What Long John Silver's Is and How to Order
Long John Silver's is a fast-casual seafood restaurant chain where you order at a counter and receive your food within minutes. You can eat in the dining room, take food to go, or use a drive-through window at most locations. The restaurant specializes in battered and fried fish, shrimp, and other seafood, along with sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries.
To order, you walk up to the counter, look at the menu board above the register, tell the cashier what you want, pay, and then wait for your number to be called. Most locations also accept orders through their mobile app or website for pickup, which can save time during busy hours. You can find a Long John Silver's location using their website location finder by entering your zip code.
The restaurant is owned by Yum! Brands, the same parent company that owns KFC and Taco Bell. Some Long John Silver's locations are co-branded with KFC, meaning you can order from both menus at the same counter.
Key Takeaways
- Long John Silver's is a counter-service seafood restaurant where you order at the register and pick up your food within a few minutes.
- The main menu items are fried fish, shrimp, and other seafood served with sides like fries, hushpuppies, and coleslaw.
- You can order in person, through the mobile app, on the website, or at the drive-through window.
- Prices vary by location and menu item, but a single-piece fish meal typically costs between $8 and $12.
- Some locations are co-branded with KFC, giving you access to both seafood and chicken menus at one restaurant.
Understanding the Menu and Portion Sizes
Long John Silver's menu is built around fried seafood. The most common item is battered fish, which comes in single-piece, two-piece, or three-piece portions. You can also order shrimp, scallops, clams, or oysters, all battered and fried. The restaurant also offers fish and chips platters, which include a larger portion of fish plus fries and coleslaw.
Every entrée comes with your choice of two sides. Common sides include crinkle-cut fries, hushpuppies (fried cornmeal balls), coleslaw, corn, green beans, or rice. Hushpuppies are a signature item — they are small, round, and slightly sweet. You can also add a drink and dessert to your order.
Portion sizes are moderate. A two-piece fish meal is filling for most people and comes with fries and one side. If you are very hungry, a three-piece meal or a platter will give you more food. The restaurant does not publish exact weights or calorie counts on their website, but you can ask the staff at your location for nutritional information.
How Pricing Works
Long John Silver's prices vary by location and change periodically. A single-piece fish meal typically costs between $8 and $12, while a two-piece meal runs $10 to $14. Three-piece meals and platters cost more. Shrimp, scallops, and other specialty items are usually priced higher than fish.
Individual items without sides are cheaper — you can order just fish or shrimp if you want to keep costs down. Sides like fries or hushpuppies cost $2 to $4 when ordered separately. Drinks and desserts add $2 to $5 to your total.
The restaurant occasionally runs promotions and combo deals that bundle items at a discount. You can check their website or mobile app to see current offers in your area. Some locations also accept coupons from their email list or printed mailers.
Ordering Through the App or Website
Long John Silver's mobile app and website let you browse the menu, customize your order, and pay before you arrive. You select your items, choose your sides, and pick a pickup time. The app shows you the estimated wait time and lets you track your order in real time.
To use the app or website, you create an account with your email address and payment method. You can save your favorite orders for faster checkout next time. The app also shows you which locations near you are open and whether they offer delivery through third-party services like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Ordering ahead through the app is useful during lunch and dinner rushes, when the in-person line can be long. You can also use the app to find the nearest location, check hours, and see the full menu before you go.
What to Know About Allergens and Dietary Restrictions
Long John Silver's fries everything in the same oil, which means items can cross-contact with fish, shellfish, and other allergens even if you order something that does not contain them. If you have a severe fish or shellfish allergy, this restaurant may not be safe for you. The staff can tell you which items contain specific allergens, but the risk of cross-contact in the fryer remains.
The restaurant does not have a dedicated vegetarian or vegan menu. Most sides like fries, coleslaw, and corn can be ordered without meat, but they are cooked in the same kitchen as seafood and may have cross-contact. If you are vegetarian or vegan, ask the staff which sides are safe for you.
Long John Silver's publishes allergen and nutritional information on their website. You can view the full list before you order, or ask for a printed menu at your location that shows allergen warnings.
Drive-Through and Takeout Options
Most Long John Silver's locations have a drive-through window where you can order and pick up food without leaving your car. You pull up to the speaker, place your order, drive to the window, pay, and receive your food in a bag or box. Drive-through wait times vary depending on how busy the location is, but are usually under 10 minutes.
If you order for takeout inside the restaurant, your food is packed in disposable containers and bags. The restaurant provides napkins, condiments, and utensils. You can ask for extra napkins if you want them — the food is fried and can be greasy.
Long John Silver's also partners with third-party delivery services in many areas. You can order through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or other apps, and the food will be delivered to your home. Delivery fees and wait times are longer than pickup, and the food quality may suffer during transport since fried items can become soggy.
Dining In and Restaurant Atmosphere
Long John Silver's dining rooms are casual and fast-paced. You order at the counter, find a table, and eat. The atmosphere is similar to other quick-service restaurants — bright lighting, plastic booths or tables, and a focus on speed rather than ambiance. Most locations are clean and well-maintained, though this varies by franchise.
The restaurant is family-friendly and does not have a dress code. You can bring children, and high chairs are usually available. Some locations have a small play area or arcade games, though this is less common than it used to be.
Seating is first-come, first-served. During peak hours (lunch and dinner), tables fill up quickly. If the dining room is full, you can take your food to go or wait for a table to open up. Most locations have restrooms available for customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my order at Long John Silver's?
Yes. You can choose which type of seafood you want, how many pieces, which two sides, and what drink and dessert. You can also ask for no salt on your fries, extra sauce, or other modifications. The staff will do their best to accommodate reasonable requests, though some items cannot be changed.
Does Long John Silver's offer any healthier menu options?
Most items are fried, so the menu is not naturally low in calories or fat. However, you can choose grilled fish or shrimp at some locations if available. Sides like corn, green beans, and coleslaw are lower in calories than fries or hushpuppies. Ask your local restaurant what grilled options they offer.
What is the difference between Long John Silver's and other seafood restaurants?
Long John Silver's is a fast-casual chain focused on quick service and fried seafood. Other seafood restaurants may offer sit-down service, fresh (non-fried) fish, or higher price points. Long John Silver's is designed for speed and affordability, not fine dining.
Can I order Long John Silver's for delivery?
Yes, through third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats in most areas. You can also order pickup through the Long John Silver's app or website and pick it up yourself. Delivery takes longer than pickup and may result in food that is less crispy.
Are there Long John Silver's locations near me?
Use the location finder on the Long John Silver's website to search by zip code or city. The tool shows you addresses, hours, phone numbers, and which services each location offers (dine-in, drive-through, delivery). You can also call ahead to confirm they are open before you go.