Introduction
Americans who enjoy seafood historically found comfort in Long John Silver’s crispy, golden flavors. This American restaurant brand is popular for its quick-service seafood and has built a solid reputation for providing affordable and excellent food. A favorite plate with a flaky, soft fish and traditional vegetables is one of its most popular dishes. However, how much does this dinner cost? Is the cost justified? And for what actually are you paying?
This article will examine Long John Silver’s Wild-Caught Cod platter in detail, including its cost, contents, unique selling points, and comparison to other fish fast-food options. This information will assist you in making an informed decision whether you are a frequent visitor or a first-time customer.
A Quick Look at Long John Silver’s
Long John Silver’s is a seafood-focused fast-food business that started out in 1969. In an effort to give customers worldwide a taste of the sea, it was named after a character from the book Treasure Island. Concentrating on fried fish, shrimp and classic Southern sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies, the brand has regularly offered the filling, satisfying dinners at affordable costs.
The chain has locations across many other countries in addition to dozens of states. Although the menu has changed over time, some mainstays, such as its famous fish plate, continue to draw devoted patrons.
What’s Included in the Cod Platter?
One or a pair of lightly seasoned fish are fried to a delicious crisp in this well-liked menu item. Each plate also comes with two sides of your choosing, which usually include rice, corn, green beans, coleslaw or fries. Lastly, a Long John Silver’s food would not be complete without their famous circular corn meal snacks, known as hushpuppies.
North Pacific cod, which is known for its flaky texture and mild flavour, is the fish used in this dish. For those who prefer a clean-tasting fish without a distinct, “fishy” aftertaste, it’s ideal.
Price Breakdown – How Much Does It Cost?
This Long John Silver’s Wild-Caught Cod platter cost may vary slightly according to area and special offers, but it usually falls within the range of most U.S. locations in 2025 is:
- 1-Piece Cod Platter: $8.49 to $9.99
- 2-Piece Cod Platter: $10.99 to $12.49
These prices include your choice of two sides and hushpuppies, making it a complete meal rather than just a fish entrée. Some restaurants also offer combo upgrades with a drink for an additional $2–$3.
Is It Worth the Price?
When evaluating whether this meal offers good value, it’s important to consider what’s included:
| Item | Estimated Value |
| Cod Filet (1–2 pieces) | $4–$6 |
| Sides (2 servings) | $2–$3 |
| Hushpuppies (2 pieces) | $1 |
| Sauces & Dips | $0.50 |
The total estimated value falls between $8 and $11, which lines up well with the actual retail price. But beyond the numbers, the quality of ingredients, portion size, and overall dining experience all add up to make this a solid deal—especially for a seafood meal served in a fast-food setting.
Why Wild-Caught Fish Matters
One of the defining features of this platter is the use of wild-caught fish rather than farm-raised. Wild-caught means the fish are harvested from their natural environment, such as the Pacific Ocean, as opposed to being bred in fish farms. This matters for several reasons:
- Better Flavor: Fish caught in the wild tend to have a cleaner, more authentic taste because of their natural diet and environment.
- Nutritional Value: They are typically leaner and richer in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat.
- Sustainability: When properly managed, wild harvesting supports healthy marine ecosystems.
By emphasizing the use of wild-caught cod, Long John Silver’s adds both environmental value and taste integrity to its menu.
Taste & Texture – What to Expect
This platter’s regular texture and taste are among the factors that make it a fan choice. A unique batter is used to carefully cover the fish, which is then fried until it is crunchy in the outside but yet tender on the inside. It tastes well with hot, crispy fries or on top of delicious coleslaw.
The harmony between the seafood and the sides, which completes the meal, is another thing that many customers value. The fish’s salinity is enhanced by the hushpuppies’ savoury, almost sweet bite.
Nutrition Overview
Even while eating fast food isn’t typically classified as being healthy, this platter has a surprisingly good nutritional profile, especially if you choose your sides wisely. The 2-piece option’s approximate nutritional breakdown is as follows:
- Calories: 700–900 kcal
- Protein: 30–40g
- Fat: 30–45g
- Carbs: 50–70g
- Sodium: ~1000mg
To make it lighter, you can opt for green beans or rice instead of fries, and skip dipping sauces. You can also request grilled fish if it’s available at your location.
Ways to Save Money on Your Order
If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy this platter, here are a few practical tips to save money:
- Check the Mobile App: Long John Silver’s often provides exclusive app-based coupons and deals.
- Look for Combo Meals: Family bundles or mix-and-match meals offer more food at a lower cost per item.
- Visit During Lunch Hours: Some locations offer lower lunch pricing for smaller portions.
- Subscribe to Emails: Signing up for the brand’s newsletter can give you access to promotions and seasonal discounts.
- Use Gift Cards Strategically: Websites like Raise or RetailMeNot sometimes sell discounted gift cards for major chains.
How It Compares to Other Seafood Fast Food
While restaurant like Captain D’s and Culver’s also sell fish-based dishes, Long John Silver’s provides an unmatched ratio between quality and cost. While Captain D’s might not always employ wild-caught fish, Culver’s fish sandwich, for example, is lighter and slightly more costly per ounce.
For those seeking wild-caught choices specifically, Long John Silver’s is notable for being open and repeatable product quality.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’d like to explore beyond this platter, the restaurant also offers:
- Fish & Shrimp Combos – great for those who want variety
- Grilled Salmon Bowls – lighter and lower in calories
- Chicken & Fish Mix Plates – perfect for non-seafood lovers
- Fish Tacos – quick, casual, and slightly cheaper
These alternatives cater to a range of tastes, budgets, and dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
The wild-caught cod plate by Long John Silver is affordable and provides a filling and tasty supper. When comparing to other fish fast-food options, it offers great value thanks to its large serving terms of size, side choices, and use of quality fish.
This platter is an excellent choice whether you’re in the mood to try something warmed and crunchy or just want to see everything the diner has to offer. The occasional sale or discount makes it even more attractive to visit Long John Silver’s.
