It’s pretty obvious that many of the effects of the most recent economic downturn are still with us.

With more tightened belts, many people look to cutting superfluous spending, like happy hour drinks and food. One trip to McCormick and Schmick’s, however, could make you re-think cutting those after-work drinks and appetizers.

Located at the Westfield Annapolis mall, the restaurant is part of a nationwide chain with more than 80 locations. Although the restaurant has a chain-like atmosphere, the walls are full of Annapolis memorabilia, from Navy football pictures to paintings of downtown.

More importantly, the happy hour deals are great.

The McCormick and Schmick’s brand is most famous for being a world-class seafood establishment, however, its less publicized happy hour deserves to be just as famous. The restaurant offers a number of different food choices, all ranging in price from $1.95 to $4.95.

Perhaps the best deal on the happy hour menu is the cheeseburger and French fries. At $2.95, you get a half-pound cheeseburger and a large serving of fries, which you could easily pay $10 for at other restaurants.

The burger I had was juicy and cooked to perfection, and the fries served as a perfect companion. If you’re looking for something a little less ordinary, try the fish taco for $1.95, which comes with a large serving of rice, black beans, and pico de gallo.

The menu doesn’t stop there, with other options ranging from shrimp quesadillas to vegetable tempura served with a Thai chili sauce.    

Don’t worry, they didn’t forget about the other part of happy hour.  

All draft beers are $3.50 and red or white house wines are $4 a glass. In addition, the restaurant offers a rotating list of drink specials. On Mondays, all rail drinks are $4. Tuesday is tequila day, with the bar offering $4.50 margaritas. Wednesdays and Thursdays are martini time, with each drink just $4.

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., then again from 9 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. The happy hour deals are reserved for bar patrons, but there is no need to worry. Along with a suitable L-shaped bar, there are several cozy booths in the bar section, if you want a more intimate setting.

In all, McCormick and Schmick’s, which is normally known as an up-scale dinner choice, has a happy hour that can truly cater to anyone.