Long John Silver’s Super Sampler
Seafood from a fast food place? Just the thought of it makes some people cringe, and turn up their noses in disgust. After all, the best way to enjoy seafood is when it’s fresh, which is just not possible in this market. But the situation is not completely hopeless, and that’s why Long John Silver’s has survived for almost 40 years.
Today I’m going to talk about the $6.59 Super Sampler Platter. It’s a big meal, and guaranteed to fill you up, even though each item is not really satisfying on it’s own. What’s included in this mini feast? 1 large fish filet, 3 large shrimp, 10-12 smaller sized popcorn shrimp, 1 large chicken plank, 2 hush puppies and a large pile of french fries. And of course, everything is battered or breaded, and deep fried.
The fish is a nice filet of Alaskan Pollack, battered in wheat flour and mild spices. It’s crunchy outside, tender and flaky inside. This is what LJS is best known for, and it’s a good tasting piece of fish considering it’s not a fresh catch. No complaints. [ A ]
The shrimp is a hit and miss situation. The small popcorn shrimp are quite tasty, but the large shrimp leave me totally unsatisfied, and lack any real shrimp flavor. It’s odd, because you’d think it would be the opposite. I’m not sure what’s going on. The coating is different on the two, with the popcorn shrimp getting a more crumbly breading, while the large variety shares the same batter as the fish, but this is not the problem. The large shrimp are simply too bland. Popcorn [ A ] Large [ D ]
The chicken “plank” (as they call it) is a tenderloin with a batter similar to the fish, only lighter and thinner. It’s OK, but doesn’t come close to the natural chicken flavor of the current batch of breast strips from the fast food competition. It’s juicy enough, and a nice big hunk of meat, however the taste is definitely leaning toward the bland side. Granted, it’s a fish / seafood joint doing chicken so that’s not a shocker. [ C ]
The hush puppies are delicious. I could eat an entire box of these wonderful little balls of deep fried corn meal goodness. They’re great on their own, and they’re even better when dipped in ketchup or Long John’s cocktail sauce. Dark golden brown and crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside… this is good stuff. I love them. Period. [ A+ ]
The french fries are crisp and cut thin, with a solid potato flavor, lightly salted and satisfying overall. They’re nothing special, but still above average, better than many burger joints. If McDonald’s fries had a little brother, this would be it. [ B ]
The Super Sampler Platter from Long John Silver’s is a mixed bag indeed. The fish, popcorn shrimp and hush puppies are great. The fries are good. The large shrimp and chicken are disappointing. I suppose it’s too much to ask for one restaurant to do everything, but overall it’s still a good choice for those who enjoy variety.
Price: $6.59 / Website: LongJohnSilvers.com
Fast Food Critic Score: B-
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Nutrition Facts - Long John Silver’s Super Sampler Platter.
Calories - 1850
Calories from Fat - N/A
Total Fat - 102 grams
Carbs - 180 grams
Saturated Fat - 25 grams
Trans Fat - 29 grams
Cholesterol - 310 milligrams
Sodium - 4470 milligrams
Protein - 58 gramsEditor’s Note: Wow, these are some monster numbers! The highest of any review I’ve done yet. Keep in mind, it’s a very big meal, and everything is deep fried. Those who are watching their weight should stay away. For that matter, the high trans-fat content is concerning in this day and age. Eat at your own risk.
I was ready to go eat this until I got the nutritional info, normally I’m not that picky but this meal’s numbers are off the chart. Guess that happens when everything is fried.
Rob — I may not eat the rest of the week. I’m still stuffed, and feel bloated.
Off the chart is right. Whew!
How does the calorie count on this compare with Taco Bell’s Giant Box of Everything We Sell Meal?
i was wondering how those hush puppies were last time i was in a taco bell/silvers combo place.
Great to hear they taste good… i’ll definitely have to give them a try!
Ah, the chish and Ficken of Long John Silvers…. 2000 calories for 6.50 might be some kind of record.
Anyone got any news on the arbys/wendys merger? I have noticed no changes at either restaraunt so far.
I’m pretty buzzed and tired right now, so this looks freakin’ amazing. I’m not sure how it’s going to look when I wake up, but right now I don’t care that it has enough fat to kill me several times over.
Hey FFC!
Last month was the first time in 10 years I went to a LJS and will likely be my last.
I ordered a similar platter (just no chicken) and ended up finishing only the fries. I ate 2 bites of the fish - too salty. I realized I don’t like hush puppies. The popcorn shrimp was like eating battered and deep fried plastic wrap. I went to the bathroom and saw some uhh..disturbing stuff on the walls. I threw my 80% full platter away. *turns bluish-green*
Might have been the location. It was a restaurant somewhere between Cleveland, OH and Bristol, TN.
- C
Don — I will find out and post the numbers ASAP.
Tom — I haven’t seen any changes either, since reporting on the merger.
Cassaendra — Hey there! It’s an honor and pleasure to have you visit.
I’m sorry your eating experience was so bad. As for the bathrooms, ewww!
I’m totally with you on this, and I try to avoid using public facilities at all cost. Seriously, I’ll probably go take a shower now, just after talking about it. LOL
Don — I think they might have changed the contents of the “Big Box Meal”.
Take a look at this. http://www.tacobell.com/bigbox/
I could have sworn it used to contain more items, or a different selection.
What do you think?
The hush puppies are damn good. My wife likes them so muhc, I have to order an extra box full of them every time I go there.
I love their chicken as well. The thing is, I find everything tastes the same at LJS. Even the fries. It must the be the oil.