Knowing what J & J Fish & Chicken menu with prices looks like before you order makes the difference between a quick bite and a budget surprise. You want to know exactly what a shrimp basket costs or if the chicken wings are worth the drive. This guide breaks down the current menu, portion sizes, and what you should expect to pay at the counter.
Prices can shift slightly between locations, but the core menu stays the same. We have pulled together the most recent data from store visits and customer receipts to give you a clear picture. No guesswork, just the numbers you need to order with confidence.
J & J Fish & Chicken Menu With Prices
This is the main event. Below you will find the standard pricing structure for the most popular items. Remember that combo meals and family packs offer the best value if you are feeding more than one person.
Fried Fish Dinners
The fish is the star here. They use whiting, catfish, and tilapia depending on the location. All dinners come with fries, a dinner roll, and your choice of hot sauce or tartar sauce.
- 2 Piece Whiting Dinner – $8.99
- 3 Piece Whiting Dinner – $11.49
- 2 Piece Catfish Dinner – $10.99
- 3 Piece Catfish Dinner – $13.49
- Whole Tilapia Dinner – $12.99
- Shrimp & Fish Combo (2 fish + 5 shrimp) – $13.99
You can swap the fries for onion rings for a small upcharge. Most stores charge about $1.50 extra for that swap. The fish is always fried to order, so expect a short wait even when the line is short.
Chicken Dinners
If you are not in the mood for seafood, the chicken is crispy and well seasoned. They use a spicy breading that has a decent kick. You can ask for mild if you prefer less heat.
- 4 Piece Chicken Dinner – $9.49
- 6 Piece Chicken Dinner – $12.99
- 8 Piece Chicken Dinner (Family) – $16.99
- Chicken Tender Dinner (4 pieces) – $10.49
- Chicken Gizzards Dinner – $9.99
The 8 piece family dinner is a solid deal. It comes with two large fries and four rolls. That is enough to feed three hungry adults or two adults and two kids.
Shrimp Dinners
Shrimp baskets are popular for a reason. The shrimp are butterflied and fried with the same crispy batter as the fish. You get a generous portion, not the tiny shrimp you see at some fast food places.
- 6 Piece Shrimp Dinner – $9.99
- 10 Piece Shrimp Dinner – $12.99
- 15 Piece Shrimp Dinner – $16.49
- Shrimp & Chicken Combo (5 shrimp + 2 pieces chicken) – $13.49
If you are really hungry, go for the 15 piece. It is a lot of food. The shrimp are large and the batter stays crunchy even after you drive home with them.
Sandwiches And Po Boys
Sandwiches are a lighter option, but they are still filling. The fish sandwich uses a whole piece of fish, not a patty. That makes a big difference in taste.
- Fish Sandwich – $6.99
- Shrimp Po Boy – $8.49
- Fish Po Boy – $8.99
- Chicken Sandwich – $6.49
- Catfish Sandwich – $8.49
All sandwiches come with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on request. The po boys are served on a hoagie roll that holds up well to the sauce. Ask for extra sauce on the side if you like it messy.
Side Items
You can order sides separately if you are not in the mood for a full dinner. These prices are standard across most J & J locations.
- French Fries (Regular) – $2.99
- French Fries (Large) – $4.49
- Onion Rings (6 pieces) – $4.99
- Cole Slaw – $1.99
- Mac and Cheese – $3.49
- Collard Greens – $3.49
- Dinner Roll – $0.99
The mac and cheese is creamy and baked. It is not the watery kind you get at some places. The collard greens are smoky and cooked with smoked turkey, not pork.
Family Meals And Buckets
For larger groups, the bucket meals are the way to go. These are designed for sharing and come with extra sides.
- Fish Bucket (10 pieces fish + 2 large fries) – $24.99
- Chicken Bucket (12 pieces + 2 large fries) – $22.99
- Mixed Bucket (6 fish + 6 chicken + 2 large fries) – $26.99
- Shrimp Bucket (30 shrimp + 2 large fries) – $29.99
These buckets are great for parties or a big family dinner. The mixed bucket is the most popular because it gives everyone a choice. You can also add extra sides to any bucket for a discounted price.
Breakfast Menu
Some locations serve breakfast on weekends. This is not available everywhere, so call ahead to check. The breakfast menu is simple but tasty.
- Fish & Grits – $8.99
- Shrimp & Grits – $10.99
- Chicken & Waffles – $9.99
- Egg & Cheese Sandwich – $4.99
Breakfast is usually served until 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday. The fish and grits is a southern classic done right. The grits are buttery and smooth, not lumpy.
Drinks And Desserts
You can get standard soft drinks, sweet tea, and bottled water. Some locations also have fresh lemonade.
- Soft Drinks (Medium) – $2.49
- Soft Drinks (Large) – $2.99
- Sweet Tea – $2.49
- Bottled Water – $1.99
- Fresh Lemonade – $3.49
- Peach Cobbler – $3.99
- Banana Pudding – $3.49
The peach cobbler is worth saving room for. It is served warm with a buttery crust. The banana pudding is also homemade and comes in a generous cup.
