Review: Fly To Your Closest Long John Silver's To Get This Nostalgic Classic That Just Came Back

Many people have thought Long John Silver's was on its way out for years, but the restaurant may soon have to change its name to The Comeback Kid. While the chain was still closing restaurants just a couple of months ago, there might still be another chapter in this epic tale. The restaurant is celebrating 16 consecutive quarters of growth and isn't going out without a fight. We just recently reviewed new items on the Long John Silver's fall menu, which were great and tastefully fit the brand. And today, Long John's is bringing back a nostalgic favorite that most of us thought was lost to history — the Peg Leg!

Of course, the chain is simply calling them Crispy Chicken Wings this time around. But if you know, you know. LSJ Peg Legs has a cult following, and some loyal customers have boycotted the brand since they were removed from the menu somewhere around the late '70s, if former staff memories serve correct. But now everyone can come on back, and if my opinion carries any weight, I'll say you should go back. I was personally allowed to watch this new item being prepared, and thankfully also allowed to eat, in the LJS test kitchen last month. And let me tell you all — these new chicken wings are not going to disappoint, even if you have been waiting over 40 years to have them again. Rest assured, this is what you've been missing.

Even though I could most likely recite from memory most of Long John Silver's menu items, ranked in order of personal preference, you never really know what you are going to get from a test kitchen tasting. But I kept an open mind and hoped that the brand hadn't veered too far from its original course with the new unknown items I was about to taste. There are many trendy flavors flooding the market, but I can't think of many I want popping up in Long John Silver's. The restaurant did just recently jump on the pickle flavor train by dropping LTO fried dill pickles! But how far can the beloved brand safely venture?

While I didn't know what I was going to be tasting, I did know in my mind what I wanted it to taste like long before I got there. When I eat at Long John Silver's, I expect to taste the signature batter flavor along with something of quality that supports or elevates that taste. It all orbits the batter. You can just purchase fried batter! (The company calls it "crumblies.") But when you are working within such a niche profile, creating something new that still honors the brand is a tall order. But I'm more than happy to report that while a trendy path has been taken, it is one of nostalgia. It fits the brand. And even better — it's hand-battered.

Once I knew that I was going to be tasting the new Crispy Battered Wings, I was able to broaden my expectations. LJS is known for its quality fish, so my expectations for the quality of the wings came immediately into play. Visually, I was pleased with the size, which included both drumsticks and flats. They weren't the biggest wings I've had, but they definitely had more meat than many I have seen at wing-specific chains. I could tell just by looking that the yummy LJS batter had been applied by hand so precisely that it wasn't giving the wing any illusion of a larger size. It also meant that I should be able to enjoy the flavor of both the chicken and the fried batter. And much to the delight of my inner child, that is exactly what happened.

As soon as the iconic buttery, salty, seasoned flavor that only Long John Silver's batter can bring hit my tongue, I was transported in time. Just as quickly, I was aware of my teeth biting into a pleasantly dense piece of chicken. This was both the quality and the elevation of its crispy encasing. It was a luscious bite that ended up filling my mouth as I chewed enjoyably on tender, juicy chicken and LJS batter. Why was there ever a doubt that this was going to be anything but fabulous? LJS Chicken Planks reach the same bar. And as a bonus, the wing makes for a more interactive eating experience.

As someone who is immersed so deeply in food, I have to say I was blown away by the high standards of both the items I received in the LJS test kitchen and the way in which they were prepared. That is not to say the brand has ever given me a reason to doubt it, although many others have. In today's economy, it's hard to see quality products that are actually affordable, let alone ones priced as a deal! And with all the recalls coming at us left and right, I will honestly say I ate that Long John Silver's with gusto because I felt like it was safe. That quality chicken had been deep-fried. Let some bacteria survive that!

I was offered my choice of numerous sauces (and you will be, too, with yours). And while normally I would have gone for a bit of ranch after recording my taste findings, I never reached for any. LJS even had its Old Bay Ranch right in front of me, but I didn't even consider dipping my wing. It tasted too good! It didn't need any additional flavor or moisture. Down to that last little nibble off the bone, it proved to be a tasty treat. It also ended up being much more filling than I expected, which adds points, in my opinion, to the affordability aspect. There was full-circle goodness going on with this menu item.

Starting today, nationwide, you can get the new LJS Crispy Battered Wings in a variety of sizes and a centerpiece companion option for two new platter choices. (This is bigger news than when lobster bites returned!) But it is important to note that these wings have only been brought back for a limited time. That being said, I do know that Long John Silver's is one company that is listening to customer feedback. So ... make your thoughts known. And while you're at it, let the company know you want your corn-on-the-cob back, too. 

Get to Long John Silver's today to order standalone 3, 6, 12, and 24 pieces of Crispy Battered Wings for around $2, $4, $7.50, and $15 respectively — prices may vary depending on your location. You can choose between Baja Sauce or Sweet Chili, although LJS may have other dip options if you ask. The new Fish & Wings Platter comes with 2 pieces of fish, 6 wings, 2 hushpuppies, and 2 sides of your choosing for around $13.50. And if you want to go all out, try the Gameday Platter, which includes 6 Crispy Battered Wings, 6 golden-fried shrimp, fried pickles, two sides, two hushpuppies, and dipping sauces, all for only $13.99.