The Lenten season: Fish frys and the best fish sandwiches in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
Ash Wednesday — Feb. 22 — marks the beginning of the 2023 Lenten season, and Lent means FISH! Some Christians abstain from meat during the entire 40 days of Lent; others avoid meat just on Fridays. Fish has become the go-to meat alternative for Lent … or perhaps you just like fish. Whatever your tradition, we are here to help you find the best Fish Fry events and fish meals in and around Champaign-Urbana.
Special thanks to all our readers who helped us crowd source this list.
Restaurant Fish Options
Aspen Tap House, 2001 S. Neil St., Champaign: Rumor has it that Aspen Tap House is bringing back its Big Fish Sandwich for Lent 2023. Cod tacos and battered cod fish and chips can be found on the regular menu. Carryout and delivery available.
Biaggi’s, 2235 S. Neil St., Champaign: Biaggi’s has many fish options on its regular menu, including salmon and shrimp risotto and crab-stuffed cod, as well as a seared salmon salad. Look for additional fish specials during Lent.
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, 320 N. Chestnut St., Champaign: Black Dog features both smoked salmon and smoked catfish on its regular menu as sandwiches or platters.
Boomerangs Bar and Grill, 1309 E. Washington St., Urbana: Boomerangs has “awesome fish sandwiches on Fridays!” says one reader. “We love Fish Fry Fridays at Boomerangs.”
Bunny’s Tavern, 119 W. Water St., Urbana: Features three fish sandwiches on Fridays: beer-battered walleye, dry-battered or grilled cod, grilled salmon (or grilled salmon salad).
Esquire Lounge, 106 N. Walnut St., Champaign: “Esquire has a fantastic Friday Fish (cod) sandwich available every Friday, not just during Lent but all year.”
Hamilton Walker’s, 201 N. Neil St., Champaign: Hamilton Walker’s has its staples of grilled salmon, penne seafood, grilled shrimp, and grilled lobster tail; as well as fish & chips, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, scallops, and mussels.
It’ll Do Bar and Grill, 215 S. Lake of the Woods Rd., Mahomet: Check out its hand-battered fish sandwich — it’s … big.
Legends, 522 E. Green St., Champaign: This campus standby has been serving up one of the best fish sandwiches in town for years. The award-winning (and alumni favorite!) fish sandwich is served on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. Fun fact — Legends is located at the site of the former DeLuxe Billiards, which served a fish sandwich that lives on only in … wait for it … legend.
Philo Tavern, 101 W. Washington St., Philo: Try the Friday fish special. “The batter to fish ratio is great (that is, way more fish than batter!), and the sandwich is good-sized and not greasy.” Served with homemade chips.
Pia’s Sports Pub, 1609 W. Springfield Ave, Champaign: Icelandic codfish sandwiches are served only on Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m for dine in or carry out. Its fish is deep-fried in Pia’s secret beer batter and served with slaw and homemade chips.
Po’ Boys Restaurant, 202 E. University Ave., Urbana: “Must try the Po’ Boys fish special on Fridays!”
Seven Saints, 32 E. Chester St., Champaign: “We love Seven Saints salmon sliders and their summer salmon salad!” “Their tuna salad platter too!”
Shark Grill, 1511 N. Bowman Ave., Danville: Shark Grill “is worth the drive for some fish.”
Sun Singer Restaurant, 1115 W. Windsor Rd., Champaign: Sun Singer offers a fish sandwich on its Friday lunch menu. The fish options on its regular menu include Ahi Tuna Salad, Seared Sea Scallops, Grilled Salmon, Seared Ahi Tuna and Shrimp Scampi; keep an eye out for the fish dinner specials. Options are available for dine-in or carryout.
Urbana Garden Family Restaurant, 810 W. Killarney St., Urbana: Urbana Garden Family Restaurant features tilapia, beer battered cod, and salmon on its regular menu, as well as a beer battered cod sandwich.
Watson’s Shack and Rail, 211 N. Neil St., Champaign: Watson’s carries its Watson’s Hot Fish Sandwich (perch) and Firecracker Shrimp Po’Boy on the daily menu. Pair one with its signature coleslaw, and you’re good to go. You can also get the Hot Fish from the Watson’s truck!
Church Fish Fry Options
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign: Fish Fry from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Cake for sale to support Children of Hope and Faith.
St. Matthew Catholic Church, Champaign: Fish Fry in Feeney Hall, 5-7 p.m. Held on Fridays during Lent: Feb. 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Baked goods also available.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Urbana: K of C Lenten Fish Dinner in St. Brigid Hall, 5:30-8 p.m. on Feb. 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Mahomet: Parish Fish Fry beginning at 6 p.m. every Friday of Lent: Feb. 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.
St. Thomas School, Philo: Fish Fry by the Philo Knights of Columbus, immediately following Stations of the Cross (6:00 p.m.) in the Schumacher Gymnasium of St. Thomas School on these Fridays of Lent: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 6:30 p.m. Adult or kid mac and cheese dinners also available. All net profits will be used to benefit St. Thomas School.
Know of a fish fry – church or restaurant serving fish entrees/specials – that we should include? Email us and we will update our listing.