Find a Friday Fish Fry for Lent in Columbus, plus other dining options

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter.

By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities.

When is Lent this year?

The dates for Lent changes each year. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is always held 46 days (40 fasting days and 6 Sundays) before Easter Sunday.

Friday Fish or Friday Fast

Some religions follow a Friday Fast, with requires fasting from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent as a sacrifice to recognize that Jesus died on a Friday.

Since fish is cold-blooded, it is not considered animal meat, and is therefore acceptable to consume on Fridays or other fasting days during Lent. 

While the rules for fasting and consumption during the Lenten season vary between religions, eating fish on Fridays is generally acceptable. As a result, many churches, organizations, and restaurants hosts Fish Fries or specials on fish on Fridays during Lent.

Find a Fish Fry or other Fish Dinners for Lent on Fridays 2024

Read below for some options for fish dinner for Lent on Fridays around Columbus. If you have one you’d like to be added to the list, please leave a comment, or email info@columbusonthecheap.com

“Eat Fish, Love People” fish fry Gender Road Christian Church

Dine-in and carryout. Every Friday from March 1 through March 22. 2024 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm.

Each Meal consists of fish (ocean perch), french fries, green beans, coleslaw, 1 water or can of pop and a dessert. Adult Fish $14.00 – Mac & Cheese $10.00 (Mac & Cheese is substituted for fish).  Children 11 and under $6.00 either meal. Details on the website.

Cash or Electronic Payment can be made via Venmo or by credit card reader. Proceeds benefit missions and outreach.

5336 Gender Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110. 614-834-5973

Knights of Columbus Council 12772 Fish Fry

St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Center, 670 W. Main St. Plain City, OH 43064

Carryout or Dine in. Fridays during Lent, February 16, February 23, March 1, March 8, March 15, and March 22 from 5:30pm till 8:00pm. Come to the St. Joseph Parish Activity Center (behind the fire station in Plain City) for a Lenten dinner and community.

Download and complete the order form which you can fill out and bring with you to speed up your ordering. See details and order form here.

Prices for meals will be Adult $12, Senior $10, and Kids under 12 $8. Dessert is a free-will cash offering.

Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted. Credit cards will have a $1.00 convenience fee added to the charge. Cash is excepted, but exact change is preferred. Proceeds benefit K of C Council 12772 Charity Activities!

St Michael of Worthington Lenten Fish Fry

5750 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio, 43085

Drive thru or Dine In Every Friday during Lent, Feb 16-March 22, from 5 pm – 7:30 pm. Fish dinner is $13 each, and macaroni and cheese dinners are $10 each. Both meals include fries, applesauce or coleslaw, and a roll.

See details on website. 

Fish Fry Knights of Columbus Council 1056 Fish Fry at St. Mary Church, Delaware

66 E. William St., Delaware (Commons)

Dine in or Drive Thru. Dates are February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22 from 5-7PM in the Commons of St Mary School.

Live music during dine-in. Stations of the Cross at 7 pm in the Church. Drive-thru orders can be placed online and picked up between 5-7 pm. 

Dine in Menu, or order your dinner each week between Sunday and Thursday by 5 pm for pickup on Friday.

Drive Thru Fish Fry at St. Catharine of Siena Church

500 S Gould Rd Columbus, OH 43209

Drive thru or Dine-in. Feb 16, Mar 8, Mar 22 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm. Meals are $14, kids 5-12 are $5, and include Fried Ocean Perch or Baked Cod, Fries, Coleslaw, Applesauce, and a Roll. Add an 8oz Mac and Cheese side dish for $5 each.

Dine-in is all you can eat, free beverages. Beer and wine available for purchase. Cash or credit card accepted. See details here.

St. Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

10700 Liberty Road South, Powell, Ohio 43065

Drive thru or Dine in. “ALL YOU CARE TO EAT” DINE IN Fish Fry Buffet Dinner is back. Come between 5 and 7 PM and pay when you arrive. TO GO EXPRESS is also available. Pre-pay anytime before you arrive and skip the line. 

Cost is $10-$15 per dinner (free for ages 0-9) with baked or fried fish, choice of sides; Cole Slaw, Green Beans, Mac N Cheese, French Fries, or Baked Potato. No carryout for all you can eat dine-in. Dessert will vary each week and is available for $3 each. Volunteers welcome!

Feb. 16 & 23, March 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM in the Social Hall

No pre-order for dine-in, to-go orders can pre-pay to skip the line. For more details and to place your order, go to www.bestfishfry.com.

Church of the Resurrection New Albany 

6300 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany (Ministry Center)

Dine-in or Drive through. Fridays from Feb 16 through March 22, 2024 from 4:30-7:30 p.m., plus lunch from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Dine-in and enjoy the famous Lenten fish fry dinner buffet. The all-you-can-eat dinner buffet includes fried and baked fish, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, cole slaw, variety of soup, vegetable lo mein, and kid-friendly favorites like grilled cheese and Jet’s cheese pizza. Desserts are available for donation. The buffet is $10-$16.

