You know that specific smell when you pull into the parking lot at 3224 South Texas Avenue? It’s a mix of salt, heavy batter, and nostalgia. If you grew up in Bryan, you've definitely done the "pirate food" run at least once. Honestly, in a world where everything is becoming a "healthy bowl" or some artisanal fusion experiment, the Long John Silver's Bryan menu is a stubborn, delicious relic. It doesn't want to be a salad bar. It wants to give you a piece of fish that has been deep-fried into a golden, crunchy surfboard.
The Platter Breakdown: What’s Actually Worth the Calories
Let's get real about the platters. If you're going to commit, you might as well go all in. Most people gravitate toward the Fish & Chicken Platter, and for good reason. You get two pieces of that classic battered Alaska pollock and three pieces of chicken. It’s currently hovering around $17.09, though prices can fluctuate a bit depending on whether you’re ordering at the window or using an app.
The "Super Sampler" is the true heavyweight champion. You’re looking at pollock, chicken, three battered shrimp, and a "snack-size" portion of popcorn shrimp. It’s basically a fried seafood graveyard, but in a good way. You also get two sides and two hushpuppies. Total calorie count? Somewhere between 900 and 1470.
I’ve noticed a lot of people overlook the grilled options. Big mistake. The Grilled Salmon Meal is actually surprisingly decent for fast food. It’s served on a bed of rice with two sides for about $14.59. If you're trying to pretend you're being healthy while your friends are face-down in a pile of Crumblies, this is your move.
Navigating the Bryan Menu Specials
Kinda weirdly, the best deals aren't always on the big plastic board. You have to look for the "Sea Shares" if you’re feeding a group. The 9pc Chicken Sea Share is a staple for local families, usually priced around $24.89.
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Check this out:
- 15pc Hand-Battered Shrimp Share: Usually runs about $11.99.
- 6pc Crab Cake Sea Share: A bit more niche, roughly $17.49.
- Family Meals: They have an 8-piece, 12-piece, and a massive 16-piece version. The 16-piece will set you back about $69.19 but it feeds like eight adults.
Honestly, the "Add-A-Piece" section is where I live. If you’re just a little bit more hungry but don't want a whole second meal, you can grab a single piece of fish for about $4.48 or a single crab cake for $3.89. It’s the easiest way to customize your tray without breaking the bank.
The Secret Life of Crumblies and Hushpuppies
We need to talk about the Crumblies. For the uninitiated, these are the little bits of fried batter that fall off the fish. Most places would throw them away. Long John Silver's? They treat them like gold. You can literally ask for extra Crumblies. Sometimes they’ll just give you a side order of them. It’s essentially pure, seasoned grease, and it’s spectacular.
Then there are the hushpuppies. Bryan’s location usually keeps them consistent—crispy on the outside, slightly sweet and doughy on the inside. A side of six hushpuppies is about $3.89. Pro tip: Dip them in the honey mustard. Most people go for tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, but the honey mustard hits a different flavor profile that works with the cornmeal.
The "New" Stuff: Wraps and Tacos
Long John Silver's has been trying to play the modern game lately. They introduced the Baja Fish Wrap and the Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap. These are actually pretty cheap, usually around $3.59 to $4.48. They’ve got coleslaw and Crumblies inside the tortilla. It’s a weird texture—crunchy batter inside a soft flour tortilla—but the Baja sauce (which is basically a spicy cream sauce) ties it together.
If you’re feeling "fancy," the Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl is about $14.61. It’s a lot of rice, but the shrimp are seasoned well. It’s a solid alternative if you’re burnt out on the heavy batter.
What Most People Get Wrong About Ordering Here
The biggest mistake is not checking the app or the "Seacret Society" rewards. I know, another rewards program, right? But honestly, they drop codes like "GIMME5" for $5 bowls or free fish with a large drink purchase. If you’re paying full price at the Bryan location, you’re doing it wrong.
Also, the "Secret Menu" is mostly just common sense substitutions. Want a spicy fish sandwich? Order the Wild Alaska Pollock Sandwich but tell them to swap the tartar for Baja sauce. It changes the whole vibe. Or, if you’re at one of those rare locations that’s co-branded with a KFC, you can get a side of mashed potatoes with your fish. It sounds wrong, but it feels so right.
Why This Specific Location Matters
The Bryan spot on South Texas Ave is a bit of a local landmark. It's close enough to the university crowd but still serves the long-time residents. It’s one of those places where the drive-thru line can look intimidating, but it moves faster than you’d think.
One thing to keep in mind: the prices on delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats are almost always higher than the menu board at the restaurant. For example, a Fish & Chicken Platter might be $17.09 in person but $21.36 on Postmates. If you have the time, just drive there. You get your food hotter and save about five bucks.
Your Game Plan for the Next Visit
If you're heading over there today, here is the move. Skip the basic combo. Go for the Fish, Chicken & Shrimp Platter. It gives you the full spectrum of what they do best. Ask for a side of the Baja sauce even if you aren't getting a wrap; it’s better than the tartar sauce for dipping the shrimp. And please, for the love of everything fried, check the bottom of the box for the extra Crumblies before you toss it.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Download the App: Seriously, the "Seacret Society" deals are the only way to make the $17 platters feel like a bargain.
- Go In-Person: Avoid the $4+ markup on delivery apps by hitting the drive-thru at 3224 South Texas Ave.
- Swap the Sauce: Try the Baja sauce on the fried fish. It adds a kick that the standard malt vinegar just can't match.
- Check the Sides: While waffle fries are the default, the green beans or corn are actually decent if you need to break up the "everything is fried" monotony.