There’s something deeply satisfying about a piece of fried fish done right—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside. While seafood spots and mom-and-pop diners often get the spotlight, some restaurant chains are quietly mastering the art of the fry.
These 15 standouts serve up golden fillets that rival the best, and a few even come shockingly close to homemade. If you’re craving crunch without the cleanup, this list is your guide.
1. Long John Silver’s
The undisputed king of fast-food fish! Since 1969, this nautical-themed chain has been battering and frying fish to crispy perfection. Their signature Alaskan pollock comes enveloped in a crackling, golden-brown batter that shatters with each bite.
What makes their fish special isn’t fancy ingredients—it’s consistency. Every piece emerges from the fryer with that distinctive crunch that loyal customers crave, paired with their famous malt vinegar packets.
2. Captain D’s
Holy mackerel, Captain D’s knows how to fry fish! Their hand-breaded fish arrives with a distinctively light, flaky crust that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate white fish hidden inside. Unlike competitors who mask mediocre seafood with heavy batter, Captain D’s lets quality shine through.
Founded in 1969 as Mr. D’s Seafood and Hamburgers (what a mouthful!), this Southern institution has grown to over 500 locations. Loyal customers swear by their signature three-piece fish meal with hushpuppies.
3. Red Lobster
Forget those famous cheddar biscuits for a minute—Red Lobster’s hand-battered fish deserves its moment in the spotlight! Their Fish & Chips showcases Atlantic cod in a robust beer batter that creates a satisfyingly crunchy shell while keeping the fish moist and flaky.
Each generous portion arrives golden-brown and piping hot, accompanied by their seasoned fries. Unlike some chains that treat fried fish as an afterthought, Red Lobster approaches it with the same care as their fancier seafood options.
4. Culver’s
Butter-lovers, rejoice! While Culver’s might be famous for ButterBurgers, their North Atlantic Cod Filet sandwich is the sleeper hit on their menu. Each filet gets hand-battered daily using a proprietary recipe that creates an airy, crisp coating around sustainably-sourced cod.
The sandwich arrives on a lightly toasted hoagie roll with Wisconsin cheddar, olives, lettuce, and a tangy tartar sauce. Alternatively, order the dinner basket with crinkle-cut fries and coleslaw for the full experience.
5. H. Salt Fish & Chips
British authenticity meets American convenience at this California-based chain! Founded by Yorkshire native Haddon Salt in 1965, H. Salt brings proper English-style fish and chips stateside. The cod comes swaddled in a distinctive batter that’s simultaneously light and substantial—the holy grail of fish fry texture.
Their malt vinegar stations encourage the traditional British serving style, though plenty of customers stick with tartar sauce. What sets H. Salt apart is their cooking technique: fish is fried at precisely calibrated temperatures to ensure the exterior crisps before the interior overcooks.
6. Popeyes
Chicken isn’t the only thing Popeyes fries to perfection! Their Cajun Flounder Sandwich unleashes New Orleans flavor with every bite. The fish gets treated to Popeyes’ signature crunchy breading—spiced with their secret Cajun seasoning blend that delivers a gentle heat without overwhelming the delicate flounder.
Served on a toasted brioche bun with barrel-cured pickles and their legendary Cajun mayonnaise, this sandwich brings the bayou to your taste buds. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the flaky fish creates textural magic.
7. Ivar’s
Seattle’s seafood legend since 1938! Ivar’s transforms Pacific cod into golden-brown masterpieces that have satisfied generations of Pacific Northwesterners. Their signature fish and chips features thick-cut fillets encased in a distinctive beer batter that remains impossibly crisp even when doused with malt vinegar.
The chain’s waterfront locations add to the experience—nothing beats eating freshly-fried fish while watching ferries cross Puget Sound. Their tartar sauce, made in-house daily, contains a secret blend of herbs and relish that loyal customers attempt to recreate at home.
8. Arthur Treacher’s
The original fish and chips fast-food chain lives on! Named after the British actor known for playing butlers, Arthur Treacher’s introduced Americans to proper English-style fish and chips in 1969. Their distinctive cod fillets come in a unique batter containing their proprietary malt vinegar-infused recipe, creating an unmistakable flavor profile.
Though the chain has shrunk considerably from its 1970s heyday (when over 800 locations dotted the country), devoted fans still seek out the remaining outposts.
9. Whataburger
Surprise! This Texas burger institution secretly makes phenomenal Whatacatch fish sandwiches. During Lent, Texans flock to Whataburger for their perfectly fried fish—a generous fillet coated in a distinctively seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture that delivers maximum crunch.
