Fish 'Fry' Days 2021: Where To Find Lenten Meals Near Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — The Christian season of Lent is here, and with it comes the tradition of Friday fish fries. The Catholic custom of abstaining from red meat during the days preceding Easter dates at least back to the third century CE, and is associated with the Biblical story of Jesus fasting in the Judean Desert for 40 days.

Why fish and seafood have often been exempt from this fasting custom is still up for debate, but it may have something to do with the writings of St. Paul, who declared the 'flesh of fish' as a distinct category from the 'flesh of beasts.' This distinction itself may descend from older Jewish dietary restrictions outlined in the Torah and Talmud. For what it's worth, the Catholic Church has also declared - during the colonization of the Americas - that beavers, alligators, capybaras and other animals are 'fish' acceptable to eat during the Lenten fast.

Regardless of the history, there are plenty of groups around town that will be serving up delicious fried fish over the coming Fridays. Whether you're an observing Christian or just a local foodie looking for a good seafood lunch, here's where you can find them:

American Legion Post 489 - 9054 E. Veterans Pkwy., Yorkville

• Lenten Fridays, Feb. 19 to April 2 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• Menu includes cod, shrimp, chicken, tilapia, mac n' cheese and more
• Call (630) 553-7117 for more information

Ashbury's At Boughton Ridge - 335 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook

• Every Friday, 11 a.m to 9 p.m.
• Menu includes broiled tilapia, beer battered cod, coleslaw, and crispy shrimp. Prices run from $4 to $15.95
• Located at the Boughton Ridge Golf Course

St. Mary Immaculate Parish - 15629 S. Rte 59, Plainfield

• Drive-thru and carry-out orders only from 4:30-7:30 p.m. starting Feb. 19.
• Menu options include cod plates, shrimp combos, fish tacos and more, priced between $3 and $11.
• Phone orders can be taken at 815-577-6673. All phone orders must be picked up by 7:30. Cash, check and credit accepted.

Plainfield 2491 Moose Lodge - 16310 S. Lincoln Hwy #100, Plainfield

• Menu includes two or three-piece cod dinner with sides, and eight-piece shrimp dinner with sides. All items priced between $10 and $12.
• The Mooses will be hosting their Fish Fry at the Lodge every Friday from Feb. 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Knights of Columbus 14283 - 2500 Arbeiter Road, Joliet

• Carry out is available from 4 p.m.; call (815) 609-8077 ext. 207 to place an order.
• In collaboration with St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, this chapter of the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a fish fry every Lenten Friday from Feb. 28 to April 3 on the St. Xavier premises from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Joliet American Legion post 1080 - 2625 Ingalls Ave., Joliet

• Lenten Fridays, 12 - 8 p.m.
• Menu options include fried cod, beer-battered cod, catfish, walleye, fried shrimp and grilled chicken; prices range from $9 to $16.
• Call (815) 729-2254 for more information.

Lockport VFW Post 5788- 1026 E. 9th St., Lockport

• Fridays during Lent from 5 to 7 p.m. starting Feb. 19 through March 26.
• Beer-battered Icelandic cod 3-pc $9 (4pc $11); Fish and shrimp combo and panko crusted butterfly shrimp combo (8 pc.), $11; premium chicken tender dinner, with choice of dipping sauce, $8; soup de jour and starters $5.

John Olson Lockport American Legion Post 18 - 15052 Archer Ave., Lockport

• Meal helps support our Veterans, enlisted men and women, and their families.
• Cod, Catfish, Sea Bass, Shrimp, Combo (Shrimp & Cod), Baked Walleye and even Chicken Strips for the kids.
• All dinners include: Baked Potato or Tater Tots, Coleslaw, Bread & Butter. Sometimes we have surprise specials! (You never know what Mike will come up with: Homemade Bowl of Soup, Prime Rib or Crab legs).
• Fish Fry takes place every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Dine-In and carry-out available, call 815-838-4515.

Are you having a fish fry this Lent and want to add your name to the list? Is your organization here but we missed something? Send an email with your information to abhinanda.datta@patch.com and we'll add you to the list.