Whether you’re a shrimp fanatic, a lobster roll purist, or someone who believes clam chowder is a love language, the U.S. is packed with seafood chains claiming to serve the “freshest catch.”
But let’s be honest — not all chains are created equal. Some know how to treat a scallop with respect. Others? Well, they turn perfectly good fish into a greasy, soggy mess that tastes like betrayal.
That’s why we’re diving deep into the 10 best and 10 worst seafood chains in America — from butter-drenched brilliance to fishy failures that should’ve stayed in the freezer.
We’re talking flaky fillets, Cajun boils, overcooked crab legs, and everything in between.
20. Long John Silver’s
Ah, Long John Silver’s — the fast-food seafood chain that once ruled the sea. Unfortunately, the ship has sprung a leak.
While it still has loyal fans who crave that signature crunch, many others complain about greasy fish, limp fries, and a dining experience stuck in a time warp. The portions are decent, but the food often tastes like it’s been marooned under a heat lamp for hours.
Add in the spotty customer service and dated decor, and it’s no surprise some folks steer clear. It’s fast food seafood, yes, but even those expectations deserve better execution.
19. Captain D’s
Captain D’s is another quick-service seafood spot trying to stay afloat, but the results vary wildly. Some locations serve up fresh-ish fish and decent sides, while others are a fried-food free-for-all that leaves you longing for a salad.
The heavy batter and overuse of salt are frequent complaints, and freshness isn’t always top-tier. While it’s budget-friendly and nostalgic for some, many customers report a lack of flavor depth and a menu that hasn’t evolved in years.
If you’re in the mood for seafood on the go, Captain D’s might do — just don’t expect anything memorable.
18. Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack used to be a party. The bibs! The buckets! The beachy vibes! But somewhere along the way, it became more tourist trap than seafood haven. Prices climbed, but quality didn’t.
Many diners report rubbery crab legs, lukewarm butter, and a lack of seasoning that would make Old Bay weep. While the quirky décor still charms first-timers, return visits often reveal inconsistency, slow service, and a “quantity over quality” approach.
If you’re craving a seafood boil, you can probably do better — especially if you venture to a local spot that actually nails the flavor.
17. Red Lobster
This one hurts a bit. Red Lobster is the childhood seafood gateway for many — those Cheddar Bay Biscuits alone have a cult following. But beyond the biscuits? It’s a mixed bag.
Much of the menu is frozen, reheated, and reheated again, leaving lobster tails chewy and shrimp uninspired. While some dishes hit the mark, you’ll often pay upscale prices for middle-of-the-road quality.
The experience really depends on the location and who’s manning the kitchen. Red Lobster’s not terrible, but it hasn’t quite lived up to the legacy it built. Let’s just say the biscuits are still carrying the team.
16. Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips
Remember Arthur Treacher’s? Not many do, and there’s a reason.
Once a household name in fish and chips, it has dwindled to a handful of locations that seem frozen in time — and not in a charming way. The food is often bland, the chips (fries) limp, and the fish lacks the flakiness you’d expect.
It’s more nostalgia than nourishment these days. If you stumble upon one, it might be worth a visit just for the retro vibes, but don’t expect culinary fireworks. It’s fast-food fish stuck in the past — and it’s not aging particularly well.
15. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Sure, the Forrest Gump theme is cute — but once you’re done snapping photos of the memorabilia, reality sets in. Bubba Gump’s menu is a shrimp-lover’s dream, but sadly, the dishes often don’t live up to the hype.
Many reviews mention soggy fried shrimp, bland sauces, and eye-watering prices. It’s more about the theme than the food, which works for some but disappoints those expecting top-tier seafood.
It’s the classic case of style over substance. If you’re looking for a seafood spot that delivers on flavor, you might want to run, Forrest, run — somewhere else.
14. Skippers Seafood & Chowder
Skippers is one of those regional chains that some folks swear by — especially if you grew up near one. But nostalgia can only carry you so far.
Their fish is often over-battered, their chowder overly thick (like wallpaper paste), and freshness is far from guaranteed.
Some locations have held up better than others, but in general, it feels like a chain that hasn’t kept pace with modern tastes or expectations.
It’s cheap, yes, but at what cost to your taste buds? When it comes to fast-casual seafood, Skippers is struggling to stay relevant.
13. Seafood Sam’s
Seafood Sam’s is a quaint New England chain that should be amazing — fresh fish, coastal charm, and all the right ingredients. But execution? Not always there.
The food can feel dated, the flavor underwhelming, and the service inconsistent. Some locations do better than others, especially in peak tourist season, but offseason visits can be rough.
If you’re already in Cape Cod and looking for a bite, you might give it a try. But for those expecting top-tier seafood in a region famous for it, Sam’s can leave you walking away with a shrug instead of a smile.
12. Phillips Seafood
Phillips Seafood should be amazing — after all, it’s got that East Coast crab house reputation. But when you step into one of their more commercial outlets (especially in touristy areas), it’s a different story.
The crab cakes are often dry or flavorless, the seasoning barely registers, and the prices are way too high for what you get. It’s the kind of place that trades on its name but doesn’t always deliver on quality.
