9 Chain Restaurants With The Best Fried Fish

If you're in the mood for seafood, there are plenty of places you can go to eat. Seafood includes a wide scope of creatures and dishes from shrimp scampi to bacon-wrapped scallops to calamari, but what if you're in the mood for a specific seafood dish: fried fish? Ah, well, options are more limited, and good-tasting ones are even more difficult to find. We set out on a mission to find the best chain restaurant fried fish dishes and what makes them so special, according to customers. 

After searching reviews and Tasting Table articles, we found some restaurants that are at the top of their crispy fish game; some of these eateries are more prevalent than others, but hopefully, you'll find some tasty options close to you. Each of these makes the list because of multiple glowing reviews based on the taste, texture, presentation, and value — fried fish that were flavorful with a flaky, moist interior seemed to crop up a lot. 

That means if you're ever in the mood for a crisp and hot fried filet, then all you have to do is pick something here — should you have a location somewhat close to you. Each chain has locations across several states, so the odds are in your favor that you can get your fish fix. Let's dive in and see what makes the cut.

Although there aren't a plethora of McCormick & Schmick's locations, the ones that exist are spread throughout 13 U.S. states. This elegant sit-down seafood chain has been around since 1974, and if you find yourself here, then you'll spot a fish and chips dish made from perfectly crisp beer-battered cod. 

A strong beer is one of many ways to flavor fried fish, and here, it's fried to perfection and comes on a bed of savory seasoned fries. The food is also served with a small side of coleslaw and a bit of house-made tartar sauce. People are big fans of this marvelously plated dish, noting that it is truly outstanding, and even better, it's hearty and filling. Some even say it's the largest fish and chips order they've ever seen, which gives it great value to boot — you may even have some leftovers to bring home with you. 

Reviewers further share that the food is cooked to perfection and that the fried fish dish is reasonably priced. So, step into your nearest McCormick & Schmick's — our top pick for seafood chain restaurants, by the way — for a lunch dish that will leave you satisfied and give you a bit of leftovers to enjoy later.

Unlike a lot of restaurants on this list that focus on seafood or steaks, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, a chain sprinkled across 28 U.S. states, doesn't hone in on any one dish — its enormous menu features selections like burgers, chicken, seafood, steaks, and so much more. You'd likely have a difficult time picking what to get, but we have an idea for you. While the eatery may be known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders, we're highlighting a different hand-breaded dish that people rave about: the cornmeal white fish platter. 

This comes with sustainably farmed swai, tartar sauce, and your pick of two sides. The price is already on the more affordable side of the spectrum compared to others we have and will mention here, but people consistently comment that you get a hefty portion. They say that it's lightly breaded, so it doesn't feel like you're getting more breading than fish. This means it's a wonderful bang for your buck based on price and size. 

But be prepared to fall in love — some customers share that the platter is so delicious they had to make a second visit that same week. Others say that the filets reheat well, so don't be shy if you want to take those leftovers home.

Anyone craving New England seafood and fried fish has to enjoy a meal at Legal Sea Foods at least once in their life. This chain has been around since 1950 and specializes in responsibly sourced seafood. Among its many options, it's known for its tasty, buttery fish and chips. While the chain was created in Boston, and most of its locations are throughout the state of Massachusetts, you can also locate spots in New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Illinois. 

Legal Sea Foods serves up its version of fried fish and chips made with wild-caught North Atlantic fish sourced from the Gulf of Maine. You can order it in the New England or Cajun style to give it a bit of customization. The fish has a crisp exterior and flaky filet interior; the combination, according to reviewers, helps to keep it moist. People say the fish and chips are a 10 out of 10, even beating out the popular lobster roll. The fried fish is served with french fries and coleslaw, making it an epic trio. But be ready to sit down, as you can only order it to dine-in.

You've probably driven by one of Cracker Barrel's 650-plus locations, making it the widest-spread chain from this list. Its extensive menu makes it difficult to narrow down what to get, though. If you find yourself struggling to make a choice, then you must get the fried catfish. The catfish is farmed-raised in the U.S. and is coated in a cornmeal batter; it comes with hushpuppies, tartar sauce, and your pick of a couple of sides. 

When we tried the dish in a taste test of popular Cracker Barrel items and in a sampling of the chain's fall menu items, the catfish was truly excellent both times. Our writers noted that everything about the catfish itself was superior. They received a sizable portion of fish, and its interior is moist and flaky, while the breading has a delightful crisp texture and a flavorful taste. It's even deemed "the star of the show." 

Other reviewers share the same thoughts, with customers mentioning that the fish is fresh and scrumptious, and that it's their favorite meal on the Cracker Barrel menu — which, as we said, is huge. So, you can rest assured your fish cravings will wane after a few bites of this alluring meal.

Although Ocean Prime isn't as far-reaching as other chain restaurants out there, it produces excellent fried fish in the form of a sandwich. This seafood and steak restaurant can be found sprawled across 17 U.S. states, with its fried fish sando tucked away deep into its lunch menu. You might gloss by it or never see it with all the other choices, but the fish sandwich is deemed a stellar pick by customers — some even say they are obsessed. They also note that the pricing is pretty acceptable given that it's more of a fine dining establishment.

