Lent is great for Northeast Ohioans because even if you don’t celebrate, you can still get a delicious fried fish dinner out of it. There are a ton of bars and restaurants that partake in the tradition, offering typical fried fish dinners like perch, cod and walleye with fries and slaw on Friday nights. Some places get a bit more creative and try to modernize the fish fry while others offer the special daily instead of just Fridays. Whether you want to stick to tradition or venture out of your comfort zone, you should definitely partake in the fish fry at one of these spots.
Hansa Brewery
2717 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
This Biergarten and beer hall is one of just a select few of German-style breweries in Cleveland. Breaded perch and grilled branzino are the Lent offerings here and they’re worth the trip to Ohio City. They’re one of the only places offering their fish fry during lunch, as they’ll be serving Fridays starting at 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Photo via Hansa Brewery/FacebookThe Brew Garden
16555 Southpark Center, Strongsville
The popular brew garden is serving a few different options for Lent including a pierogi dinner and a perch fish fry with three filets, fries and slaw. They also have a smoked salmon picatta option.
Photo via Scene ArchivesUnion House Bar and Restaurant
2713 Brookpark Rd., Parma
In Parma, you can get a fish fry dinner during Lent at Union House for just $13.95, served traditionally with hand-battered North Atlantic cod, fries and slaw. You can also order a half-meal as well. Union House does their fish fry year round.
Photo via Scene ArchivesGeorgetown
18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Formerly Three Birds, Georgetown is another joint showing that you can be a little more upscale than the bars and restaurants that are typically known for doing Lenten fish frys. Every Friday during Lent from 4:30 p.m to 11 p.m., you can get a traditional Lenten dinner of fried panko-crusted grouper, with a side of fries, slaw and delicious cornbread.
Photo via Georgetown Restaurant Lakewood/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesFisher’s American Tavern
28020 Miles Rd., Solon
Every Friday night, this Solon dive offers a wide variety of delicious fish. They have a beer-battered haddock basket with fries and slaw, a beer-battered walleye basket with the same sides and weekly specials like a shrimp basket and grilled walleye.
Photo via Fisher’s American Tavern/FacebookFairview Tavern
21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park
In Fairview Park, this neighborhood tavern serves up a very creative meal for Lent. They offer a ton of options, like traditional fish fries with cod or perch to a lobster ravioli, a pretzel crusted walleye and much more.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThe Harp
4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
An Irish bar on steroids, the Harp isn’t just your corner joint with a few shamrocks on the wall. It boasts a large Irish-influenced menu and a spacious patio with a view of the lake. And with the Irish influence, they obviously know their fish and chips. They’ve been closed for COVID but will reopen March 2nd.
Photo via The Harp/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesLoco Leprechaun
24545 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake
Yes, there’s a bar named the Loco Leprechaun and of course they have a Friday fish fry. Every Friday during Lent, they’ll serve panko hand breaded Lake Erie perch with jumbo handmade potato and cheese pierogies and slaw.
Photo via Loco Leprechaun/FacebookWhite Oaks
777 Cahoon Rd., Westlake
Founded during Prohibition, White Oaks has been serving up booze and a mostly meat and seafood menu to Clevelanders since 1928. This throwback of a restaurant serves an awesome Yuengling battered walleye for Lent.
Photo via Scene ArchivesTremont Taphouse
2572 Scranton Rd., Cleveland
The Tap House serves up some of the best bar food in town so it’s no surprise that they knock the fish fry game out of the park. This gastropub serves up battered cod with of course some creative sides like jalapeno hush puppies and a house slaw.
Photo via Scene ArchivesSteve’s Doghouse
3850 Pearl Rd., Cleveland
Yeah, the beloved Doghouse actually serves up a bunch more than just tasty hot dogs.The fish platter for Lent comes with two pieces of cod and sides, and then there’s also the fish sandwich and a seafood platter of popcorn shrimp and two pieces of fish.
