Diners rate the top fried fish sandwiches in fast food chains.
As Lent continues, it’s fish fry time at your local fast food chain. Almost every fast food brand has its own version of a battered, seasoned, and deep-fried fish filet. However, they are not created equal in taste. Some are at a higher level than others, according to the proud people. Here are the best fried fish sandwiches in all of America, according to diners. Note that some are only available for a limited time during the year.
Popeyes Spicy Flounder
Popeye’s specializes in fried chicken, but the Louisiana-based chain offers an original fried fish sandwich that’s equally delicious: the Flounder Fish Sandwich. It starts with “profitable, wild-caught fish,” the chain says TODAY. “Our catch follows NOAA standards and goes through regulations to ensure we are conserving the species. Our fish population levels are above normal, and we do not expect to experience any inventory issues.” Our reviewer maintains that “the size and obviously the fresh and authentic cuts of flounder are a big plus,” but it’s their ‘hand battered and hand breaded’ approach that makes this sandwich another winner. You can also get a spicy version with Louisiana-style bread.
Culver’s North Atlantic Cod
Culver’s is famous for its ButterBurgers, but the Midwestern chain’s North Atlantic Cod Sandwich is a new take on the fast food scene. The fish, caught in the North Atlantic, is hand-cut, battered, and cooked to order, then topped with Culver’s family tartar sauce, hot lettuce, and Wisconsin Cheddar, and served on a lightly toasted hoagie roll. Our reviewer calls it “brilliant.”
Culver’s Northwoods Walleye
Fish lovers will be impressed that the Culver’s Northwoods Walleye sandwich, available during Lent, offers seasonal Midwestern fish specialties. “Each filet is hand-battered, then cooked to order. Topped with our special recipe tartar sauce and shredded lettuce. Served on a lightly toasted hoagie roll,” reads the menu. “I like the cod sandwich on Culver’s regular menu, but the walleye sandwich on the lent menu is so big that I’m glad I got it before the loan, because it was generous and big. The taste was good, but not spicy, but the fish was very meaty,” the Redditor wrote. “They have the best fish sandwiches for fast food,” said another.
Burger King’s Fish’N Crisp and Big Fish
Burger King’s Fish ‘N Crisp and Big Fish sandwiches, both made with fresh fish, are popular with diners. The “savory” Fish’N Crisp sandwich features a fish fillet topped with a slice of American cheese and tangy tartar sauce between a toasted sesame bun, and is a solid Lent-friendly fish sandwich option. The chain recently bought the popular Big Fish sandwich, which also features “white Alaskan Pollock with crispy panko breading, sweet tartar sauce, lettuce and pickles on a french fries bun,” says BK.
Arby’s Crispy Fish or Crispy Fish Sandwich
Arby’s crispy fish sandwich is basically as OG as they come – a crispy fish fillet served on a toasted sesame bun with shredded lettuce and tartar sauce. But according to diners, it’s simply delicious. Although they are not always on the menu, if you see them, order them immediately. Our reviewer tried the spicy version, which kept it “full of ingredients” and flavor. “Greeting you at first bite with a sensation of warm, delicious heat, thanks to a spicy dusting they call ‘hot spice’ and freshly ground jalapeños topped off with a big swipe of tartar sauce. There’s crushed iceberg lettuce and tomato to cut the heat a little, though your gain is probably just a sign because the juices can get old.”
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish
A number of diners, including one of our reviewers, are fans of Wendy’s signature Alaskan pollock sandwich topped with dill tartar. Our reviewer calls it a “game changer.” They noted that there was “a lot to like” about the sandwich, including “a great tartar sauce with dill flecks that tasted like fresh herbs, medium-fat pickles, just enough melted cheese, and a toasted-out-the-out but sweet premium bun that held its picture-perfect form,” they wrote.
Portillo’s Breaded Whitefish
If you live near Portillo’s, the Breaded Whitefish sandwich is a must. Features wild breaded filet, fresh haddock bun with American cheese, shredded lettuce, and tartar sauce. “I never knew how good a portillos fish sandwich was. Makes me think of the best BK fish from the 90s,” said one fan.
McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish
McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is a classic, evoking a serious appetite with customers. On the back is a filet of wild-caught, shiny fish (Alaskan Pollock) sourced from sustainably managed fisheries, topped with melted American cheese and creamy tartar sauce, served on a soft, hot bun. Our reviewer notes that “for better or worse, there’s no mistaking this sandwich for anyone else; every slice has a unique signature to it,” they wrote. “The sponginess of the bread, it’s lovely and doughy when it’s fresh. The tartar sauce is the best on the market. It’s thick, sour, acidic, and assertive—bold and pronounced against the soft, sugary versions everyone seems to be leaning toward. A simple, fat-free square of crunchy fish, pollenta—a lot of fried Alaska. Made with pollock again, this has its own flavor from the oil they use.” frying it, with remnants of that comforting McDonald’s smell embedded in the patty.
Dairy Queen Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
Dairy Queen uses real whole fish for the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich. “Always the catch, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features crispy Alaskan pollock that is lightly marinated to deliver a crispy exterior with a tender interior,” the company says on their website. “Along with crispy Alaskan Pollock, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features fresh lettuce and tangy tartar sauce on a toasted bun. This is a treat that’s sure to please any fish sandwich lover.”
Church’s Texas Chicken Fish
Church’s Texas Chicken fish sandwich is a diner favorite. It features a crispy Pacific Pollock fillet, panko-crusted wild bread on a honey-butter brioche bun, topped with tartar sauce and pickles. According to fans, it’s a lighter, tastier option compared to other quick fish sandwiches.
Checkers/Rally’s Deep Sea Double
Checkers and Rally’s Deep Sea Double has double the ingredients and double the cheese, providing more flavor than other options. “Y’all should check out Checkers deep sea double. I’m not saying it’s better than Long John’s but it’s easier to find. And it’s bigger, cheaper, and tastier than the crappy McD filet o’ fish,” one Redditor says.
Long John Silver’s Classic Fish
Long John Silver’s Classic Fish Sandwich is considered a top contender among fast food fish sandwiches. Featuring crispy, grilled Alaskan Pollock fillet, tartar sauce, and pickles on a bun, it offers a “classic” taste. According to one Redditor, “they delivered on this fish sandwich. Some tangy pickles and lettuce, maybe it was the slaw? And the fish was perfect, maybe a little small if I’m being honest. Despite that, it was honestly the best fish sandwich I’ve had in YEARS. If you like fish sandwiches, this is top 3, maybe the best.”
