Fish fry Fridays: Your guide to finding fish in Jacksonville this Lent
Fried fish lovers are in luck this month.
Local churches are opening their doors for visitors and welcoming them to enjoy a Lenten fish fry – a staple in certain communities where everyone has their personal favorite.
Lent is the Christian celebration in remembrance of the 40 days Jesus wandered through the desert and fasted. Starting Ash Wednesday and lasting until Holy Thursday, some denominations, primarily Catholics, fast on Fridays and refrain from eating most meats – leading to the creation of "Fish Fry Fridays."
Various churches and Knights of Columbus halls notoriously host the events, offering fish (unsurprising); sides like grits, macaroni and cheese and hush puppies; a dessert and a drink – at heavily discounted prices compared to restaurants.
In cities with large Catholic populations, there can be more than 100 frys to choose from on a given Friday during Lent – because it is a uniquely Lent experience. Everyone is welcome, and diners can stay in, sometimes enjoying music or conversation, or take the food to go.
Here are some fish frys to check out near you:
St. Paul Catholic Church and School
2609 Park St.
This Riverside parish charges $12 for the fish meal and $15 for fish and fried shrimp. Both come with an array of sides, a drink and dessert.
Assumption Catholic Church
2403 Atlantic Blvd.
The San Marco parish lets you know you’re in the right spot with fish fry signs littered in front of the school. The fry goes every Friday during Lent until March 31 and charges $11 for fried fish, shrimp, sides, a drink and dessert.
San Jose Catholic Church and School
3619 Toledo Road
The San Jose church and school offers fried fish or fish tacos with the usual sides. Adults cost $12 and children cost $6.
St. Paul DADS Club
428 2nd Ave. N.
This Jacksonville Beach fry is open for one night only March 31 and offers presale meal tickets in advance for $8. Day of meal tickets are $10.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
11665 Fort Caroline Rd.
The church offers one more fish fry March 24 for $10 per meal.
Congaree and Penn Farm
11830 Old Kings Rd
If you’re in the market for something different and don’t mind a higher price tag, the local farm-to-table restaurant is charging $50 per ticket March 24 for a family style, four course meal.
Don’t see your favorite fry? Let us know when and where to be added to the list.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville churches, restaurants offer Fish Fry Fridays during Lent
