Where To Find The Best Fish Sandwiches In Every State

There's something so lip-smackingly satisfying about a really fantastic and well-done fish sandwich. While we've covered high quality fast food fish sandwiches, like Culver's, and even discussed the various types of fish fast food chains use in sandwiches, what about local and mom and pop establishments? We wanted to dive deeper into those waters, if you will, and find the best of the best of these eateries.

So, what is it that makes a great fish sammie? Some may say it's all about finding that golden, deep-fried deliciousness that is the classic filet-o-fish. Others may assert that grilled fish sandwiches deserve all the accolades and applause. From regional tastes to personal preferences, opinions vary widely as to what is winning when it comes to the most fabulous fish filling for a sandwich.

We cast a very wide net, surfing the seas of the world wide web, to research all the reviews, and even sampled some sammies ourselves to add in our own two cents along the way. We have included a bit of something for everyone, with old-school, traditional recipes featuring fried fillets and buttered buns, to much wilder, more inventive fish sandwiches. Suffice to say, this is one round up of eclectic and amazing fish sammies, featuring the very best in each state, according to reviews (more on that in our methodology at the end).

If you're looking for the best reuben sandwiches across the United States, Bayonet has a version that takes the classic for a spin, and has been earning serious raves, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod and raves from the New York Times and the James Beard Foundation. It's called the Swordfish Reuben, and it trades in the traditional corned beef for house-prepared swordfish pastrami, then pairs that with caraway slaw and a signature sauce that is leaving customers stunned.

bayonetbham.com

(205) 829-1899

2015 2nd Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203

At F Street Station in Anchorage, one fish sandwich features a generous portion of grilled halibut as the main character, which allows the brilliant, wild, and natural flavor of the seafood to shine through, without any unnecessary fuss. It's a perfect fish sammie, whether you stop in to F Street for lunch or a late-night bite. Locals sing its praises, and after reading the reviews, it's easy to see why.

f-street-station.eatat.us

(907) 272-5196

325 F St, Anchorage, AK 99501

Nelson's Meat + Fish features a new spin on the typical banh mi sandwich, which is among the most popular sandwiches across the globe and is also considered one of the cheapest sandwiches around the world. But, this isn't your average banh mi. This Vietnamese baguette, often filled with meats, has a new protein that's poppin'. Specifically, it's a poke banh mi, featuring locally baked ciabatta, marinated, sashimi-grade fish, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy mayo.

meat.fish

Multiple locations

Blu Fish House is constantly surprising customers, showing them you don't need an ocean view to serve up some seriously fresh seafood. Case in point? The Blackened Florida Grouper Sandwich, which highlights fish flown in every single day and delivers flavor that tastes anything but landlocked. The sammie is served on fresh-baked bread with house-made slaw and a roasted pepper aioli, which gives it a perfect spicy kick.

blubentonville.com

(479) 273-5400

607 SE 5th St, Bentonville, AR 72712

Bopomofo Cafe places its own flavor-packed, panache-laced stamp on the regular fish meal with its seasonal Nori Fish Sandwich. Inspired by familiar fish sammie favorites, but driven by Chinese and Taiwanese influences, it features a tender and crispy, wild-caught cod filet dusted with aonori flakes, melted cheese, and house tartar, all served on a soft brioche bun. The result is a comforting, yet unexpected, blending of cultures in one, delightful bite after another.

bopomofocafe.com

Multiple locations

Right Cream may be known for its ice cream scoops, but its Friday-only, fried fish sandwich is a fan favorite that disappears fast. Built around beer-battered cod, this classic fried fish sandwich is layered with house-made tartar sauce, pickles, lettuce, American cheese, and crispy fried capers on a soft brioche bun. Did we mention everything is made in-house? Let's just say it's a sandwich worth planning your week around.