Photo via Scene ArchivesProsperity Social Club
1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
Through the month of March and for the first few weeks of April, Prosperity Social Club hosts its fish fry, dubbed Fish Fry-Days, every Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight The special Lenten menu includes the “Big Fish,” which includes four pieces of hand-dipped beer battered Haddock with creamy slaw, mac and cheese, tartar and lemon, and the “Gotta Haddock,” which includes everything that comes with “Big Fish” but adds a cup of scratch-made creamy clam chowder and two pierogies with sauteed onions and sour cream. Whatever the fish dish, the pub can offer a drink pairing. Sibling Revelry Brewing’s “Gotta Haddock,” a clean, light-bodied pilsner bearing the signature fry’s name, will be available on draft, or diners can choose from an array of cocktails, Belgian beers, stouts and sours.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThe Clubhouse
6365 Pearl Rd., Parma
This neighborhood dive bar offers a daily fish fry featuring Lake Erie perch during Lent. But on Fridays they’ll give you more side options such as macaroni and cheese, fries and homefries.
Photo via Scene ArchivesParma Tavern
5680 Broadview Rd., Parma
At the Parma Tavern, the fish fry brings all the folks to the bar. They have a perch dinner and a cod dinner. Add some pierogies to it for the perfect Lent meal.
Photo via Parma Tavern/FacebookCharacters Sports Bar and Grill
6007 Brookpark Rd., Parma
Offered daily during Lent, this Parma bar is offering a nice price on their fish offerings, including fried fish and fish tacos.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBrennan’s Fish House
102 River St., Grand River
As far as we know, Brennan’s, established in 1866, is the oldest restaurant in Northeast Ohio. So, they’ve been frying fish for more than a few years. They actually have fish fry year round like their Lake Erie perch and walleye but it’s still a great spot for Lent.
Photo via Scene ArchivesHarry’s Steak House
5664 Brecksville Rd., Independence
Harry’s is your typical neighborhood bar and restaurant that you can just tell makes a mean fish fry upon walking in. There’s a Wednesday and Friday fry that serves up beer-battered cod with all the fixings – salad, rolls, cole slaw and a side.
Photo via Harry’s Steak House/FacebookPost and Beam Bar and Grille
11790 Snow Rd., Parma
Post and Beam in Parma will be doing Friday Fish Frys through Lent, serving Lake Erie perch (cajun or regular) in addition to cod, tilapia, pierogies, cabbage and noodles and more.
Photo via Post and Beam Fish Fry/FacebookBonnie’s Bar and Grill
22811 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park
This local Fairview Park favorite has one of the more extensive Lent menus. In addition to a walleye dinner and a perch and pierogi dinner, they also have a battered cod Lent burrito, broiled catfish, potato pancakes and other awesome Lent favorites.
Photo via Bonnie’s Bar and Grill/FacebookEl Carnicero
16918 Detroit Rd., Lakewood
Chef Eric Williams, of Momocho and Happy Dog, opened this Mexican joint back in 2013 to expand on the Mexican taste that he mastered at Momocho. And when a great Mexican spot offers up a fish frys, we’re automatically in. The Lake Erie perch is served Fridays during Lent from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is beer-battered in Dos Equis, naturally, and served with a chipotle tartar sauce with potato wedges drenched in a jalapeno and cilantro chimichurri sauce and delicious cornmeal jalapeño hushpuppies.
Photo via @Memowery/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesWest Park Station
17015 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
Kamm’s Corner is certainly a place where we’d trust a bar/restaurant to provide a really good fish fry. That’s the case at West Park Station, which serves Lake Erie perch and homemade pierogies up to locals on Fridays during Lent from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Photo via West Park Station/FacebookNauti Mermaid
1378 West 6th St., Cleveland
There’s always fish on the menu at this downtown bar and restaurant, but of course there’s a special for Lent. Check this place out.2
Photo via Nauti Mermaid/FacebookTick Tock Tavern
11526 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland
Get fabulous and filthy for this all-you-can eat fish fry for $8.95 every Wednesdays and Fridays, and don’t forget the dirty part. Get $5.50 dirty, filthy martinis for your before, during or after dinner drink.
