8 Restaurant Chains That Serve The Best Fried Fish
There’s something magical about biting into perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried fish.
When that delicate crunch gives way to flaky, tender fish inside, it’s a moment of pure culinary bliss.
I’ve traveled coast to coast sampling seafood offerings, and not all fried fish is created equal.
These eight restaurant chains consistently deliver fish that’s worth every calorie and will have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your meal.
1. Long John Silver’s: The OG Seafood Fast Food Champion
Arrr, mateys! My first taste of Long John Silver’s happened during a road trip when I was ten, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The distinctive crumbly batter they use creates these delicious little crispy bits that fall off during frying – what they call “crumblies” – which are basically the seafood equivalent of finding bonus fries at the bottom of your bag.
Their Alaskan pollock filets come with that signature crunch that somehow stays crispy even during takeout. The fish itself maintains its moisture and flakiness without being greasy. While fast food seafood might sound suspicious to some, Long John’s has perfected their recipe over five decades.
Fun fact: Despite the pirate-themed branding, the restaurant was actually named after a character from Treasure Island, not a real buccaneer!
2. Culver’s: Wisconsin’s Fresh-Never-Frozen Fish Secret
Wisconsin isn’t exactly oceanfront property, yet somehow Culver’s nails their North Atlantic cod every single time. Last summer during a lakeside vacation, I stopped at Culver’s three days in a row just for their fish sandwich – it was that good! Their preparation method involves hand-cutting each piece before battering it in a family recipe coating.
What makes their fish exceptional is the emphasis on freshness. Unlike many chains that use frozen fish that’s been sitting around for who-knows-how-long, Culver’s commitment to quality is evident in every bite. The batter is light and doesn’t overpower the natural flavor of the cod.
The sandwich comes on a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll with Wisconsin cheddar, lettuce, and tartar sauce that complements rather than drowns the fish. For butter burger fans who’ve never tried their seafood – you’re seriously missing out!
3. Captain D’s: Southern-Style Seafood That Keeps It Real
Holy mackerel! The first time I wandered into a Captain D’s, I wasn’t expecting much – but their hand-battered fish left me speechless. This southern chain knows how to fry fish in a way that would make your grandma proud. Their signature batter creates this gorgeous golden crust that somehow manages to be substantial without being heavy.
Captain D’s uses wild-caught fish for their signature meals, which explains the clean, natural flavor that shines through. The batter has just enough seasoning to complement the fish without masking its oceanic goodness. Each piece breaks apart beautifully with your fork, revealing steaming white flakes inside.
What really sets them apart is consistency – whether you’re in Tennessee or Texas, that fish will be crispy outside, tender inside, and never, ever greasy. Their hushpuppies make the perfect sidekick to soak up any leftover tartar sauce!
4. Cracker Barrel: Country Kitchen Fish That Surprises Everyone
Who knew a country store restaurant would serve fish that makes seafood specialists jealous? During a rainy road trip through Tennessee, I reluctantly ordered Cracker Barrel’s Friday Fish Fry special when nothing else appealed – and nearly fell off my rocking chair at how good it was! Their haddock filets come dusted in cornmeal rather than heavy batter, creating a delicate crispness that lets the fish be the star.
The cornmeal coating creates this fantastic textural contrast with the tender fish inside. It’s seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the clean flavor of the haddock to shine through. Each piece flakes beautifully with just a gentle prod of your fork.
Served with their homestyle sides like coleslaw and those famous hash brown casserole, it’s comfort food that somehow feels lighter than your typical fried fare. Pro tip: Ask for extra lemon wedges – a fresh squeeze takes it to another level!
5. Red Lobster: Beyond The Cheddar Biscuits Lies Fish Perfection
Everyone raves about those addictive Cheddar Bay Biscuits, but Red Lobster’s hand-battered fish deserves its own fan club! My anniversary dinner last year featured their fish and chips, and I nearly ignored my poor husband as I savored every bite. Their beer batter creates these magnificent peaks and valleys that maximize the crispy surface area.
The cod they use is premium quality – thick, substantial pieces that stay moist even under that crunchy coating. What impresses me most is how the fish retains its distinct flavor rather than just tasting like fried batter. The beer in the batter adds a subtle malty note that elevates the whole experience.
Their tartar sauce deserves special mention – it’s housemade with just the right balance of creaminess, tang, and pickle bits. When a restaurant known for its fancier seafood options still nails something as seemingly simple as fried fish, you know they’re serious about quality!
6. Popeyes: The Surprise Contender In The Fried Fish Game
Chicken might be their claim to fame, but Popeyes’ Cajun-seasoned flounder sandwich deserves a standing ovation! I discovered it accidentally during Lent when they were promoting it as a chicken alternative, and honestly, I might prefer it to their famous chicken sandwich (don’t tell anyone I said that).
The flounder filet gets the full Cajun treatment – marinated in Louisiana seasonings before being battered and fried to golden perfection. That distinctive Popeyes crunch gives way to delicate, flaky fish that packs surprising flavor. The spice level hits that perfect middle ground – enough to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the fish.
Served on a toasted brioche bun with barrel-cured pickles and their signature sauce, it’s a masterclass in sandwich construction. The limited-time availability makes it even more special – I’ve literally marked my calendar for Lent season just to indulge in this underwater treasure!
7. Arthur Treacher’s: The Legendary Fish & Chips Specialist Making A Comeback
Growing up in Ohio, Arthur Treacher’s was THE place my grandpa would take me for a special treat. This old-school chain specializes in authentic English-style fish and chips, and though they’ve dwindled in numbers, the locations that remain (and those now operating inside Nathan’s Famous) still serve the crunchiest, most authentic British-style fish around.
Their signature cod fillets come in this unique batter that creates an almost puffy, super-crispy exterior. It’s thicker than most American versions, providing this satisfying shatter when you bite into it. The fish inside stays incredibly moist and flaky – never that mushy texture that lesser fried fish often suffers from.
The malt vinegar bottles on every table are non-negotiable for the authentic experience. A few dashes cut through the richness perfectly. Though harder to find these days, Arthur Treacher’s represents a piece of fast-food history that deserves recognition for staying true to its British fish and chips roots!
8. Golden Corral: The Buffet Dark Horse With Surprisingly Good Fish
I’ll admit it – I was a total buffet snob until a family reunion forced me to spend three hours at Golden Corral. My skepticism evaporated the moment I tried their hand-breaded fish. Who would’ve thought an all-you-can-eat buffet would be serving up fish that rivals dedicated seafood joints?
Their pollock fillets are breaded to order and fried in small batches, ensuring they don’t sit under heat lamps getting soggy. The breading has this pleasant peppery kick that complements the mild fish perfectly. What impressed me most was how they manage to keep the fish moist while maintaining that crucial crispy exterior – no easy feat on a buffet line!
The fact that you can pair it with literally dozens of sides makes it even better. I’ve become something of a Golden Corral fish evangelist, converting friends who previously turned their noses up at buffet seafood. Sometimes the best culinary surprises come from the most unexpected places!