Consider this your Fish Fry 101.
The dinner time phenomena known as the fish fry is commonly associated with the Roman Catholic community, because of early regulations that would not allow the faithful to eat meat on Fridays and through Lent, the 40-day period that follows Ash Wednesday.
As time went on people of other denominations began eatiing fish as an alternative to other meats on these days. In fact, the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish was invented when hamburger sales dipped on Fridays and through Lent, according to USA Today.
To this day, people still gather to eat fried fish on Fridays through Lent, giving birth to the tradition of the "Friday Fish Fry." In Minnesota and western Wisconsin, especially in lake country, there are many places to find a Friday Fish Fry year-round.
In honor of the beginning of Lent we put together a list of our favorite Friday Fish Fry spots, based on recommendations by KARE 11 staffers. Whether you're giving up meat for Lent or just plain hungry for fish, there is a place on this list for you.
Scroll to the bottom for an interactive map.
Churches
- Fridays, March 8 - April 12
- 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Adults ($12), Children 6-12 ($6)
- Fried and baked tilapia, with mashed or hash brown potatoes, meatless spaghetti, coleslaw, rolls, soup samples, homemade desserts and beverages
- Mini-raffles, bingo from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., cash raffles, live music
- March 8, March 22, April 12
- 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Archangel's Hall
- Adults ($12), Seniors 65 and older ($10), Children 5-13 ($6)
- Fried Alaskan pollock or baked cod, potato wedges, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, green beans, homemade rolls, dessert and beverages. To-go orders available.
- March 8, March 22, April 5
- 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Adults ($12), Children 5-12 ($5)
- Three pollock fish choices (breaded, beer batter and baked) with green beans, potato salad, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, mixed dessert, coffee, milk and water.
- March 8, April 12
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Free will offering
- Followed by Stations of the Cross
- Fried fish, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, coffee, lemonade, water, desserts, mac and cheese (for kids)
Bars
- Fridays, Nov. 1 - May 1
- 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- 2 pieces ($11.99) or 3 pieces ($13.99)
- Fridays, year-round
- 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- All you can eat Icelandic cod with choice of side and garlic toast ($13.95)
- Fridays, year-round
- 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Buffet ($12)
- Fridays, year-round
- Lunch - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 2 pieces of fried cod with potatoes, veggies and a roll ($7.99)
- Dinner - 5 p.m. to close
- All-you-can-eat battered cod, coleslaw and french fries ($11.99)
- Fridays, year-round
- 5-10 p.m.
- Fried fish basket with coleslaw, potato chips and sweet onion tartar sauce
- Cod ($12/$17), walleye ($13/$18), bluegill ($14/$19)
- Ash Wednesday and Fridays, March 8 - April 19
- Longfellow and Como Ave. locations
- All-you-can-eat beer battered cod, house slaw, tartar sauce, fries or tots ($13.95)
- Fridays, year-round
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- 5 pieces of hand-breaded cod, french fries and coleslaw ($11.95) 2 piece refills ($3 - dine-in only)
INTERACTIVE MAP
(App users - click here)
More maps from KARE 11: