The Best Fried Fish Joint In Every State

Fried fish is one of those things that can come out either absolutely divine or downright disgusting. There are all kinds of tips and tricks to keep in mind if you're hosting your own fish fry, and even Gordon Ramsay has shared some thoughts on how to get crispier fried fish. Still, it's definitely one of those things that can be infinitely better at a restaurant, especially one that's sourcing the freshest of fish. But who's doing it the best?

We wanted to find out where to go in each state for the very best fried fish, so we started digging. In addition to looking at awards and accolades, we scoured countless customer reviews and social media sites to see what places had devout fans, high recommendations, and were keeping customers coming back again and again. We wanted to see who was getting consistent rave reviews for sourcing the best fish and making the best batter and breading; delicious fries and sides were a must, too. Some of the best are offering different types of fish, focusing on regional favorites or locally sourced varieties, and serving everything up in an atmosphere that has become a regular destination. Here's who's getting it right.

Browse any number of recommendations for where to go for great food in Alabama, and The Gulf will certainly be mentioned. It makes sense; sit on the white, sandy beaches at either the Orange Beach or Okaloosa Island locations, and you'll see why this is such a popular spot. It doesn't hurt that the grouper sandwich is lauded as one of the best fried fish sandwiches to be found along the coast, with top-tier cocktails and margaritas taking this to the next level. 

https://thegulf.com/

Multiple locations

The Alaska Fish House sits right on the water, just a stone's throw from the city's fishing boats. It's in the perfect spot to take advantage of locally sourced seafood, and this place is celebrated for doing precisely that. Fish and chips made from locally caught salmon or halibut are on the menu, and seasoned fries and delicious coleslaw are just as rave-worthy. It's a bucket list meal that doesn't disappoint. 

https://alaskafishhouse.com/

(907) 247-4055

3 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901

Oscar's Pier 83 has earned a lot of love for bringing seriously delicious fried fish to Arizona in a way that's wonderfully accessible. Saunter to the counter, choose between options like mahi mahi, catfish, and salmon, and know you're getting the kind of meal that makes customers fall in love with fish and chips even if they're not a seafood person. The wild-caught Icelandic cod is a favorite.

https://www.op83.com/

(602) 843-6820

18589 N 59th Ave #111, Glendale, AZ 85308

Big K's Catfish Barn is only open on Saturdays a few months out of the year. It attracts lines of customers from all over who are happy to stand and wait for the buffet with outstanding fried catfish and hush puppies you shouldn't sleep on. Yes, it's crowded, but it's highly lauded for the experience, where part of the charm is sitting with others at communal tables. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039814273776

(870) 830-7146

401 N Anderson Rd, Hazen, AR 72064

Malibu Seafood is a little beachside shack offering not only perfectly battered and fried fish and chips, but also fish taquitos and fries that are above and beyond. Displays of fresh fish at the market side inspire confidence that you're getting the freshest on your plate, and with ocean views and beachfront seating, it's an entire experience — especially when you add some delicious chowder. Also consider the fried scallop sandwich. 

https://www.malibuseafood.com/

(310) 456-3430

25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

If you're in Colorado and craving fish and chips, head to Arvada, Denver, or Edgewater and hit GB Fish & Chips. It's a go-to spot for British-style fish and chips with a light and crispy batter, so perfectly fried that some suspect there might be wizardry going on in the kitchen. It's elevated by an outstanding house-made tartar sauce, and it's the sort of meal that some say has changed the way they think of what fried fish can and should be.

https://gbfishandchips.com/

Multiple locations

Stowe's Seafood defines summers for some. Haddock makes for some highly recommended fish and chips that somehow taste even better when they're eaten at the picnic tables outside, taking in all the beachy vibes and salty air. The Stowe family has looked to the sea for their livelihood for well over a century, and it shows. Quality is unmatched, from the fried clams and lobster rolls to the fries. 

https://www.stowesseafoodct.com/

(203) 934-1991

347 Beach St, West Haven, CT 06516

You'll find Matt's Fish Camp in Fenwick Island and Lewes, and both locations take pride in offering some of the freshest seafood around. Fish and chips come served with delightfully flaky fish surrounded by ultra-crispy batter, while some have fried shrimp as their go-to order. Fried oysters are also delish, and it's set above and beyond with options like Parmesan fries, much-appreciated happy hour deals, and a clam dip that's to die for.

https://www.mattsfishcampfenwick.com/

Multiple locations

Visit Aunt Catfish's on the River, and you're stopping in to a place that promises to treat everyone like family. Customers call out the wonderful staff alongside unlimited access to the fixings buffet with your entrée. The beer-battered unicorn fish gets a lot of love, and you can — and should — try the fried gator. Don't skip the signature cinnamon rolls. 

