my to go order.. that's not the annoying part, manger had said that they was going to add more to the order and I was ok instead of getting my money back which wasn't a lot it was like $6 something... he comes backs and shows me and I was like yea that looks fine I wanted to go home me being pregnant and traffic sucked, I come to find out they just re dumped the shrimp in oil to get more crisp and just threw fries on the the bottom to make it seemed that they had added more shrimp hahaha will not be eating here again read more

Dinner here was excellent again. This was in Medford location. Servers are very attentive and served our beverages and meals in a timely manner. When we visit up in this area it is a must. Baked trout was excellent read more

Everything was just kinda meh. Our server was kind but we had to flag him down if we wanted anything. In his defense it was busy that evening and we were a twelve top. I got the Small Bite Seafood Sampler. The clams were actually quite flavorful. The crab cake was bland and boring. I had to squirt lemon all over it to make it edible. I was expecting more from the crab and artichoke dip. It was greasy and not all that flavorful. The coconut shrimp were pretty good. The crust added a nice crunch and the dipping sauce was okay, very sweet! The parking lot is big but the front entrance is facing the street and not the parking lot?? You have to walk all the way around the building to get in. Poor design on that front. The decor is fine. Just your standard ocean then stuff. People say that "millennials are killing chain restaurants!" Well that's because when we spend money to go out, we want quality food. Not bland, boring microwave stuff. There's a reason an overwhelming amount of people that frequent this establishment and many others like it are elderly. If they want to expand their clientele I would suggest refining their menu. But for now, would I willing go there again? No. I only went because of a family event and that's the only reason I would go again. read more

Service was terrible. Bartender Alicia would rather be anywhere but behind the bar. Vegetables tasted like they were cooked in rotting fish water. The oysters were ok and scallops were cooked well. read more

Nothing else compares in Salem area. Wife and I were here on June 28 2014, had the wood fired Salmon and Crab Crusted Snapper. Best we've had. Of course I had a Makers Manhattan. We will always come here when in Salem. read more

Great peach belini. Shrimp was good. Gazpaco could use some zest.

We eat here often and enjoy it each time, except when it's crowded. The menu is huge and the food is delicious. I like the salmon salad best. The seats are comfortable, the decor is interesting, the bathrooms are spotless, the staff are always friendly and the prices are fair. Salem does not have very many upscale restaurants so we're glad McGrath's is here! read more

Server had an attitude issue...Salad was huge chunks of various unchewable lettuce... The green beans were like chewing a cattle prod. The oysters were more coating than oyster. The menu says add a cup of chowder...59 cents, but if you do it... it's $2.58... and they cannot explain why. Avoid this place... read more

Very disappointed - used to be one of our favorite restaurants in Salem, not anymore! The place has deteriorated, dirty seating not to mention incredible dust and dirt on windowsills and the blinds. Server was very slow, uninterested and seemed bothered by having to work. My meal came with a baked potato that was extremely dry, hard had barely any butter or sour cream and tasted bad. Upkeep, food quality and service are all lacking here sadly. read more

BEST FISH TACO'S ~~ Don't miss these! Nothing deep-fried, all fresh goodness!!

I liked my dinner. It was really worth it.. And the price was not bad at all for the quality and the quantity of the food served.

Food was really good, prices are reasonable. Loved it, will go back again. Extensive menu, lots of fabulous specials.

Everything was so tasty and fresh, specially The cider plank salmon and the salad! Service was really good as well. I'll definitely come back and recommend this place to friends and family :) read more

Amazing happy hour. Half price and great quality. Service was awesome to. I think we got our food in 15 min.

