13 Fast Food Chains With the Best Fish Sandwiches
Fish sandwiches are an underrated part of many fast food menus. Burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets get a lot of hype, but fish sandwiches are usually overlooked.
If you’re curious about dipping your toe into the world of fast food fish sandwiches, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best fast food fish sandwiches, which make a great alternative to burgers or chicken sandwiches.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or pescatarian year-round, any of the fish sandwiches on this list is a good option to try!
13. Subway: Tuna Sandwich
Subway is one of the most popular sandwich chains, specializing in submarine sandwiches that gave its name.
There are nearly 21,000 Subway locations in the US.
The Tuna Sandwich is the only permanent item on the Subway menu that includes fish.
It’s made from 100% wild-caught tuna blended with creamy mayo and topped with your choice of cheese, fresh veggies, and sauces.
Subways’ Tuna Sandwich comes in three sizes: 6”, footlong, and footlong pro, which comes with double the protein.
The 6” Tuna Sandwich (just the tuna on Artisan Italian bread, excluding any additional toppings or sauces) has 430 calories and contains 25 grams of fat, 670 milligrams of sodium, and 19 grams of protein.
12. White Castle: Panko Breaded Fish Slider
White Castle is a fast food chain known for popularizing the mini hamburger slider.
There are almost 400 White Castle locations in the US, most of which are in the Midwest or New York state.
Although White Castle is most famous for its beef hamburger sliders, they also make a fish sandwich version of the signature slider.
Their fish sandwich slider is called the Panko Breaded Fish Slider.
It’s made from tender, flaky Alaska pollock coated in crispy panko breading and topped with American cheese.
The Panko Breaded Fish Slider has 340 calories and contains 22 grams of fat, 460 milligrams of sodium, and 9 grams of protein.
11. Burger King: Big Fish
Burger King is one of the largest fast food chains globally, named for its famous burgers.
There are over 7,000 Burger King locations in the US, with at least one in each of the 50 states.
Although Burger King is famous for selling burgers, they also serve a pretty tasty fish sandwich.
The signature fish sandwich from Burger King is called the Big Fish.
The Big Fish is made from 100% white Alaskan pollock coated with crispy panko breading, tartar sauce, and pickles on a toasted brioche-style bun.
It’s available a la carte or in a small, medium, or large combo, which comes with fries and a drink.
The Big Fish has 560 calories and contains 30 grams of fat, 1,275 milligrams of sodium, and 18 grams of protein.
10. Checkers/Rally’s: Crispy Fish Sandwich
Checkers and Rally’s are two fast food chains that operate under different names but are essentially the same restaurant.
There are over 500 Checkers locations and over 300 Rally’s locations in the US.
Whether you’re eating at a Checkers or a Rally’s, their menus are identical, despite their different names.
Checkers and Rally’s are best known for their burgers, but they also serve a great fish sandwich called the Crispy Fish Sandwich.
It’s made from a crispy fish filet, iceberg lettuce, and tartar sauce between two toasted sesame seed buns.
You can upgrade it to a Deep Sea Double, which comes with two crispy fish filets, iceberg lettuce, tartar sauce, and melted American cheese between two toasted sesame seed buns.
The Crispy Fish Sandwich has 460 calories and contains 23 grams of fat, 910 milligrams of sodium, and 14 grams of protein.
9. Quiznos: Tuna Melt
Quiznos is another famous sandwich chain in the US, with over 175 locations.
One of Quiznos’ most popular classic subs is the Tuna Melt.
It’s made from tuna salad, melted cheddar cheese, pickles, and tomatoes, and served toasty warm.
The default bread for the Tuna Melt is the white baguette, but you can swap it out for wheat bread, rosemary parmesan bread, or jalapeno cheddar bread.
Quiznos’ Tuna Melt comes in three sizes: 4”, 8”, and 12”.
The 8” Tuna Melt on a white baguette has 660 calories and contains 22 grams of fat, 1,850 milligrams of sodium, and 44 grams of protein.
8. Culver’s: North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich
Culver’s is a Wisconsin-based fast food chain that has become a cult classic for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custards.
There are almost 900 Culver’s locations in 25 states.
Although seafood might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Culver’s, they serve a delicious fish sandwich.
Culver’s signature fish sandwich is called the North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich.
It’s made from hand-battered North Atlantic cod, Culver’s family recipe tartar sauce, lettuce, and Wisconsin cheddar on a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll.
The North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich has 600 calories and contains 34 grams of fat, 750 milligrams of sodium, and 26 grams of protein.
7. Panera Bread: Tuna Salad Sandwich
Panera Bread is one of the most popular bakery cafe chains in the US, famous for its soups, salads, and sandwiches.
There are over 2,000 Panera Bread locations in 48 states, plus Washington DC.
Panera’s fish sandwich is called the Tuna Salad Sandwich.
It’s made from their special recipe tuna salad, emerald greens, vine-ripened tomatoes, red onions, salt, and pepper on black pepper focaccia.
The sandwich comes in whole and half sizes. You can also order it as part of their You Pick 2 deal.
Like all Panera sandwiches, the Tuna Salad Sandwich comes with your choice of a French baguette, bag of chips, or apple as a side.
The Tuna Salad Sandwich has 740 calories and contains 32 grams of fat, 1,710 milligrams of sodium, and 35 grams of protein.
6. Long John Silver’s: Classic Cod Sandwich
Long John Silver’s is one of the most popular seafood chains, with over 600 locations in 36 states.