https://auntcatfishontheriver.com/

(386) 767-4768

4009 Halifax Dr, Port Orange, FL 32127

Known for taking the Low Country Boil and dropping it into a fast-casual setting without sacrificing quality, the Savannah Seafood Shack has been featured on multiple shows. The fried fish is also outstanding, with the fried fish tacos, in particular, being a longtime favorite. Try the rave-worthy Shack Cone, with fried fish, shrimp, calamari, or oysters in a waffle cone. Perfectly fried seafood is seasoned and drizzled in a creamy sauce that presents the perfect complement to whatever variety you choose. 

https://savannahseafoodshack.com/

(912) 344-4393

116 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401

Hawaii is known for poke bowls, and what better state is there for fresh seafood? Few restaurants are as poised to take full advantage of that as Nico's. Sitting on Honolulu Harbor, it has a front-row seat to the ocean. Daily specials take full advantage of ultra-fresh fish, and there's a good chance you'll find deep-fried ahi belly, ono, whole akule, bay scallops, or beer-battered soft shell crab. Those deliver freshness you can taste, and the gorgeous scenery doesn't hurt, either.

https://nicospier38.com/

(808) 540-1377

1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817

Fresh Off the Hook Seafood has been voted Boise's Best Seafood Restaurant for a wildly impressive 11 years in a row, and it gets rave reviews for the fish and chips. Does it get better than perfectly flaky, hot, and fresh fried halibut? Yes, apparently, as customers love the mix-and-match option that allows them to add fried jumbo shrimp to their fish and chips, and the herbaceous tartar sauce often gets a special mention, too.

https://freshoffthehookseafood.com/

(208) 322-9224

507 N Milwaukee, Boise, ID 83704

Don's Dock Seafood Market & Restaurant has been serving Des Plaines since 1951, with more than just a fish fry. You can also opt to order a variety of types of fried fish, including lake perch, walleye, and catfish, by the pound. Properly-proportioned breading doesn't overpower the seafood, and the cooked-to-order fish and chips have been a win for years. Everything is so good you'll want some to take home.

https://www.donsdockseafood.com/

(847) 827-1817

1220 E Northwest Hwy, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Family owned and operated, Caplinger's Fresh Catch Seafood Market was founded with the goal of bringing high-quality seafood inland. It takes daily deliveries to make the magic happen, but it's worth it — and there are the people's choice awards to show for it. Perfectly fried grouper is an undeniable favorite, especially when it's in a sandwich. Variety is the name of the game, with options like fried ocean perch, whiting, catfish, Great Lakes perch, and tilapia on the menu.

https://www.caplingersfreshcatch.com/

Multiple locations

Mo Fish's popularity starts with the breading. It was a work in progress for more than a decade at this family-owned fish spot, which also commits to always-fresh fryer oil. The fried fish is not only the best in Iowa, but it has long had customers coming in from Omaha. Even those who say they're not fans of fish love the fried walleye, and the fried catfish has been a hit for a long time, too.

https://www.mofishcafe.com/

(712) 256-4000

2403 Nash Blvd, #B, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

In 2023, Kansas said goodbye to the beloved Wichita Fish Co., but it was immediately announced that the owner's son, Steven Blalock, would be taking those fan-favorite recipes and opening his own place. He's been getting rave reviews since, especially for the generous portions of options like the fried catfish, which taste just like it came right out of the Deep South. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554184302143

(316) 265-3474

803 N West St, Wichita, KS 67212

This Louisville hotspot is run by a father and son team that are putting out such delicious food — including a wildly popular clam chowder — that customers drive in from surrounding states. Fried fish is served Green River style, with a cracked pepper and cornmeal breading that has fans calling it some of the most well-prepared ever. Add in jalapeño tartar sauce, outstanding fries, and beignets for dessert, and it's clear why people drive in from hours away. 

https://fishhouselouisville.com/#

(502) 568-2993

1310 Winter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204

New Orleans might be Emeril Lagasse's favorite U.S. foodie city, but for the best fried fish, you'll have to head to Kinder. There, you'll find the family-owned Roy's Catfish Hut, which boasts recipes handed through the generations. Fried catfish gets a proprietary seasoning and a crispy crust that has customers saying it's the best around. Fried pickles are the perfect side, and you won't go wrong with the fried okra, either.

