This weekend marks the official beginning of Fish Fry Season in Dayton!
Dayton came by its fish fry tradition many years ago. Many of the European settlers who flocked to the Gem City and many of those immigrants were Catholic, and the tradition of foregoing the consumption of meat on Fridays made the fish fry a natural evolution.
The fish fry tradition developed even further during the Prohibition era, when fish fries became a way for former alcohol-purveying establishments to stay in business. Many went so far as to conceal their illicit speakeasies beneath the intoxicating aroma of frying fish, offering free or low-cost fish to those who imbibed.
As time moved forward, fish fries became an easy way to avoid meat while enjoying a night out and eating affordably. The tradition grew from there, providing Dayton families an opportunity to go out to dinner without breaking the bank.
Many places in town have fish fries and after much searching, asking and eating, here are some of the best places in the city to catch a fish fry. You’ll also notice Fish Frys aren’t just on Friday anymore!
And, as always, if we’ve forgotten your favorite, please share it with others by posting a comment below or emailing us.
January 2020
Our Lady of the Rosary Fish Fry
February 2020
March 2020
Here are some of the best fish frys at Dayton area restaurants every Friday according to The Big Ragu of Food Adventures:
Georges Pollack all you can eat $9.99
GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton
$9.00 gets you Endless Pollack fish, fries and cole slaw offered year round on Fridays all day.
Hasty Tasty’s Fish is 9 bucks on Fridays year round
HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton $9.00 endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal! The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect crunch. Excellent food, old school atmosphere, nuff said.
YANKEE TRACE GOLF CLUB:
10000 Yankee St, Centerville
Friday 5-9pm through April 10th.
All you can eat Beer-Battered Haddock
Includes French Fries and Yankee Cole Slaw.
K.J.’S RESTAURANT:
35 W Center St, Germantown
This Germantown restaurant features all you can eat farm raised ocean catfish, swai, 2 sides, for $9.99.
GAMEDAY GRILL and PATIO:
7576 OH-48, Waynesville, OH
Popular spot at the edge of Waynesville/Centerville. Their fish fry runs every Friday during lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter). It is not all you can eat. The price is $12.95 for Alaskan Pollock includes 2 big pieces, fries and slaw and extra filets are +$3 each.
SLYDER’S FISH FRY:
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Every Friday, is the deal. Three pieces of walleye (not all you can eat) for $7.75. Served with fries and slaw. This is the only time you will not get a burger here.
CRACKER BARREL FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, and 7171 Miller Ln, Dayton
Fried Cod on Friday for $9.99. Add the best sides in show business like the dumplings or okra and you’ve got a cure hitting your hunger. They start serving at 11am and you can choose from Cod or Catfish. We’re HOOKED ~
