Top 10 Fish Fries in Southwestern Pennsylvania
The weather is starting to warm up and spring seems closer than ever. We’re all daring to dream again—of the days we don’t have to scrape ice off the windshield or bundle up in a dozen layers to let the dog out. But for many people in our region, spring means one other thing: Lenten season is upon us!
Each Friday leading up to Easter, local community centers, churches, and restaurants ditch traditional red meats and fry up fish and other seafood specialties in recognition of the Lenten practice of not eating meat on Fridays. This tradition is especially popular in our region, with around 37% of the Allegheny County population identifying as Catholic, and almost 200 parishes just in the Diocese of Pittsburgh alone. More and more often, non-Catholics are also participating in Lent. So you should scratch any previous Friday night plans from now through April. Because to loosely quote Arby’s…"It’s Fish Fry Season!”
If you’re wondering where to start, that’s where we come in! With some help from the Pittsburgh Lenten Fish Fry Map, we found 10 of the best fish fry locations in Southwestern Pennsylvania. From historic, beloved churches to favorite local watering holes, you’re guaranteed to find a fish fry that floats your boat.
1. Shiloh Grill, Mount Washington
While this restaurant typically boasts a menu of American comfort food like mac’n’cheese and tater tots, every Lenten season, they roll out a special menu full of fish entrees. Last year’s specials included a “Crabby Road” jumbo lump crab cake sandwich and a grilled salmon paired with olives, spinach, artichoke, feta, and a tarragon vinaigrette.
2. Doublewide Grill, Various Locations
On top of their regular weekly specials like all-you-can-eat ribs, Doublewide Grill creates different specials each Friday during the Lenten season. Plus, their regular menu features Lent-friendly selections like jerk salmon tacos and cajun halloumi cheese and cucumber sandwiches.
3. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Meadow Lands
Not only does Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal feature a healthier alternative to traditional fried fish with panko-breaded cod, deep-fried in heart-healthy tri-fry oil, but also boasts of a wide range of other seafood specialties including baked cod or salmon, Maine lobster rolls, tuna melts, homemade crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, and even seafood pizza!
4. Corpus Christi, Mckeesport
In addition to numerous fried and baked fish options, Corpus Christi also offers many homemade goodies, including Pittsburgh-style pierogis and onions, potato pancakes, haluski with homemade noodles, and crepes filled with a sweet cream cheese.
5. Epiphany, Uptown
Epiphany in Uptown is well on its way to becoming Pittsburgh’s most quasi-famous fish fry, capturing the hearts and stomachs of plenty of local news stations. Their giant fish sandwich was voted one of the best in the city, and their classic homemade pierogis and coleslaw are to die for. (Plus, free parking!)
6. Nied’s Hotel, Lawrenceville
Known in Lawrenceville as the “the most perfect neighborhood bar in a city full of ‘em,” this Butler Street classic is known for its legendary, massive fried fish sandwiches. Perfect for Lent, or any night you don’t feel like cooking, really.
7. Madonna del Castello, Swissvale
Every Friday you can find traditional fried and baked fish dinner, plus Lent-friendly Italian specialties like eggplant parmesan and pasta e fagioli. It’s the best of both worlds!
8. Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Troy Hill
In addition to the wide range of Lent-friendly classics like the jumbo fish sandwich, crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, haluski, and more, the Parish is also located just down the street from St. Anthony Chapel, home to one of the largest collections of Christian relics in the world, second only to the Vatican!
9. St. Bernadette, Monroeville
St. Bernadette in Monroeville is serving up fried fish Pittsburgh style: “The Gargotta” is a jumbo fried fish sandwich topped with french fries and coleslaw. And, check out the bake sale sponsored by Ladies of Charity for homemade treats.
10. St. Louise de Marillac, Upper Saint Clair
At St. Louise de Marillac, you can find a number of options for Lent, including homemade lump crab cakes, fish tacos, pizza, crab and shrimp bisque, and lobster bisque. Plus local Italian restaurant Pasta Too will provide delicious pasta, while Bethel Bakery and Kona Ice are serving up desserts. This meal will probably keep you full until Monday.
BONUS:
And if you’d rather stay in this Friday, we’ve got you covered! We’ll help you get cooking with gas with a do-it-at-home, melt-in-your-mouth fish bake recipe.