The Lenten season: Fish frys and the best fish sandwiches in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
Ash Wednesday — Feb. 18 — marks the beginning of the 2026 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.
Church Fish Fry Options
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign: Fish Fry on Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20, 27. Dine in or carry out from 5-7 p.m. 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. 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20, 27.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Urbana: Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Dinner in St. Brigid Hall, 5:30-8 p.m. on Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20, 27.
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Mahomet: Parish Fish Fry 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Friday of Lent: Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20, 27. Carry-out meals available.
Restaurant Fish Options
Aspen Tap House, Champaign: You can’t go wrong with the Aspen Tap House’s Big Fish Sandwich. Other regular menu fish items include fried catfish and battered cod fish and chips. Carryout and delivery available.
Big Grove Tavern, Champaign: The Korean BBQ salmon is awesome here. Lunch weekly on Monday-Thursday features a fried fish sandwich on the menu.
Billy Barooz, Champaign: Fish and chips on the menu as the Friday special year-round.
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, Champaign: Black Dog features “excellent” smoked salmon on its regular menu.
Blind Pig Brewpub, Champaign: A beer-battered Icelandic Haddock is on the menu daily.
Bunny’s Tavern, Urbana: We hear about the grilled salmon sandwich here from our readers.
Esquire Lounge, Champaign: Esquire has a fried fish (cod) sandwich available every Friday, not just during Lent but all year.
Golden Harbor, Champaign: Some fish favorites here are ginger scallion fish fillets, salt fish, fish with spicy dry rub (recommended for dine-in rather than takeout).
Hamilton Walker’s, 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. The fish and chips are a favorite of ours, any time of year.
It’ll Do Bar and Grill, Mahomet: Check out its hand-battered fish sandwich — it’s … big.
KoFusion, Champaign: The salmon dish is a stand-out here. Of course, many meals consisting of fish exist here.
Legends, 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.
My Place, Mansfield: Check out the white fish dinner on Friday nights. Mansfield is located just past Mahomet, headed towards Bloomington-Normal.
Neil St. Blues, Champaign: Neil St. Blues has fish year-round on the menu, including shrimp & grits, catfish fillets and salmon. You will find fried fish on the menu as part of their legendary brunch, too.
Paxton Family Restaurant, Paxton: We hear there’s a fish dish on the menu every Friday up the road in Paxton.
Philo Tavern, Philo: Try the Friday fish sandwich special. This is heavy on fish, light on the batter (in a delicious way). Served with homemade chips. Friday evening fish specials include fried or baked cod as well as catfish that is fried, blackened, or baked with cajun spices.
Po’ Boys Restaurant, Urbana: They have a fish special weekly on Fridays plus a shrimp po’ boys sandwich on the regular menu.
Project 47 Smokehouse, Mahomet: They have a fried cod special weekly on Fridays for you to enjoy.
Seven Saints, Champaign: Salmon sliders and the summer salmon salad are favorites, along with the tuna salad and tilapia tacos.
Sharks Fish & Chicken, Champaign: They serve hand-breaded catfish and walleye every day of the week, not just on Fridays! If you’re looking for fried fish, you’ll be impressed with what is offered here.
Sun Singer Restaurant, Champaign: The fish options on Sun Singer’s regular menu include Ahi Tuna Salad, Tuna Tacos, Seared Sea Scallops, Crab Cakes, Grilled Salmon, and Seared Ahi Tuna; keep an eye out for other fish specials. Options are available for dine-in or carryout.
Watson’s, Champaign, Urbana (The Yard) and food truck: Watson’s carries its Watson’s Hot Fish Sandwich (perch) on the truck, and Crab Hushpuppies on the daily menu. Pair one with its signature coleslaw, and you’re good to go.
If you’re willing to drive a little bit further
The Corn Crib, Newman: Fish specials on Fridays include an All You Can Eat Fish deal. Worth the drive!
Destihl, Bloomington: Many fish dishes found at both the restaurant and beer hall, but we recommend the seared ahi tuna salad the most.
Lola’s Bar and Grill, Potomac: One of our readers recommended this short trip so you can enjoy the blue gill on the menu.
Holy Crab, East Peoria: So many fried fish options here. Pair it with a visit to Bass Pro or a Peoria attraction, if you wish.
Shark Grill, Danville: Shark Grill is a short drive with great fish found at the end of the journey.
Know of a fish fry – church or restaurant serving fish entrees/specials – that we should include? Email us and we will update our listing.