8 Restaurant Chains In Michigan That Serve Fried Fish Just Right
As someone who has spent a lifetime in Michigan with a deep love for perfectly fried fish, I have made it a mission to find the best spots across our Great Lakes State. There is something truly satisfying about that first crispy bite revealing tender, flaky fish inside.
Whether you are upholding the Friday fish fry tradition or just in the mood for expertly prepared seafood, Michigan has plenty of dependable restaurant chains that get it right every time.
After countless meals and careful comparisons, I have narrowed down my top picks where soggy batter and dry fillets are never on the menu.
1. Long John Silver’s Treasured Crumblies
My grandmother introduced me to those magical extra bits of crispy batter they call “crumblies” at Long John Silver’s when I was just eight. I still get childishly excited about them!
Their Alaskan Pollock maintains that perfect moisture-to-crunch ratio that’s surprisingly consistent across all Michigan locations. The signature batter creates that distinctive crackly exterior while keeping the fish tender inside.
What keeps me coming back is how they’ve maintained their quality while other fast food chains constantly change recipes. Those little crispy batter bits scattered across my fish platter are still the highlight of my visit, a nostalgic treasure I can count on.
2. Captain D’s Handcrafted Perfection
Whenever I’m road-tripping through Michigan, Captain D’s bright blue lighthouse beckons me like an old friend. Their hand-battered fish has this remarkable consistency, crispy outside, flaky inside, that makes me wonder if they have fish-frying ninjas hidden in the kitchen.
The batter has a subtle peppery kick that distinguishes it from competitors. Those hush puppies deserve their own fan club too, golden-brown spheres of cornmeal joy that complement the fish perfectly.
Last summer, I brought my seafood-skeptical nephew here, and now he begs to go whenever we’re nearby. Captain D’s has that magical ability to convert even the most reluctant fish eaters with their perfect fry technique.
3. Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
Holy fishsticks! The first time I bit into Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Sandwich, I nearly cried tears of joy. The Wisconsin-based chain that conquered Michigan delivers fish that tastes like it was swimming mere hours ago.
Their breading has this delicate crispiness that shatters just right, never greasy, never soggy. I’m particularly impressed by how they manage this consistent quality even during the Lenten rush when fish sandwich demand skyrockets.
Pro tip: If you spot their seasonal Walleye Sandwich on the menu, drop everything and order it. I once drove 45 minutes when a friend texted me it was available. The perfectly seasoned, golden-brown walleye makes it worth every mile.
4. Popeyes’ Surprisingly Stellar Fish Sandwich
“Aren’t they just a chicken place?” That’s what I thought until I tried Popeyes’ Flounder Fish Sandwich on a whim during a snowstorm when nothing else was open. Talk about a delicious surprise!
The seasoning is what sets this sandwich apart, that distinctive Cajun-inspired blend gives the crispy coating character without overwhelming the delicate fish. The brioche bun adds a buttery sweetness that balances everything perfectly.
My fishing buddy Rick, who’s notoriously picky about seafood, now insists we grab these sandwiches before heading out to Lake St. Clair. Coming from a man who catches his own dinner regularly, that’s about the highest praise a chain restaurant fish sandwich can get.
5. Dairy Queen’s Unexpected Fish Delight
Confession time: I accidentally ordered Dairy Queen’s Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich thinking it was a new Blizzard flavor name. My delicious mistake turned into a regular craving! The crispy coating has this pleasant lightness that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down afterward.
I appreciate how they keep it simple, just good quality Alaskan pollock with a clean-tasting batter that lets the fish shine through.
My ice fishing buddies laughed when I suggested stopping for fish sandwiches at a place famous for ice cream. Now they’re the ones suggesting DQ after a long day on the frozen lakes. Sometimes the most surprising places serve up the most satisfying fried fish in Michigan.
6. McDonald’s Timeless Filet-O-Fish
Remember getting that square fish patty as a kid and thinking it was the fanciest thing ever? The Filet-O-Fish was my introduction to seafood, and honestly, it still hits the spot when I’m craving comfort food with a side of nostalgia.
The steamed bun creates this pillowy contrast to the crisp coating that somehow stays intact despite the tartar sauce.
There’s something reassuring about how this sandwich tastes exactly the same whether you’re ordering it in Marquette or Monroe. Last winter during a blizzard, I trudged through snow just to satisfy my Filet-O-Fish craving. The cashier laughed when I shook off like a snow-covered dog and ordered only that. Some traditions are worth braving Michigan winters for!
7. Russ’ Restaurants’ Friday Fish Feast
Growing up in West Michigan, Russ’ Restaurants’ Friday fish specials were practically a religious experience in our family. My grandfather would wink and say, “It’s fish day” every Friday at 5 PM sharp.
Their batter has this old-fashioned, homestyle quality, not too thick, not too thin, with a golden crispiness that reminds you of how things used to be made. The portions are gloriously generous, hanging off the plate like they’re showing off.
During college, I’d save my spare change all week for their fish dinner. Something about their perfectly fried cod makes you feel like you’re sitting in a family kitchen rather than a restaurant chain. It’s Michigan comfort food at its finest.
8. Big Boy’s Classic Fish Dinner
The statue of that chubby-cheeked boy holding a burger might not scream “seafood excellence,” but trust me, Big Boy’s fish dinners deserve recognition! My first job was at an Elias Brothers’ Big Boy, where I witnessed firsthand how seriously they take their fish preparation.
Their batter creates this delicate, flaky shell around the fish that shatters perfectly with each bite. The seasoning is subtle but present, just enough to enhance without masking the natural flavors. Last month, I reunited with high school friends at our hometown Big Boy.
We all ordered the fish dinner without discussion, then laughed realizing some traditions never change. Twenty years later, it still tastes like Friday nights after football games, perfectly crispy and comfortingly familiar.