Forget your fancy filets and your seared scallops. Sometimes, all you crave is the crispy, golden goodness of perfectly fried fish. We’ve been on a quest, navigating a sea of batter and tartar sauce, to bring you the definitive list of chain restaurants serving truly craveable fried fish.
Prepare to be hooked!
1. Long John Silver’s
The OG fish masters have been battering and frying since 1969! Their signature batter creates that distinctive crispy-yet-flaky texture that’s downright addictive.
Die-hard fans swear by those little crunchy batter bits that fall off during cooking—affectionately called “crumblies”—which they sprinkle over everything.
2. Red Lobster
Holy mackerel! Red Lobster’s hand-battered fish and chips delivers that perfect crunch-to-flake ratio every seafood lover dreams about.
What makes their version stand out is the premium Atlantic cod they use—thick, white fillets that stay tender inside while the outside gets golden-brown.
3. Captain D’s
Surprise, surprise—this Southern treasure serves up some seriously good seafood! Captain D’s batter recipe creates this light, crispy shell that practically shatters when you bite into it.
Captain D’s lets quality shine through. Their wild-caught fish maintains that fresh-from-the-ocean flavor that keeps loyal customers sailing back.
4. Culver’s
Frozen custard might be their claim to fame, but Culver’s North Atlantic Cod sandwich deserves its own spotlight! Hand-cut, hand-battered, and cooked-to-order—no heat lamps here, folks.
The fish practically melts in your mouth. Topped with Wisconsin cheddar, lettuce, and tartar sauce on a buttered bun? Pure Midwestern magic.
5. Popeyes
Forget chicken for a minute—Popeyes’ Cajun Flounder Sandwich is the dark horse of fast-food fish! Their signature spicy batter kicks bland fish to the curb.
The Louisiana-style seasoning gives it that distinctive heat that tingles without overwhelming. Paired with barrel-cured pickles and their signature sauce, it’s a flavor explosion.
6. Legal Sea Foods
Synonymous with quality and freshness in the seafood industry. Their fried fish offerings are no exception, delivering crispy, tender bites that are sure to satisfy.
With a history dating back to 1950, Legal Sea Foods has perfected the art of seafood preparation.
7. Chili’s
Surprise contender alert! Chili’s Ancho Salmon might get the spotlight, but their crispy fish tacos deserve serious recognition. These aren’t your average fish tacos—they’re game-changers!
The beer-battered fish chunks stay impossibly crunchy even under all those toppings.
8. Dairy Queen
Who knew the Blizzard people could fry fish this good? DQ’s wild-caught Alaskan pollock sandwich comes wrapped in a light, crispy breading that would make other fast-food joints jealous.
The fish itself is surprisingly substantial—no paper-thin fillets here!
9. Cracker Barrel
Country cooking meets seafood perfection! Cracker Barrel’s Friday Fish Fry special transforms humble cod into something truly spectacular.
Their cornmeal-crusted approach creates this distinctively Southern texture—less battery than some chains, but with a satisfying crunch all its own.
10. Bojangles
Famous for chicken but secretly stellar with fish! During Lent, Bojangles’ Bojangler sandwich becomes a cult favorite faster than you can say “Cajun seasoning.”
The wild-caught Alaskan pollock gets that signature Bojangles spice treatment, creating a kick that’s distinctively theirs. It’ll make you question your chicken loyalty.
11. Arby’s
“We have the meats”—and surprisingly excellent fish! Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich features a massive Alaskan pollock fillet that literally hangs off the bun.
The sesame seed bun struggles to contain that perfectly fried fish topped with shredded lettuce and tartar sauce. It’s only available seasonally.
12. White Castle
Forget sliders for a second—White Castle’s Panko Breaded Fish Sliders pack serious flavor into that tiny square format! These miniature marvels use Alaskan pollock with a distinctively crispy panko coating.
The slider size means perfect bread-to-fish ratio in every bite.
13. Denny’s
Late-night munchies meet seafood cravings! Denny’s Wild Alaska Salmon and their Fish & Chips both deliver surprisingly high-quality seafood in a diner setting.
Their beer-battered cod stays remarkably light and crispy—never greasy or soggy. Great comfort food whether you’re there at 8 AM or 2 AM.
14. Shoney’s
All-you-can-eat fish Fridays at Shoney’s might be the best-kept secret in chain restaurant seafood! Their hand-breaded cod fillets strike that perfect balance between substantial fish and crispy coating.
The seasoned breading has this distinct peppery profile that sets it apart from competitors. Between the endless supply and those famous hot rolls on the side, no wonder people line up every Friday.
15. Raising Cane’s
Chicken fingers are their thing, but Raising Cane’s secret menu fish fingers deserve their own cult following! Same legendary breading, different protein—and somehow it works magnificently.
Available only during Lent at select locations, these limited-edition treasures come with that famous Cane’s sauce.
16. A&W
Root beer floats and surprisingly fantastic fish! A&W’s Pub-Style Baskets feature wild-caught cod with a distinctive beer batter that creates these beautiful ripples and ridges for maximum crunch.
The fish maintains that delicate flakiness inside while the outside stays audibly crispy. Unexpected flavor combination that somehow makes perfect sense.
17. The Fish Market
Fresh seafood dining experience with an extensive selection of fried fish. From the moment you step in, the aroma of the ocean and freshly prepared seafood fills the air.
A testament to their dedication to quality, using only the freshest catch to ensure every bite is memorable. The Fish Market combines traditional recipes with innovative twists.