rightcream.com

2423 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210

At 881 Grab & Go, the Cheyney Sandwich brings Caribbean fusion to the table. Built on the softest, warmest bread, you've got fantastically crisp, fried whiting, house aioli, pickled cabbage, and cheese. It's a fish sandwich that feels both comforting and even ambrosial. Inspired by the owners' own late-night college traditions, the Cheyney has grown into something much bigger: A fish sandwich bringing flavor and community together.

the881grabandgo.com

(860) 308-2393

881 New Britain Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Fin & Claw in Bethany Beach serves a fish sandwich that's absolutely fire. It's a kick-in-the-pants, Nashville hot version of a classic fried filet built on the freshest, carefully sourced seafood. Topped with slaw, pickles, and house sauces on a soft bun, this fish sammie has unfettered flavors that hit that magical spot between heat, tang, and crunch, making it a beachside bite that keeps people coming back for more.

finandclaw.org

(302) 541-8000

42a Atlantic Ave, Ocean View, DE 19970

LeeBe Fish keeps things fresh with its catch of the day sandwich, built from whatever magical fish local boats have just reeled in. Whether it's snapper, grouper, or (insert other fantastic daily catch here), it's piled onto a toasted Kaiser roll with LeeBe's signature tartar sauce, cheese, and onions. The flavor is giving goodness straight from the Gulf energy, and that's a vibe customers can get into.

leebefish.com

(239)-389-0580

350 Royal Palm Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145

Fans of hot Nashville flavor go wild for Nashville hot hot dogs. One more incredible item to add to the mix? How about the Nashville Hot Crispy Fish sandwich from C&S Oyster Bar? This sammie features beer-battered flounder, fried until crisp, then coats that in a signature hot sauce before pairing it with vinegar-forward cabbage and tartar sauce, all served on buttery Texas toast. It's a hot pick.

candsoysterbar.com

Multiple locations

Nico's Pier 38 delivers a fish sandwich that's everything lovely about the islands (think freshness and flavor in abundance). The double fish burger, seen on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," uses freshly ground fish (sourced daily) blended with citrus, herbs, and seasonings. Toppings of lettuce, tomato, and basil aioli add to the appeal. Did we mention it's served in a heavenly harborfront setting?

nicospier38.com

(808) 540-1377

1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817

Fresh Off The Hook, named Boise's best seafood restaurant, has built its reputation on quality, and its panko cod sandwich stays on theme. Featuring an Alaskan cod fillet coated in Japanese panko, it's fried to a golden finish before being placed on focaccia and paired with mouthwateringly melty cheese, vegetables, and roasted red pepper aioli. The texture is crunchy and tender, giving every bite a marvelous mouthfeel. 

freshoffthehookseafood.com

(208) 322-9224

507 N Milwaukee St, Boise, ID 83704

While it may be a newer kid on the block, Pond Street Restaurant is already making waves with its panko-breaded catfish sandwich. This hot spot blends Hawaiian and Japanese influences, using katsu-style panko on its signature sammie for an extra crisp bite. The flaky fish is placed on a furikake brioche bun with cabbage, tomato, red onion, pickles, and white balsamic dill aioli. Stellar. We think this place will stick.

facebook.com/people/PondStreet

1303 E Main St, Urbana, IL 61801

Caplinger's Fresh Catch is bringing coastal quality to the Midwest with its signature Caplinger Sandwich. A longtime customer favorite, and voted the best in Indiana, this fish sammie showcases wondrously flaky whitefish cooked to order (it can be fried or grilled, depending on your mood). What makes it special is the process, where guests can choose their fillet straight from the case before it's prepped fresh and served nice and warm on a toasted bun.

caplingersfreshcatch.com

Multiple locations

Ready for an open-faced fish sammie so good it's making customers do an about face? We're talking about the Tuna Tartine at Pullman Bar and Diner, made with local sourdough and featuring yellowfin tuna paired with pickled shallots, cucumber, olives, and Calabrian chili aioli. Capers and fresh herbs bring brightness to each bite, and offer something lighter than your typical fried option to enjoy.

