12 Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches To Try in 2024
Have you ever wondered where to get the best fast food fish sandwich? While not always one of the most popular fast food items, fish sandwiches feature on the menu at most top fast food chains and deciding which is worth a try can be challenging.
You may also notice that some places only serve fish sandwiches during Lent due to many people avoiding meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays after that until Easter. So if you’ve been wanting to taste test some fast food fish sandwiches, just before Easter is the perfect time!
To help narrow down the list, we’ve put together a guide with the 12 most popular fast food fish sandwiches available, including those you can get all year and some that are seasonal. From the classic fried fish and tartare sauce to those with extra toppings or a spicy twist, there’s guaranteed to be a fish sandwich that will become a new personal favorite.
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- Dairy Queen Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
- Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
- Arby's Crispy Fish Sandwich
- Burger King Big Fish Sandwich
- Burger King Fiery Big Fish Sandwich
- Popeyes Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich
- McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
- Long John Silver's Crispy Fish Sandwich
- Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
- Captain D's Giant Fish Sandwich
- Whataburger Whatacatch Sandwich
- Sonic Fish Sandwich
The 12 Best Fish Sandwiches at Fast Food Chains
1. Dairy Queen Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
Dairy Queen is more well-known for dairy-based sweet treats than sandwiches, yet, they are in the running for having the best fast food fish sandwich. Available during Lent, this sandwich contains wild-caught Alaskan pollock in crispy breadcrumbs with lettuce and tartare sauce, all sitting inside a toasty bun. It might not be the most renowned fast food fish sandwich and it isn’t overly unique, but it’s a great choice if you’re after a quick grab-and-go lunch.
2. Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
Culver’s knows how to make a high-quality fish sandwich with a fast food price tag. The North Atlantic Cod Sandwich might just be the best fast food fish sandwich out there because each filet is battered by hand and cooked only after you order the sandwich. The fish is served with lettuce, house tartare sauce and cheddar in a tasty bun. You should definitely try this one if you’re on the search for the best fast food fish sandwich!
3. Arby's Crispy Fish Sandwich
Due to its focus on meat sandwiches, Arby’s is another place that you may be surprised to hear has a fast food fish sandwich. However, Arby’s offering of a sesame bun, crispy wild Alaska pollock filet, lettuce and tartare sauce puts the brand in the running for best fast food fish sandwich.
There is also the King's Hawaiian Fish Deluxe, which is usually available around Lent and adds tomatoes and cheddar to the above fillings. Look out for the Fish ‘n’ Cheddar Sandwich too. The classic is very tasty, but Arby’s has more fish options for you to choose from.
4. Burger King’s Big Fish Sandwich
Another option in the running for the best fast food fish sandwich is Burger King’s Big Fish, which is one of the more well-known sandwiches on this list. This sandwich comes with tartare sauce, pickles, lettuce and panko-breaded fish all within a brioche bun. This popular fast food fish sandwich is available all year and certainly delivers on the crunchiness.
5. Burger King Fiery Big Fish Sandwich
If you want to spice up the classic Big Fish from Burger King, then you will be happy to know that there is the Fiery Big Fish that comes with a spicy glaze to give it an extra kick. This sandwich adds spiciness to a classic fish sandwich, which many say makes it even better than the original. This option is generally only available around Lent, so make sure you pick up at least one when it’s on the menu!
6. Popeyes Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich
Although known for fried chicken and chicken sandwiches, many say that Popeyes also serves one of the best fast food fish sandwiches. As Popeyes is expanding across the globe, you may be able to try out this fast food fish sandwich even if not based in the U.S.
The Louisiana-founded company serves fried flounder fish filet with pickles and either spicy mayo or tartare sauce. This sandwich is certainly worth a try while it’s available during Lent, so you can determine if this once-a-year treat is the best fast food fish sandwich around.
7. McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
This sandwich is a classic and has been around for decades, earning it a rightful place on this list of the best fast food fish sandwiches. This sandwich comes with white hoki or pollock fish in crispy breadcrumbs. Cheese and tartare sauce are added to give it extra flavor.
McDonald’s is popular all over the world, so almost anyone can try this fish sandwich. This might not be the best fast food fish sandwich, but it is a classic. During Lent, you can often get discounted rates on McDonald’s fish sandwiches on Fridays, meaning it won’t break the bank to give it a try. To make your order even more fun, add some sides or an extra sandwich from the McDonald’s secret menu!
8. Long John Silver's Crispy Fish Sandwich
With a focus on fish, it’s not surprising that Long John Silver's is in contention for having the best fast-food fish sandwich in the U.S. Served on a long bun instead of the classic square bun, and featuring crispy battered pollock, tartare sauce and pickles, this fast food fish sandwich is simple yet fresh and delicious.
9. Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich has returned to the delight of many who are on the search for the best fast food fish sandwich. The limited-time-only menu item has wild-caught Alaskan pollock, which comes from the world’s largest sustainable fishery. This fast food fish sandwich also comes with tartare sauce, pickles and cheddar in a succulent bun. The hint of garlic and onion found in the sauce alongside the crunchiness of the breaded fish makes this a good shout for best fast food fish sandwich.
10. Captain D's Giant Fish Sandwich
This seafood kitchen knows how to make delectable fish meals — but is its Giant Fish Sandwich the best fast food fish sandwich out there? Many say it is! This sandwich includes not one but two dipped fish filets with tangy tartare sauce and lettuce in a toasty bun. You can make this a combo meal by selecting a side and a drink. They also have a spicy version of the Giant Fish Sandwich if you want your fast food fish sandwich to have a little kick.
11. Whataburger Whatacatch Sandwich
Whataburger’s classic fish sandwich, the Whatacatch Sandwich, is available for a limited time around Lent. It features a filet of wild-caught Alaskan pollock that is coated with panko breadcrumbs. To accompany the fish, you’ll get lettuce, tomatoes and tangy tartare sauce within a soft bun. Creamy pepper sauce and American cheese can be added to this sandwich to make it even more tasty.
12. Sonic Fish Sandwich
The Sonic Fish Sandwich is good, but is not available at all Sonic eateries and is often a seasonal treat if you can find it. This sandwich includes a similar recipe to other well-known fast food fish sandwiches — Alaskan pollock filet breaded with panko and served with lettuce, pickles and tartare sauce in a soft bun. It’s a fine sandwich, but most don’t rank it at the top of the list for the best fast food fish sandwich.
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If you’ve been on the search for the best fast food fish sandwich, this list should have given you some good ideas about which chains to head to first. These sandwiches have many similarities, but the care put into making them, the extra flavor and the added crunchiness put some above the rest.
Whether you favor the classic McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish or want something a little different with Burger King’s Fiery Big Fish Sandwich, there’s an option for all tastes. If you still can’t decide, go for Captain D's Giant Fish Sandwich to get a sandwich with two fish filets for the price of one!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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