How To Order Smart At J & J
Ordering at J & J is straightforward, but there are a few tricks to get the best value. Follow these steps to make sure you leave happy.
- Check the daily specials board. Many locations have a lunch special that includes a smaller fish dinner with a drink for around $8.
- Ask for your sauce on the side. This keeps the breading crispy if you are taking the food home.
- Order the combo meals instead of separate items. You save about $2 compared to ordering a la carte.
- Go during off-peak hours (2 PM to 4 PM) to avoid the rush. The food is fresher and you wait less.
- Bring cash if you can. Some locations offer a small discount for cash payments, usually around 5%.
If you are ordering for a group, call ahead. You can place a phone order and skip the line entirely. Most locations will have your food ready in 15 to 20 minutes.
Portion Sizes Explained
One common question is how much food you actually get. The portion sizes are generous, but they vary by item.
- A 2 piece fish dinner is enough for one person with a medium appetite.
- A 3 piece fish dinner will fill up a hungry adult.
- The 10 piece shrimp dinner is perfect for one person who loves shrimp.
- The 15 piece shrimp dinner can be shared or saved for later.
- Chicken dinners are sized by piece count, so a 4 piece is light, a 6 piece is standard, and an 8 piece is for sharing.
The fries are always a large portion. You will not feel cheated on the sides. The dinner roll is soft and buttery, good for soaking up any extra tartar sauce.
Nutritional Considerations
This is fried food, so it is not the healthiest option. But you can make smarter choices if you are watching your intake.
- Opt for grilled fish if the location offers it. Not all do, but some have a grilled option for the same price.
- Skip the fries and get a double order of coleslaw instead. It saves calories and adds some crunch.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda.
- Share a bucket meal with a friend instead of ordering two separate dinners.
The fish is fried in soybean oil, which is trans-fat free. The chicken is marinated before breading, which adds flavor but also sodium. If you are on a low-salt diet, ask for no seasoning salt on your fries.
Comparing Prices Across Locations
J & J Fish & Chicken has multiple locations, mostly in the Chicago area and some in other states. Prices can vary slightly depending on the neighborhood and local costs.
In general, downtown or mall locations charge about $1 more per dinner. Standalone stores in residential areas tend to have lower prices. The menu items are the same, but the specials might differ.
If you are near a location that offers online ordering, you can see the exact prices for that store. This is the best way to avoid any surprises. The online menu is usually updated within a day of any price change.
What Customers Say About The Prices
Most regulars agree that the prices are fair for the portion sizes. A typical dinner costs between $9 and $14, which is competitive with other fried fish chains.
Some customers note that the prices have gone up over the past year. A 3 piece fish dinner that used to cost $9.99 is now $11.49. This is in line with rising food costs across the industry.
The value is still there because the portions have not shrunk. You are getting the same amount of food for a slightly higher price. The quality of the fish and the crispy batter keeps people coming back.
Tips For First Timers
If you have never been to J & J, here is what you need to know before you walk in.
- Bring cash or a card. Most locations accept both, but cash speeds up the line.
- Check the hours. Some locations close by 9 PM, others stay open until midnight.
- Ask for extra napkins. The food is messy, especially the shrimp.
- Try the hot sauce. It is house-made and adds a nice kick to the fish.
- Do not skip the lemonade. It is freshly squeezed and balances the fried food well.
The staff is usually friendly but busy. Have your order ready when you reach the counter. This keeps the line moving and ensures you get your food hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about the menu and pricing.
Does J & J Fish and Chicken have a senior discount?
Yes, many locations offer a 10% senior discount for customers over 65. You need to ask at the counter. It is not advertised on the menu board.
Are the prices the same for delivery apps?
No. Delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash add a markup of about 15-20%. The menu prices on the apps are higher than in-store. You will save money by ordering directly.
Can I order a half order of fries?
Some locations will let you order a small fry for about $1.99. It is not on the menu, but you can ask. The regular fry is already a large portion.
Is the fish wild-caught or farm-raised?
Most locations use farm-raised catfish and whiting. The tilapia is also farm-raised. This keeps the prices lower than wild-caught options.
Do they have a kids menu?
There is no official kids menu, but you can order a single piece of fish or chicken with a small fry for about $5. Just ask the cashier for a “kids plate.”
Final Thoughts On The Menu
The J & J Fish & Chicken menu with prices is straightforward and affordable. You get crispy fried seafood and chicken at a price that beats most sit-down restaurants. The key is to know what you want before you get to the counter.
Stick to the combo meals and buckets for the best value. The individual dinners are good, but the combos give you more variety for your money. And do not forget to grab a slice of peach cobbler on the way out.
Prices are subject to change, so it is always a good idea to confirm at your local store. But this guide gives you a solid baseline for budgeting your next meal. Go ahead and get that 3 piece whiting dinner with extra tartar sauce. You now know exactly what it will cost.