Why Locals Love Long John Silver's
Located in the heart of Middlesboro, KY, Long John Silver's is a standout fast food and seafood restaurant offering a flavorful escape into the world of classic American seafood and chicken fare. Specializing in handbattered, crispy delights, Long John Silver's caters to those who value freshly prepared meals with a nostalgic coastal twist.
The menu is a true celebration of seafood and chicken favorites, featuring highlights such as the Grilled Salmon & Shrimp Platter, where tender, perfectly grilled salmon and succulent shrimp rest atop a bed of fluffy rice paired with your choice of two individual sides. For fans of a lighter, zesty bite, the 2 Grilled Tacos, available with either grilled salmon or shrimp and customizable signature toppings, provide a fresh and vibrant flavor profile. If indulgence is your craving, the Sea Shares like the 6-piece Fish Share—featuring crispy, golden-brown Alaska pollock—and the hearty 9-piece Chicken Share with all-white meat chicken handbattered for that irresistible crunch, are perfect for sharing or satisfying a hearty appetite.
The dining atmosphere exudes a casual, inviting vibe that makes this location a comforting stop whether you’re grabbing a quick takeout or enjoying a relaxed meal in the newly remodeled, bright, and airy dining room. The fresh blue and white interiors blend crisp cleanliness with coastal charm, reflecting a pleasant dining environment that feels both welcoming and vibrant. Customers have praised the immaculate dining and pickup areas, reflecting the staff’s commitment to providing a clean and comfortable space.
Customer experiences reveal a restaurant striving to balance quality food with attentive service. Many patrons have raved about the “best hushpuppies ever,” freshly prepared dishes, and the friendly, hardworking staff who go above and beyond—such as Roland, a manager remembered for his professionalism and dedication in managing orders, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction. While some have noted that the service can occasionally feel unorganized or that cleanliness could use a bit more TLC, the overall impression is that Long John Silver's delivers hearty, satisfying meals in a space that’s been recently refreshed to enhance your dining pleasure.
One point of contention, however, relates to the conservative approach towards condiments like tartar sauce—seemingly rationed strictly to avoid waste—which some customers find a tad frustrating when craving extra dips with their fish pieces. Nonetheless, the quality and taste of the food continue to win loyalty.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Middlesboro, Long John Silver's at 303 N 12th St is a dependable destination for crispy, flavorful seafood and chicken. Its blend of traditional recipes and modernized ambiance invites you to enjoy a fulfilling meal that satisfies cravings while offering the comfort of quick, friendly service.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Kerbside pickup
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Active military discounts
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Quick bite
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 16, 2026
The food was good and drive thru was fast. BUT. I hope the cheap manager gets its bonus! They only allowed us to have 4 tarter sauce packets for 4 pieces of fish and employees say they will get in trouble if they give you anymore than that. I can understand they don't want waste oe people taking it home for use, but I need more tarter sauce than 1 packet per piece and don't think asking for 2 per fish is asking for too much.
- Feb 25, 2026
The food was Great! I would give it 5 stars,if the service was better.very unorganized staff.cleanliness was just ok.could use some tlc with tables and floors,Windows were filthy.
- Feb 24, 2026
Roland took our order and also brought our food to us. He is very professional and friendly. While my family and I were eating, I observed Roland take many orders, deliver the food to the tables. Clean the tables/ chairs and sweep the floors. Roland is truly a hard worker. Upon exiting to our car, Roland was taking the trash to the dumpster. I believe recognition should go to this young man for a job well done. Thank you for a terrific dining experience after a long drive from Texas.
- Feb 6, 2026
It seemed to take a few waiting on order, but the wait was worth the fresh prepared food. BEST hushpuppies ever, order was perfect. Associates friendly and ready to please.
- Jan 11, 2026
Impressive! Absolutely love the newly remodeled and renovated Long John Silver's. The exterior and interior have been completely remodeled/ renovated and it looks great. The dining room is bright and airy, with clean, crisp, blue and white decor, design and features. The dining room, food order and pickup area and men's restroom were immaculate! This was my first visit to this Long John Silver's location in Middlesboro and the first visit to a Long John Silver's in several decades. My partner and I were certainly impressed with the restaurant cleanliness and friendly, efficient staff associates. Both of us ordered the eight piece shrimp dinner with two sides. Unfortunately, neither of us were impressed with the shrimp. Of course, I must add a "disclaimer " as I do not care for nor eat seafood, with exception of shrimp. Therefore, due to my "weird " eating habits I am very hard to please. Truthfully, I only enjoy shrimp if prepared really crisp and crunchy. Neither my partner nor I found the crunchiness or texture of the shrimp to our liking. On my next visit, I will most certainly try the chicken dinner, Which will be more appropriate for my strange eating habits. My partner has enjoyed their fish dinner on previous visits and raved about the deliciousness of the fish. Both of our meals were served with two sides and hushpuppies. I chose the fries and corn. My partner had fries and Cole slaw. Surprisingly, one of favorite features of our lunch was the delicious strawberry lemonade (we both strongly recommend it!!) Overall our lunch and visit was very pleasant! I really like new interior and exterior. Naturally, we both were thrilled and really appreciate the cleanliness of the facility. In my opinion, Long John Silver's is one of the nicest, cleanest and friendly restaurants in Middlesboro!
- Dec 23, 2025
I have Loved LJS for as long as I can remember. I like to eat and take an extra four pieces of fish home with me. It's always been consistently good tasting food. I miss the old decor. As a kid I played with the paper boats for days after we ate there. Great memories and great food.
- Dec 5, 2025
Always friendly greeting customer with a positive attitude and a smile always polite and say thank you .. drive thru employee is always kind sweet and smiling I would recommend this restaurant to my family friends and community for great fresh hot meals at a great price....
- Nov 28, 2025
The past couple times I've been here, everything was great! Friendly sociable employee at the window, and the food was impressive!