https://www.royscatfishhut.com/

(337) 738-4243

14688 US-165, Kinder, LA 70648

The Red Barn opened back in 1977, and it's now one of the area's only family-owned restaurants. It stands out thanks to things like the fried seafood sampler. That comes with a variety of fried goodness, including shrimp and haddock. And the thing about this place? The staff makes everyone feel like they're right at home. The fried haddock itself is highly recommended, but don't skip the seafood stew, either. 

https://www.theredbarnmaine.org/

(207) 623-9485

455 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330

An area staple for decades, the "Jerry" in question got his start selling oysters out of his car. After expanding his offerings, his soups and chowders were so popular it allowed him to get into the restaurant game, and now, it's particularly celebrated for the haddock and crab cake platter. Crab cakes are the real deal, while fried haddock bites make for a delicious appetizer.

https://jerrys-place.com/

(410) 535-3242

1541 Solomon's Island Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

There are a ton of great seafood options in Boston, but Boston Sail Loft stands out. Serving massive portions of stellar fish and chips with a rave-worthy chowder, it's the kind of spot that has customers returning day after day. There's also a fried fish sandwich that has been pleasing people for years, and that's no exaggeration, as Boston Sail Loft has been a hotspot since 1984. 

https://www.thebostonsailloft.com/

(617) 227-7280

80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110

Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips has been the place to go for fried fish since the 1950s, and it's something of a time capsule. Fish with a perfectly crispy exterior hides tender flakes inside, and even the freshly baked rolls, scratch-made tartar sauce, and homemade coleslaw are outstanding. The fact it's stayed the same for decades is cited as a testament to how beloved it is, and you'll find customers who have been loyal for years. 

https://www.scottysfishandchips.com/

(313) 533-0950

22200 Fenkel Ave, Detroit, MI 48223

The Anchor Fish & Chips has been around since 2009, and you'll hear it name-dropped into discussions about legendary Minnesota restaurants. Fish is sourced with a commitment to sustainability, and fryers filled with beef tallow have this place standing above others. Add in an inviting atmosphere and house-made tartar sauce that's ideal with the lovely, golden fish, and it makes for a top-notch experience. 

https://theanchorfishandchips.com/

(612) 676-1300

302 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Taylor Grocery is a 1970s-era store situated in a 19th-century building. It serves fried catfish that has been profiled in National Geographic and has even gotten a shout-out in the Michelin Guide. Some count it as an absolute favorite food, with it being perfectly golden, moist, and flaky. It's worth the wait, and someone might just be singing as you dine. 

https://taylorgrocery.com/

(662) 236-1716

4A Depot St, Taylor, MS 38673

No one does fish and chips quite like the Brits, and the recipes for London Calling's restaurant and award-winning food truck come from UK transplant Neil Gomme. Servings of this fish come out crispy and not at all greasy, with delicious sauces on the side. Buzzy chatter confirms this is the real deal, and the fact that this food truck once used to operate out of a double-decker bus is a giveaway.

https://www.londoncallingpastycompany.com/

(417) 705-6000

203 E Mt Vernon St, Nixa, MO 65714

Crazy Mary's brick-and-mortar has closed, but when the new food truck opened not far from the old location, it made the news in Billings. This is the place to go for large portions of some of the tastiest fish and chips anywhere, and everything is served with a side of lighthearted humor that can make someone's day that much brighter. 

https://www.facebook.com/crazy.mary.s.fish.n.chips/

1321 6th Ave North, Billings, MT 59101

Earning awards for best full-service restaurant and best fried chicken in Bellevue, Catfish Lake at the Lodge is a family-owned and operated place that has been serving outstanding food since 1986. Locals love the fried catfish and walleye served with tasty sides and rave-worthy fried rolls. Customers quickly become regulars, and first-timers wonder what took them so long to try it. 

https://catfishlakeatthelodge.com/

(402) 292-9963

16609 Clay St, Bellevue, NE 68123

The Codfather opened in 2020 and boasts that it's bringing Britain's favorite food to the U.S. Plenty of customers agree. Count on fried-to-order, ultra-fresh fish that's crispy and not-at-all-greasy, served by a welcoming, friendly staff who is clearly glad you stopped by. Tartar sauce is uniquely tasty, portions are large, and don't skip the mushy peas.

https://www.thecodfatherlv.com/

(702) 462-2280

2895 North Green Valley Parkway, Henderson, NV 89014

Opened in 1990, Petey's Summertime Seafood & Bar has been a longtime favorite for year-round seafood. It's been amassing a ton of awards for an impressive variety. Opt for fried shrimp, scallops, calamari, lobster tails, or crab cakes, alongside fan-favorite haddock that's so good, customers trek in from hours away. The fried haddock sandwich is perfectly light and crispy, and the fried lobster is tasty, too.

