This Classic Chain Is The Cheapest One For Seafood Platters In 2026

We've ranked seafood chain restaurants from worst to best and now we're zeroing in on price, specifically for seafood platters. There are three chains that rise above the rest when it comes to the amount of food for the lowest dollar; but there can only be one winner in the pile o' fried fish game, and that winner is Captain D's.

The Tennessee-headquartered chain offers the Ultimate Seafood Platter for $14.99, though price may vary at select locations. The platter comes with two fish fillets, five butterfly shrimp, an unspecified number of popcorn shrimp (looks to be less than 10), two stuffed crab shells (which are basically soft crab cakes served in a shell), two sides (such as coleslaw, green beans, fried okra, corn, broccoli, fries, or mac and cheese), and hush puppies. Compared to Red Lobster's Admiral's Feast, which offers a similar quantity of food and rings in at $30.99, Captain D's is a bargain.

Comparing seafood platters at chain restaurants can be a bit like measuring apples and oranges because they don't serve the exact same items. In addition to the sheer volume of food for money, we also considered the number of locations. Captain D's has more than 500 outposts in 23 states across the Midwest, South, and East Coast. For those out west, there are two other solid options to fill your fried fish needs.

While Captain D's mound of food for $14.99 is hard to beat, there are two chains that come close. First of all, Cracker Barrel, known for its giant portions and homestyle of cooking, has its Friday Fish Fry. On Fridays only, the Barrel offers four cod fillets with two sides — among many others, options include steak fries, mashed potatoes, pinto beans, and turnip greens — and buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. This platter is around $16, but can vary by location.

Long John Silver's Super Sampler Platter is the second option for a well-priced mega fried-feast. For $15.99 (again, prices may vary by location), you get one piece of Alaska pollock, one piece of chicken, three crispy shrimp and a snack-size serving of popcorn shrimp, two sides (such as fried pickles, green beans, and waffle fries), and two hushpuppies.

While Captain D's isn't among our chain restaurants with the best fried fish, plenty of customers online say the Ultimate Seafood Platter is good value for money; with one customer on social media  noting it was tasty enough for the price. Where these two chains have an advantage over Captain D's is that both are chains that have the best fried seafood, according to reviews.