10 North Carolina Restaurant Chains Serving The State’s Best Fried Fish
In North Carolina, fried fish isn’t just a meal; it’s a tradition.
From crispy, golden fillets to perfectly seasoned sides, these restaurant chains have mastered the art of serving seafood that keeps people coming back for more.
Locals swear by their favorite spots, and visitors quickly understand why.
Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch and flavorful finish that makes fried fish more than just dinner; it’s a taste of true Carolina comfort.
1. The Captain’s Cap
Crispy batter that shatters at first bite is what makes The Captain’s Cap a local legend across North Carolina.
Their fried flounder comes straight from nearby waters, ensuring freshness that you can actually taste in every flaky bite.
Family recipes passed down through generations keep the seasoning blend a closely guarded secret.
The golden crust achieves that perfect balance between crunchy exterior and tender fish inside, never greasy or heavy. Locals swear by their Wednesday fish special, which sells out faster than you can say “tartar sauce.”
2. Libby Hill Seafood
Founded back when bellbottoms were cool, Libby Hill Seafood has been frying fish longer than most of us have been alive.
Their catfish platter comes piled high with enough crispy goodness to feed a small army, or one really hungry person.
What sets them apart is the cornmeal coating that adds extra crunch and a slightly sweet flavor. The portions are downright generous, making your wallet and stomach equally happy.
Pro tip: order extra hushpuppies because you’ll definitely want them.
3. Captain Steve’s Family Seafood
Walking into Captain Steve’s feels like visiting your favorite uncle’s beach house, if that uncle happened to be a master fish fryer.
Their whiting is lightly battered and fried to absolute perfection, maintaining that delicate fish flavor without overpowering it.
Kids eat free on Tuesdays, making it a family favorite across multiple generations. The casual atmosphere means you can show up in flip-flops and nobody bats an eye.
Their homemade cocktail sauce has just enough horseradish kick to keep things interesting.
4. Captain’s Galley Seafood
Captain’s Galley doesn’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes or flavor intensity.
Their grouper sandwich arrives stacked so tall you’ll need both hands and possibly an engineering degree to eat it properly.
The beer batter recipe creates an almost lacy texture that crackles audibly with each bite. Regulars know to arrive early on Friday nights because the line stretches out the door.
Fun fact: they’ve been using the same industrial fryer since 1987, and it still works like a charm.
5. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Beach vibes meet serious seafood chops at Shuckin’ Shack, where the fried fish tacos have achieved cult status among coastal residents.
Light and crispy mahi-mahi gets tucked into soft tortillas with a tangy slaw that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Their laid-back atmosphere welcomes sandy feet and sun-kissed shoulders without judgment. Cold beer flows freely, and the outdoor seating offers prime people-watching opportunities.
Order the sampler platter if you’re feeling indecisive about which fried fish to choose.
6. Red Crab Juicy Seafood
Cajun spices meet Carolina seafood traditions at Red Crab, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Their fried catfish comes dusted with a special blend that packs just enough heat without overwhelming the fish itself.
The messy, hands-on eating experience is part of the fun here. Bibs are provided, and you’ll definitely need one.
Their signature seasoning is so popular that people actually buy bottles to take home and recreate the magic in their own kitchens.
7. Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar
Forget everything you thought you knew about fried fish because Hook & Reel brings Louisiana heat straight to North Carolina plates.
Their tilapia gets a spicy coating that builds gradually, warming you from the inside out without causing actual pain.
The garlic butter dipping sauce is dangerously addictive and pairs perfectly with the peppery crust. Music bumps, drinks flow, and the energy level stays high throughout dinner service.
Weekend waits can stretch to an hour, but regulars say it’s absolutely worth it.
8. Long John Silver’s
Sometimes you just want no-frills, classic fried fish that tastes exactly like childhood memories, and Long John Silver’s delivers that nostalgic crunch every single time.
Their signature batter creates those coveted crispy bits called “crumblies” that people literally order by the cup.
Affordable prices make it perfect for feeding hungry families without breaking the bank. The drive-through option means you can satisfy sudden fish cravings without changing out of your pajamas.
Their malt vinegar packets are the unsung heroes of the entire experience.
9. Bonefish Grill
Upscale ambiance meets seriously skilled fish preparation at Bonefish Grill, where fried fish gets a sophisticated makeover.
Their Bang Bang Shrimp might steal headlines, but the wood-grilled options and lightly fried preparations deserve equal attention and praise.
Fresh fish arrives daily, ensuring quality that you can see and taste immediately. The knowledgeable servers can guide you through seasonal catches and preparation styles.
Date night just got infinitely more delicious, and you might actually want to dress up a little for this one.
10. Blue Bay Seafood
Down-home cooking reaches peak perfection at Blue Bay Seafood, where traditional soul food sides complement perfectly fried fish.
Their spot fish comes out golden and tender, seasoned simply to let the natural sweetness shine through beautifully.
Grandmas across North Carolina approve of their collard greens and mac and cheese sides.
The no-nonsense approach to seafood means quality ingredients prepared the right way, without unnecessary fanciness. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you arrive hungry and ready.