When it comes to savoring the flavors of the sea, seafood restaurants in the United States offer a diverse range of options. From coast to coast, numerous seafood restaurant chains have gained popularity for their fresh catches, culinary expertise, and delightful dining experiences. In this article, we will explore the top ten leading U.S. seafood restaurant chains, showcasing their specialties, number of locations, and unique features that have made them stand out in the competitive seafood industry.
Table: Top Ten Leading U.S. Seafood Restaurant Chains
| Rank | Seafood Restaurant Chain | Number of Locations | Specialty Dish | Unique Features |
| 1 | Red Lobster | 700+ | Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Lobster Feast | Endless shrimp, seafood lover’s menu |
| 2 | Captain D’s | 530+ | Batter-dipped Fish, Shrimp Feast | Dine-in, drive-thru, and carryout options |
| 3 | Bonefish Grill | 150+ | Bang Bang Shrimp, Wood-Grilled Fish | Fresh ingredients, hand-crafted cocktails |
| 4 | Joe’s Crab Shack | 120+ | Steampots, Crab Buckets | Casual beach-themed atmosphere |
| 5 | Legal Sea Foods | 30+ | Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll | Sustainable sourcing, oyster bar |
| 6 | McCormick & Schmick’s | 50+ | Seafood Selections, Happy Hour | Fresh seafood, elegant dining atmosphere |
| 7 | The Boiling Crab | 30+ | Cajun Crawfish, Garlic Butter Shrimp | Interactive seafood dining experience |
| 8 | Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. | 40+ | Shrimp Specialties, Seafood Samplers | Themed restaurant, Forrest Gump memorabilia |
| 9 | Legal Sea Foods Legal C Bar | 10+ | Seafood Classics, Craft Cocktails | Upscale ambiance, oyster bar |
| 10 | H2O Seafood & Sushi | 3 | Sushi Rolls, Seafood Platters | Fusion of seafood and Japanese cuisine |
- Red Lobster: With over 700 locations across the country, Red Lobster is a household name in the seafood restaurant industry. Known for its Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Lobster Feast, Red Lobster offers a seafood lover’s menu and the popular “Endless Shrimp” promotion.
- Captain D’s: Captain D’s operates more than 530 restaurants and specializes in batter-dipped fish and shrimp feasts. They provide a variety of dining options, including dine-in, drive-thru, and carryout, making their seafood accessible and convenient.
- Bonefish Grill: With over 150 locations, Bonefish Grill is renowned for its wood-grilled fish and signature dish, Bang Bang Shrimp. They prioritize fresh ingredients and offer a selection of hand-crafted cocktails to complement their seafood offerings.
- Joe’s Crab Shack: Joe’s Crab Shack has over 120 locations and is popular for its steampots and crab buckets. The restaurant creates a casual beach-themed atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a fun and interactive dining experience.
- Legal Sea Foods: Operating in over 30 locations, Legal Sea Foods is celebrated for its clam chowder and lobster rolls. They prioritize sustainable sourcing practices and often feature an oyster bar, adding to their seafood dining experience.
- McCormick & Schmick’s: With more than 50 locations, McCormick & Schmick’s offers a wide range of seafood selections and a lively happy hour. Known for their fresh seafood and elegant dining atmosphere, they cater to seafood enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated experience.
- The Boiling Crab: The Boiling Crab has 30+ locations and specializes in Cajun-style crawfish and garlic butter shrimp. They provide an interactive dining experience where customers can enjoy their seafood by hand, using bibs and gloves.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Inspired by the movie “Forrest Gump,” Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. operates over 40 locations. They offer a variety of shrimp specialties and seafood samplers, creating a themed restaurant experience with iconic movie memorabilia.
- Legal Sea Foods Legal C Bar: Legal Sea Foods also operates a smaller chain called Legal C Bar with 10+ locations. They focus on seafood classics and craft cocktails, providing an upscale ambiance and an oyster bar for seafood enthusiasts.
- H2O Seafood & Sushi: Although relatively smaller with three locations, H2O Seafood & Sushi stands out for its fusion of seafood and Japanese cuisine. They offer a variety of sushi rolls and seafood platters, combining the best of both culinary worlds.
The U.S. seafood restaurant industry boasts a diverse array of chains that cater to seafood lovers across the nation. From well-established names like Red Lobster and Captain D’s to unique dining experiences provided by Bonefish Grill and The Boiling Crab, these top ten leading seafood restaurant chains offer a wide range of specialties and atmospheres to satisfy every palate. Whether it’s the crave-worthy classics or innovative seafood fusion, these chains continue to serve up delectable dishes, showcasing the vast flavors of the sea to eager diners nationwide.
