ST. LOUIS — Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, marks the start of Lent, and it also marks the beginning of fish fry season in the St. Louis area.
These St. Louis-area organizations are serving up traditional Lenten fish dinners to help you get through the 40 days and 40 nights leading up to Easter Sunday.
Use the 5 On Your Side fish fry map to find one near you.
To have your fish fry featured on the map, fill out this form.
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St. Louis-area fish fries
American Legion Post 365 – Collinsville
- Where: 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville, IL 62234.
- When: 3-8 p.m. Fridays
- Price per plate: $9 to $14, cash or check only.
- Why visit? This Friday fish fry is highly acclaimed by locals on social media. It uses Icelandic cod, flash frozen on the boat and shipped straight to Post 365, and its catfish is raised on Missouri farms, according to its website. Fish options include cod sandwiches, shrimp, plain or Cajun cod cut-ups, catfish and crab cakes. Side options include fries, hush puppies, slaw, green beans, baked beans and potato salad.
First Unitarian Church of St. Louis
- Where: 5007 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108
- When: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23
- Price per plate: $10 for adults, $6 for kids
- Why visit? This “unfish fry” features an all-vegetarian/vegan menu of falafel, hummus with pita, veggie chili, Mediterranean salad, mac and cheese, dolmades, green beans and apple sauce.
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church
- Where: 1910 Serbian Drive, St. Louis, MO 63128
- When: 5-7:30 p.m. every Friday in Lent
- Why visit? This Serbian Orthodox church’s FishFest is serving home-style fish dinners on real china throughout Lent. For dessert, enjoy apple pita, Baklava and other desserts. While you're dining in, enjoy a cold Serbian beer or other cocktails from the fully stocked cash bar.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
- Where: 1115 South Florissant Road, St. Louis, MO 63121
- When: 4-7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 16 through March 22
- Price per plate: $10
- Why visit? Our Lady of Guadalupe is serving up Mexican dishes including fish tacos, chile relleno, beans and rice, chips and guacamole, tostadas and ceviche. Fish offerings include catfish, cod, shrimp, bacalao (fish stew) and tilapia. Visitors can enjoy their food inside or using the drive-thru, and those dining in can enjoy traditional music and dance.
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
- Where: 906 Eichelberger St., St. Louis, MO 63111
- When: 4:30-8 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 23 through March 22
- Price per plate: $15
- Why visit? St. Cecilia's Mexican fish fry offers jack salmon, cod, shrimp, chile relleno, bean tostadas and fried cheese quesadillas. Mexican beers and margaritas are available at the cash bar. Cut your wait time short by ordering your fish dinner online for March 3-31. A limited number of online orders went on sale Feb. 5.
St. Ferdinand Parish
- Where: 1765 Charbonier Road, Florissant, MO 63031
- When: 3-7 p.m. every Friday, 2:30-7 p.m. on Good Friday
- Price: $15 to $17.25 per pound
- Why visit? A few years back, 5 On Your Side asked viewers on Facebook and Twitter to share their top fish fry picks, and St. Ferdinand drew more praise than all the rest. This year-round fish fry serves fried and baked cod and catfish by the pound. The parish also serves shrimp, hush puppies, cabbage slaw and spaghetti with a German-style sauce. Busch, Bud Light, Coke products, tea and milk are available for purchase at the bar.
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
- Where: 8732 Magdalen Ave., Brentwood, MO 63144
- When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 16 through March 22
- Price per plate: $8 to $15
- Why visit? This popular St. Louis-area fish fry is serving fried cod and shrimp, seafood gumbo, baked salmon and fish tacos in the Saint Mary Magdalen School Gym. Those dining in can enjoy beer and margaritas. Those who opt for the drive-thru can order the family meal deal, which includes five 4-ounce fried cod fillets and two pint-size sides for $24.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
- Where: 12550 South Forty Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141
- When: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 23, March 1 and 8
- Why visit? This Greek-style fish fry at the St. Nicholas Family Life Center is serving fried and baked fish, spanakopita, Greek mac 'n cheese and baklava.