Or choose drive thru or carryout for lunch or dinner. The lunch or drive-thru dinner features fish fillets, French fries, and cole slaw for $14. There is a vegetarian veggie lo mein option as well. Details and preorder available here.

Emerald Society Fish Fry at Shamrock Club of Columbus

Fridays through March 22, 2023 from 5:30 PM  8:00 PM. Featuring all-you-can-eat fried fire house fish, Potatoes O’Rourke Cop’s Cole Slaw, Irish Green Beans, O’Mac & Cheese for the Kids, Dessert

Adults $17 and $12 for children under 12. Carryout Available. Membership required for purchase of alcoholic beverages at the pub. If you’re not a member, join now! 

Shamrock Club of Columbus, 60 West Castle Rd, Columbus, OH, 43207

Westerville Special Olympics Fish Fry

Friday, March 22, 2024 from 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Blendon Masonic Lodge #339 is hosting its fourth annual fish fry benefiting the Special Olympics. All you can eat fish fry is $14, and includes: 

• Hand breaded Alaskan pollock
• Apple sauce
• Cole slaw
• French fries
• Mac & cheese

Carry out orders available! Kids 8 and under eat free. See event details here. 

Knights of Columbus Marian Council 3864 Fish Fry

Casey Club Hall, 4217 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43213-3029

TBA for 2024. See Facebook page for updates.

Restaurant Lenten Specials

Swenson Drive-Ins 

Swensons isn’t just for burgers! Swensons Drive-Ins caters to those observing no-meat Fridays during Lent with a delightful and flaky fish sandwich available year-round.

If fish isn’t your preference, fear not! Swensons offers alternative meatless options such as a grilled cheese, egg salad sandwich, and Salad Boy (veggie burger). Paired with Swensons’ renowned crispy sides, these choices are sure to satisfy any appetite. See details and Columbus-area locations.

Red Lobster Fish Fry Friday 

Red Lobster offers a variety of delicious seafood options, available to enjoy in-restaurant and at-home. As part of Red Lobster’s Daily Deals, guests can indulge in Fish Fry Friday, featuring hand-battered, wild-caught cod served with fries and coleslaw for only $15, available in-restaurant and To Go or via touchless delivery directly from RedLobster.com/order.

For those who prefer to cook, Red Lobster offers a Fish Fry Mix, complete with all the flavors and spices you know and love, for perfectly breading seafood at-home, available for purchase at grocery stores nationwide and online.

Columbus Fish Market

A seafood restaurant is an obvious choice during Lent, and Columbus Fish Market has all of the seafood on the regular menu, plus Lenten specials. Dine-in, carryout, and delivery available.

Old Bag of Nails

Their Fish & Chips are a year round favorite, so they are obviously a popular choice on Fridays during the Lenten season. In addition, Old Bag of Nails usually offers Seasonal Menu Specials with additional seafood dishes. Check website for new details.

Church’s Texas Chicken®

New options, just in time for Lent at Church’s Texas Chicken, 1100 Cleveland Avenue

• Wild-caught Pacific Pollock Fish Filet, coated in signature seasoned panko breading and cooked until crisp and golden. Starting at $3.99
• Classic Shrimp marinated in signature seasoning blend and coated with a crunchy Southern breading. The Six-Piece Classic Shrimp includes a Honey-Butter Biscuit™ starting at just $3.99. For a family-sized seafood offer, guests can pick up a Twenty-Piece Classic Shrimp and hand-battered Six-Piece Tenders Combo starting at $15.99.

McDonalds Filet-O-Fish

You either love the slice of cheese on it, or you don’t. But either way, the filet-o-fish is a staple for many during Lent. Plus the Shamrock Shake is back (that is, if the ice cream machine is working at any particular location). Check the app to see what discounts are available (often free fries or $ off your total). 

Fun Fact – did you know the Filet-O-Fish was created in Cincinnati for Lent due to a large local Catholic population and struggling franchise. Read more about it here.

Marco’s Pizza

The pizza place has pulled together some options for those observing Lent. Fridays are perfect for pizza!

Marco’s is your go-to for pizza Fridays during lent with delicious non-meat options like the XL Big Cheese Pizza or the Garden Pizza.

Garden Pizza – Featuring a plethora of veggie toppings including mushrooms, black olives, onions, sliced tomatoes, Marco’s original sauce and signature three cheeses, and feta
Build Your Own Pizza or Pizza Bowl – Enjoy a traditional pizza or a delicious, crustless pizza baked in a bowl. Featuring Marco’s original sauce, three fresh signature cheeses and favorite toppings, including 11 different types of veggies like banana peppers, black olives, spinach, jalapenos and more! No need to feel guilty about this pizza meal.
DEAL! Check out your local Marco’s Hot Deals Page

El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant

Seafood specials for any dietary needs:

Del Mar Bowl – Grilled shrimp sautéed with zucchini, roasted red and poblano peppers, on creamy red sauce over a bed of brown Mexican rice or black beans.
Shrimp Enchiladas – Three bean enchiladas, topped with grilled shrimp and covered with cheese sauce, served with Mexican brown rice, lettuce, sour cream and tomato.
Camarones Veracruz – Grilled shrimp, squash, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, over a bed of brown Mexican rice, topped with signature medium spicy cheese sauce. Served with guacamole salad, sour cream, tomato, and tortillas.
Tilapia San Lucas – Grilled fish tilapia. Served with brown Mexican rice, pico de gallo, guacamole, chipotle sauce, and tortillas.

