Delightful Seafood Favorites: Top 5 Restaurant Chains Known for Their Fried Fish Baskets

October 31, 2025

Five Restaurant Chains serving Up Top-Tier Fried Fish

The allure of a perfectly fried fish basket-crispy, golden, and paired with classic sides-is undeniable. For many, it’s a nostalgic taste of the American culinary landscape, mirroring the beloved tradition of fish and chips.Whether you’re a coastal resident with plentiful seafood options or seeking a satisfying meal at a chain restaurant, several establishments consistently deliver on this craveable dish. Here’s a look at five restaurant chains renowned for their extraordinary fried fish baskets.

Bonefish Grill: A Refined Take on a Classic

Bonefish Grill has earned a loyal following with its acclaimed Fish & Chips. The preparation features flaky cod, offering a delightful crunch, and is accompanied by traditional coleslaw, tartar sauce, and crispy french fries. Diners rave about the perfectly seasoned flavor, even when ordering delivery, noting the enduring crispness of the fish.

Long john Silver’s: A Fast-Food Favorite

Long John Silver’s remains a go-to destination for fried fish enthusiasts. The 2-Piece fish Basket, featuring battered Alaska Pollock, provides a familiar and satisfying experience.Customers consistently praise the quality and taste,with many highlighting the reminiscent flavors of the past.

Applebee’s: A Neighborhood Staple

Applebee’s Hand-Battered Fish & Chips is a popular menu item, built around generous portions of cod. Fans appreciate the ample serving size and consistently positive flavor profile. It’s worth checking if your local Applebee’s offers specials on Friday evenings.

Captain D’s: Dedicated to Seafood Excellence

Captain D’s specializes in seafood, and its fried fish baskets are a testament to that dedication. The 2-Piece Fish & Fries Combo is a customer favorite, known for its perfectly fried fish and welcoming atmosphere. Patrons frequently cite this restaurant as their preferred destination for a Friday night fish fry.

Cracker Barrel: Homestyle Comfort

Cracker Barrel’s Friday Fish Fry offers a comforting and satisfying experience. The hand-battered cod fillets are served with classic tartar sauce and a lemon wedge, delivering a flavorful meal.with options including catfish and fried shrimp, Cracker Barrel caters to diverse preferences.

Table: Restaurant Comparison

Restaurant	Fish Type	Key Features
Bonefish grill	cod	Flavorful, crispy, delivery-pleasant.
long John Silver’s	alaska Pollock	Classic taste, affordable, speedy service.
Applebee’s	Cod	large portions, Friday specials.
Captain D’s	Various	Seafood focused, consistent quality.
Cracker Barrel	Cod, Catfish	Homestyle cooking, multiple options.

The Enduring Appeal of Fried Fish

Fried fish has a rich history in numerous cultures,evolving from traditional recipes to modern adaptations. Its popularity stems from its affordability,versatility,and satisfying texture. Over the years, various techniques and seasonings have been employed to enhance the flavor and presentation of fried fish, making it a consistently beloved dish. According to a recent report by the National Fisheries Institute, seafood consumption in the United States remains strong, with fried fish being a significant contributor to overall demand.

Did You Know? The practice of frying fish dates back to ancient rome, where it was a popular street food.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy coating, try dredging the fish in seasoned flour before dipping it in batter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Fish

• What is the best type of fish for frying? Cod, haddock, and catfish are all excellent choices due to their firm texture and mild flavor.
• How can I make fried fish healthier? Baking or air frying fish instead of deep-frying can reduce the fat content.
• What are some good sides to serve with fried fish? Classic pairings include french fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges.
• Does Long John Silver’s still serve good fried fish? yes, Long John silver’s remains a popular choice for affordable and tasty fried fish baskets.
• Is Applebee’s fish and chips a good value? Many customers praise Applebee’s Hand-Battered Fish & Chips for its generous portions and reasonable price.
• Where can I find the crispiest fried fish? Several chains on this list, including Bonefish Grill and Captain D’s, are known for serving exceptionally crispy fried fish.
• What makes Bonefish grill’s fish and chips stand out? Bonefish Grill’s Fish & Chips is renowned for its perfectly seasoned flavor and consistently crispy texture, even with delivery orders.

What’s your favorite place to grab a fried fish basket? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does the batter type (e.g., panko vs. customary) impact the overall enjoyment of a fried fish basket?

What Makes a Great Fried Fish Basket?

Before diving into the best restaurant chains, let’s define what elevates a fried fish basket from good to extraordinary. It’s more then just crispy fish! Key elements include:

* Freshness: The fish itself should taste clean and not “fishy.”

* Batter: A light, flavorful batter that’s crispy but not greasy is crucial. Panko breading is a popular choice for extra crunch.

* sides: Classic pairings like french fries,coleslaw,tartar sauce,and lemon wedges are essential. Quality matters here!

* Portion Size: A satisfying meal without being overwhelming.

* Value: A good fried fish basket offers a balance between quality and price.

1. Long John Silver’s: The Classic Choice

Long John Silver’s is arguably the most recognizable name when it comes to fried fish. Founded in 1969, they’ve built a reputation on consistently delivering affordable and satisfying seafood.

* Signature dish: Their classic Fish, Chips & Coleslaw basket remains a fan favorite.

* Fish Variety: While Alaskan Pollock is their mainstay, they often feature seasonal fish options.

* Sauce Selection: A wide range of tartar sauces, from classic to spicy, allows for customization.

* national Presence: With locations across the US, accessibility is a major benefit.

* Recent Innovations: Long John Silver’s has been experimenting with new menu items, including grilled fish options, to cater to evolving tastes.

2. Captain D’s: A Southern Staple

Captain D’s, with roots dating back to 1969, is a beloved seafood chain notably popular in the Southern United States. They’re known for their family-pleasant atmosphere and generous portions.

* Family Deals: Captain D’s frequently offers family meal deals, making it a budget-friendly option.

* Grilled & Fried Options: They provide a good balance between healthier grilled choices and indulgent fried favorites.

* Side Dish Variety: Beyond the standard fries and coleslaw, they frequently enough feature options like mac and cheese, baked potatoes, and green beans.

* Signature Batter: their batter is consistently praised for its light and crispy texture.

* Expansion: Captain D’s has been actively expanding in recent years, bringing their seafood offerings to new markets.

3. A&W Restaurants: Beyond Root Beer Floats

Many people associate A&W with root beer floats, but their fried fish baskets are a surprisingly strong contender. Originally founded in 1919 as a roadside root beer stand,A&W has evolved to include a diverse menu.

* All-You-Can-Eat Fish: Select locations offer all-you-can-eat fish baskets, a major draw for seafood lovers.

* Hand-battered Fish: A&W frequently enough highlights that their fish is hand-battered, emphasizing quality and freshness.

* Classic Diner Vibe: The retro diner atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.

* Value Menu: A&W consistently offers value menu items, making it an affordable choice.

* Regional variations: Menu offerings can vary slightly by region.

4.Arby’s: The Unexpected Contender

Arby’s, primarily known for its roast beef sandwiches, also offers a surprisingly good fried fish basket, particularly during Lent. Founded in 1964, they’ve consistently innovated their menu.

* Limited-Time Offer: The Fish Sandwich and Fish Basket are typically available as limited-time offerings, creating a sense of urgency.

* Market Pierogi: Arby’s often pairs their fish with Market Pierogi,a unique and popular side dish.

* Crispy Fish Fillet: Their fish fillet is known for its crispy coating and flaky texture.

* Drive-Thru Convenience: Arby’s drive-thru accessibility makes it a convenient option for a quick seafood meal.

* Unexpected Quality: Many customers are pleasantly surprised by the quality of Arby’s fish offerings.

5. red Lobster: A Step Up in Seafood Dining

While Red Lobster is a full-service restaurant and generally more expensive than the other options on this list, their fried fish baskets (frequently enough presented as lunch specials or part of larger seafood platters) offer a premium experience. Established in 1968, Red Lobster is a well-known name in casual dining.

* Higher Quality Fish: Red Lobster typically uses higher-quality fish varieties, such as haddock or cod.

* Gourmet Sides: Their side dish options are more diverse and often include items like rice pilaf, steamed vegetables, and lobster bisque.

* Full-Service Experience: The full-service dining experience provides a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

* Seasonal Specials: Red Lobster frequently features seasonal seafood specials, including different types of fried fish.

* Lobster-Infused Tartar Sauce: A unique and flavorful tartar sauce option.

Benefits of Eating Fish

Incorporating fish into your diet offers numerous health benefits:

* **Rich in Omega-3 Fatty