Chicago’s Lenten season brings the return of Friday fish fries, a tradition for many local Catholics and a custom that has roots in the Midwest since the late 1800s. The 40-day period leading up to Easter, which begins in February or March, is marked by meat abstention on Fridays, prompting churches and community centers across Chicago to host these events.
Several parishes and organizations are offering fish fry dinners throughout Lent this year. Locations include St. Alphonsus Parish at 1429 W. Wellington Ave., hosting events from 6:30-9 p.m. on March 13 and March 27; St. Andrew Parish at 1658 W. Addison St., with a dinner from 5-8 p.m. on March 27; and Assumption Parish Hall at 323 W. Illinois St., serving from 5-7 p.m. on March 13.
Other participating venues are Sts. Bruno & Richard Parish at St. Richard Church Hall, which will hold fish fries from 4-7 p.m. on Feb. 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27; as well as St. Christina Parish’s School Hall at 3333 W. 110th St., open from 4:30-8 p.m on those same dates.
Additional options include:
– St. Clement Parish’s event in the Fireside Hall of its parish school (2524 N. Orchard St.) from 5-8 p.m., March 6.
– Unity Hall at St. Edward Parish (4350 W Sunnyside Ave.), open from 6-9 p.m., March 6.
– The parish school hall at St Ferdinand (5900 W Barry Ave.), dine-in service available between 4:30–7:30 p.m.; carry-out and drive-thru options run 4–7 p.m.; events held on March 6, 13, 20 and 27.
– Fish fries also take place at Holy Name Cathedral (730 N Wabash Ave.) starting at 5:30 p.m., March 27; Immaculate Conception St Michael Parish (2944 E 88th St.) between 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N Knox Ave.) from 6–8:30 p.m.; Beyenka Hall of Monica & Rosalie Parish (5105 N Mont Clare Ave.) between 4:30–7 p.m.; Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall (3200 E 91st St.) running mornings through early afternoon; Casey Hall of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (708 W Belmont Ave.) beginning at 6:30 p.m.; Queen of Peace Parish’s Shaunessy Center (7930 W Foster Ave.), with select Friday events; and Two Holy Martyrs’ Sharp Center Social Hall (5940 W 62nd St.).
Community members who know additional locations can email food@blockclubchi.org to share more information.
“A Lenten fish fry plate at Sts. Genevieve and Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church, 5352 W Belden Ave.” Credit: Facebook/Sts Genevieve and Stanislaus
