Crunchy, juicy, flakey… Fried fish is a dish that never misses, especially during Lent and its tradition of the neighborhood fish fry. Starting on Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 14 this year, many Christians and Catholics 18 years and up spend the day fasting. Those 14 years and up begin to abstain from eating meat (besides fish) in preparation for the Easter feast.
To replace the missed protein, many churches, lodges, fire departments, and restaurants hold fish fries where those participating or not can come enjoy a delicious meal of deep fried goodness. These fish fries each Friday during Lent usually consist of a fried fish or shrimp entree along with mac and cheese, haluski, or french fry sides. Because we’re sure you’re hungry just thinking about all these yummy flavors, here’s a list of places to find your friend fish meal this Ash Wednesday. There are even more fish fry options on the official Pittsburgh Lenten Fish Fry Map.
Highland Hose Volunteer Fire Company
Tarentum
Starting Ash Wednesday and every Friday after, grab a Fish Sandwich or Shrimp Dinner from the Highland Hose Volunteer Fire Company. Each meal comes with coleslaw and french fries, plus they have additional options of Cheese Pizza and Pierogi Pizza for those who don’t eat seafood.
North Braddock VFD
North Braddock
Chow down on a deep fried cod from the North Braddock VFD Ash Wednesday and every Friday of Lent. Choose from cod or shrimp for dinner then add on crab cakes, haluski, and mac and cheese to make it a feast.
Skyview VFD West Mifflin #4 Station 296
West Mifflin
Eat in, take out, or get the Skyview VFD’s delicious Lenten specials delivered on Ash Wednesday and Fridays. Dine on Fish Sandwiches, Shrimp Baskets, and Crab Cake Dinners accompanied by heaping sides of haluski and mac and cheese. They also carry a Grilled Cheese dinner for the little picky eaters of the family.
Saint Paul of the Cross Parish
Castle Shannon
You’re sure to have leftovers after dining at the Saint Paul of the Cross Parish’s Fish Fry. Order any of their seafood dinners (cod, shrimp, or crab cakes) that come with sides of coleslaw, baked potato or french fries, and a roll. Don’t forget to pick up dessert and pierogies from Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church.
St. Joseph the Worker Parish
Forest Hills
Fish sandwiches, sides, drinks, a huge bake sale, and pierogies, oh my! You’re sure not to leave hungry after enjoying crispy deep fried or baked fish, fresh shrimp, haluski, mac and cheese, coleslaw, pizza, and more. Just make sure you leave room for a sweet treat at the St. Joseph the Worker Parish’s bake sale.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
South Side
Continue your Ash Wednesday celebration with a Lenten lunch from Holy Trinity Cathedral and dinners every Friday through Good Friday. Pick out a fish or shrimp dinner with your choice of two sides. Or fill your belly full of perogies and baked goods like a Nut Roll or Apple Streudle if you’re not feeling fishy.
Allegheny Elks Lodge #339
North Shore
If you’re near the North Shore then you don’t have to travel far for a fish fry. Each meal of hand-breaded Atlantic cod on a Breadworks roll comes with two choices of either fries, mac and cheese, stewed tomatoes, or coleslaw as sides. The lodge notes that line wait times could be up to an hour and a half long so be sure to get there early, it’s worth the wait.
Divine Grace Parish
Cranberry Township
Take out or dine in to enjoy something a little different from Divine Grace Parish. This year, they will be serving Fish Tacos as a dinner option accompanied by one starch and one side option. But you can still go traditional with a fish sandwich, shrimp main course, or pierogi dinner.
If you’re looking to have your own at-home “fish fry” this year, try our Fancy Fish Sticks for your next dinner.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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