The Great Fast Food Fish Sandwich Showdown: Which Chain Does it Best?

As a fast food fish sandwich connoisseur, I have strong opinions on who makes the best one. I’ve taste tested all the major chains multiple times to determine who truly comes out on top.

In this epic showdown review, I pit the top contenders against each other on crucial factors like flavor, value, customization options, and overall experience Read on to see who emerges as the winner for best fast food fish sandwich!

Popeyes – A Spicy Southern Contender

Let’s start with Popeyes, which caused a major stir when they first introduced their fried fish sandwich Here’s how they stack up

• Breading – Popeyes uses a moderately thick, crunchy cornmeal breading that provides texture and enhances the flavor of the whitefish. It has some kick from seasoning.

• Fish – The fillet is a decent size and thickness While mild, it has a pleasant taste complemented by the spicy breading

• Toppings – The regular sandwich comes with regular or spicy mayo, and tomato. For an upcharge, you can also add lettuce or tartar sauce.

• Bun – It’s a soft, steamed bun that’s slightly sweet. It holds up well and balances the crispy fried fish.

• Value – At around $4.49, it’s priced higher than some competitors but delivers quality and generous portion sizes.

• Customization – The variety of bun types and extensive seasoning and sauce options let you tailor it more than most.

With its signature spice level and generous fillet, Popeyes offers a distinctly Southern-flavored fish sandwich that made quite the splash. The taste doesn’t disappoint.

Arby’s – A Surprising Newcomer

Arby’s joined the fish sandwich game later than most, but managed to make their mark:

• Breading – They use a light, crispy panko breading fried to a golden brown. It provides crunch without heavy greasiness.

• Fish – The fillet is mild, tender whitefish. While thin, it is larger than many sandwiches so doesn’t get lost.

• Toppings – Comes with tartar sauce, lettuce, and a slice of cheddar cheese. A unique and tasty combination.

• Bun – Arby’s signature star cut bun is soft and airy with hints of sweetness that work nicely.

• Value – At an affordable $3.99 or less, it’s reasonably priced for the quality and size.

• Customization – You can swap the cheese or sauce, but otherwise customizations are limited.

For a newcomer to fish sandwiches, Arby’s made an impressive entrance with a satisfying sandwich stacked with their classic flavors and touches. The light breading is a nice change of pace.

McDonald’s – The Classic Contender

No fish sandwich review would be complete without the OG – McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish:

• Breading – McDonald’s uses a light, crispy breading that provides a nice crunch but doesn’t overwhelm the fish.

• Fish – The fish is a whitefish blend with a mild, inoffensive taste. The fillet is thin but satisfies.

• Toppings – Their sandwich comes simply dressed with tartar sauce and a slice of American cheese.

• Bun – The standard bun is soft, slightly sweet, and holds up well. You can also request it on other bun types.

• Value – At around $3.79, it’s very affordable and often runs promotions for even lower prices.

• Customization – Customization is limited, but you can request no cheese or tartar sauce and add lettuce or tomato.

As the OG, McDonald’s has had time to perfect their fish sandwich into the classic, no-fuss option with timeless appeal. The price point and reliability make it a go-to for many.

Wendy’s – A Serious Contender

As primarily a burger joint, Wendy’s fish sandwich offerings tend to fly under the radar but shouldn’t be underestimated:

• Breading – Wendy’s uses a light, crisp breading with hints of seasoning that enhances the fish nicely without overpowering.

• Fish – The North Pacific cod fillet is thick and flaky with a mild, slightly sweet taste.

• Toppings – Their sandwich comes simply with tartar sauce, lettuce, and a slice of American cheese.

• Bun – The regular bun has a soft, airy texture and hint of sweetness that pairs nicely.

• Value – At just $3.79, it’s very fairly priced for the generous portion size and quality.

• Customization – You can request no cheese or tartar and add tomato or onion but otherwise can’t customize much.

Wendy’s flies under the radar on fish sandwiches, but offers a high-quality sandwich with premium fish at affordable pricing. The fillet thickness and tender flaky texture set it apart.

Culver’s – A Worthy Regional Contender

As a Midwestern regional favorite, Culver’s excels at butter burgers but shouldn’t be overlooked for their fish sandwich:

• Breading – They use a cornmeal breading fried up slightly thicker than some, with a hint of seasoning.

• Fish – The North Atlantic cod has a pleasant mild flavor and moderate thickness.

• Toppings – Comes simply with tartar sauce and their signature cheese slices. I recommend adding lettuce and tomato.

• Bun – The lightly buttered, toasted bun has a perfect golden color and texture.

• Value – Around $4.49, the pricing is reasonable given the generous portion sizes and quality.

• Customization – Beyond adding lettuce and tomato, you can’t customize much.

Culver’s offers a straightforward, unfussy fish sandwich done right, with a touch of their signature butter burger flavor in the bun. The value and taste make it a go-to for Midwesterners.

Long John Silver’s – A Fish-Focused Contender

No fast food fish roundup is complete without the king of fish themselves – Long John Silver’s. Here’s how they fare:

• Breading – As expected, their breading is seasoned well and fried up thick and crispy with excellent flavor.

• Fish – The fish has a flaky yet tender bite. It likely varies but tastes like cod or pollock.

• Toppings – Comes simply with lettuce and tartar sauce. I recommend adding tomato for freshness.

• Bun – The standard bun is soft and lightly sweetened, holding up well to the sizable crispy fillet.

• Value – At around $4.99 it’s a bit pricier but reasonable given the fresh fish focus and generous portion.

• Customization – Customizing is limited, but you can request no tartar sauce or add tomato.

As a seafood-centered chain, Long John Silver’s unsurprisingly offers a great fish sandwich with a thick, crisply breaded fried fillet any seafood lover will enjoy.

And the Winner Is…

After extensive taste testing for this fish sandwich showdown, a clear winner emerged based on the perfect combo of flavor, value, and overall experience:

Wendy’s!

Their sandwich simply can’t be beaten when it comes to the freshness and thickness of the fish fillet, the crispy light breading, and the overall taste. Coupled with the affordable price, they edge out the competition.

Of course, taste is subjective, and devotees defend their favorite chains passionately. But in my opinion Wendy’s takes the gold when it comes to the best fast food fish sandwich. Stop by and see for yourself next time you get a fish sandwich craving!