By Melanie Mohler, Everyday Akron team member
It’s fish fry season! The Akron area has a number of fish frys every Friday during Lent (March 5 – April 19, 2025).
Check out the 2025 Akron Area Fish Fry map to find one near you.
Featuring the following fish fry locations:
- Akron FOP Lodge No. 7
- Ancient Order of Hibernians
- Boy Scout Troop 382
- British American Club 💵
- Charles Faust American Legion Post 281
- First Congregational Church of Akron/Ernie’s Catering
- German Family Society of Akron
- Knights of Columbus Council Hall 3213
- Little Flower Catholic Parish Men’s Club Fish Fry
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
- Polish American Citizens Club 💵
- Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church
- Queen of Heaven Catholic Church
- Ralph Huff VFW Post 1062
- Roses Run Country Club
- Sharon Township Firefighters Association Fish Fry
- Slovak J Club 💵
- South Akron Knights Of Columbus 3410
- St. Ambrose Parish
- St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church 💵
- St. George Orthodox Church
- St. Hilary Knights of Columbus
- St. Joseph Church/School
- St. Mary Parish Men’s Club
- St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
- Stow/Hudson/Peninsula Knights of Columbus, Holy Family Parish
- Tadmor Shrine Center
- Visitation of Mary Parish, Annunciation Church 💵
💵= confirmed cash only
Restaurants offering fish fry specials:
- Acme Fresh Market (16 locations)
- The Boulevard Tavern
- Eddy’s Deli & Restaurant
- Good Company (Akron)
- Ido Bar & Grill
- Laconi’s Restaurant
- Mustard Seed Cafe (gluten free)
- Tusk Diner
Follow Akron Fish Fry Crew on Instagram!
Some things to remember…
Check the schedule
If you’re going to a new fish fry, be sure to check their hours and the dates. Some fish fries don’t run every week during Lent, and many do not host a fish fry on Good Friday (April 18 this year).
Bring cash
A majority of fish fries at churches and social clubs do not accept cards, so you’ll need to be sure to bring cash.
We’ve marked the ones that we know for certain are cash only in the list above.
Order online, call ahead, or walk in for dine in or carryout
Also be sure to check how to order for the fish fry. Most (if not all) of the fish fries will let you walk in and order, and nearly all of them allow you to dine in. Some do not accept phone orders and require you to order in person, while others offer online ordering for pick up.
Fish Frys 101
What is a fish fry?
A fish fry is an event offered on Fridays during the Christian season of Lent, typically sometime between February and April (it changes from year to year). Some Christians abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, but fish is allowed, hence the fish fry!
Fish fries are common in the Midwest and Northeast, and are usually hosted by churches or social groups, like the Slovak Club or VFW posts, and often fund certain activities or projects. Anyone is able to attend a fish fry.
You’ll also find a number of local restaurants that offer fried fish on Fridays during Lent.
What’s on the menu at a fish fry?
Each fish fry’s menu differs. Here’s a list of the most common items you’ll find at Akron area fish fries.
Fried fish (of course!)
The fried fish typically offered is cod, but you may find other fish such as haddock, salmon, or local Lake Erie perch.
Baked fish
If you’re trying to eat a little healthier, are gluten free, or just looking to switch things up, baked fish is typically offered as an alternative to fried fish.
Shrimp or chicken
If fish isn’t your thing, some fish fries also offer fried shrimp or chicken tenders.
French fries
A classic fish fry side.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another classic fish fry side. A lot of coleslaws you’ll find at fish fries are mayo-based, but there are a few that are vinegar-based.
Cabbage and noodles
Cabbage and noodles, sometimes called “halušky” or “haluski” (pronounced ha-lu-sh-kee), is a side you may find at a fish fry with Central or Eastern European roots, which is where haluski originates from.
Some places you’ll find haluski at include the Slovak J Club and St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.
Pierogi
Another side with Central and Eastern European roots that you can’t go wrong with. You’ll find them at a number of fish fries on the map.
Macaroni and cheese
In my opinion, mac and cheese is a staple side for fish fries. You’ll find most fish fries offer this side, but not all.
Hot rice
Sometimes called “hot sauce,” but it’s not very hot and not necessarily a sauce. A popular side for Barberton chicken, hot rice is made of stewed rice and tomatoes. It can be eaten as a side or used as a sauce.
You’ll likely only find hot rice at a fish fry in the Akron area. If you’re looking to try this side, check out the Ancient Order of Hibernians, South Akron Knights of Columbus 3410, St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, or Slovak J Club.
Bread or roll
A slice of soft white bread or a roll often accompanies a fish fry meal.
Salad
Some fish fries offer salads, which can be a good option if you’re looking for a lighter side.
Dessert
Many places offer a variety of cakes or pies for dessert. Sometimes a dessert is included in the price of the meal, but you’ll often have to pay a little extra for a slice of something sweet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.