Just because fish offers many health benefits doesnt mean it cant be a tasty indulgence. Pieces of salty, golden-fried fish are a perfect option for when you want some deep-fried comfort–and many major restaurant chains offer their own version of this beloved dish.
But which chain serves the absolute best fried fish? To settle that question, I recently tried the fried fish at five major restaurant chains: Applebees, TGI Fridays, Bonefish Grill, Red Lobster, and Red Robin.
Judging fried fish really comes down to two criteria: taste and texture. The absolute best fried fish develops a golden, crispy layer of breading on the outside while staying moist in the middle. I did take into account that doing this taste test at home put the restaurants at a slight disadvantage because fried fish has the best taste and texture when its fresh out of the fryer.
Fried fish should also be a generous dusting of salt or other seasonings to round out the flavor. All of the chains I tried served tartar sauce with their fish, but I refrained from dipping so that I could judge the taste accurately. After all, most tartar sauces are so flavorful that you might not notice when the fish is subpar.
Heres what I thought about each option, starting with my least favorite and ending with my favorite.
Fish and chips is a classic pub food that you’ll find at restaurants across North America. The combination of crispy battered white fish and crunchy fries appeals to seafood lovers of all ages. While it’s not a dish unique to Red Lobster, they do put their own spin on this menu staple.
So does Red Lobster have fish and chips? The answer is yes – it’s been on their menu for over 20 years and remains a customer favorite to this day. Let’s take a closer look at the details of Red Lobster’s beloved fish and chips plate.
A Menu Mainstay for Decades
Fish and chips first appeared on Red Lobster’s menu back in the 1990s. It was likely added to appeal to the growing popularity of casual dining chains serving American and British classics.
While many menu items come and go, fish and chips has staying power. Over two decades later, it’s still available at Red Lobster locations across the United States and Canada. It sits under the “Classics” section alongside menu items like Walt’s Favorite Shrimp and Chicken Tenders.
Clearly this traditional fried fish plate resonates with Red Lobster’s customer base. The combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients offers familiar comfort that keeps guests coming back.
What to Expect from Red Lobster’s Fish and Chips
Here’s an overview of what you get when you order fish and chips at Red Lobster
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Battered white fish fillets – Wild-caught Atlantic cod lightly battered and fried. Cod offers a mild, slightly sweet taste.
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Crunchy fries – Thick-cut Russet potato wedges flavored with Old Bay seasoning. Red Lobster calls these “Chesapeake fries.”
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Creamy coleslaw – Freshly chopped cabbage and carrots tossed in a mayo-based dressing.
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Tartar sauce for dipping – Typical condiment for fish and chips dishes.
On Red Lobster’s American menus a fish and chips platter costs $16.49 and contains 1230 calories. In Canada, it’s priced at $19.99 CAD with 1380 calories.
While fried fare often carries high sodium, Red Lobster’s preparation has less than some other seafood chain offerings. Their fish and chips provides about 3200mg of sodium.
Signature Sides Set Red Lobster Apart
One distinct element that sets Red Lobster’s fish and chips apart is the Chesapeake fries side. You won’t find Old Bay seasoned fries accompanying this dish at most other restaurants.
The iconic seafood spice mixture gives the fries an extra zing customers rave about. It complements the fried fish beautifully and keeps the flavors interesting.
The crunchy and creamy coleslaw also balances the plate with bright vegetable flavors and texture contrast. It’s a cooling counterpart to the hot seafood and potatoes.
Customizing Your Order
Part of the fun of dining at Red Lobster is customizing your meal. There are a few ways you can tweak the standard fish and chips to suit your preferences:
- Substitute the coleslaw for a small Caesar or garden salad
- Add extra Cajun or Old Bay seasoning to the fries
- Choose an additional side like garlic shrimp or snow crab legs
- Request baked fish instead of fried to reduce calories and fat
- Get extra Cheddar Bay biscuits to enjoy alongside
Don’t be shy about asking your server to accommodate special requests or substitutions. Red Lobster aims to provide a personalized dining experience.
Quenching Your Thirst
What beverages pair perfectly with Red Lobster’s fish and chips? Here are some servers’ top picks:
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Blackberry Long Island Iced Tea – Vodka, rum, gin, and triple sec mixed with sweet blackberry flavor and a splash of cola.
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Mango Martini – A blend of ABSOLUT vodka, passion fruit liqueur, and mango puree. A light, fruit-forward cocktail.
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Strawberry Daiquiri – Rum, strawberry, and lime blended into a refreshing frozen concoction.
Starting your meal with a fruity cocktail provides balance to the fried fish and fries. The sweetness contrasts the dish’s saltiness and savoriness.
Availability Can Vary
One thing to note is that Red Lobster’s fish and chips availability may fluctuate occasionally. Factors like seafood supply costs, ingredient shortages, or regional preferences can dictate menu changes.
Your best bet is calling your local restaurant ahead to confirm fish and chips is available for lunch or dinner. Menu substitutions like fried shrimp or chicken tenders allow flexibility if needed.