pullmandiner.com

(319) 338-1808

17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240

Terrebonne Po'Boys is a Lawrence-based restaurant bringing a delicious taste of Louisiana to Kansas. One way it's doing so is via its scrumptious fried catfish po'boy, a sandwich rooted in bayou tradition. Served on classic French bread, the crispy, well-seasoned catfish is paired with a savory blended mayo, Creole mustard, hot sauce, and chili sauce. What results is a wondrous, oh-so-mouthwateringly messy masterpiece.

terrebonnelfk.com

(785) 856-3287

845 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Cunningham's Creekside has a loyal following, much in thanks to its fish sandwich featuring hand-breaded cod. Fried to a delightfully crisp finish and served on rye bread, this fish sandwich is known for its generous size and signature breading (a closely guarded recipe that keeps people coming back). With more than two decades of serving customers and a scenic setting to match, it's got a winning recipe indeed. 

cunninghamscreekside.com

(502) 228-3625

6301 River Rd, Prospect, KY 40059

Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been slinging po'boys for over a century, and its Louisiana catfish iteration continues that tasty, flavor-filled legacy. Created with locally sourced catfish, the filets are breaded, then fried until perfectly golden, creating a shatteringly crisp exterior housing immaculately tender, flaky fish. Served on classic bread, this sammie is definitely serving 100% New Orleans tradition energy. We'll have an order of that.

parkwaypoorboys.com

(504) 482-3047

538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

With friends like these, you're definitely winning. We're talking about the Fish Buddy sandwiches from Lil Chippy, and, while the name is cute, this is one serious fried sammie. Served on a brioche-style roll (gluten-free available), the Fish Buddy pairs crispy fish with slaw, rémoulade, and sweet-and-spicy pickles for a menu creation that makes you want to get one to go (and then come back the next day for another).

lilchippymaine.com

52 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Sal and Sons Fish Market combines the ease of a seafood counter with the comforting feel of a made-to-order meal. Its catfish sandwich? That's just Sal and Sons showing off. The fish is cooked fresh, paired with classic toppings (lettuce, tomato, and onions), then finished with tartar sauce that provides that little extra something customers crave. Everything comes together without fuss or fanfare here, letting the quality of the ingredients take center stage.

sal-sons.com

Multiple locations

Causeway Restaurant has spent over a decade building a strong reputation for nailing Italian classics and fresh seafood, and its fried haddock sandwich, served with fries and coleslaw, has people talking. The popular sammie showcases a generous portion of lightly breaded haddock fried to perfection. It's so simple, yet expertly done (especially when paired with the well-loved tartar sauce), that it lets the fresh flavor of the fish shine.

thecausewayrestaurant.com

(978) 281-5256

78 Essex Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

Scalawags Whitefish & Chips is the place to go when craving Great Lakes seafood, especially its fish sandwich. Diners can choose whitefish or cod, both lightly breaded and fried until perfectly crisp and fluffy. Toppings of lettuce, cheese, and house-made tartar sauce accompany the filet on a bun, allowing the freshness of the fish to take center stage. A local tradition for over three decades, many say it's worth the trip alone, especially the whitefish.

scalawagswhitefish.com

Multiple locations

The Cajun Finn at Northern Waters Smokehaus is the top-selling sandwich by a huge margin. It features Cajun salmon (smoked in-house), green onion cream cheese, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and lettuce on fresh bread. It's a tasty combo of smoky, creamy, and fabulously spiced flavors that locals crave (and praise). It's earned a fan following that cements the shop as a go-to destination for smoked fish.

northernwaterssmokehaus.com

(218) 724-7307

394 Lake Ave. South, Suite LL1, Duluth, MN 55802

Wanna talk fish sandwich magnificence? Look no further than the Mahi Fish sandwich at Woody's Roadside, which has gained a dedicated following across its Mississippi locations. Served blackened or with lemon pepper seasoning, the succulent mahi fish is matched with a cucumber wasabi sauce, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, then placed in a soft bun. Customers appreciate the taste and texture, and its popularity has even inspired copycat recipes, which is a true testament to its appeal.