https://peteys.com/index.html

(603) 433-1937

1323 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870

Seafood doesn't get much fresher than what's served at the Atlantic Offshore Fishery; this place has its own commercial fishermen to supply the restaurant and attached fish market. That freshness comes through in anything you can order off the menu, particularly in items like a delightful fried flounder sandwich and fried clams. 

https://atlanticfisherynj.com/

(732) 206-6958

212 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

The fish and chips at Albuquerque's Two Fools Taverns has a ton of fans, including some Irish transplants who note that it's possibly better than what you might find in Ireland or England. Huge pieces of battered fish come with fries that need no extra love, uniquely delicious coleslaw, and delectable tartar sauce. It also boasts one of the largest whiskey selections in the region.

https://www.2foolstavern.com/

(505) 265-7447

3211 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Dame is helmed by British-born chef Ed Szymanski and his wife, Patricia Howard. It's the fish and chips here that put Szymanski on the map as a seriously outstanding chef. The fish is made with a vodka and beer batter, and it has a fluffy, crisp exterior that's to die for. It's a dish that some call the best they've ever had. Top it all off with some sticky toffee pudding. 

https://www.damenewyork.com/

(929) 367-7370

87 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

What's on the menu varies by the season, as the Saltbox Seafood Joint was opened to mimic old-school seafood shacks. It's owned by James Beard winner and semi-finalist Ricky Moore and has craveable fried trout and catfish. Seasoning elevates rather than overpowers, and honey hushpuppies are scrumptious there, too. Get to the shack early – it's so popular that it might run out of fish in the afternoon.

https://www.saltboxseafoodjoint.com/

(919) 237-3499 

2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707

Freshness is the name of the game at Fargo's Beer & Fish Company, and customers confirm it's freshness you can taste. The fish and chips need only a dash of malted vinegar to reach perfection, while the atmosphere is unparalleled. Stop in for the oysters and beer happy hour, sample the more than 30 beers and wines on tap, and don't skip the fried walleye. 

https://beerandfishcompany.com/

(701) 532-1342

230 Roberts Alley, Fargo, ND 58102

Opened in 1980, Jolly Roger's Seafood House is renowned for fried perch and walleye sourced from Lake Erie. The restaurant is so popular that it finally moved to a larger spot in 2021, and there's now a window that looks right into the kitchen so customers can watch fish being breaded and fried. There's house-made tartar sauce and hand-battered onion rings, too. 

https://jollyrogerseafoodhouseoh.toast.site/

(419) 732-3382

1715 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH 43452

Jimmy's Round-up Cafe & Pies is renowned for providing a larger-than-life experience with the kind of welcome usually reserved for the best of friends. The menu is extensive, but the fried catfish is a standout, as it's super thin and perfectly seasoned with a wonderful cornmeal crunch. True seafood lovers should go on a Friday when it's all-you-can-eat catfish. 

https://jimmysroundupcafe.com/

(405) 685-1177

1301 Southwest 59th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73119

Locally sourced albacore tuna gets battered and fried for a delicacy that brings people in from out of state and is served out of a circa 1932 former fishing boat. Customers love the uniquely firm texture of the tuna, so you'll probably see a line forming for this flaky and tender delight that comes with an outstanding, extra thin batter. 

https://bowpicker.com/

(503) 791-2942

17th and Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103

At The Pub Chip Shop, customers say it's not only about fish and chips but also the fried fish tacos. Some go as far to say that the fish there is the sort of thing that makes them reconsider their life choices in the best possible way, and it gets some serious love from Brits who say it's a little taste of home. 

https://www.thepubchipshop.com/

(412) 381-2447

1830 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Amaral's Fish & Chips is known for having the best fish and chips in the state, and regular customers say they're not afraid to drive for yummy fried fish with a light and crispy batter. Add incredible fried clams or an outstanding house-baked bread, along with other Portuguese delights you'll find on the menu.

https://www.amaralsfishandchips.com/#

(401) 247-0675

4 Redmond St, Warren, RI 02885

Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks is perfectly positioned to make the most of the nearby coastal waters, and it does. This place prides itself on working directly with local fishing boats to source fresh, in-season catches. Fried oysters are a favorite, the fried shrimp platter is a guaranteed win, and the fish and chips will be a generously portioned pleasure. 

