no meat Friday

Lent officially began on Ash Wednesday and restaurants have release menus catering to practicing Christians who load up on seafood dishes for the season

For those unfamiliar, Lent is the six-week period between Ash Wednesday and Easter during which many Christians abstain from eating meat on the holy days of obligation and Fridays. Traditionally, it has marked a period or reflection, fasting and penitence, with many giving up specific things in the weeks leading up to the Easter holiday.

For years, McDonald’s has been a popular Lent option for its Filet-O-Fish sandwich, and now more competitors are wading in.

Long John Silver’s, the seafood-centric fast-casual chain, announced new savings for seafood-loving families with three seasonal specials through April 23.

Shrimp fans have three varieties to choose from for $6 shrimp baskets: a six-piece grilled shrimp basket served on a bed of savory rice with a side; six-piece batter-dipped shrimp served with a choice of one side and two hushpuppies; or crispy breaded popcorn shrimp served with one side and two hushpuppies.

All three of the above shrimp preparations are also available in a $10 shrimp sea-shares box, which includes 15 pieces grilled or battered, or the popcorn shrimp.

Long John Silver’s is also offering a fish and shrimp family feast with 12 batter-dipped shrimp, eight hand-battered, wild-caught Alaska pollock fillets, two family-size sides, and eight hushpuppies.

Popeye’s, the fast food spot known for its fried chicken has brought back two fan-favorite seafood offerings for a limited time: the Flounder Fish Sandwich and the Shrimp Tackle Box.

The Flounder Fish Sandwich, first introduced in 2021, now comes in both classic or spicy varieties. It’s made with a light, flakey flounder fillet marinated in Louisiana herbs and spices, dusted in crispy coating and fried, served on a warm, buttery toasted brioche bun with pickles and classic tartar sauce or spicy spread.

The $6 Shrimp Tackle Box comes with eight crispy butterfly shrimp seasoned in Louisiana herbs and spices, served crispy in a Southern breading, paired with a regular side, a hot buttery biscuit and classic tartar sauce.

Starting at $5.99, Church’s Butterfly Shrimp Meal includes 8 Butterfly Shrimp marinated in the brand’s signature seasoning blend, coated with a southern breading and fried crisp and tender. It comes served with a side of cocktail sauce, regular French fries, and a Honey-Butter Biscuit.

You can also enjoy a Butterfly Shrimp & Tenders Meal, which includes 4 Butterfly Shrimp marinated in a signature seasoning blend, coated with a southern-style breading and fried, paired with two crispy Tenders, French fries, cocktail sauce, plus your choice of dipping sauce, and a scratch-made Honey-Butter Biscuit for a suggested price of $6.49.

In addition to the shrimp menu items, a variety of fish offers are on menus at participating restaurants including the Fish Sandwich, a Fish Platter complete with two fish filets, and the Fish & Shrimp Meal boasting one fish filet and four shrimp. Meals come with a side of fries and a Honey-Butter Biscuit and can be upgraded to a combo.

The Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is back at Wendy’s just in time for the 2023 Lenten season.

The seasonal Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich consists of a wild-caught Alaskan Pollock fillet coated in crispy panko breading, and comes topped with lettuce, a slice of American cheese, pickles and creamy dill tartar sauce, on a toasted bun.

Fish Fry-Day? More like Fish Fry-YAY at Bonefish Grill!

Come in and welcome back Fish Fry-Day that features tempura-style hand battered crispy cod and panko-breaded jumbo shrimp, served on a bed of French fries with house-made coleslaw.

Locally Owned Restaurants Len

Company 7 BBQ invites you to enjoy their Fridays in Lent Specials and remember that Penance does not always have to be painful!
Enjoy our very popular Lenten 7oz Yuengling Battered Haddock Filet Sandwich w/2 Sides or as an entree w/2 Sides & Corn Bread. Cheddar or American cheese is available for all sandwiches.

Also available, Tex-Mex Tacos with delicious chunks of Haddock, lettuce, tomato, and cheese with Salsa and Sour Cream on the side with 2 Sides of your choice.

We LOAD up our creamy New England chowder with tenderly smoked clams, potatoes, veggies, and our own special blend of Company 7 seasonings. This is one of our most popular Lenten offerings and is back by popular demand. Many have told us that this is the best New England clam chowder they have ever had so enjoy a cup or bowl.

Home Sweet Home  in Englewood will have a Spicy Fish sandwich all Lent made with white beer battered cod, Jalapeño Tarter sauce, Pepperjack cheese, Lettuce!

Rip Rap Roadhouse

Golden deep fried cod and shrimp basket comes with a tangy house made coleslaw and crispy French fries! Served with tarter sauce and cocktail sauce.

Rob’s Restaurant at 705 Arlington Rd, Brookville is offering a special menu:

The Caroline

Sticking to seafood this Lent? We’ve got some great options like our Stuffed Portobello!

It’s an oven-roasted portobello cap filled with crabmeat, spinach, and artichokes & garnished with roasted red pepper sauce.

Archer’s Tavern has created a special seafood lovers menu:

And of course you have lots of options for a great Fish Fry!  Our guide is chocked full of them!