Ever wondered why some restaurant chains serve fish that’s about as appetizing as a soggy newspaper? Fried fish can be a delicious treat when done right, but sadly, many popular chains miss the mark completely.
Let’s dive into the worst offenders first, then celebrate the places where you can score truly magnificent fried fish dishes!
1. McDonald’s Filet-O-Flop
Yikes! The Filet-O-Fish at McDonald’s resembles a sad, squished pillow more than actual seafood. The paper-thin patty drowns in tartar sauce to mask its bland flavor.
What if I told you this fishy disaster has remained virtually unchanged since 1962? The mushy texture and questionable fish quality make this a definite pass. Skip this underwater disappointment!
2. Burger King’s Forgotten Fish Sandwich
Though Burger King focuses on flame-grilled burgers, their seasonal fish offering seems like a reluctant afterthought. The Big Fish sandwich features dry, rubbery fish that tastes like it’s been frozen since the Ice Age.
Bizarrely, they’ve never quite figured out how to balance the breading-to-fish ratio. One bite yields mostly bread, the next nothing but greasy coating. Save your money for something that actually swam recently!
3. Arby’s Fish Sandwich Fiasco
Arby’s might have the meats, but fish? Not their strong suit! Their limited-time Crispy Fish Sandwich arrives with fish so heavily processed you’ll question if it ever had fins. How can something be simultaneously soggy AND dry?
The mystery continues with each disappointing bite. The sad slice of sad tomato and wilted lettuce only compound the tragedy. Run to the roast beef instead!
4. Sonic’s Seafood Stumble
Sonic’s drive-in experience can’t save their fish sandwich from being a total wipeout. The fish patty has an artificial taste that no amount of sauce can disguise.
Ever bitten into something that tastes like the freezer it came from? That’s the Sonic fish experience! The breading falls off at first touch, creating a mess that’s not worth the cleanup. Consider this a red light on your fast food journey!
5. Dairy Queen’s Fishy Disappointment
Dairy Queen should stick to Blizzards and leave fish to the professionals! Their Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features a patty that’s wildly underwhelming with a fishy aftertaste that lingers unpleasantly. If cardboard had a seafood cousin, this would be it.
The thin, dry fish gets lost between bland buns and lackluster toppings. Want a real treat? Head straight for the ice cream and forget this underwater disaster!
6. Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. Fish Fail
Holy mackerel! Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. might be burger twins, but their fish sandwich is the black sheep of the menu.
Compared to real fish, the strangely formed patty has more breading. Where’s the taste? Apparently lost at sea! Your fingers get slick with oil from the oily coating, and your stomach feels heavy. Instead, head for their burgers to save your taste buds!
7. Jack In The Box’s Fishy Mistake
Jack in the Box might have quirky commercials, but there’s nothing amusing about their fish sandwich.
The texture of the fish is oddly identical throughout, and it tastes suspiciously manufactured. When you bite it, why does it bounce back? Fish shouldn’t act in that manner! It appears they don’t often replace their cooking oil because of the overpowering flavor of fryer oil. Leave this fishy impostor in Davy Jones’ locker and stick to their tacos!
8. Wendy’s Wild Caught Washout
Despite Wendy’s claims about wild-caught North Pacific cod, their fish sandwich falls flatter than a flounder.
Although the square patties may look good with their burger, it adds nothing to the flavor or texture. How is it possible for anything to be both fishy and bland? Panko breading encases a conundrum! The sandwich also has temperature problems—hot bread, cold fish. If you’ve ever been let down by a fish, please share this post!
9. Long John Silver’s Crispy Perfection
Now we’re talking! Long John Silver’s makes fried fish that’s actually worth the calories. Their signature batter creates a light, crispy shell around flaky white fish that’s moist and tender inside.
Those crunchy little batter bits they throw in? Pure genius! The balance of seasoning lets the fish shine without overwhelming it. When seafood cravings hit, this pirate-themed chain delivers treasure every single time!
10. Captain D’s Fresh Catch Victory
Ahoy, seafood lovers! Captain D’s serves up fried fish that’s remarkably fresh-tasting with a homestyle batter that’s neither too thick nor too thin.
Each piece breaks apart beautifully with just the right flakiness. What makes them special? Their commitment to quick turnover means nothing sits under heat lamps for long. The seasoned coating has subtle notes of pepper and garlic that complement rather than mask the fish. Pure maritime magic!
11. Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Triumph
Holy fish sticks, Batman! Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Filet sandwich deserves a standing ovation. The hand-cut, hand-battered cod practically melts in your mouth while maintaining structural integrity.
Ever tasted fish so fresh you’d swear it was caught that morning? The light breading allows the sweet, mild flavor of real cod to take center stage. Paired with their signature tartar sauce, it’s a masterclass in fast-food fish done right!
12. Popeyes Flounder Fish Sandwich Surprise
Surprise!
With their Flounder Fish Sandwich, Popeyes’ chicken masters really outdid themselves. Their famous crispy, well-seasoned breading encases the hefty chunk of genuine flounder. They’ve nailed the crisp-to-juicy ratio that many veterans overlook, while being relatively new to the fish game. This sandwich reaches gourmet status thanks to the barrel-cured pickles and brioche baguette. Who would have thought that chicken people could swim?
13. Ivar’s Seafood Bar Excellence
Pacific Northwest treasure Ivar’s has been perfecting fried fish since 1938, and boy does it show! Their lightly battered cod practically transports you to Seattle’s waterfront with each heavenly bite. Why is it so good?
Maybe it’s the closely-guarded family recipe, or perhaps it’s the sustainable sourcing practices. The fish-to-batter ratio is poetry in seafood form. If you’re anywhere near an Ivar’s, swimming against the current to get there is justified!
14. Arthur Treacher’s Nostalgic Goodness
Though harder to find these days, Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips delivers a taste of British-style fish that’s worth the hunt. Their thick-cut cod comes in a distinctive crunchy batter that audibly snaps when bitten. Remember when fast food actually tasted homemade?
Arthur Treacher’s still does! The malt vinegar packets are non-negotiable for the authentic experience. Tag a friend who remembers this iconic chain’s glory days!
15. H. Salt Esquire’s English Style Victory
Blimey! H. Salt Esquire brings authentic English-style fish and chips to America with remarkable success. Their cod filets sport a distinctive golden crust that’s crispy without being greasy or heavy.
Unlike many chains, they don’t skimp on portion size! The fish maintains its moisture while the exterior provides that satisfying crunch we all crave. Their homemade tartar sauce deserves its own fan club. A proper chip shop experience without the passport!
16. Skipper’s Seafood Sensation
Skipper’s might fly under the radar, but their fried fish deserves the spotlight! Their generous portions of Alaskan pollock come in a distinctively seasoned batter that’s light yet substantial. How do they keep the fish so moist? It’s culinary wizardry!
The coleslaw perfectly complements the fish with its creamy-tangy balance. Skipper’s proves you don’t need to be the biggest chain to serve some of the best fish. A hidden gem worth seeking out!
17. Raising Cane’s Secret Fish Success
Wait, what?
During Lent, Raising Cane’s chicken finger experts have a secret weapon: their limited-edition fish dishes. Their fried fish, when it’s available, is just as good as their renowned chicken. It’s worth putting on your calendar even if it’s not a permanent menu item! Their seafood is expertly prepared with the same attention to detail that goes into their chicken. Fish also benefits from the enchantment of Cane’s sauce, which gives it a crispy outside and a flaky within. A wait-worthy seasonal delight!