https://www.hudsonsonthedocks.com/

(843) 681-2772

1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

There are definitely some things that you should and shouldn't order from an Irish pub. At Murphy's Pub & Grill in Rapid City, go for the fish and chips. Beer-battered fish served alongside a pint of Guinness has had people saying it transports them right back to the Emerald Isle, and servings are so large that customers have no choice but to leave some for leftovers. They're just as delicious the next day, anyway.

https://murphyspubandgrill.com/home/

(605) 791-2244

510 9th St, Rapid City, SD 57701

Catfish is one of the affordable types of fish you should consider buying because when it's done right, it's outstanding. The folks at Paw Paw's Catfish Kitchen have been doing it right for a long time, as these New Orleans natives have a long family history of working the waterways. The Southern-style catfish draws in customers from Wisconsin, lured by super fresh fish and a welcoming atmosphere. 

https://pawpawscatfishkitchen.com/

(865) 446-4978

2760 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862

Honestly, Stumpy's Lakeside Grill already had us with the buffet of bottomless chips and house-made salsa, but it's also scored some awards for having the best catfish around. It's wonderfully seasoned with just the right amount of crunch and spot-on breading, making the fact that you can sit outside on the lakeshore just a bonus.

https://stumpyslakegranbury.com/

(817) 279-1000

2323 S Morgan St, Granbury, TX 76048

Ever had a meal that's left you speechless? That's the experience some have had with the fish and chips at Little Taste of Britain, and it's winning fans among those who hail from the UK. It's helmed by an English expat who's perfected chips that stand up to malt vinegar and fish that's so good it's on some customers' weekly meal rotation. 

https://www.littletasteofbritain.net/

(801) 543-5707

768 West, 1425 North, Layton, UT 84041

Those who are in-the-know report Union Jack's is serving up incredible battered fish and hand-cut fries to match, with the kind of freshness that only comes when everything is made to order. It's the type of place that you can tell those in the kitchen love what they do, and everything from the amount of batter to the texture and the sauces is spot-on. 

https://www.unionjacksvt.com/

(802) 652-9828

370 Shelburne Rd, Burlington, VT 05401

The restaurant at Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center takes pride in the fact that it's just a stone's throw from the source, and fishing boats deliver catches directly. You'll find a menu loaded with choices, such as the fish of the day or the fried sea bass, which is a major favorite. Fried flounder is also a go-to, and since there's a market, you can pick up fresh fish to take home, too.

https://www.fishingvabeach.com/

(757) 481-4545

3311 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Local Tide is such a buzzworthy spot that you'll hear it suggested as a must-try restaurant for anyone who's spending just 24 hours in Seattle. The idea is fast, delicious, locally sourced fish, and there's a fried fish sandwich that's a clear favorite. With the perfect blend of crispy and flaky textures, it's just one of a number of highly recommended dishes. 

https://www.localtide.com/

(206) 420-4685

401 North 36th St, Suite 103, Seattle, WA 98103

Coleman's Fish Market marked 100 years of serving its fish sandwiches back in 2014. These are the kind of meals that have been a go-to for families throughout the generations, and customers have perfected the ordering process: Get the bread and fish separately, assemble when you're ready to eat, and preserve that sweet, sweet crunch. Don't overlook the fries, either. 

https://colemansfishmkt.com/

(304) 232-8510

2226 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003

Wisconsin's fish fry culture is legendary, and Dorf Haus Supper Club has been serving up one of the best for more than six decades. Flavorful fish isn't overshadowed by the batter, which is perfectly light and delicate. It's so in-demand that you should plan on waiting, but it's such a fun spot — and delicious fish fry — that you won't mind at all. 

http://www.foodspot.com/Clients/WI/SaukCity/DorfHausSupperClub/

(608) 643-3980

8931 County Rd Y, Sauk City, WI 53583

Rocky Mountain Seafood is serving the kind of fish and chips that have turned customers into lifetime regulars, with some willing to make a two-hour trip. The Alaskan halibut wins hearts, and people have sworn it's an experience that transports them to the coast. Just keep in mind that the clam chowder is incredible, too. 

https://www.rockymountainseafoodllc.com/

(307) 885-2722

492 South Washington St, Afton, WY 83110

To figure out who's offering the best fried fish in every state that keeps people coming back, we scoured countless reviews, recommendations, and customer feedback. These were taken from across Reddit, Facebook, and review sites, including Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Google.

In order to make it onto our list, places have to specialize in fried fish (or have a menu at least heavily focused on it) and also have signature dishes that get rave reviews. Reviews needed to shout out the fish's freshness, flavorful batter, and crispy-but-not-greasy texture. It also needed to be flaky and perfectly cooked.