My first sea food meal since leaving the high desert of Reno, NV was a late lunch at McCraths. I was born in a coastal town and know great seafood. This wasn't great. The beet and chevre salad was tasty but the clam chowder was unacceptable. Relying on bacon to flavor a clam chowder is cheating don't you think? My husband had the grilled oysters, which looked and tasted as though the cook has taken pre battered oysters and grilled them instead of throwing them in the deep fryer. Grease was the main flavor. He also had the ahi tuna with wasabi. Uninspired. He ordered pasta with his meal but received a molded lump of dry rice instead. The vegetables were rubbery and bland. My seafood platter offered a burst of hot frying oil with each bite. The clam (singular) was rubber and the scallops were glue. It's hard to screw up pre battered fish and shrimp so I can't offer too much in the way of praise there. The waiter was friendly but slow to respond. It was late in the afternoon and the place was pretty empty so I'm not sure what was keeping him so long between visits. The restaurant was very dirty...by my standards. The window blinds are filthy and covered in dust. The sills as well. The ladies room could use a top to bottom cleaning as well. Every light fixture was either greasy or dusty or both. When was the last time the owners cleaned the dingy fishing boat or the other decor on the walls? For God's sake, look up every now and then and do some dusting. We followed recommendations offered by others on Yelp and tried the martinis. Somewhere out there is a martini with vodka in it, but not at McCraths. If standard fare is okay and the dust makes you feel at home then I say go to McCraths and enjoy. read more

They only ! Place to get clam chowder. Their unique motzerella sticks are wonderful and you can't go wrong with the sesame chicken strips. Seafood is always fresh. Yum top notch read more

Great food and atmosphere. We had a large birthday party, Dinner salad was the perfect size and very fresh, they even had Italian dressing. Clam Chowder was rich and creamy. Fish and Chips were good not greasy or soggy. I had the Seafood Astoria which was Trout covered with Crab and Shrimp in a white mushroom sauce, very good. Another in our party had the Seafood Jambalaya, loved it, the rest got the All you could eat seafood special. Everyone one was happy. read more

This was our first, and last time trying this restaurant. I called and made a reservation and made a point of asking for a table or non-booth seating. I was told that she would "make a note of it". When we got there we were led straight to a booth. It took over 20 minutes to get a table. The hostess asked what we would like to drink. It took a few minutes, again, to get two waters. Then she did realize she had forgotten to bring menus or silverware. While she took her time getting this our server, the only halfway decent part of the meal, came by ready to take our order. I think he got a little confused by the fact that we had no menus or place settings. I ordered a seafood feast type of meal and my hubby got a hamburger (he's not a seafood fan). First his impression of the burger. Overcooked too the point the meat was crunchy in spots. Fries were good. My platter was over-breaded fish, scallops and clam strips - pretty good, the kind that the cooks dump in the dryer out of a bag from the freezer. The shrimp were huge, but a large portion of that was breading. The piece-de-resistance, the crab legs? The tips were warm, the larger upper end, ice cold. Pretty dried out and tough. I did send the crab back and within 4-5 minutes got new crab legs, nice and hot, and dry and still tough. In other words they microwave them. The server was trying, but I think next year for my birthday I will stick with something I know. read more

I have been here several times and had great service. However today we arrive late to a group and we get our Meals prior to our appetizer. Never offered bread till we asked. My iced tea was never refilled or even asked if I wanted more. The only reason I give it two stars is like I said I have had great service in the past. read more

This place is often quite busy and I do not understand why. Our waitress screwed up our order "twice; first by only ordering 6 oysters on the half shell and then when you order the over 6, another waiter took the order and gave it to someone else. We got the other 6 eventually but she did not offer a complimentary cup of chowder or anything while we waited forever for the oysters. We shared a mixed grill plater and the crab cakes were awful; no crab and very mushy. The prawns were over cooked and had no seasoning. The salmon was nicely cooked but again had no seasoning. I cannot for the life of me understand why so many people eat here unless they like the fried seafood. read more

Very disappointed. We used to go to the McGrath's in Milwaukie (Oregon) often, especially on birthdays. This visit (9/14/12) was a huge disappointment. I had the special Sesame Plum Snapper. The sauce was very good, but the fish was overcooked and the french fries were limp and soggy. My husband ordered the Captain's Plate. It was all deep fried, except for the crab legs. Those were so old the shells were translucent and when we tried to crack them, they were soft and pliable, not crunchy. Once we did get to the meat, it came out in stringy, unappetizing strings. For our app, we had the steamers. A small batch of gritty clams in a fishy-tasting liquid...Don't think we'll ever go back. read more