Don’s Fish and Chicken holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of fried food lovers. With its no-frills approach focused on delivering deliciously crispy seafood and poultry at wallet-friendly prices, Don’s has carved out a niche that keeps customers coming back. This article takes an in-depth look at the origins, menu offerings, devoted fanbase and future outlook for this iconic fast food chain
A Humble Beginning Focused on Quality and Value
The very first Don’s Fish and Chicken opened its doors in Los Angeles, California in 1975. Founder Don Lee drew from his Korean heritage to create a streamlined menu of crispy whiting fish fillets, juicy fried chicken and classic Southern sides like fries, coleslaw and hushpuppies. The quality was top-notch, with fresh fish hand-battered and fried to order, and the prices kept the working-class neighborhood coming back. Word of mouth spread, demand grew, and before long Don’s started expanding across Southern California.
Staying True to Its Roots with a Straightforward Menu
Nearly 50 years later Don’s remains devoted to serving high-quality hand-prepared comfort classics. The menu stays true to Don Lee’s original vision – whole fresh whiting or catfish, lightly breaded and fried; plump chicken wings, drumsticks and thighs, soaked in buttermilk then breaded and fried; crispy fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies rounding out the meal. Don’s doesn’t bother with gimmicks or fusion – just simple, delicious food made from quality ingredients and priced modestly. A classic one-piece fish or two-piece chicken meal with a side runs just $5-8, incredible value customers appreciate.
Signature Styles: SoCal vs NorCal
While the core menu remains consistent across locations, Don’s has developed two distinct regional styles – the original SoCal (Southern California) and NorCal (Northern California). The NorCal style features lighter, thinner breading allowing the flavor of the whiting to shine through. The SoCal style has a thicker, crunchier cornmeal breading that many fans consider the quintessential Don’s experience. Both offer tasty takes on the classics, though SoCal tends to be more popular with hardcore Don’s devotees.
Customizing Your Meal with Flavor-Packed Sauces
Don’s prides itself on letting customers customize their meals, notably through its signature sauces and seasonings. Fan-favorite options include:
-
Tartar sauce – Cool, creamy and tangy, it complements the hot crisp fish beautifully.
-
Spicy chili sauce – Packs a pleasing punch of heat and vinegar. Popular for dipping or drizzling.
-
Louisiana hot sauce – Vinegar-based with aged cayenne pepper, it brings some Southern flair.
-
House seasoning – A proprietary blend of spices sprinkled on while hot out of the fryer. Addictively aromatic.
-
Malt vinegar – The classic British fish-and-chips pairing, cutting through the richness.
Mix and match sauces to craft your ideal flavor experience!
Cult Favorite Sides: More Than Just an Afterthought
Far from an afterthought, Don’s savory sides are an integral part of the meal. The hushpuppies are a standout – crispy-crunchy, sweet and corn-studded, perfect for scooping up tartar sauce. The fries manage to be consistently crispy yet fluffy inside. And the coleslaw strikes a masterful balance between creamy and zesty. Don’t overlook these classic pairings that complement the fish and chicken so perfectly!
Keeping Up Quality and Consistency Across Franchises
Since the 1980s, Don’s has grown via franchising while staying family-owned. Today over 75% of locations are franchised, while the Lee family continues operating 15% of restaurants. Maintaining quality and consistency across individually owned franchises can be challenging, but Don’s takes steps like:
-
Providing proprietary seasonings and recipes franchises must follow
-
Regularly inspecting franchises and monitoring customer feedback
-
Operating corporate training stores for franchisee training
-
Hosting annual conferences to update and align franchises
These initiatives allow Don’s to uphold its standards while expanding to serve more neighborhoods.
A Cultural Institution with Die-Hard Devotees
Far more than just another fast food chain, Don’s occupies a special place in customers’ memories and traditions. Many fans have fond childhood recollections of getting Don’s as an affordable family treat. Others have enjoyed late night Don’s runs for decades – the restaurants stay open until 2 or 3am. Don Lee’s grandson Andre even got a Don’s Fish and Chicken tattoo, solidifying its cultural significance! Online reviews gush about missing Don’s since moving away and relishing the chance to introduce others to their long-time go-to spot. Don’s just has a nostalgic appeal and comforting familiarity that keeps people passionate about this SoCal establishment.
Navigating Healthier Options amid Fried Favorites
With its focus on fried fare, Don’s may not seem like the healthiest choice. However, there are ways to indulge moderately and minimize negatives:
-
Opt for a one-piece fish or two-piece chicken meal to control portions.
-
Choose water instead of sugary fountain drinks.
-
Load up on the tangy coleslaw for added veggies.
-
Request grilled chicken if available – several locations now offer it.
-
Split a meal or take half home to consume less in one sitting.
-
Limit Don’s to an occasional treat, not an everyday meal.
Making smart choices allows you to enjoy the flavors you crave while maintaining balanced nutrition overall!
The Future Looks Bright for This Fast Food Maverick
Don’s legacy seems secure going forward. The chain hit an all-time high of 190 locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona in 2022. Sales remained steady through the pandemic, proving Don’s recession and trend-proof appeal. As other chains come and go, Don’s persists thanks to loyal multi-generational fans. The owners continue to reject gimmicks and stick to the basics that established their success. While growth will remain concentrated in the West, Don’s devoted following gives confidence that this classic fast food experience will keep frying up happiness for decades to come!
So next time you find yourself craving crispy golden fish or juicy fried chicken at a price that can’t be beat, seek out your nearest Don’s. Treat yourself to the unmatched crunch of the expertly breaded whiting or savor the secret-recipe seasoning blend elevating traditional Southern flavors. Don’s signature sides, customizable sauces, and retro vibes will transport you right back to simpler times. Indulge in a cherished fast food tradition at Don’s Fish and Chicken – the undisputed home of fresh, hand-crafted comfort classics.
#donsfish #longbeach #california #foodreview #goodeatsreviews
FAQ
What fish is known as the chicken of the sea?
Product name. The company’s official explanation for the name of their product is that, in the “old days”, fishermen referred to white albacore tuna as “chicken of the sea”. It was so called because of the white color of its flesh and mild flavor reminded them of chicken.
What fish is called the aquatic chicken?
Tilapia: The Aquatic Chicken of the Seafood World
Did you know that tilapia is often called the “aquatic chicken”? This popular nickname is more than just a catchy phrase—it highlights the many reasons why tilapia has become one of the most widely consumed and farmed fish worldwide.
What is a fish that tastes like chicken?
As of 2002, the Tilapia was one of the most consumed fish in the United States because of its low price and relatively easy preparation. It is mild in taste, in fact it is a fish that tastes like chicken and has a texture like a chicken, which must be why they are often referred to as sea chicken.
What is the real sea chicken fish?
Albacore: the chicken of the sea | WWF. The albacore – that flash of metallic dark blue and silvery white that slices through the Pacific Ocean at breakneck speed.