10 Restaurant Chains That Serve The Best Fish & Chips In The Whole U.S.
There’s something truly magical about biting into perfectly crispy fish paired with golden-brown, piping-hot potato chips. The satisfying crunch of the coating, the tender flakiness of the fish, and the comforting familiarity of the dish make it a favorite for seafood lovers everywhere.
As a passionate seafood enthusiast who’s traveled coast to coast, I’ve sampled fish and chips from a wide variety of places, both upscale eateries and laid-back local joints.
Over time, I’ve discovered a handful of restaurant chains that have truly mastered this beloved classic, consistently delivering that ideal balance of flavor, texture, and freshness that keeps diners coming back.
1. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips: Celebrity Chef Quality
Celebrity chef perfection on a plate! My first visit to Gordon Ramsay’s spot in Las Vegas left me speechless. The sustainable cod is encased in a rice flour batter that creates an impossibly light, golden crisp that audibly crackles with each bite.
What sets this place apart is the attention to detail. The chips are thick-cut, crispy outside and fluffy inside, exactly how proper chips should be.
With locations in Orlando, NYC, Vegas, and D.C., you’re never too far from experiencing this British classic done right.
2. Legal Sea Foods: New England’s Finest Catch
Wowza! The first time I tasted Legal Sea Foods’ fish and chips, I understood why New Englanders rave about this place. Their wild-caught Atlantic pollock is so fresh you can practically taste the ocean with each flaky morsel.
The batter has this perfect crispiness that somehow stays intact throughout your meal. My favorite part? Their homemade tartar sauce with just the right amount of tanginess to complement the fish.
Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this chain has expanded while maintaining quality that would make any fisherman proud.
3. Bonefish Grill: Upscale Twist on a Classic
Holy mackerel! Bonefish Grill transformed my understanding of what fish and chips could be. Their version features cod that’s moist and tender inside a perfectly seasoned coating that provides just the right crunch factor.
The restaurant’s upscale ambiance doesn’t mean tiny portions, their generous servings arrive piping hot with house-made tartar sauce. I particularly appreciate how they serve malt vinegar alongside, honoring the traditional way of enjoying this dish.
Every location maintains consistent quality, making this a reliable choice for fish and chips cravings nationwide.
4. Captain D’s: Fast-Casual Seafood Champion
Ahoy there! Captain D’s saved my road trip through Tennessee when I desperately needed a seafood fix. With over 500 locations across the country, this chain has perfected the art of quick-service fish and chips without sacrificing quality.
The fish portions are generous, with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the tender white fish inside. Their crinkle-cut fries add a fun texture contrast that makes the meal complete.
What keeps me coming back is their consistency, whether I’m visiting their Florida or Missouri location, I know exactly what deliciousness awaits.
5. Long John Silver’s: Nostalgic Fast-Food Favorite
Treasure found! My childhood memories are filled with those distinctive Long John Silver’s hush puppies alongside their classic fish and chips. The chain’s signature batter creates that unmistakable crunch that sends crispy bits (they call them “crumbs”) scattering across your tray, and yes, those are absolutely meant to be eaten!
Their fish planks maintain a surprisingly moist interior despite the quick-service environment. The malt vinegar packets are essential for the authentic experience.
With hundreds of locations nationwide, this chain has introduced countless Americans to their first taste of fish and chips.
6. Red Lobster: Seafood Giant’s British Classic
Surprise, surprise! While known for their Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Red Lobster’s fish and chips deserves serious recognition. My recent visit reminded me why this chain remains a seafood staple across America.
Their hand-battered cod is consistently flaky and mild, perfectly complemented by their seasoned fries. The generous portion size means you’ll likely have leftovers, though they’re so tasty, you might just power through!
The accompanying coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and palate cleanser between bites of rich, fried goodness. For a mainstream chain, they’ve nailed this British classic with surprising authenticity.
7. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Movie-Themed Maritime Delight
Run, Forrest, run, straight to Bubba Gump for surprisingly excellent fish and chips! This movie-themed restaurant chain might emphasize shrimp in its name, but their fish and chips had me doing a double-take during my visit to their San Francisco location.
The cod comes in hefty portions with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t get soggy even as you work your way through the generous serving. Their chips have a rustic, skin-on quality that adds earthy flavor.
The fun atmosphere with Forrest Gump memorabilia makes the experience even more enjoyable, proving they’re serious about all seafood, not just shrimp!
8. Ivar’s Seafood: Pacific Northwest Sensation
Oh my cod! During my Seattle trip, locals insisted I try Ivar’s, and I’m eternally grateful for that recommendation. This Pacific Northwest chain has been serving spectacular fish and chips since 1938, and that experience shows in every bite.
Their wild-caught Alaskan cod comes in a light, crispy panko breading that enhances rather than masks the fish’s natural flavor. The fries are perfectly salted and ideal for dipping in their house-made tartar sauce.
Founded by Seattle folk hero Ivar Haglund, this chain maintains its commitment to sustainably sourced seafood while delivering consistently delicious results across all locations.
9. Yard House: Gastropub Spin on Seafood
Hold onto your taste buds! My first encounter with Yard House’s fish and chips happened purely by chance when friends wanted to meet at this gastropub. Who knew their seafood game would be so strong?
The battered cod is massive, we’re talking pieces that hang off the plate, with a crunchy exterior giving way to moist, flaky fish. Their fries are crispy perfection, especially when dipped in their malt vinegar aioli.
With locations nationwide, Yard House offers a modern, upscale spin on fish and chips that pairs beautifully with their extensive beverage selection and energetic atmosphere.
10. Claim Jumper: Gold Rush-Sized Portions
Eureka! I struck gold when ordering fish and chips at Claim Jumper during a family gathering. True to their Gold Rush theme, the portions are absolutely enormous, I’m talking enough for today and tomorrow!
Their battered cod arrives with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky fish. The steak-cut fries provide the perfect hearty companion to the substantial fish fillets.
Founded in Los Alamitos, California, this chain maintains its reputation for generous portions across all menu items. Their fish and chips exemplifies their commitment to hearty, satisfying comfort food that leaves no diner hungry.