Seafood can be tricky to get right, and not every seafood restaurant chain nails it. Some seafood restaurants have built reputations on soggy fish, questionable shrimp, or menus that just don’t measure up. While some of these spots hang on thanks to nostalgia or low prices, the truth is they’ve left more than a few customers disappointed. Here’s a look at the chains that struggle to deliver the freshness and flavor you’d expect when you’re craving the ocean’s best.
Captain D’s Misses the Mark
Captain D’s built itself as a fast-food alternative for fried fish, but critics say the quality often doesn’t rise above greasy and bland. While it’s affordable, the frozen taste and uninspired sides keep it from standing out. Diners expecting flaky fish or bold seafood flavors often walk away underwhelmed.
Long John Silver’s Grease Over Flavor
Long John Silver’s has been around for decades, but many say it hasn’t kept up with modern tastes. Its fried offerings lean heavy on the oil, leaving little room for actual seafood flavor. The nostalgic vibe isn’t enough to make up for meals that feel more like fried batter than fresh catch.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Trapped in a Gimmick
What started as a fun Forrest Gump movie tie-in has turned into a seafood chain criticized for being more theme park than restaurant. Bubba Gump’s menu is extensive, but diners complain about overpriced, under-seasoned dishes that don’t live up to the hype. The focus on movie memorabilia often overshadows the food itself.
Joe’s Crab Shack Cracking Under Pressure
Joe’s once promised casual fun with buckets of crab, but lately, it’s been sinking in quality. Reviewers cite overcooked seafood and messy execution that leaves more frustration than satisfaction. The party atmosphere can’t quite hide the fact that the meals often feel rushed and underwhelming.
Arthur Treacher’s Fading Into Obscurity
Once a major fish-and-chips chain, Arthur Treacher’s is now barely hanging on with just a handful of locations. The reason? Outdated menus and fried food that no longer match what modern diners want. While it had its moment in the spotlight, the chain now feels like a relic of the past.
Red Lobster: Biscuits the Only Highlight
Lobster should be the star here, but many dishes are dry, chewy, or padded with langostino instead of actual lobster. The only reliably good product? The biscuit, which you can even buy at Walmart if you’re smart.
Cousins Maine Lobster: Rolling Mediocrity
This fast‑growing chain from “Shark Tank” started strong with lobster rolls, but ratings are mixed. Fans love the rolls, but the food truck-to-chain leap hasn’t consistently delivered freshness or flair across locations.