While some Maryland locals still show love for its roots, the chain version feels more like a watered-down souvenir than a seafood celebration.
11. King’s Fish House (in some locations)
Here’s the thing — some King’s Fish House locations are genuinely solid. But the inconsistency between branches is a dealbreaker. At its worst, you’ll face long waits, uneven service, and overpriced dishes that don’t justify the cost.
Portion sizes fluctuate wildly, and the freshness isn’t always dependable. If you hit a good location, great — but the gamble isn’t always worth it when there are better seafood joints nearby.
It’s a chain that can impress but just as easily disappoint, which keeps it teetering on the “worst” list for many diners.
10. Legal Sea Foods
Legal Sea Foods isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a New England institution. Known for its ultra-fresh catches and award-winning clam chowder, it consistently sets the gold standard for chain seafood.
The company has long prioritized sustainability and quality, sourcing from trusted fisheries and ensuring top-notch prep. Whether you’re diving into buttery lobster rolls or creamy chowder, it’s hard to walk away disappointed.
Even the airport locations somehow manage to feel upscale. That’s how you know it’s doing something right.
9. McCormick & Schmick’s
Looking for a seafood date night that feels fancy but approachable? McCormick & Schmick’s hits that sweet spot. It’s an upscale chain that serves premium seafood without slipping into pretentious territory.
You’ll find fresh oysters, seared ahi tuna, and perfectly grilled mahi-mahi, often paired with seasonal sides. The atmosphere is classy, the plating is elegant, and the wine list is nothing to sneeze at.
It’s a favorite for anniversaries, business dinners, and anyone who wants lobster without the paper bib.
8. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is the chain that makes casual seafood feel cool. It’s polished without being stuffy, affordable without sacrificing flavor, and best known for its Bang Bang Shrimp — a crispy, spicy, creamy masterpiece.
Their rotating specials keep the menu interesting, and the cocktails are surprisingly solid (the Smoked Old Fashioned is a crowd-pleaser).
From wood-grilled fish to tuna bowls, Bonefish delivers consistent quality across the board.
And yes, it’s one of the few places where seafood and date night go hand-in-hand.
7. The Crab Shack
If you like your crab legs with a side of bibs and beer, The Crab Shack is for you. It’s messy, loud, flavorful fun — the kind of place where seafood boils are served in giant bags bursting with garlic butter and Cajun spice.
Sure, it’s not fine dining. But what it lacks in elegance, it more than makes up for in taste and portion size.
Grab a mallet, crack open some claws, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. It’s part of the charm.
6. The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Oceanaire leans upscale and elegant — think white tablecloths, polished servers, and seafood flown in daily. It’s the kind of place where the menu lists the ocean source next to the fish name.
From Chilean sea bass to fresh oysters, the focus here is clean preparation and top-tier quality. The presentation is impeccable, and so is the wine pairing guidance.
Yes, it’s a splurge. But if you’re serious about seafood, this is money well spent.
5. Chart House
Chart House offers a coastal dining experience that’s as much about the view as it is the food. Perched on waterfronts across the U.S., these locations give you everything from sunsets to sailboats while you dig into your dinner.
The seafood selection is varied and thoughtfully prepared — think macadamia-crusted mahi, shrimp scampi, or king crab legs.
Add in a decadent dessert (hello, lava cake) and you’ve got yourself a perfect evening. It’s romantic, scenic, and consistently delicious.
4. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s is where you go to impress — a luxurious spot that blends surf and turf with live jazz and swanky decor. The seafood is high-end, the cocktails are top-shelf, and the service makes you feel like a VIP.
Expect things like butter-poached lobster, swordfish steak, and oysters so fresh they could slap you.
It’s pricey, sure. But the experience — from ambiance to appetizer — is worth every penny.
3. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (seafood selection)
You might not expect a brewpub to show up on a “best seafood” list, but BJ’s earns its spot. While not a seafood-specialty chain, its menu includes solid options like shrimp scampi, seared ahi, and their crowd-favorite Parmesan-crusted cod.
It’s seafood done right in a place you can also get a burger and a craft beer. Versatility matters, and BJ’s brings it without skimping on quality.
Bonus: it’s family-friendly and great for groups, so everyone walks away happy.
2. Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux’s brings bold Cajun flavors and Southern hospitality to the table. You’re not just eating seafood here — you’re experiencing it. Gumbo, crawfish étouffée, fried alligator, and blackened redfish all share space on a drool-worthy menu.
The portions are generous, the seasoning is on point, and the energy is infectious. It’s big, brash, and unapologetically flavorful.
This is seafood that comes with a side of sass — and we’re here for it.
1. Truluck’s
Truluck’s is the crown jewel of refined seafood dining. Known for its fresh Florida stone crab (sustainably harvested, of course), it exudes luxury and elegance at every level.
The menu shifts with the seasons, the cocktails are crafted with precision, and the ambiance makes you feel like a million bucks. If you’re looking to splurge, this is the place to do it.
Come hungry, dress sharp, and prepare for seafood at its finest. Truluck’s doesn’t just serve dinner — it delivers an experience.
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