A Menu Mainstay for Good Reason
It’s easy to see why battered fish and hot fries remain a staple menu item at Red Lobster locations throughout North America. The combination of flavors and textures appeals to seafood lovers of all ages and tastes.
Part of the ongoing popularity comes from putting their unique spin on the pub classic. Chesapeake-seasoned fries and cooling coleslaw make Red Lobster’s fish and chips distinct from competitors.
Next time you’re craving piping hot fried seafood alongside crispy fries, check to see if your local Red Lobster is serving up this beloved meal. Chances are this staple will be satisfying customers’ appetites for years to come.
TGI Fridays’ Fish & Chips
TGI Fridays Fish & Chips featured beer-battered golden cod fillets served with seasoned fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. This dish cost $18.27.
The look: TGI Fridays fish immediately looked more promising than the fish from Red Robin. The pieces of fish were a little bigger and the batch looked much fresher, plus the breading was a really nice, cohesive golden brown.
The taste: TGI Fridays fish didnt rise to the top for me, but it did have a couple of good things going for it. It was a decently salty and had one of the crispiest layers of breading from any of the chains. The fish itself could have been a little moister, but it was still a huge improvement on what Red Robin gave me. My biggest qualm with TGI Fridays was that the fish tasted more like a fish stick (albeit a very good fish stick) than a piece of high-quality fried fish. Still, it was a solid entry.
Red Lobster’s Fish and Chips
Red Lobsters Fish and Chips featured hand-battered cod served with coleslaw, tartar sauce, and a side. This dish cost $19.29.
The look: While Red Lobsters fried fish might look skimpy because of the size of the takeout box, it was actually a pretty decently-sized portion. I did wish the breading was a darker golden brown so it had a better chance of staying crisp through the ride home.
The taste: Red Lobsters fish was a little lacking in the texture department because some of the breading had turned a little soggy by the time I tried it. But aside from that, I couldnt find anything to complain about. The fish was cooked just right and wasnt the least bit dry. It was also perfectly salted so I didnt really even need a tartar sauce to enjoy it. I had high expectations for Red Lobster considering that it specializes in seafood, and it did not disappoint.
Red Lobster® | Fish & Chips | Taste Test & Review | JKMCraveTV
FAQ
Does Red Lobster have fish n Chips?
Fish and Chips. Hand-battered, wild-caught cod served with Chesapeake fries, coleslaw and hush puppies.
What seafood dishes does Red Lobster offer besides lobster?
- New! Lemon Basil Mahi. …
- New! Parmesan-Crusted Chicken. …
- Crab Your Way. Enjoy a full pound of snow crab legs prepared your way over crispy potatoes. …
- Atlantic Salmon** …
- Today’s Catch – Salmon New Orleans** …
- Today’s Catch – Rainbow Trout. …
- Fish and Chips. …
- Live Maine Lobster (1.25 lb.)
What is the most popular dish at Red Lobster?
Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Probably the most iconic dish on the Red Lobster menu, a pair of these warm, flavorful biscuits come with each entrée. The biscuits are so popular that the chain started selling a boxed biscuit mix in supermarkets. The beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuits can also be ordered by the dozen at the restaurant.
What are the side dish options at Red Lobster?
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts. crispy Brussels sprouts with sauce – CopyKat Recipes/Facebook.
- Cheddar Bay Stuffing. …
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits. …
- Caesar Side Salad. …
- House Side Salad. …
- New England Clam Chowder. …
- Seasoned Broccoli. …
- Creamy Lobster Mashed Potatoes. …
Is fish and chips available at Red Lobster?
Yes, Red Lobster offers fish and chips as a dish. It comes with coleslaw and tartar sauce, and you also get to choose a side.
Is lobster high in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)?
Lobster is low in saturated fatty acids and rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the heart and help lower cholesterol.
Does Red Lobster have seafood?
Red Lobster’s menu has a wide range of fresh, high-quality seafood options, as well as non-seafood choices for those who prefer meat. From classic shrimp and lobster dishes to unique signature items, there’s something for everyone.
What side dish comes with Red Lobster’s fish and chips?
It comes with coleslaw and tartar sauce, and you also get to choose a side. Naturally, we’d opt for the fries (or “chips”) every time, but it’s up to you if you want to sub them in for something else. It’s pretty hard to mess up fish and chips, and we’re lucky that Red Lobster was able to deliver.
Does Red Lobster have a logo?
Red Lobster trademarks and logos are the sole property of their respective owners. For the most accurate and current information, please visit the official Red Lobster website. See the Red lobster menu with prices and pictures. Explore Family Meals, Starters, and Desserts Accurate and updated for 2025.
What is a popular dish to try at Red Lobster?
If you’re at a loss for what to try at the chain, make the Cheddar Bay Biscuits your first pick. Red Lobster has plenty of hits and beloved classics on its menu, but not all of its dishes measure up. How exactly do they rank?