John's Seafood Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
If you are searching for the classic John's Seafood menu, you have likely realized that this beloved brand name belongs to several legendary, independent regional seafood spots across the East Coast. Because there is no single national corporate chain, finding accurate menu prices and details depends on exactly which location you plan to visit.
Whether you are craving the famous golden-fried whiting platters at the iconic John’s Seafood in Philadelphia (54th & Wyalusing), hunting down steamed blue crabs at John’s Seafood in Paulsboro, NJ, or looking for a casual sit-down family meal at St. John’s Seafood & Oyster Bar in Florida, this guide breaks down what to expect. Below, you will find estimated 2026 in-store prices, popular items, dietary warnings, and practical ordering tips to help you get the best value without paying unnecessary delivery markups.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
John's Seafood locations are famous for large portions of regional seafood, ranging from fried fish takeout to market-price steamed crabs.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest John's Seafood Menu Prices
Because "John's Seafood" encompasses several distinct regional restaurants, menu prices and offerings are location-dependent. For readers comparing fresh seafood takeout options against national fast-food seafood chains like Long John Silver's, you will generally find larger portions and fresher ingredients here.
Below is the verified breakdown for the most popular regional John's Seafood locations, starting with the famous Philadelphia takeout spot.
John’s Seafood (Philadelphia, PA) Menu
Located at 54th & Wyalusing, this is an iconic walk-up takeout restaurant specializing in fried fish platters and classic Southern sides.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whiting Platter | Seafood Platters | Est. $11.99 in-store | Not published | A filling classic dinner | Includes 3 large pieces, fries, coleslaw & bread |
| Shrimp Platter | Seafood Platters | Est. $13.49 in-store | Not published | Fried shrimp fans | Includes 10 golden-fried jumbo shrimp |
| Catfish Platter | Seafood Platters | Est. $14.99 in-store | Not published | Southern-style takeout | 2 large farm-raised catfish fillets |
| Seafood Combo Platter | Seafood Platters | Est. $18.99 in-store | Not published | Huge appetites | Whiting, Shrimp, and Crab Cake/Oysters |
| Whiting Sandwich | Sandwiches | Est. $7.49 in-store | Not published | Budget meals on the go | Served on white bread; a massive portion |
| Crab Cake Sandwich | Sandwiches | Est. $9.49 in-store | Not published | A quick seafood lunch | Made daily, lightly fried |
| Baked Macaroni & Cheese | Sides | Est. $3.99 (Sm) / $6.99 (Lg) | Not published | Side dish upgrade | Traditional Southern-style baked crust |
| Collard Greens | Sides | Est. $3.99 (Sm) / $6.99 (Lg) | Not published | Savory veggie side | Typically cooked with turkey |
John’s Seafood (Paulsboro, NJ) Menu
The New Jersey location operates primarily as a fresh fish market and takeout hub, highly sought after for its market-price steamed shellfish. If you enjoy the heavy seasoning profiles of spots like Juicy Seafood, you will appreciate their fresh steamed crab legs.
| Menu Section | What You'll Find | Price Notes | Nutrition Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Crabs (By the Dozen) | Blue crabs steamed with Old Bay | Market Price (Fluctuates daily) | Not published | Summer crab boils |
| Snow Crab Legs | Steamed and tossed in garlic butter | Market Price (Fluctuates daily) | Not published | Rich, buttery shellfish dinner |
| Steamed Shrimp | Peel-and-eat shrimp by the half or full pound | Est. $12.99 - $22.99 | Not published | High-protein, lighter eating |
St. John's Seafood & Oyster Bar (Florida)
For readers in the Jacksonville and Crescent City areas, this is a casual, sit-down dining chain offering broader menu options more akin to spots like Jimmy's Steak and Seafood.
| Menu Section | What You'll Find | Price Notes | Nutrition Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oysters on the Half Shell | Raw or steamed oysters by the dozen | Check local restaurant | Not published | Appetizers and sharing |
| Broiled Seafood Platters | Whitefish, shrimp, scallops, deviled crab | Check local restaurant | Not published | Sit-down family dinners |
Popular Menu Items
When visiting the famous Philadelphia and New Jersey takeout counters, a few signature items stand out for their freshness, massive portions, and reliable seasoning.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiting Platter | The top seller. The cornmeal seasoning is perfectly salted and fried to order, providing a massive portion of fish for the cost. | Est. $11.99 (In-store) | Not published |
| Garlic Butter Snow Crab Legs | A New Jersey staple. Steamed fresh, never rubbery, and heavily coated in a savory garlic butter blend. | Market Price | Not published |
| Baked Macaroni & Cheese | Authentic Southern-style baked mac with a beautifully caramelized cheese crust on top and creamy layers underneath. | Est. $3.99 (Small) | Not published |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Whiting Platter (Philadelphia)
This is the quintessential urban takeout staple. It is consistently crispy, highly seasoned, and offers enough food for a complete meal.
Whiting Sandwich
A brilliant budget hack: for under $8, you get two massive pieces of fried whiting packed between white bread. It easily eats like a meal.
Seafood Combo Platter
Instead of buying sides of shrimp and oysters separately, the combo platter piles everything together, saving you around $5 overall.
Peel-and-Eat Steamed Shrimp
Skipping the deep fryer in favor of steamed shrimp offers high protein without the heavy breading or oil.