The sandwich arrives on their signature five-inch bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and tangy tartar sauce. What makes their fish special is the cooking method: each piece is fried at high temperature for a short time, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the fish moist.
10. Skipper’s
Pacific Northwest seafood lovers guard this secret jealously! Skipper’s hand-dips wild-caught Alaskan cod in their signature batter, creating a distinctively crunchy exterior that shatters satisfyingly with each bite. Founded in 1969 in Bellevue, Washington, this regional chain maintains fanatical quality standards.
Their two-piece fish and chips comes with coleslaw made fresh daily and their renowned clam chowder. Unlike chains that pre-fry and hold fish under heat lamps, Skipper’s cooks each order on demand, ensuring peak freshness.
11. McDonald’s
Don’t roll your eyes yet! McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish deserves respect as the fast-food fish sandwich that started it all. Invented in 1962 for Catholic customers observing meatless Fridays, this humble sandwich features Alaskan pollock in a crisp panko breadcrumb coating, topped with American cheese and tangy tartar sauce.
The genius lies in its simplicity—steamed buns ensure the fish remains the star. While seafood snobs might scoff, this sandwich delivers consistent satisfaction across 34,000+ locations worldwide.
12. Shoney’s
Southern comfort food heaven includes surprisingly excellent fried fish! Shoney’s All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Bar features hand-breaded white fish that keeps regulars coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Unlike typical buffet fare, Shoney’s refreshes their fish constantly, ensuring each piece maintains that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness. Their breading contains a secret blend of Southern seasonings that gives the fish a distinctive flavor profile.
13. White Castle
Square fish to match their square burgers! White Castle’s Panko Fish Slider might be small in size, but it delivers outsized flavor. Each Alaska pollock patty gets coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs that create a satisfying textural contrast to their soft, steamed buns.
Topped with American cheese and a pickle slice, these mini fish sandwiches inspire a cult-like following during their seasonal appearance. The slider format allows for perfect fish-to-bun ratio in every bite—no unwieldy fish hanging over the edges like conventional sandwiches.
14. A&W
Root beer isn’t the only thing A&W does right! Their Pub-Style Baskets feature cod fillets encased in a beer batter that creates airy, crisp shells around perfectly cooked fish. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, flaky interior makes these a standout in the fast-food fish category.
Served with their signature thick-cut fries and coleslaw, this basket delivers classic fish-fry flavors without the need to visit a pub. A squeeze of lemon and a dunk in their house-made tartar sauce completes the experience.
15. Dairy Queen
Blizzards might be the headliner, but DQ’s Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich deserves your attention! This seasonal favorite features a crispy-fried Alaskan pollock fillet that extends well beyond the bun—a sign of generosity rarely seen in fast food fish offerings.
The fish gets a light breading that enhances rather than masks its natural flavor, topped with crisp lettuce and tangy tartar sauce on a soft bun. Unlike competitors who might use minced fish parts, DQ uses whole fillets that flake beautifully when bitten.
16. Church’s Chicken
Clucking amazing fish from a chicken joint? Absolutely! Church’s seasonal Lent menu features crispy fish fillets with their distinctive Southern-style coating that delivers serious crunch factor.
Each piece gets fried to order, ensuring that perfect golden-brown exterior and steaming, flaky interior. Paired with their honey-butter biscuits and jalapeño peppers, it’s a combination that keeps customers counting down to Lent each year.
17. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s Fish Sandwich might be the best-kept secret in fast-casual dining! This Midwestern chain transforms wild-caught North Atlantic cod into a crispy delight that rivals their famous steakburgers.
Each hand-breaded fillet gets flash-fried to achieve the perfect golden exterior while maintaining the fish’s delicate texture. The breading contains a hint of their signature seasoning—just enough to enhance without overwhelming the natural flavor of the cod.
18. Bojangles
Southern fried catfish that puts their famous chicken to shame! During Lenten season, Bojangles unveils their Bojangler—a seasoned, wild-caught Alaskan pollock fillet that gets the full Cajun treatment.
The fish bathes in their signature spicy marinade before being hand-breaded and fried to crispy perfection. The contrast between the spicy coating and the mild fish creates a balanced flavor profile that keeps customers coming back throughout the season.
19. Jack In The Box
Jack’s Fish Sandwich packs serious crunch in a value-priced package! This underrated menu staple features panko-breaded Alaskan pollock that creates a distinctively crispy texture different from beer-battered competitors.
The extra crunch factor comes from their two-stage frying process that ensures maximum crispiness. Unlike seasonal offerings at other chains, Jack’s fish sandwich remains available year-round for whenever the craving strikes.