This fried creation is served on a toasted brioche roll and comes with jalapeño cabbage slaw and tartar sauce. Then you can choose between fries, the house salad, or a cup of savory French onion soup. If you want a fried fish that's not heavily breaded (although it comes on bread), then this is the place to get it. Reviewers say they've never had a more delicious fish sandwich. The spicy slaw brings a fresh and crunchy element that bolsters the flavor and texture.

We're well aware that Texas Roadhouse is renowned for its steaks (we were particularly smitten with the bone-in ribeye and Dallas filet in a steak taste test). But you should head to the widespread, fastest-growing steakhouse chain for another filet: the fried catfish. This comes with U.S. farm-raised catfish and a Southern-style cornmeal breading. You can opt for the 3- or 4-piece size based on your hunger level, and don't forget that the meal comes with two sides of your choice — people seem to like it with the fries, green beans, or loaded mashed potatoes. 

If you're dubious about ordering fish at a steakhouse, don't be. The verdict from plenty of customers is that this dish is incredible, noting that the crispiness of the fish's exterior is next level and homey in a way that mom used to make. A happy customer on Facebook says, "I just don't understand why anyone would eat fried catfish anywhere but at [Texas Roadhouse]." 

It's recommended by customers and staff alike, and people also seem to appreciate the large portions, which gives it a better value for the price. If you like a flaky and tender fish that's not drenched in oil, then you have to order this.

With 159 locations in 27 states, Bonefish Grill's popular menu items include favorites like Bang Bang Shrimp and crab cakes. But of course, we're here to highlight a more underrated seafood offering in the format of fish and chips. This meal comes with the classics: fried cod filets, coleslaw, fries, and tartar sauce, a combination many restaurants seem to lean on. While the dish seems to fly under the radar, it is wholly loved by those who've tried it. It's even deemed a "real winner" by a Yelp reviewer.

Customers say that the three filets you receive are generous and delectable, and that you shouldn't skip dunking them in the phenomenal tartar sauce. The tartar sauce is constantly mentioned by online reviewers, so make sure to generously coat your cod for the ultimate flavor combination. The fish is perfect when you prefer something mild and not too fishy, as patrons share it's a great blend of batter and fish. The fried filet is beautifully crisp (possibly double-coated, according to some reviewers), with an audible crackling as you take a bite. This fish appeals to multiple senses for an incredible experience. 

Given that "fish" is in the name of the restaurant itself, it makes sense that the fish and chips dish is so highly regarded. And we can only hope it finds more popularity among customers.

Beer-battered fish isn't a novel idea, but we enjoy that Claim Jumper has a specific brew brand connected to its fish and chips. Here, you'll find  Sam Adams as the beer of choice in the titular Sam Adams fish and chips dish with crispy shoestring fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. People are big fans of the crisp, yet light batter, which doesn't bog down or detract from the filets themself. As it turns out, a mainstream beer like Sam Adams works incredibly well in a fish fry batter, because it's not too potent and hoppy, but it still offers carbonation to bring the crispiest results. We certainly see that here.

Reviewers also consistently call out the freshness of the fish and the nice, filling portions — some people even say that they split the dish, making it an incredible option for your wallet. Although the restaurant chain sticks to the West Coast — California, Oregon, and Nevada to be exact — if you want flavorful hot fish that comes in a generous size, then you have to make a stop at Claim Jumper. Diners share that it's genuinely the best spot to get fish and chips. 

It seems that pairing catfish with a cornmeal breading is the way to go, because that's how all three catfish dishes are served from the various chains on this best-of list, with Logan's Roadhouse rounding out the options. You can find the chain restaurant's locations in 22 states, spread out from coast to coast. Logan's deep-fried concoction comes with tartar sauce, a lemon to squeeze over your fish, and then you can get yeast rolls, one side, as well as your pick of the Caesar or house salad. 

People who've tried this dish say it's enjoyable and something they'd get again, even by those who claim not to be big on fish dishes — which is extremely high praise. They specify that it is perfectly crispy and fried, but it isn't too fishy. You can even tear the roll in half to pop the fish in it and make a mini sandwich — it'll be bussin', according to those who've tried it. 

Oh, and make sure to come hungry. "I have never seen catfish pieces that big!" says a Tripadvisor reviewer. While Logan's Roadhouse may be considered a steakhouse chain, we still actually recommend the fried catfish above a lot of other offered dishes.

Each of these fried fish items is highly regarded by the public. We scoured review websites, like Yelp and Tripadvisor, as well as social media channels (such as Facebook, Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok), to see what people had to say, and we specifically wanted multiple positive reviews for each item. We also consulted previous Tasting Table articles and rankings as a method of choosing some of these items from our trusted team of knowledgeable food writers. 

These are deemed the best based on people's thoughts on flavor, texture, price, and plating. That said, everyone has their opinions and preferences, so you may find that you like one dish more than another, and that's perfectly okay. We also wanted to include different fish items and fish-frying methods, which is why you see things like fried fish and chips, fish sandwiches, and fried fish filets. Whether you like a thick beer-battered fish or a cornmeal-coated one, there are some mouthwatering offerings to pick from.