woodysroadside.net

Multiple locations

Slinging stellar fish sammies and more since 1901, The Piccadilly at Manhattan is known for its cozy comfort food. Among its most popular offerings is the Famous Piccadilly Fish sandwich. Breaded and fried with a light touch, this longtime customer favorite is often paired with fries, soup, or salad, and draws in both locals and visitors seeking a real taste of tradition in a friendly atmosphere.

thepiccadilly.com

(314) 646-0016

7201 Piccadilly Ave, St. Louis, MO 63143

Cafe Zydeco brings a taste of Cajun-inspired goodness to Montana, and its Catfish Po'Boy is a customer go-to pick. Customers can choose to have their fish grilled or fried, and in true po'boy fashion, that is placed on a French roll. Toppings of lettuce, tomato, and aioli complete the meal. Diners point to the po'boys as highlights on the menu, the catfish version earning specific praise. Don't sleep on this Southern-style sammie.

cafezydecomt.com

Multiple locations

At Brazen Head Irish Pub, the Dinglebay Fish sandwich builds on the same fantastic taste that makes their fish and chips such a favorite. Featuring a flaky fish fillet battered in beer, locals recommend this sammie topped with lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and cajun mayo. Diners love the light, crisp texture of the fish and the portion size, noting it as a top choice.

brazenheadpub.com

(402) 393-3731

319 N 78th St, Omaha, NE 68114

Discovering delicious fish in Vegas isn't easy, but Codfather delivers with its Cod Butty. Featuring a flaky piece of battered-and-fried, fresh cod on a soft bun, it's often paired with heavenly, hand-cut chips. Known for generous portions, Codfather offers an epic meal diners struggle to finish in one sitting. For those craving a satisfying bite that spins the insanely popular fish and chips into a fabulous fish sandwich, this one's for you.

thecodfatherlv.com

(702) 462-2280

2895 N Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89014

Papa Joe's Humble Kitchen offers a creative and hearty twist on a regular fish sammie with its Land and the Sea sandwich that combines a well-seasoned burger with a succulent piece of fried haddock. Toppings of American cheese, lettuce, and house-made tartar sauce are then added before the epic compilation is placed on a toasted bun. The classic fried fish sandwich is also popular.

papajoesburgers.com

(603) 672-9130

237 South St, Milford, NH 03055

Freshness is the theme at Scale Fish Market, and the Catch of the Day fish sandwich reflects that focus. Made with whatever fish is freshest, it's expertly fried and served with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato. The rotating selection keeps things interesting, with specials, like swordfish, drawing regular attention. For those who appreciate variety and seasonality, this sandwich is your pick.

scalefishmarket.com

(201) 721-5132

45 Coles St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

The Kosmos Restaurant keeps things straightforward with its classic fish sandwich that earns high marks from customers. Available fried or grilled, it's served with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce, with some versions featuring the signature Kosmic tartar. Customers name it as one of the best they've enjoyed. Especially when paired with popular sides, like mac and cheese, it's a choice that delivers diners with one well-executed fish sandwich.

kosmosabq.com

(505) 369-1772

1715 5th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

A family-run spot with no need for social media buzz, Famous Fish Market is the classic definition of a word-of-mouth mega-favorite. Its fried whiting sandwich keeps things simple, typically served on white bread with freshly fried fish best enjoyed straight out of the fryer. It's is the kind of beloved neighborhood eatery locals recommend enthusiastically. Friendly service and its no-frills, no-fuss mentality are the winning motif here.

