It's Lent, the season where every fast food chain suddenly remembers they sell fish. Suddenly, McDonald's is practically a seafood restaurant, and I'm here to rank all 18 fast food fish sandwiches because someone has to sacrifice their health for science.
The Bottom of the Barrel
Starting at #18, Taco Bell's Baja Fish Sandwich — wait, Taco Bell doesn't actually have one. Which, honestly, is already a better financial decision than some of these. Not having the worst fish sandwich qualifies you for safety.
#17, Checkers/Rally's's Big Buford Fish tastes like someone deep-fried a single piece of sadness. The sauce is giving "we tried our best" energy. But hey, at least it's cheap, and desperation is a valid flavor.
Must Read
#16, Sonic's premium Fish Sandwich has the texture of a wet napkin dipped in aquarium water. The fish is technically present, which is more than I can say for my emotional availability. Move along.
The Mediocre Middle
#15, Popeyes' Classic Fish Sandwich tries to lean on their chicken expertise, and it shows. It's like asking your karate instructor to do ballet — admirable effort, questionable execution.
#14, Arby's Classic Fish 'N' Chivie is serviceable in the way that a cardboard box is technically a container. The brioche bun deserves a better fish. Somewhere, that bun is crying.
#13, Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich sounds fancy with "panko," but the fish underneath is telling a different story. It's like wearing a tuxedo to a water park. The commitment is noted, the result is puzzling.
6 Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches, Ranked (2024) -- UPROXX
#12, White Castle's Old Smokey Fish at least brings smoked fish flavor, which is bold and honestly kind of admirable. It won't blow your mind, but it has personality, and I respect that.
The Solid Contenders
#11, Burger King's Big Fish is the frozen fish sandwich equivalent of a middle child — you forget it exists until someone points it out. It's fine. Simply, aerodynamically fine.
#10, Captain D unleash the Crunch brings a whole bucket of popular snacks to the party, and technically it counts as a sandwich if you're feeling generous. The crunch game is genuinely strong here.
#9, McDonald's McFish Relish was briefly discontinued and brought back like a soap opera character. It's polarizing, divisive, and somehow still finds a way to be comforting.
The 19 Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches, Officially Ranked - Foodie Haven
The Top Tier Actually Hits
At #8, Checkers' Regular Fish Sandwich surprised me by being… genuinely decent. Sometimes the simplest things in life are just fine, and thick-cut fish with tartar sauce is one of them.
#7, Subway's Premium Fish lets you customize it, which automatically earns bonus points because choice is love. The fish itself is forgettable, but the infinite options save it.
#6, McDonald's Filet-O-Fish IS the icon. No other sandwich has survived this long with such stubborn, square-patty enthusiasm. It's not the best — it's the most married.
#5, Arbys' Catch of the Day delivers actual-seasoned fish crunch that feels like someone cared. Mediocrity took the day off here, and I respect the professional growth.
Checkers Fish Sandwich
#4, Wendy's Spicy Panko Fish brings heat, crunch, and zero apology. Wendy's basically said "we're not chicken people, but we CAN crush fish" — and honestly? They earned it.
The Champions
#3, White Castle's Smoked Fish Sandwich punches far above its weight with real smoked fish flavor. At White Castle, even surprise excellence is somehow on-brand.
#2, Popeyes' Cajun Fish Sandwich combines Cajun seasoning and sauces that scream "flavor is not negotiable." This sandwich doesn't ask for permission — it just wins.
And at #1, Fish tacos don't count but Arby's Fish Deli comes in hot with elevated textures, real seasoning, and a sense of humor about itself. Congratulations, your fish sandwich made me forget I'm eating fast food. That, my friends, is the ultimate compliment. Now go eat one. 🐟