Photo via Tick Tock Tavern/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesLuchita’s
3456 West 117th St., Cleveland
This West Side Mexican spot adds a Latin flair to the traditional fish fry. Their beer battered cod is served with chipotle tartar salsa, mac and quest, Mexican street corn and a salad. They serve their fish fry every Friday for lunch and dinner through the end of Lent.
Photo via @rnackenzie/InstagramThe Southside
2207 West 11th St., Cleveland
Casually hip and artfully unpretentious, this clubby Tremont tavern offers good food, cold beer, stylish surroundings and frequent appearances by local bands and DJs. And if all that isn’t reason enough to visit, they’re serving up a $15 fish fry for Lent on Fridays.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThyme2
113 West Smith St., Medina
The successor to chef-owner John Kolar’s Thyme, Thyme2 offers two distinct environments: fine dining upstairs and a pub below. And while this might be a little more upscale than most joints participating in Lenten, don’t let the nicer atmosphere throw you off. Because their fish frys, every Friday from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during Lent, are phenomenal. For $18 you get an orange roughy fish dinner that’s beer-battered with Thirsty Dog’s Labrador Lager.
Photo via Thyme Restaurant/FacebookGrumpy’s Cafe
2621 West 14th St., Cleveland
A healthier option can be found at Grumpy Cafe’s “anti-fish fry,” which features breaded and grilled Haddock with herb roasted potatoes and slaw. The meal also includes an option to add sauteed pierogies with grilled onions.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThe Rush Inn
17800 Detroit Rd., Lakewood and 35840 Chester Rd., Avon
The Rush Inn, with locations in Lakewood and Avon, is as no frills as they come. While we usually prefer wings here, the fish fry is tasty too. They serve Lake Erie perch with some fun sides – potato pancakes and garlic toast in addition to coleslaw for a really good meal.
Photo via Scene ArchivesCleats Club Seat and Grille
Multiple Locations
With multiple locations throughout Northeast Ohio, this sports bar and restaurant has you covered no matter where you are with an all-you-can-eat fish fry special on Fridays for just $9.99.
Photo via @drock1987/InstagramStella Mia Ristorante
28751 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake
This traditional Italian restaurant features a classic fish fry of perch (4 filets) and fries with tartar sauce and soup or salad and bread for $19.99. They’re serving their fry for lunch and dinner.
Photo via @coooney/InstagramFlat Iron Café
1114 Center St., Cleveland
Serving Cleveland for over 100 years, this Irish pub is rich and full of history. Whether you’re a sailor, blacksmith or just a hungry customer, their Yellow Lake Erie Perch dinner is just what you need.
Photo via Scene ArchivesRocky River Brewing Company
21290 Center Ridge Rd., Rocky River
Every Friday during Lent hit up the Rocky River Brewing Company for their fried cod with golden fries and creamy coleslaw. Pair it with one of their own craft beers like the Pirate Light Blond Ale. The quality is clean and the space is bigger than an NBA court.
Photo via Rocky River Brewing CompanyFireHouse Grill and Pub
2768 Stark Dr., Willoughby
Out in Willoughby, this pub and grill doesn’t mess around when it comes to their fish fry. For $14, you get all-you-can-eat tender Icelandic cod – battered or broiled and its served with fries and homemade coleslaw.
Photo via Firehouse Grill and Pub/FacebookRidgewood Inn
5759 Ridge Rd., Parma
The Rush Inn, with locations in Lakewood and Avon, is as no frills as they come. While we usually prefer wings here, the fish fry is tasty too. They serve Lake Erie perch with some fun sides – potato pancakes and garlic toast in addition to coleslaw for a really good meal.
