2026 Akron Area Fish Fry Guide & Map

By Melanie Mohler, Everyday Akron team member

Hey there! Wondering how your organization or business can be listed in our guide? Fill out the 2026 Akron Area Fish Fry Guide Submission Form.

Fish fry at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church

It’s fish fry season! The Akron area has a number of fish frys every Friday during Lent (February 18 – April 3, 2026).

Check out the 2026 Akron Area Fish Fry map to find one near you.

Follow Akron Fish Fry Crew on Instagram!

Featuring the following fish fry locations:

American Legion Charles Faust Post 281
Ancient Order of Hibernians
Barberton Liedertafel
Boy Scout Troop 382
British American Club 💵
Firestone VFW Post 3383
First Congregational Church of Akron/Ernie’s Catering
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7
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
Sharon Township Firefighters Association
Slovak J Club 💵
South Akron Knights Of Columbus 3410
St. Ambrose Parish
St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church 💵
St. George Orthodox Church
St. Mary Parish Men’s Club
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
St. Vincent de Paul CYO Booster Club
Stow/Hudson/Peninsula Knights of Columbus, Holy Family Parish 💵
Visitation of Mary Parish, Annunciation Church

💵= confirmed cash only

Restaurants offering fish fry specials:

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 frys don’t run every week during Lent, and many do not host a fish fry on Good Friday (April 3 this year).

Bring cash

Some fish frys 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 frys 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 frys are common in the Midwest and Northeast, and are usually hosted by churches or social groups, like the Slovak J 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 specials 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 frys.

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 frys 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 frys are mayo-based, but there are a few that offer a vinegar-based coleslaw.

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 frys on the map.

Macaroni and cheese

In my opinion, mac and cheese is a staple side for fish frys. You’ll find most fish frys offer this side, but not all.

Fish fry at American Legion Charles Faust Post 281

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 Visitation of Mary Parish/Annunciation Church, 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 frys 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.