Where to find fish fries at churches, nonprofits during Lent in Rochester

Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·6 min read

Lenten fish fries are a tradition at area churches, although a few have discontinued them due to a lack of volunteers. Some secular nonprofits offer fish fries as well, either during Lent or year round.

Ukrainian Cultural Center of Rochester

The Ukrainian Cultural Center adds its own cultural traditions to Friday night fish fries, which are held year round from 5:30 to 9 p.m. It serves fresh haddock filets, which are battered and dredged with panko breadcrumbs, along with two sides for $16.95. A half size portion with one side is also available, as is a combo with perogies. Its menu also includes Ukrainian dishes and soups. For takeout, call ahead from 4:30 to 7:30. 1040 Jackson Road, Webster; (585) 872-0240.

The Ely-Fagan Post 1151 American Legion fish fry continued as a drive-through during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this March 27, 2020, photo, Ray Torres puts a cooked fish in a to go container for Sandy Junge.
The Ely-Fagan Post 1151 American Legion fish fry continued as a drive-through during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this March 27, 2020, photo, Ray Torres puts a cooked fish in a to go container for Sandy Junge.

American Legion 1511

The Ely Fagan Post 1151 of The American Legion will serve fish fry from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent (Feb. 24 through April 7). The battered 12- to 14-ounce haddock fish fries come with French fries, coleslaw, bread and butter for $13. 260 Middle Road, Henrietta; (585) 334-8228.

Rochester Zeta Amicae

Rochester Zeta Amicae, an auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, will hold its annual fish fry scholarship fundraiser from 11 to 4 p.m. April 7 at the First Church of God, 334 Clarissa St. Catered by Big Boys Eatery, it will include a haddock fish fry, dinner roll and cake as well as a choice of two sides; choose from macaroni and cheese, green beans, French fries or hush puppies. The cost is $20. Use Cash App to purchase: $ZetaAmicaeofRoch; be sure to include your name and two side choices. Call (585) 910-6794 or email rochesteramicae@gmail.com with questions.

Hamlin VFW

Open to the public, fish fries are served at the Hamlin VFW from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays. Fish can be prepared breaded, battered or broiled and comes with fries or baked potato; coleslaw or applesauce; and a roll. The cost is $14 for large or $10 for small. It also serves fried shrimp, burgers and chicken tenders. 1739 Lake Road, Hamlin. Takeout is available; call (585) 964-2005.

The popular fish fry at the Fairville Volunteer Fire Department comes with cole slaw, baked potato, roll, apple sauce, tarter sauce and lemon. Not pictured are the milk and ice cream that come with the meal.
The popular fish fry at the Fairville Volunteer Fire Department comes with cole slaw, baked potato, roll, apple sauce, tarter sauce and lemon. Not pictured are the milk and ice cream that come with the meal.

Fairville Volunteer Fire Department

The Fairville Volunteer Fire Department, in the hamlet between Newark and Sodus, is known for drawing long lines of cars on Fridays during Lent. The dinners ($15) include batter fried or baked fish, a baked potato, coleslaw, applesauce, a roll, a pickle and ice cream. The dinners will be served on Fridays from Feb. 24 to April 7. While the lines begin to form early, service starts at 4:30 and continues until fish is sold out or sales slow; the latter is usually around 7 p.m. Drive-through will be available and the fire hall will be open for dining. Credit cards will be accepted for a nominal fee. 2963 Route 88 in Arcadia, Wayne County; (315) 331-1869.

Scottsville Lions Club

The Scottsville Lions Club will hold a fish fry from 4 to 7:30 March 31 at Jack's Place at Chili Country Club, 760 Scottsville-Chili Road in Chili. The Lions Club is a service organization that provides scholarships, supports school clubs and organizations, run a medical loan closet, provides holiday meals and so on. Beer battered, breaded or broiled fish will come with a choice of French fries or baked potato, as well as a choice of tossed salad or coleslaw. Presale tickets purchased until March 27 are $10 ; email ScottsvilleLions2023@gmail.com. The dine-in price will be $12, or $13 for takeout.

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St. John of Rochester Church

The Knights of Columbus will prepare and serve the Lenten fish fry at St. John of Rochester. They will be served from from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays through April 7. Meals may be enjoyed in the parish center or carried out. Meals include a fried or baked haddock; French fries or baked potato; coleslaw; roll and butter. The cost is $17. 8 Wickford Way, Fairport; (585) 248-5993.

St. John the Evangelist, Greece

Fish fries at St. John the Evangelist in Greece will be held on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. through March 31. It is open to the public for dine-in and takeout. Choices include batter fried or skinless baked fish ($13); fried shrimp ($13); or a half portion of any of these for $8. Meals come with a roll and a choice of two sides (French fries, mashed potatoes, baked potato, salad, coleslaw, onion rings). Cheese pizza will also be sold by the slice. Kids under 3 eat free. It is sponsored by the church and the Knights of Columbus. 2400 West Ridge Road, Greece; (585) 225-8980.

St. John the Evangelist, Spencerport

St. John the Evangelist in Spencerport will hold Lenten fish dinners in its gym from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 24 through March 31. They include beer-battered fish with French fries, coleslaw and a roll, as well as a nonalcoholic beverage and ice cream for $14. Half-fish dinners and kids ages 5 to 10 are $8. Children 5 and under are free. Takeout is available. The dinners are run by its men's club and Knights of Columbus. 55 Martha Street in Spencerport; (585) 352-5481.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish at Christ the King Church will hold fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays from March 3 through 31. Dine in or carry out your fried haddock, which will include fries or baked potato, coleslaw and a roll for $15 ($13 for seniors). A kids mac and cheese meal with fries is available for $6. 445 Kings Highway South in Irondequoit; (585) 544-8880.

St. Mark's Church in Greece is one of several churches that offer fish fries during Lent.
St. Mark's Church in Greece is one of several churches that offer fish fries during Lent.

St. Mark Church

The Knights of Columbus sponsor the takeout Lenten fish fry at St. Mark's Church. It will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 24 through April 7. Fresh fried haddock comes with French fries, coleslaw, a roll and a cookie. The cost is $15, cash only. Proceeds are directed to area charities. 54 Kuhn Road, Greece; (585) 802-2873 or (585) 227-5734.

St. Rita Church

St. Rita Church will hold fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 24 through March 31 in its parish center. Sit-down service or takeout are available; preorders will not be accepted. Dinners will include fried or baked fish, potato wedges, coleslaw or applesauce and a roll. The cost is $14 (cash or check) for an adult fish dinner, $13 for a senior fish dinner or $8 for a child fish dinner. Pizza and soda will also be available for sale. Proceeds help support St. Rita School. 1008 Maple Drive in Webster; (585) 671-1100.

Is your church or nonprofit holding a fish fry during Lent? Email complete information to Tracy Schuhmacher at tracys@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram as @RahChaChow, or sign up for her weekly newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Fish fries offered at churches, nonprofits during Lent in Rochester NY