15 Chain Restaurants Where You Can Find A Thick-Cut Fried Cod Dinner

Craving a thick-cut, golden-fried cod dinner that actually feels like a meal, not a snack? You are in luck, because plenty of national chains serve hefty fillets with crunchy coatings and comforting sides.

This guide shows you exactly what to look for on each menu so you land the real deal. Get ready to plan a crispy, flaky, pub-style feast wherever you are.

1. Long John Silver’s

You want thick, crunchy cod that actually flakes when you pull it apart. Long John Silver’s cod platters tend to deliver that bigger fillet feel, with a crisp, craggy coating that holds up to tartar sauce.

Order the fish dinner or cod platter for larger pieces and the classic sides. Expect fries, hushpuppies, and maybe slaw to round out the plate.

It tastes nostalgic, like a fast-seafood Friday treat done right. When that batter is fresh, you get the best of both worlds.

2. Captain D’s

Captain D’s keeps it classic with a batter-dipped fish dinner that often features cod. The coating is light yet sturdy, giving you that crunch before the tender flakes break apart.

Ask for the meal that specifies cod to get the heftier fillets and the full spread of sides. You will usually get fries and hushpuppies, plus optional slaw for a cooling bite.

It is the dependable fish dinner template many people crave. Bring extra tartar sauce to finish every crispy corner.

3. Red Lobster

Red Lobster’s fish and chips leans pub-style, usually featuring cod in a thicker, beer-battered coat. You get that satisfying weight when you cut in, revealing moist, flaky white meat.

It is a step above snacky strips, plated like a real dinner with refined casual vibes. Fries, tartar, and lemon complete the classic setup.

When you want a restaurant plate feel, this is a reliable play. Ask if today’s fish and chips is cod for that signature texture and heft.

4. Culver’s

Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Dinner is famous for thick, flaky fillets that break cleanly under the fork. The batter is light, crisp, and never greasy when done right.

You can taste the difference in the fish quality, which makes this one stand out among fast-casual options. Expect a generous two-piece dinner with sides like crinkle-cut fries and slaw.

It feels hearty, not fussy, with balanced seasoning. Ask for extra lemon to brighten the rich, crunchy coating.

5. Applebee’s

Applebee’s hand-battered fish and chips often leans cod, depending on market, and the pieces skew generously thick. That pub-batter crunch locks in steam, so the fish stays juicy.

Order the platter when you want something hearty that still feels familiar and comforting. You will usually get fries and slaw, plus tartar for dipping.

It is the kind of plate that satisfies a bar-food craving in a comfy booth. Ask your server to confirm cod if that is your must-have.

6. TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays does fish and chips with a beer-battered crunch that screams pub favorite. The pieces tend to be substantial, giving you that thick-cut experience when cod is used.

It is perfect for dipping in tartar or malt vinegar, with fries riding shotgun. The plate arrives hot and satisfying, ideal for a casual night out.

When the fry station is on point, the texture is top-tier. Ask about cod to make sure you get the full flaky payoff.

7. The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory’s fish and chips usually means a big, thick fillet with a shattering crust. The portion size feels generous, perfect if you want a true dinner plate.

It is crisp outside, flaky inside, exactly what you hope for in cod. Fries and tartar round out the classic pairing, with lemon to cut richness.

You will leave full and happy, likely with leftovers. Ask your server to confirm the fish is cod for the ideal texture.

8. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse leans into the pub tradition with beer-battered fish and chips. When cod is on, the fillets are thick and flaky, holding their structure under the batter.

You get that sturdy crunch perfect for dunking in tartar or malt vinegar. The brewhouse vibe begs for a pint alongside your plate.

It is a reliable pick when you want hearty fish with real presence. Ask to verify cod for the classic texture and taste.

9. Yard House

Yard House treats fish and chips like a headliner, not an afterthought. The beer-battered cod typically arrives thick, piping hot, and ultra crisp.

It is a prime example of pub-style fish built for big crunch and flaky tenderness. You will get fries, tartar, and maybe malt vinegar for that British nod.

It pairs perfectly with the draft list in a lively setting. Confirm cod on the menu for the full thick-cut experience.

10. Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill sometimes runs cod for its fish and chips or fried fish entrée. When they do, expect a proper dinner plate with thick fillets and clean, flaky texture.

The batter is crisp without heaviness, letting the fish shine. Fries and tartar are standard, with citrus to brighten each bite.

It is a smarter casual seafood stop when you want comfort plus quality. Ask if today’s fish is cod to lock in that classic profile.

11. Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods brings a seafood-first approach that usually means thicker, higher-quality cuts. Order the fish and chips or a fried cod plate when available.

The batter is well-balanced, delivering crunch without overshadowing the fish’s clean flavor. You will taste that “real fish” feel in the texture and flake.

Sides stay classic, so you can focus on the fillet. Ask about cod specifically to capture the experience you came for.

12. Ivar’s

Ivar’s is a coastal classic where cod frequently stars in the fish and chips. You get thick, flaky pieces wrapped in a crisp, golden jacket.

It feels like seaside comfort food, even when you are inland. The sides are simple and satisfying, letting the fish lead.

Dip in tartar, squeeze lemon, and enjoy the crunch-to-flake contrast. If you crave big, real-deal fillets, this chain delivers consistently.

13. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Gordon Biersch channels brewpub energy with beer-battered fish and chips that emphasizes thickness. When cod is used, the fillets come out substantial and satisfying.

That sturdy batter crunch pairs perfectly with house beers and lively conversation. Expect fries and tartar, plus lemon for balance.

It is the thick-cut default many pubs pride themselves on. Confirm cod to get the signature flake and hearty bite you want.

14. O’Charley’s

O’Charley’s hand-breaded fish platter often lands in that two-piece, hearty dinner zone. When cod is used, the fillets are thick enough to feel like a full meal.

The breading stays crunchy while the interior stays flaky and moist. Fries and classic sides keep it comforting and familiar.

It is built for dipping and sharing, but you might not want to share. Ask your server to confirm cod for the ideal texture and flavor.

15. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel’s Friday fish fry or regional fish plates sometimes feature cod. When they do, you get a full comfort-food dinner anchored by thick fillets.

The coating is crisp yet homestyle, perfect with tartar and lemon. Expect familiar sides that make the meal feel complete.

It is cozy, nostalgic, and surprisingly substantial when cod is in rotation. Ask about availability and seize it when you see it listed.