(212) 491-8323

684 St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030

Cape Fear Seafood Company's "The Cedric" brings together all the ingredients of a fantastic fish sandwich in one, well-balanced, handheld treasure. This fish sammie feat brings to the table beer-battered white fish on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and aioli, served alongside fries. A regular customer pick from the menu at this restaurant voted as having the best seafood, the sandwich is noted for its affordability and is available at multiple locations.

capefearseafoodcompany.com

Multiple locations

Seafood sammie seekers arriving at Blarney Stone Pub will find the Fibbers Fish sandwich delivering a classic take, with full-on flavor. Made with ale-battered cod, it's expertly fried and served on a bun with lettuce and tomato. The meal comes complete with waffle fries, coleslaw, and garnishes, like lemon, malt vinegar, and lemon-dill tartar sauce. Included in diners' positive praise is the crispy texture and generous serving size of fish.

blarneyirishpub.com

Multiple locations

Jolly Roger's has spent more than four decades building a strong rep as the go-to Lake Erie seafood stop. A star here is the perch sandwich, which makes sense as the eatery specializes in locally sourced yellow perch. This fish is as fresh as it gets, thanks to the restaurant's location — perched right on the water. Regulars call it the best perch sandwich, prompting many returns.

facebook.com/Jollyrogerseafoodhouse

(419) 732-3382

1715 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH 43452

Off the Hook Eatery has earned serious attention over the years, even from the Food Network. But locals already knew the Fish Po'Boy here is special. Served on a grilled French roll with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, the fried fish is appreciated for its crispy texture and flavorful seasoning. Customers also highlight how fresh and well-prepared everything tastes, calling it the best around.

offthehookokc.com

(405) 840-3474

125 W Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114

The Tulip Shop Tavern may be best-known for its burgers, but its FishWich has also carved out a stellar reputation of its own. Presenting panko-breaded, Atlantic cod topped with cheese, lettuce, pickles, and tartar sauce, this fish sandwich is described as one of the best, with a crispy, flaky bite rivaling any burger. Diners note the size and texture, and how well-cooked the fish is.

tulipshoptavern.com

(503) 206-8483

825 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217

Big Jim's has been a Pittsburgh hotspot since 1977, and its fried fish sandwich is one reason why. Available in large or small sizes, it's known for massive fish portions spilling well beyond the "borders" of the bun. Served with coleslaw, it's a classic, no-nonsense take serving customers both flavor and great value. Oh, and did we mention Big Jim's was featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives"? Yeah, no biggie.

bigjimsrestaurant.com

(412) 421-0532

201 Saline St, Pittsburgh, PA 15207

Amaral's Fish & Chips likes to keeps things simple with the items it offers customers from the menu, including its Fish Grinder. Amaral's is known for its spectacular fish and chips, so it make sense this similarly fresh and flaky, sammie is a hit. Regulars return for it, calling it the best.

amaralsfishandchips.com

(401) 247-0675

4 Redmond St, Warren, RI 02885

Leon's Oyster Shop spins a Southern classic with its Crispy Catfish sandwich. Recognized among the must-try Southern sandwiches, it's served with lettuce, tomato, Duke's mayo, and a hint of hot sauce on a grilled bun. A star on a menu already well-known for high-caliber seafood, when paired with scrumptious sides, like cucumber salad or slaw (scallop potatoes if you really wanna splurge), this sandwich definitely leaves an impression.

leonsoystershop.com

(843) 531-6500

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

The Depot brings a classic, crowd-pleaser of a fish sandwich to the table that features fantastically prepared, hand-battered walleye filet. The sammie is served on a toasted hoagie and topped with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. Customers applaud it, calling out the generous size and satisfying flavor that sends taste buds soaring. This fish sandwich is a solid option that leaves diners feeling more than pleased they picked it.

mitchelldepot.com

(605) 996-9417

210 S Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301

Marilyn Monroe knows "some like it hot," and Bolton's takes its signature Nashville heat and applies it to a fish sandwich customers can't stop talking about. Made with catfish or whiting coated in the restaurant's well-known spice blend, it delivers serious heat while still letting the fish take center stage. Diners appreciate the crispy texture, soft bread, and sublime seasoning, making this sandwich a must-try.

boltonsfamous.com

(615) 254-8015

624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37204

A proudly black-owned business that locals absolutely love, Tillie Marie's Comfort Food keeps things simple, yet oh-so-satisfying, with its classic Fried Fish Sandwich. Served on a toasted bun with mayo, lettuce, and tomato, it reflects a nothing-fancy approach that focuses foremost on flavor (and nails it). It's a comfort nook establishment about which word spreads quickly, with customers especially appreciating the down-home cooking style.

tilliemaries.com

(254) 213-2699

211 E Hallmark Ave, Killeen, TX 76541

According to reviews, you'd have to be blind to not see (or taste) the sheer excellence in Blind Rabbit Kitchen's Market Fish Sandwich. Blackened market fish (often wild-caught cod) is the star of the show in this sammie, which is stacked with coleslaw, tomatoes, crispy onions, arugula, and tartar sauce and presented on a brioche bun. It's a layered, flavor-filled sandwich that customers frequently return for.

blindrabbitkitchen.com

(385) 743-8007

1080 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Pioneer Lakeshore Café is fierce in its focus on freshness, and its fried fish sandwich deliciously reflects that. Currently made with battered, wild-caught haddock (though a scrumptious cod has appeared in the past), it's served with Old Bay, house tartar, pickles, and lettuce on a brioche bun. The rotating fish selection highlights what's freshest and in season, only adding to the draw of this popular item on the menu.

pioneerfoodvt.com

824 W Lakeshore Dr, Colchester, VT 05446

Beach Pub puts a creative spin on a deli classic with its Rockfish Reuben sandwich. Trading traditional meat for flaky, fried rockfish, this superb sammie offers a lighter, still satisfying version of a familiar comfort food staple. Customers talk about the excellent texture and flavor, applauding the fish's being crisp without being greasy. It's a unique sandwich that keeps people coming back for a taste of something deliciously different.

beachpubvb.com

(757) 422-8817

1001 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

A Local Tide fish sammie is rockin' customers' worlds. We're talking about the Rockfish Banh Mi, featuring a rockfish sausage patty with pickled vegetables, herbs, chiles, and sauces on a baguette. Recognized among the most stellar dishes in Seattle, it's a diner favorite in a highly competitive city food scene. Diners highlight how fresh and well-prepared the fish is, making this sandwich a must-try menu option.

localtide.com

(206) 420-4685

401 N 36th St. Suite 103, Seattle, WA 98103

Coleman's Fish Market has been serving its fab Fish Sandwich since 1914. Known for its eye-popping size, the hand-fileted fish is first fried, then placed between simple slices of bread, often extending well beyond the edges. Generations of customers have made the trip to Coleman's just for a taste of this now epic sandwich with over a century of history (and well-prepared love) behind it.

colemansfishmkt.com

(304) 232-8510

2226 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003

At The Wolf and Uncle Wolfie's, the Chili Crisp Fishwich is making waves. This acclaim is much in thanks to its bold approach featuring Szechuan-inspired seasoning, chili crisp, pickles, dill, cheese, and tartar sauce, which make it more than stand out as something deliciously different. Recognized by food critics and featured in major publications, this fish sandwich has earned an undeniable reputation as an absolute must-try.

unclewolfies.com

Multiple locations

Peaches' Family Restaurant delivers a dependable fish sandwich that locals continue to order (and applaud). Created with a battered cod patty, paired with American cheese, lettuce, and house-made tartar sauce, it's a straightforward fish sammie option that customers always opt for. As one of the most ordered items on the menu, it has earned a strong reputation among regulars for being perfectly fried and just all around fantastic.

peachesfamilyrestaurantwy.com

(307) 234-0951

711 E 2nd St, Casper, WY 82601

For this selection of the best fish sandwiches in every state, our research focused on locally loved restaurants, regional seafood specialty sammies, and stellar standout menu items known for high quality and consistency in customer satisfaction. Strong customer feedback from reviews, food publications, and local recommendations held the most weight, with priority given to establishments making a big buzz, whether they be long-standing institutions or newer spots gaining acclaim.