There are many shellfish and seafood items on Long John Silver’s menu, including a delicious fish sandwich.
Their signature fish sandwich is called the Classic Cod Sandwich.
It’s made with battered and fried North Pacific Cod, pickles, and tartar sauce, all in a delicious bun.
You can order the sandwich a la carte or as part of a combo, which comes with fries and a drink.
The Cod Sandwich has 400 calories and contains 16 grams of fat, 1,230 milligrams of sodium, and 14 grams of protein.
5. Del Taco: Beer Battered Crispy Fish Taco
Del Taco is one of the best Mexican chain restaurants that serves Mexican-inspired American fast food classics.
There are almost 600 Del Taco locations in 16 states.
Although they technically don’t serve a fish sandwich, the Del Taco menu includes a delicious fish taco option.
Their fish taco is called the Beer Battered Crispy Fish Taco.
It’s made with wild-caught Alaska pollock fillet coated in a crispy Samuel Adams Boston Lager battering, crunchy shredded cabbage, savory secret sauce, and house-made pico de gallo, all in a warm corn tortilla and served with a wedge of lime.
You can order the Battered Crispy Fish Taco a la carte or as a meal that comes with two tacos, a side of crinkle-cut fries, and a drink.
The Battered Crispy Fish Taco has 200 calories and contains 11 grams of fat, 460 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of protein.
4. Potbelly: Tuna Salad Sandwich
Potbelly is a Midwestern fast casual restaurant chain famous for its submarine sandwiches, salads, soups, and milkshakes.
There are over 400 Potbelly locations in 31 states plus Washington DC.
One of Potbelly’s popular classic sandwiches is the Tuna Salad Sandwich.
It’s made with 100% albacore tuna salad, Swiss cheese, your choice of toppings, and bread.
Potbelly’s Tuna Salad Sandwich comes in three sizes: skinny, original, and big.
The default bread is multigrain, but you can swap it for white bread or flatbread.
The Tuna Salad Sandwich on multigrain bread has 690 calories and contains 31 grams of fat, 850 milligrams of sodium, and 46 grams of protein.
3. Arby’s: King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe
Arby’s is a fast food chain known for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
There are over 3,400 Arby’s locations in the US.
Although roast beef sandwiches are the star of Arby’s menu, they also sell a delicious fish sandwich.
Their signature fish sandwich is called the King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe.
It’s made with a crispy fish fillet, shredded lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, and tartar sauce, all on a toasted King’s Hawaiian roll.
This sandwich is a limited edition menu item and is available a la carte or as part of the Deluxe Meal, which comes with crinkle fries and a drink.
The King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich has 690 calories and contains 34 grams of fat, 1,000 milligrams of sodium, and 25 grams of protein.
2. Captain D’s: Giant Fish Sandwich
Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen is a fast food chain that specializes in seafood.
There are over 500 Captain D’s locations in 24 states.
There are a ton of delicious seafood options on Captain D’s menu, but one of their best items is the Giant Fish Sandwich.
It’s made from two batter-dipped fish filets, shredded lettuce, and tangy tartar sauce on a toasted bun.
Captain D’s unveiled a new variation on this sandwich called the Spicy Giant Fish Sandwich, which is exactly what it sounds like.
The ingredients are the same as the Giant Fish Sandwich, but instead of regular batter, the fish filets are dipped in a spicy batter.
The Giant Fish Sandwich has 1,010 calories and contains 73 grams of fat, 1,940 milligrams of sodium, and 25 grams of protein.
1. McDonald’s: Filet-O-Fish
McDonald’s doesn’t need a big introduction, as it is the largest and most famous fast food chain globally.
There are over 13,000 McDonald’s locations in the US alone.
Although McDonald’s is best known for its burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries, they also serve an iconic fish sandwich.
Their signature fish sandwich is called the Filet-O-Fish.
It’s made from a crispy fish filet patty, American cheese, and tartar sauce on a soft, steamed bun.
The Filet-O-Fish has 390 calories and contains 19 grams of fat, 580 milligrams of sodium, and 16 grams of protein.
Bonus: Seasonal Fast Food Fish Sandwiches
Several fast food chains offer limited edition, seasonal fish sandwiches, which are generally only available during Lent.
So keep an eye on these fish sandwiches as they may be available at a fast food restaurant near you.
Steak’n Shake: Fish Sandwich
Steak’n Shake’s Fish Sandwich is typically only available in select locations during Lent.
In previous years, it’s been made with two beer-battered, breaded cod fillets, tartar sauce, and lettuce on a grilled bun.
Sonic Drive-In: Fish Sandwich
Sonic Drive-In’s Fish Sandwich is a seasonal menu item only available in select locations.
It’s made with a panko-coated, fried 100% Alaskan pollock fillet, lettuce, tartar sauce, and crinkle-cut pickles on a warm brioche bun.
Chick-fil-A: Fish Sandwich
Chick-fil-A’s Fish Sandwich is one of their most popular seasonal menu items, available in certain locations and only during Lent.
It’s made with two breaded and fried premium Pacific cod fillets and dill pickle chips on a toasted buttered bun.
You can upgrade it to the Deluxe Fish Sandwich, which comes with three Pacific cod fillets, pickles, lettuce, onion, tomato, and cheese on a toasted buttered bun.
Conclusion
Whether you’re giving up meat for Lent or are a pescatarian year-round, the fast food fish sandwiches on this list can accommodate your dietary needs.
From fried fish to tuna salad, these fish sandwiches are so delicious that you might want to order one, even if you are a burger and fries fan!