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.
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 2023
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
Knights of Columbus Council 12772 Fish Fry
St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Cent4er, 670 W. Main St. Plain City, OH 43064
Carryout or Dine in. Fridays during Lent through April 10 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. Come to the St. Joseph Parish Activity Center (behind the fire station in Plain City) for a Lenten dinner and community on Friday evenings of February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24 and March 31.
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!
Knights of Columbus Marian Council 3864 Fish Fry
Casey Club Hall, 4217 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43213-3029
Drive-thru, Carryout, or Dine-in. Pick up your choice of fish dinners on Fridays through Lent from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Order and pay at the curb, cash or check only. Or call ahead to order between 5:15-7:15; order will be ready in about 15 minutes.
Dine-in is also available and comes with free beverages and dessert.
Regular Meal: Two pieces of fish, fries, and coleslaw for $12
Large Meal: Three pieces of fish, fries, and coleslaw for $15
Child’s Meal: One piece of fish, cole slaw, and french fries for $8
Dine-in Family Special: Includes 2 regular meals and up to 5 kids meals, plus beverages and dessert for $40. Dine-in only!
See Facebook page for details.
St Michael of Worthington Lenten Fish Fry
5750 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio, 43085
Drive thru or Dine In Every Friday during Lent, Feb 24-Apr 7, from 5 pm – 7:30 pm. Fish dinner is $13 each, and macaroni and cheese dinners are $11 each. Both meals include fries, applesauce or coleslaw, and a roll.
See details on website.
Drive Thru Fish Fry at St. Catharine of Siena Church
500 S Gould Rd Columbus, OH 43209
Drive thru or Dine-in. Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 24 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm. Meals are $12, 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.
Six Fridays during Lent starting from 5 pm – 7 pm. Cost is $13-$17 per dinner 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!
February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31
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 24 through March 31, 2023 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.
Westerville Special Olympics Fish Fry
Friday, March 31, 2023 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 $12 (2022 pricing, 2023 details tba), and includes:
- AYCE 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.
Restaurant Lenten Specials
BOGO Beer Battered Pacific Cod Sandwich on Fridays
The savory Beer Battered Pacific Cod Sandwich is an exciting twist on the traditional fish sandwich – with fresh toppings and a flaky texture.
On Fridays from February 22 – April 7, 2023, purchase the Beer Battered Pacific Cod Sandwich an additional Beer Battered Pacific Cod Sandwich for FREE!
Starting at $7.99, the savory lent-friendly and pescatarian-friendly limited-time menu item contains wild-caught Pacific Cod lightly dipped in a signature batter, and served with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and creamy tartar sauce.
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 $13.99, 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.
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Seafood options
El Segundo Shrimp Tacos: chili marinated, guacamole, flour tortilla
The Pearl Arctic Char: Roasted Cauliflower, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Cauliflower Purée
Del Mar Swordfish: Sweet Potato Puree, Brussels Sprout Slaw, Orange-Mustard Vinaigrette (gf)
Cameron’s American Bistro Scallops: Arugula, artichokes, hearts of palm, toasted garlic, potato purée, lemon caper jus
The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek Faroe Island Salmon: vegetable succotash, blistered tomatoes, corn emulsion

Del Mar Swordfish
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 locations). 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!
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

image: Marco’s Pizza
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.
More Fish Fries in Columbus
compiled by The Catholic Times
CENTRAL COLUMBUS
ST. DOMINIC CHURCH
453 N. 20th St., Columbus
Saturday, 3/18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
ST. PATRICK CHURCH
280 N. Grant Ave., Columbus
Fridays, 2/24-3/10, 3/24, 5-7 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m.
COLUMBUS NORTH
OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH
1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH
10700 Liberty Road, Powell
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 7:30 p.m.
ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH
1420 Grandview Ave., Grandview Heights
Polish Dinner
Friday, 3/24, after 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross until 10 p.m.
ST. MARGARET OF CORTONA
1600 N. Hague Ave., Columbus
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
ST. BRENDAN CHURCH
4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard
Fridays, 3/24, 3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
414 E. North Broadway, Columbus (Marian Hall)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7:30 p.m.
ST. MICHAEL CHURCH
5750 N. High St., Worthington
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7:30 p.m.
CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION
6300 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany (Ministry Center)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Lunch, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
ST. ELIZABETH CHURCH
6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m.
ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH
9633 E. State Route 37, Sunbury
(Faith and Family Center)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4-7 p.m.
ST. PAUL CHURCH
313 N. State St., Westerville
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7:30 p.m.
COLUMBUS EAST
OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL CHURCH
5225 Refugee Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/24-3/10, 3/24, 6 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 5:30 p.m.
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON PARISH
600 Hill Road N., Pickerington (Activity Center)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
ST. CATHARINE CHURCH
500 S. Gould Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24, 5-7:30 p.m.
ST. MATTHEW CHURCH
807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
ST. PIUS X CHURCH
1051 S. Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg (Parish Center)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7:30 p.m.
COLUMBUS WEST
ST. MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH
473 S. Roys Ave., Columbus
Fish Taco Dinners – TBD
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH
3752 Broadway, Grove City (Life Center)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
SS. SIMON AND JUDE CHURCH
9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson
Lenten Pasta Dinners: Fridays, 3/10, 3/24, 3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
ST. CECILIA CHURCH
434 Norton Road, Columbus
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7:30 p.m.
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH
670 W. Main St., Plain City
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5:30-8 p.m.
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH
670 W. Main St., Plain City
Lenten Soup Suppers: Tuesdays, 2/28-3/28, 6-8 p.m.
ST. PATRICK CHURCH
226 Elm St., London (School)
Fridays, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24, 4:30-7 p.m. (Drive-thru only)
OUTSIDE METRO COLUMBUS
ST. MARY CHURCH
66 E. William St., Delaware (Commons)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 5-7 p.m.
ST. MARY CHURCH
K of C Hall, 1232 E. Center St., Marion
Fridays, 2/17-3/31, 5-7 p.m.
ST. PETER CHURCH
379 S. Crawford St., Millersburg
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4-7 p.m.
SACRED HEART CHURCH
320 Fair Ave NE, New Philadelphia (Parish Center)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4-7 p.m.
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
555 S. Main St., Johnstown
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR
785 Newark Road, Granville
Fridays, 3/3-3/24, 4-7 p.m.
ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR
785 Newark Road, Granville
Lenten Soup Suppers: Tuesdays, 2/28-3/21, 6 p.m. followed by speaker and Stations of the Cross
ST. LEONARD CHURCH
57 Dorsey Mill Road., Heath
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY
1835 Dover-Zoar Road, Bolivar
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4-7 p.m.
SACRED HEART SCHOOL
39 Burt Ave., Coshocton
Friday, 3/31, 5-7 p.m.
ST. PETER IN CHAINS
2167 Lick Run Lyra Road, Wheelersburg
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
SACRED HEARTS CHURCH
4680 U.S. Highway 42, Cardington
Friday, 3/24, 5-7 p.m.
ST. COLMAN OF CLOYNE CHURCH
219 S. North St., Washington Court House
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4:30-7 p.m.
BISHOP FLAGET SCHOOL
61 S. Paint St., Chillicothe (St. Mary Family Life Center)
Fridays, 2/24-3/31, 4-7 p.m.
HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL
225 S. Columbus St., Somerset
Fridays, 3/3-3/10 4-7 p.m.
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Val says
Thank you! It was there, just under the “north” section. I moved it to west since that makes more sense. Thanks!!
Pat says
You did not list St. Margaret of Cortona, in you Lenten Fish Fry section.
It should come under the “West” listings.