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20 Amazing Fried Fish Sandwiches Across America

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There’s a special kind of joy in sinking your teeth into a fried fish sandwich. The crunch of perfectly fried batter, the flaky fish inside, and the irresistible toppings all come together in a way that makes it unforgettable. Across the US, local spots have mastered this classic, each adding its twist to the humble sandwich. So, we’ve tracked down the best spots across the country that know how to get it right.

Grouper Sandwich – Alabama

FreshCO Fish Market and Grill/Yelp

Found along the Gulf Coast, Alabama has the Gulf Grouper Sandwich as its crown jewel. Freshly caught grouper is lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection. Served on a toasted bun slathered with tangy remoulade sauce, lettuce, and juicy tomato slices, it’s a coastal symphony of flavors.

Halibut Burger – Alaska

Andrew H/Yelp

Thick cuts of freshly caught halibut are fried until crispy outside and tender inside. Placed on a brioche bun with a smear of tartar sauce and a handful of arugula, a Halibut burger is a hearty meal. Captain Pattie’s Fish House is famed for serving up this Alaskan classic with a side of waterfront views.

The Sonoran Catfish Sandwich – Arizona

The Sonoran Catfish Sandwich – Arizona

While Arizona might be landlocked, it doesn’t skimp on seafood delights. The Sonoran Catfish Sandwich is a Southwestern twist on tradition. Farm-raised catfish is coated in a spicy cornmeal mix and fried until crunchy. A go-to spot for this fiery favorite is The Catch in Phoenix.

The Delta Catfish Po’ Boy – Arkansas

Delta B/Yelp

Arkansas, with its rich delta waterways, is famous for catfish. One of the staples is The Delta Catfish Po’ Boy, featuring cornmeal-crusted catfish filets fried to a delightful crisp. Stuffed into a fluffy baguette and loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a smear of Cajun mayo, it’s a sandwich that sings with Southern soul.

The Baja-Style Fried Fish Sandwich – California

Baja Taqueria/Yelp

Fresh Pacific cod is dipped in a light batter and flash-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender flesh. It is placed on a toasted ciabatta roll with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and a dollop of lime-infused crema. This creates a refreshing bite that echoes the state’s laid-back vibe.

The Rocky Mountain Trout Sandwich – Colorado

Steven L. /Yelp

High-altitude dining takes a delightful turn with Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Trout Sandwich. Locally sourced trout is pan-fried with a herbed crust, bringing out its delicate flavors. Served on artisan sourdough with a spread of lemon-dill aioli, arugula, and pickled onions, the Lost Cajun in Frisco is the best place to have this dish.

The Classic Cod Sandwich – Connecticut

Jon R/Yelp

In the heart of New England, Connecticut pays homage to its maritime roots with the Classic Cod Sandwich. Atlantic cod filets are battered and fried until golden, then placed on a soft potato roll. Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in New Haven has been delighting patrons with this classic for decades.

The Coastal Flounder Sandwich – Delaware

Lisa B/Yelp

Delaware’s Coastal Flounder Sandwich is a seaside delight that’s not to be missed. Tender flounder filets are lightly breaded and fried, capturing the essence of the Atlantic. They are then served on a Kaiser roll with a tangy remoulade, lettuce, and tomato to bring out the state’s nautical charm.

The Key West Grouper Sandwich – Florida

Fisherman’s cafe/Yelp

To make this sandwich, fresh grouper is blackened or fried, then piled high on a Cuban roll with key lime tartar sauce, lettuce, and red onions. The citrusy kick of the sauce complements the fish’s sweetness, making every bite a mini vacation. You can easily order it at the Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West.

The Southern Fried Catfish Sandwich – Georgia

Marcie.S/Yelp

The Atlanta Fish Market is prominent for elevating this humble sandwich to gourmet heights. It features buttermilk-marinated catfish coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried until crisp. Then, it’s placed on a buttery bun with coleslaw, pickles, and a splash of hot sauce—a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

The Ahi Katsu Sandwich – Hawaii

Jetalone/Wikipedia

Hawaii’s Ahi Katsu Sandwich is an exotic twist that’s as vibrant as the islands themselves. Served on sweet Hawaiian bread with wasabi mayo, cucumber slices, and pickled ginger, it’s a fusion feast that delights the senses. Puka Dog in Honolulu offers this island favorite with a side of aloha spirit.

The Pan-Fried Trout Sandwich – Idaho

Jackie Y. /Yelp

While Idaho might be the potato capital of the world, hold on to your forks because the Pan-Fried Trout Sandwich is the real MVP. Imagine freshly caught trout, seasoned just right and pan-fried, all snuggled up in hearty whole-grain bread. Add some crunchy lettuce, and you’ve got a sandwich that sings with Idaho’s freshwater flavors.

The Great Lakes Perch Sandwich – Illinois

Mike J/Yelp

Calumet Fisheries in Chicago serves up a delightful Perch Sandwich that perfectly captures the essence of the Great Lakes. This tasty treat features yellow perch filets that are lightly battered and fried. It’s mixed in a soft roll and topped with tartar sauce and a splash of lemon for a nostalgic nod to Midwest summers.

The Hoosier Walleye Sandwich – Indiana

Linda H./Yelp

In Indiana, the Hoosier Walleye Sandwich features Walleye filets, fried until golden, then placed on a pretzel bun with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty remoulade. It’s a hearty sandwich that reflects the state’s love for comfort food with a twist. The Walleye Stop in Indianapolis is the place to savor this Midwestern marvel.

The Mississippi River Catfish Sandwich – Iowa

Michelle V/Yelp

Iowa’s proximity to the Mississippi River makes the Catfish Sandwich a local staple. Cornmeal-dusted catfish is fried to crispy perfection and served on a bun with coleslaw and a dash of hot sauce. Check out Catfish Charlie’s in Dubuque for an authentic taste of Iowa’s river heritage.

The Catfish Po’Boy – Kansas

Po Boy Brothers/Yelp

While Kansas is far from the ocean, its rivers provide ample catfish for a delicious Catfish Po’Boy. Locally sourced catfish is seasoned, cornmeal-crusted, and fried until golden brown. It’s then tucked into a soft baguette and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and a spicy remoulade sauce.

The Fried Cod Sandwich – Kentucky

Thiago Lazaro/Pexels

Even though the state is often celebrated for its iconic fried chicken, let’s not overlook the star of the show: the Fried Cod Sandwich. Fresh cod filets take center stage, expertly battered and deep-fried until they reach that irresistible crispy perfection. This sandwich offers a fun twist for those craving something different from poultry.

The Shrimp Po’Boy – Louisiana

Jane M/Yelp

In Louisiana, the Shrimp Po’Boy reigns supreme as a legend. This sandwich features plump Gulf shrimp that are battered and fried to crispy perfection, then heaped into a crusty French bread loaf generously spread with zesty remoulade sauce. For an authentic taste, swing by Parkway Bakery & Tavern in New Orleans, an institution since 1911.

The Fried Haddock Sandwich – Maine

Rachel K/Yelp

Maine takes pride in its Fried Haddock Sandwich. Imagine tender, flaky filets lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, then tucked into a soft, toasted roll. The finishing touches of crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a generous dollop of zesty tartar sauce exemplify the experience of pure bliss.

The Walleye Sandwich – Minnesota

Julie B/Yelp

In Minnesota, the Walleye Sandwich acts as a tradition. Fresh walleye filets are seasoned, breaded, and fried, then placed on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and a spread of tartar sauce. Tavern on Grand in St. Paul prides itself on serving “Minnesota’s State Fish” and is a beloved spot for this dish.

Written by Ian Bronson

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