When the craving for a crispy, golden-brown fish sandwich hits, fast food chains have got you covered. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish or you’re hunting for something a little more gourmet (hello, Shake Shack), there’s a fish sandwich out there calling your name.
Fast food fish sandwiches have come a long way from their humble beginnings. These days, you’ll find everything from Cajun-seasoned flounder to beer-battered fillets served on fluffy brioche or King’s Hawaiian buns.
Some lean into the classic pairing of tartar sauce and cheese, while others get adventurous with pickles, lettuce, and even a bit of spice. But which ones truly stand out?
We’ve done the hard work (and the delicious taste-testing) to rank the 19 best fast food fish sandwiches you can get your hands on. From tried-and-true classics to underrated gems, this list will help you decide which one is worth your next drive-thru stop.
1. McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish
The Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s is a classic choice for fast food fish lovers. It features a steam-cooked bun that wraps around a flaky white fish fillet.
The sandwich is simple yet satisfying, offering a single slice of American cheese and a dollop of tartar sauce. The tartar sauce adds a tangy flavor that complements the crispiness of the fish. McDonald’s has crafted a sandwich that’s both flavorful and incredibly convenient for those needing a quick meal.
The Filet-O-Fish stands out for its simplicity and the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Though it appears straightforward, its taste is anything but ordinary.
2. Popeyes Cajun Flounder Sandwich
Popeyes brings a delightful twist to the fish sandwich with their Cajun Flounder option. This sandwich boasts a flavorful, seasoned flounder fillet, fried to perfection.
The Cajun spices add just the right amount of heat, making it a standout choice for those who enjoy a bit of spice. The sandwich is further complemented by crisp pickles and a soft brioche bun, which adds a hint of sweetness.
Popeyes’ commitment to quality is evident in the fresh taste and perfect crunch of their fish sandwich. It’s a must-try for seafood enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary offerings.
3. Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
Wendy’s offers a delightful Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich that’s sure to please. Featuring a panko-breaded fish fillet, this sandwich delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The crispy texture is beautifully balanced by fresh lettuce and a creamy tartar sauce.
Wendy’s has taken care to ensure their fish sandwich is both flavorful and filling. The toasted bun adds an extra layer of texture, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable meal option.
It’s perfect for anyone looking for a crispy, delicious alternative to their usual fast food picks.
4. Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe
Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe offers a sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist. The sandwich features a crispy fish fillet paired with the sweetness of a King’s Hawaiian bun.
Fresh lettuce and tomato add a refreshing crunch, while a slice of cheese and tartar sauce enhance the flavor profile. Arby’s manages to create a fish sandwich that’s both unique and comforting, blending different tastes and textures seamlessly.
This deluxe option is perfect for those with a diverse palate, looking to enjoy a fast food meal with a twist.
5. Burger King’s Big Fish Sandwich
The Big Fish Sandwich is a hearty option for fish sandwich lovers. It features a sizeable fish fillet that provides a substantial bite. The sandwich is beautifully layered with crisp lettuce and tangy pickles, adding a refreshing crunch.
Tartar sauce is generously applied, giving it a zesty kick that enhances the overall taste. Burger King has designed a sandwich that appeals to both flavor and texture enthusiasts, making it a popular choice among fast food goers.
6. Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich
Jack in the Box offers a straightforward but delicious Fish Sandwich. This sandwich features a crispy fish fillet that delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s paired with fresh lettuce and a tangy tartar sauce, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
The plain bun serves as the perfect vessel, holding all the ingredients together. Jack in the Box prioritizes simplicity and taste, crafting a sandwich that’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an uncomplicated, yet flavorful, fast food fish option.
7. Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Fillet Sandwich
The hand-battered cod fillet is the star of the show, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. Shredded lettuce adds a fresh crunch, while the toasted hoagie roll provides a sturdy base.
Culver’s commitment to quality is evident in the taste and texture of their fish sandwich, making it a favorite among fast food enthusiasts. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted fish sandwich with a balanced blend of flavors and textures.
8. Long John Silver’s Classic Fish Sandwich
Long John Silver’s Classic Fish Sandwich is a quintessential choice for fish sandwich aficionados. A perfectly battered fish fillet serves as the centerpiece, providing a delightful crunch with every bite.
Fresh lettuce and a generous helping of tartar sauce round out the flavors, creating a sandwich that’s both satisfying and delicious. The warm bun adds a comforting touch, making this an ideal meal for those who enjoy classic seafood options.
Long John Silver’s dedication to quality seafood shines through in this tasty offering.
9. Sonic’s Fish Sandwich
This sandwich features a crispy fish fillet that’s perfectly fried for maximum crunch. Fresh lettuce and a tangy tartar sauce complement the fillet, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
The soft bun holds everything together, making it easy to enjoy on the go. Sonic’s has crafted a fish sandwich that’s both convenient and tasty, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying seafood sandwich.
10. Dairy Queen Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
The wild-caught Alaskan fish fillet provides a fresh and flavorful base for the sandwich. It’s accompanied by crisp lettuce and a tangy tartar sauce, creating a balanced taste profile. The toasted bun adds an inviting texture, completing the overall experience.
Dairy Queen’s commitment to using quality ingredients is evident in this sandwich, making it a must-try for seafood lovers. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a well-executed fish sandwich with a unique twist.
11. Checkers Crispy Fish Sandwich
The battered fish fillet is the definite star here, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Fresh lettuce adds a refreshing element, while the tangy tartar sauce enhances the overall flavor profile.
The toasted bun provides the perfect foundation, holding all the ingredients together seamlessly. Checkers has crafted a fish sandwich that’s both tasty and convenient, making it an excellent option for a quick meal.
It’s perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, flavorful fast food fish sandwich.
12. Hardee’s Beer Battered Fish Sandwich
Hardee’s Beer Battered Fish Sandwich is a unique take on the traditional fish sandwich. The beer-battered fish fillet offers a distinct flavor and satisfying crunch.
Fresh lettuce and tartar sauce complement the fillet, creating a balanced taste profile. The toasted bun holds everything together, ensuring a delightful eating experience.
Hardee’s has crafted a fish sandwich that’s both flavorful and filling, perfect for those who enjoy a little twist in their fast food choices. It’s an excellent option for seafood lovers seeking something different.
13. White Castle Panko Breaded Fish Slider
This slider features a panko-breaded fish fillet that’s both crunchy and delicious. A slice of cheese adds a creamy element, while the steamed slider bun holds everything together.
White Castle has managed to create a compact yet flavorful option that’s perfect for a quick bite. This slider is ideal for those who enjoy a smaller, more snackable fish sandwich experience, providing just the right balance of flavors and textures.
14. Whataburger Whatacatch Sandwich
This sandwich features a fried fish fillet that’s cooked to perfection. Fresh lettuce and tomato add a refreshing crunch, while tartar sauce enhances the overall flavor profile. The toasted bun provides the perfect foundation, holding all the ingredients together.
Whataburger has crafted a fish sandwich that’s both tasty and satisfying, making it an excellent option for those seeking a flavorful fast food meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a well-balanced, delicious fish sandwich.
15. Bojangles’ Alaskan Pollock Sandwich
Bojangles’ Alaskan Pollock Sandwich offers a delightful twist on the classic fish sandwich. The Alaskan pollock fillet provides a tender, flavorful base that’s enhanced by fresh lettuce and tartar sauce. The toasted bun adds an extra layer of texture, making the sandwich both satisfying and delicious.
Bojangles’ commitment to quality is evident in the fresh taste and perfect execution of their fish sandwich. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy a well-crafted seafood option, offering a unique take on the traditional fast food fish sandwich.
16. Shake Shack Fish Fillet Sandwich
The crispy fish fillet is cooked to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Fresh lettuce and tartar sauce complement the fillet, creating a balanced taste profile. The toasted potato roll adds a soft, chewy texture that holds everything together.
Shake Shack’s commitment to excellence is evident in this delightful offering, making it a must-try for seafood lovers. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted, flavorful fast food fish sandwich.
17. Carl’s Jr. Redhook Beer-Battered Fish Sandwich
The beer-battered fish fillet provides a distinct flavor and satisfying crunch. Fresh lettuce and tartar sauce complement the fillet, creating a balanced taste profile. The toasted bun holds everything together, ensuring a delightful eating experience.
Carl’s Jr. has crafted a fish sandwich that’s both flavorful and filling, perfect for those who enjoy a little twist in their fast food choices. It’s an excellent option for seafood lovers seeking something different.
18. Rally’s Deep Sea Double
Rally’s Deep Sea Double is a delightful treat for fast food fans. This sandwich features not one, but two crispy fish fillets, offering a substantial and satisfying meal. Fresh lettuce adds a refreshing element, while the tangy tartar sauce enhances the overall flavor profile.
The toasted bun provides the perfect foundation, holding all the ingredients together seamlessly. Rally’s has crafted a fish sandwich that’s both tasty and convenient, making it an excellent option for a quick meal.
19. Church’s Chicken Fish Sandwich
In this sandwich, the battered fish fillet provides a distinct flavor and satisfying crunch. Fresh lettuce and tartar sauce complement the fillet, creating a balanced taste profile. The toasted bun holds everything together, ensuring a delightful eating experience.
Church’s Chicken has crafted a fish sandwich that’s both flavorful and filling, perfect for those who enjoy a little twist in their fast food choices. It’s an excellent option for seafood lovers seeking something different.
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