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Best Seafood Chain Restaurants in America

Sometimes the freshest catches of the day come from chain restaurants. So if you’re looking for an incredible meal that won’t cost you a fortune, these are the best seafood chains that’ll fit the bill nicely.

Snow Crab Legs

Although some of them are coastal, others are located all across the country, and you can enjoy fantastic fish entrees and sides in convenience and style.

After a lot of research and taste testing, here’s my list of the best seafood chains across the US.

Long John Silver’s

Long John Silver’s is a staple of casual seafood fare. It’s been around for an exceptionally long time, and it’s easy to understand why; the food is cost-effective but delectable. Long John Silver’s is a chain of restaurants that offers a consistent food quality with rapid service. 

In fact, there are 850 different locations of this seafood chain. Although some people think that the offerings are a little bit on the greasy side, the fact of the matter is that Long John Silver’s offers a variety of fried food options that are absolutely addicting. 

If you want consistent quality that hits the spot with many options for the kids and an experience that offers immediate gratification, Long John Silver’s is most likely your best bet. Also, you can find them anywhere across the country.  


Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill is a higher-end option that delivers big time when it comes to value and flavor. They source their seafood from places worldwide, and a lot of their offerings are grilled, so you don’t have to worry about overly-fried or greasy food. It’s a refreshing change and one that allows you to keep your diet intact while sampling some delicious seafood.

Bonefish Grill was founded in 2000, and for 21 years, they have been hitting the mark between a sophisticated restaurant and a family-friendly place perfectly. They’re just as good for date night as they are for your next family outing. What’s more, there are plenty of different dishes that suit picky palettes, as well as simpler tastes, at Bonefish Grill. With inventive vegetable medleys and sides, Bonefish Grill is the complete package. 

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Joe’s Crab Shack

When you think of laid-back, tropical weather and great seafood, there’s a good chance that Joe’s Crab Shack crosses your mind. This iconic restaurant has a variety of different seafood and, of course, fantastic crab legs. If you go to Joe’s Crab Shack, make sure that you’re hungry, as they are famous for serving mega portions of your favorite fare. In fact, on some days, Joe’s Crab Shack offers all-you-can-eat shrimp and hushpuppies for only 20 dollars. Since this special varies depending on where you are in the country, it’s good to check with your local place.

The best dishes at Joe’s Crab Shack are usually the simplest. It’s not such a fantastic idea to try to get too fancy with the menu here. Instead, go for the all-you-can-eat shrimp or crab and enjoy all of the hushpuppies that you want. Joe’s Crab Shack is a great place to bring your family or friends for a celebration, and you’ll love the family-style eating.


King’s Fish House

King’s Fish House is a West Coast staple that’s beloved all over California and Washington. When it comes to King’s Fish House, the word of the day is “fresh.” King’s Fish House is nothing if not a fresh fish warehouse, serving delicacies from all over the world at peak deliciousness. They have a ton of different seafood on order, and all of it is perfectly prepared. Whatever you’re craving, you will most likely find it at King’s Fish House.

You can sample fresh Pacific tuna, catfish, trout, tilapia, or more. You can also snack on fresh oysters and even sushi. King’s Fish House is a great place to take the seafood connoisseurs in your life, as it is more affordable than many other options and still offers impressive fare. It’s also an excellent place to go if you want to try out a few different seafood options that you’re unsure if you will like without breaking the bank.


Arthur Treacher’s

Arthur Treacher’s is well-known for its delectable fish and chips, and this legacy brand must be doing something right because they have been around since the mid-1860s! Unfortunately, Arthur Treacher’s is slightly less popular than it used to be, dwindling down substantially from its previous 800 locations, but the fare is still good, and you can get an authentic fish and chips for a fraction of what you might pay at other restaurants.

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Arthur Treacher’s specializes in breaded cod entrees, combined with a healthy serving of their traditional chips or french fries. Although some people think that it’s not as great as it used to be, others still contest that Arthur Treacher’s is the closest thing that you will get to authentic fish and chips on this side of the pond. 


Red Lobster

There are few things that are more American than Red Lobster. This legendary seafood chain restaurant has a cult following, and many people have lots of fond childhood memories revolving around this seafood restaurant. Specifically, people love the cheddar bay biscuits and the cheap lobster. Although the lobster and crab legs are comparably less expensive, the quality is still there, making Red Lobster both a family-friendly restaurant and one that you can take a date to.

Red Lobster has also appeared several times in pop culture and was famously referenced by Beyonce in Formation. It’s also referenced and showcased in many popular films and movies. However, one of the critical things that make Red Lobster so unique is the fact that they offer consistent quality. When you order the cheddar bay biscuits, you know exactly what you are getting. This is one of the key things that keeps Red Lobster so popular and people coming back year after year.


Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a reference to the fictitious shrimping company in Forest Gump, and the star power associated with the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has undoubtedly helped propel it to popularity.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. came into existence about two years after the original movie aired, and it unapologetically riffs on the classic film. If you are a Tom Hanks or Forest Gump fan, you’ll certainly enjoy the decor. With 30 locations, you can find them all over the country.

As the name suggests, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. serves up shrimp in many different ways, including peel and eat shrimp, shrimp creole, and other options. Although some people think that this seafood restaurant is overpriced, others enjoy the atmosphere and consistent food quality. Realistically, it’s a fun place to take the family, and you’ll get a nice meal every time. 


Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a southern Texas treasure that originated in Austin, Texas. They offer fresh, quality seafood with a southern spin. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood offers inspired dishes like lobster tacos, featuring homemade tortillas and char-grilled corn. They also offer fresh seafood, like jumbo Gulf shrimp and local fishes. 

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Although you can find steak, chicken, and other menu items at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, it’s best to stick with the fruits of the sea. The reasoning is simple; Eddie V’s Prime Seafood specializes in seafood and does a moderately good job with their steak and chicken. There are plenty of other places where you can get a fantastic steak, but at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, you should try one of their local fishy favorites.


Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen features fresh cajun food that’s sure to delight everyone in your party. Although cajun cooking tends to be on the spicier side, you can certainly customize your order at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, making it a good option for kids and adults alike. In addition, their waitstaff is famous for being hospitable and accommodating, so any special requests are likely to be attended to properly. 

The Pappadeaux Platter is one of the most popular entrees, and it really gives you a good overview of what you can expect from the restaurant. The Pappadeaux platter features crab, oyster, crawfish, catfish, and shrimp. It’s great for sharing as well. If you choose just one item from Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, make it the crawfish. This is the shining star of their menu and should not be missed. 


Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods doesn’t rely on gimmicks or overly fussy dishes because they have something better than all of that; the freshest seafood imaginable. In fact, they are one of the best seafood chain restaurants, if not the best, because of their attention to local ingredients. You can tell that the people behind Legal Sea Foods have a deep respect for the fish they serve and a desire to offer the finest ingredients possible.

Try their creamy clam chowder or delectable sea scallops. You will not be disappointed.

These best seafood chain restaurants deliver on flavor and are cost-effective. Many of them are also family-friendly and accessible.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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