Photo via Scene ArchivesOhio City Provisions
3208 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
The beloved Ohio City butcher shop is offering a Friday fish fry from 4-7 p.m. through Lent. This week, they’ll be serving up Atlantic Cod with homemade coleslaw, handcut fries and a house tartar sauce.
Photo via Ohio City Provisions/FacebookAcademy Tavern
12800 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland
Take pleasure in one of the Academy Tavern’s many craft beers while indulging in their wonderful portions of breaded perch or pike, coleslaw and fresh-cut fries. This Larchmere joint has been around for 83 years so we think they may know a thing or two about running a good bar/restaurant. They’re serving their fish fry every Friday during Lent from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThe Little Polish Diner
5772 Ridge Rd., Parma
Known for its homestyle Polish cooking, The Little Polish Diner offers a traditional Perch fish fry every Friday throughout Lent. And in authentic Cleveland style, the potato side is pierogis instead of french fries if you want them.
Photo via The Little Polish Diner/FacebookGunselman’s Tavern
21490 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park
We love Gunselman’s, and not just for their tasty burgers. It’s also just a great hang. So we recommend their Guinness cod loins, perch dinners and tilapia tacos for Lent.
Photo via Scene ArchivesMuldoon’s
1020 East 185th St., Cleveland
Head over to East 185th and you’ll find the popular Irish Pub that can be a pretty good time on a weekend night. They have a few different options for Lent, being an Irish Pub and all, including fish and chips, a grouper plate and haddock.
Photo via Muldoon’s Saloon and Eatery/FacebookTony Maloney’s Pub and Pizza
9385 West Sprague Rd., North Royalton
This pub and pizza joint in North Royalton is taking part of the Lent fish fry this year with a ton of different options. They serve fish tacos, a Lake Erie perch platter, fish and chips, clam chowder and much more.
Photo via Tony Maloney’s/FacebookMerry Arts Pub and Grill
15607 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Fish frys are done right at Lakewood watering hole Merry Arts. They serve theirs for lunch and dinner every Friday during Lent from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with some of the best prices in town.
Photo via Merry Arts Pub and Grill/FacebookAround the Corner
18616 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Fish frys just feel right when they’re at the bar around the corner. This Lakewood favorite, literally named Around the Corner, has events and specials for nearly every night of the week, but Fridays are for fish frys and homemade pierogis.
Photo via Scene ArchivesTavern of Little Italy
12117 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland
The Tavern of Little Italy serves up Friday fish fry dinners during Lent consisting of a walleye dinner or fish and chips. They come with cucumber salad and a side of french fries or some fried shrimp.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Photo ProvidedThe Islander Bar and Grille
7581 Pearl Rd., Middleburg Heights
At The Islander in Middleburg Heights, they’re offering five different options for their fish fry. They have a Lake Erie perch sandwich, walleye sandwich, walleye platter, perch platter and wild Gulf shrimp. They also have pierogies, hushpuppies and New England style fried clams for appetizers.
Photo viaNiko’s Bar and Gyros
12766 Royalton Rd., North Royalton
In North Royalton, they’re offering two different options for Lent. Available on Fridays, they are offering fish and chips with beer-battered cod ($12.50) and a cod gyro ($10).
Photo viaOld River Tap and Social
19245 Detroit Rd., Rocky River
At Old River Tap in Rocky River, they’re offering five different options for their fish fry Fridays which goes from March 2nd through April 14th. They have a shrimp basket, fish dinner, shrimp po’ boy, fish sandwich and salmon filet sandwich that are all served with fries.
Photo viaStancato’s
7380 State Rd., Parma
Stancato’s is offering a Friday Fish Fry during Lent. They’re offering crispy cod, tartar, Cole slaw and fries for $19.99.
Photo via @Stancatos/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesSquare 22 Restaurant and Bar
13485 Pearl Rd., Strongsville
In Strongsville, Square 22 is offering a Friday Fish Fry during Lent. They’re offering 3 3 ounce Corona-battered Atlantic cod fried golden crispy with creamy coleslaw pomp frites, and tartar sauce for $22.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