Steamed Blue Crabs (NJ Location)
A regional favorite, these crabs are coated generously in Old Bay seasoning and steamed to order.
Catfish Sandwich
Easily adapted to your liking-ask the counter for extra pickles and hot sauce packets to cut through the rich fry batter.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
If you are looking to maximize your dollar at an independent seafood shop, strategy matters. Avoid premium shellfish and stick to combo platters and sandwiches.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiting Sandwich | You get multiple fillets of fish for a significantly lower price than a full platter. | Does not come with sides like fries or coleslaw. | Ask for extra hot sauce and tartar sauce to dress the bread. |
| Seafood Combo Platter | Purchasing single pieces of whiting, shrimp, and crab cakes individually is more expensive than the bundled platter. | It is a massive amount of food, often too much for one person. | Split this platter between two people and add an extra side of mac & cheese. |
| In-Store Ordering | Skips the 15-25% markup found on apps like Grubhub and DoorDash. | Long lines at the takeout window on weekends. | Call the store directly 20 minutes before you arrive to place your order for pickup. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Because John's Seafood locations are independent local restaurants rather than massive corporate chains, they are not legally required to publish standard, laboratory-tested nutritional information.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Platters | High in calories and fat due to deep-frying and heavy cornmeal/flour batters. | Cheat days and hearty meals | Medium (Estimates only) |
| Steamed Shellfish | Naturally low-calorie and high-protein, provided you do not drown it in garlic butter. | Lighter eating | Medium (Estimates only) |
| Southern Sides & Seasoning | Old Bay, crab seasoning, and soul food sides are naturally very high in sodium. | Those without strict sodium limits | Medium (Estimates only) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
If you have severe food allergies, dining at regional seafood takeout joints requires extreme caution due to small kitchen spaces and shared equipment.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shellfish Allergy | Frying oils and prep stations | Cross-contact is almost guaranteed. Fish fillets, shrimp, and oysters share the same frying oil. |
| Gluten-Free / Celiac | Batter ingredients and fryers | Most fried items use wheat-based batter, and shared fryers contaminate items like fries. Opt for steamed crabs with no seasoning. |
| Soy Allergy | Cooking oil | Kitchens generally use commercial vegetable or soybean oil. Always verify with the manager on duty. |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
- Locals and visitors trying to find accurate estimated prices before heading to the takeout window.
- Families on a budget looking for large, shareable combo platters.
- Delivery app users who want to know how much money they can save by picking up their order in-store.
- People with dietary restrictions who need to know about the severe cross-contact risks of shared fryers.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
To get the best food and avoid long wait times at independent John's Seafood counters, follow these strategies:
- Call ahead for takeout. Famous locations (like West Philly) have notoriously long lines on Friday and Saturday nights. Calling in your order 20 minutes early saves you a long wait on the sidewalk.
- Always ask for the "Market Price" before ordering crabs. Shellfish pricing fluctuates daily based on the catch. Ask the cashier for the day's rate to avoid sticker shock.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices and fees will almost always be higher than walking up to the physical counter.
- Ask for condiments explicitly. Hot sauce, tartar sauce, and ketchup are complimentary, but in the middle of a busy rush, staff may forget to pack them in your bag unless you specifically ask.
- Ask about crab sizes. When ordering blue crabs, sizes can range from Medium to Jumbo. Verify what size they have in stock before committing to a dozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does John's Seafood have a menu with prices online?
There is no single corporate website, but local John's Seafood locations list their prices on physical in-store menu boards and local delivery apps. Prices for fish platters typically range from $11 to $19, though they vary by location.
Do prices vary by location?
Yes, heavily. A Whiting Platter in Philadelphia will have a different price structure than a Broiled Seafood Platter at St. John's Seafood in Florida. Furthermore, all crabs and fresh catch are subject to daily Market Price.
Where can I find calories for John's Seafood?
Because these are independent regional restaurants, they do not publish official nutritional data or calorie counts.
Does John's Seafood have an allergen menu?
No official allergen menu is published. Due to the nature of the kitchen, guests with severe shellfish, fish, wheat/gluten, or soy allergies should assume a very high risk of cross-contact in shared fryers.
What are popular items at John's Seafood in Philadelphia?
The Whiting Platter, Shrimp Platter, Catfish Sandwich, and sides of Baked Macaroni & Cheese and Collard Greens are the most highly recommended items.
What are the best things to order at John's Seafood in NJ?
The steamed Blue Crabs (with Old Bay) and the Garlic Butter Snow Crab Legs are massive local favorites.
What are the cheapest items on the menu?
The fish sandwiches (like the Whiting Sandwich or Catfish Sandwich) are generally the best value, offering a massive amount of food for under $9.
Can I order online or in the app?
Many independent locations partner with Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats for online delivery, though ordering directly at the physical restaurant will save you money on app markup fees.
Are delivery prices different?
Yes. It is common for local restaurants to mark up their items by 15% to 25% on delivery apps to cover the platform commission fees. For the lowest prices, walk in or call the store directly.
Conclusion
Whether you are craving the crispy whiting of Philadelphia, the fresh crabs of New Jersey, or a sit-down meal in Florida, the John's Seafood name delivers classic, massive portions of regional coastal favorites. While you won't find calorie counts, you will find excellent budget options if you stick to sandwiches, combo platters, and in-store ordering.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