Cameron Mitchell restaurants

Check out these unique seafood highlights from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants concepts

Swordfish at Cento
Shrimp Tacos at El Segundo Mexican Kitchen
Vegetable Roll at Lincoln Social Rooftop
King Salmon at Mitchell’s Ocean Club
Kung Pao Calamari at Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro
Crispy Snapper at SoCal Kitchen + Bar
Shrimp Dejonghe at The Avenue Steak Tavern
N’awlins Style Baked Oysters at The Pearl

More Fish Frys in Columbus

compiled by The Catholic Times

COLUMBUS CENTER

ST. DOMINIC CHURCH
453 N. 20th St., Columbus
Saturday, 3/9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH
280 N. Grant Ave., Columbus
Fridays, 2/16-3/8, 3/22, 5-7 p.m.

COLUMBUS NORTH

OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH
1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH
1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus (Parish Life Center)
Soup Supper and Bible Study
Wednesdays, 2/21-28, 3/6-27, 6-7:30 p.m. 

ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH
10700 Liberty Road, Powell
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 7:30 p.m.

ST. BRENDAN CHURCH
4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard (school)
Fridays, 2/16-2/23, 3/8-3/22, 5-7 p.m.

ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH
1420 Grandview Ave., Grandview Heights (Trinity School cafeteria)
Polish Dinner
Friday, 3/22, 6-9 p.m.

ST. MARGARET OF CORTONA
1600 N. Hague Ave., Columbus
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
414 E. North Broadway, Columbus (Marian Hall)
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 7:30 p.m.

ST. MICHAEL CHURCH
5750 N. High St., Worthington
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7:30 p.m.

CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION
6300 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany (Ministry Center)
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Lunch, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 

ST. ELIZABETH CHURCH
6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7 p.m.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH
9633 E. State Route 37, Sunbury (Faith and Family Center)
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4-7 p.m.

ST. PAUL CHURCH
313 N. State St., Westerville (Miller Hall)
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7:30 p.m.

ST. ANDREW CHURCH
1899 McCoy Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/23, 3/8, 3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

COLUMBUS EAST

OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL CHURCH
5225 Refugee Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/23, 3/8-3/22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 5:30 p.m.

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH
4383 E. Broad St., Columbus
Fridays, 2/23, 3/8, 3/22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON PARISH
600 Hill Road N., Pickerington (Activity Center)
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

ST. CATHARINE CHURCH
500 S. Gould Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/16, 3/8, 3/22, 5-7:30 p.m. 

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH
807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

ST. PIUS X CHURCH
1051 S. Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg (Parish Center)
Fridays, 2/16, 3/1, 3/8, 5-7:30 p.m.

COLUMBUS WEST

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH
3752 Broadway, Grove City (School Cafeteria)
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

SS. SIMON AND JUDE CHURCH
9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson
Lenten Pasta Dinners
Fridays, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 5-7 p.m.

ST. CECILIA CHURCH
434 Norton Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7:30 p.m.

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH
670 W. Main St., Plain City
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5:30-8 p.m.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH
226 Elm St., London (School)
Fridays, 2/23, 3/8, 3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

OUTSIDE METRO COLUMBUS

ST. MARY CHURCH
1232 E. Center St., Marion (K of C Hall)
Fridays, 2/9-3/22, 5-7:30 p.m.

ST. PETER CHURCH
379 S. Crawford St., Millersburg
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4-7 p.m.

SACRED HEART CHURCH
139 Third St. NE, New Philadelphia
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4-7 p.m.

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
555 S. Main St., Johnstown
Fridays, 2/23-3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR
785 Newark Road, Granville
Fridays, 2/23-3/22, 4-7:30 p.m.

ST. LEONARD CHURCH
57 Dorsey Mill Road., Heath
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY
1835 Dover-Zoar Road, Bolivar
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4-7 p.m.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL
39 Burt Ave., Coshocton
Friday, 3/8, 5-7 p.m.

ST. PETER IN CHAINS
2167 Lick Run Lyra Road, Wheelersburg
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

SACRED HEARTS CHURCH
4680 U.S. Highway 42, Cardington
Friday, 3/15, 5-7 p.m.

ST. COLMAN OF CLOYNE CHURCH
219 S. North St., Washington Court House
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4:30-7 p.m.

BISHOP FLAGET SCHOOL
285 W. Water St., Chillicothe (St. Peter Parish Hall)
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 4-7 p.m.

HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL
225 S. Columbus St., Somerset
Fridays, 2/16, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 4:30-7 p.m.

ST. LUKE CHURCH
7 W. Rambo St., Danville
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7 p.m.

ST. FRANCIS de SALES CHURCH
38 Granville St., Newark
Fridays, 2/16-3/22, 5-7 p.m.