20+ Omaha Fish Fries To Try In 2021

Lenten season means two things for Omaha-area residents – a time for personal sacrifice and reflection, as well fish fries. With more than 30 parishes and groups sponsoring fish fries in the Omaha area, you can find great food and fun times from Blair to Plattsmouth. Here’s a look at a few of the Omaha fish fries that you’re likely to enjoy a good meal and company.

Updates: This post is in the process of being updated for 2021. Not all churches have announced their plans yet. Leave a comment if you have any updates!

Why fish fries?

Catholics honor their faith for a six-week period by surrendering something special to them as a way of recognizing the sacrifices made by  Jesus Christ. Each Friday during lent, fish fries provide a sense of community and camaraderie among Catholics.

But, don’t think fish fries are just for Catholics; Greek Orthodox Church followers also celebrate the season with a fish fry, as well as community groups.

A fun thing about fish fries is that everyone is invited to enjoy fish and chips…and maybe an adult beverage or two. Fish fries are always family-friendly. 

Tip: Check the organization’s website or social media to verify times and dinner prices.

Best 2021 Omaha Fish Fries

St. Vincent de Paul Church Fish Fry

2021 Update: The annual fish fry is drive-thru only this year on Friday nights Feb. 19 through March 26, beginning from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fish dinners range from $8-$10 and include fried of baked fish, fries or baked potato, Mac & cheese, slaw, and a roll. There’s also a Mac & cheese dinner option. Credit cards are accepted.

Call St. Vincent de Paul the Fish and more Fry. With a menu featuring fried and baked fish, macaroni and cheese, and cheese pizza, your family will be challenged not find something for dinner on which everyone will agree. Running each Friday through Lent, fish dinners also come with french fries or baked potato, and coleslaw.

The fish fry at 14330 Eagle Run Drive costs $10 per adult, $9 per senior, and $6 for children ages 4-12 (Kim’s note: Thanks to a reader for the heads up that the price increased this year!). Adult beverages and soda are available. Don’t forget to enjoy dessert while you’re there.

Holy Name Catholic Church Fish Fry

2021 Update: Holy Name announced on Feb. 3 that the 2021 fish fry season is canceled at the church.

Located at 2901 Fontenelle Blvd., Holy Name hosts its annual “Fryday” fish fry. Bring your own drink if you prefer, but adult beverages will be sold inside the fish fry.

If you prefer not to wait in line, it’s recommended you arrive early. People arriving at 6 p.m. can expect a substantial wait.

Tickets typically run $12 per adult, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children under 12. Holy Name traditionally serves Alaska pollock.

Considered one of Omaha’s premier fish fries, politicians are known to frequent, looking to shake a few hands and win votes.  

St. Gerald’s Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

2021 Update: The annual fish fry is a drive-thru-only option in 2021, running Friday nights Feb. 19 through March 26. Menu items include baked cod, Mac & cheese, cheese pizza and baked potato or wedges.

St. Gerald Parish, near 96th and Q streets, hosts its annual fish fry on Friday nights during Lent.

Offering a menu of fried cod, baked tilapia, and fried shrimp, dinners come with a side of french fries or baked potato, coleslaw or salad with bread. For non-fish diners, the parish offers cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese. 

Mary Our Queen Catholic Church Fish Fry

2021 Update: The fish fry is a drive-thru-only event on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. through March 26, 2021. Meals are $12.

Named as one of the best fish fries in Omaha (including Best of Omaha in 2017), Mary Our Queen offers a menu of fried and baked fish, french fries or fried spudsters, coleslaw, as well as a mac and cheese option.

Mary Our Queen is located at 3405 S. 118th St.

St. Patrick Catholic Church Fish Fry

2021 Update: The church will have in-person and drive-thru fish fries Fridays from Feb. 19 through March 26. Reservations are required for tables of 8 inside.

The Elkhorn parish adds entertainment to its annual Lenten fish fry, including a magician, clowns who make balloon animals, and face painting.

The dinner menu includes fried and baked fish, fried shrimp, French fries, mac and cheese, green beans, and coleslaw. Cheese pizza is also available. St. Patrick Catholic Church, 20500 West Maple Road, also offers drive-thru service.

Millard American Legion Post 374 Fish Fry

2021 Update: No word on whether there is a fish fry this year.

Located at 13913 S St., the Millard American Legion Post 374 usually hosts its annual fish fry one Friday during Lent.

With a menu including a variety of fish and shrimp, the legion also offers steaks. Macaroni and cheese is available. Each meal comes with a side of french fries, coleslaw, and bread. Prices vary based on the entrée ordered.

Papillion American Legion Post 32

2021 Update: This American Legion post has teamed up with Morans Grill for its fish fries, which will be held Fridays, Feb. 19 through April 2, 2021. Dinner is from 4 to 9 p.m. at American Legion Post 32, 230 W. Lincoln St., Papillion, Neb.

Price varies, but options include fried cod, fried pollack, fried shrimp or fried walleye, as well as spaghetti and kid’s macaroni and cheese. Dine-in is an option, as is curbside delivery and takeout. Call (402) 677-1142 to order.

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Fish Fry

2021 Update: The annual Greek Fish Fry is back for 2021 as a curbside pickup event starting Feb. 19 and running through March 26. All orders must be placed online at greekfestomaha.com. Pick up meals at the historic 602 Park Ave. location.

Bringing a Mediterranean flavor to the traditional fish fry, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church features a menu of fried and baked cod, salmon, shrimp, and spanakopita (spinach pie). Don’t forget to enjoy a tasty Greek dessert.

The fish fry is held at 602 Park Ave., each Friday during Lent. Admission is $11 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under.

TIP: Use coupon code PLAKI4YOU to receive $1 off all meals. 

Croatian Cultural Society of Omaha Fish Fry

2021 Update: Dinners will be takeout only Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. from Feb. 19 through March 26. Options include fried Sam Adam’s Beer Battered Cod OR the legendary baked Alaskan pollock. Both fish options are $10 each and come with mac & cheese, coleslaw, french fries & condiments. Discounted drink specials & full bar available.

With a menu of fried and baked fish with fries or baked potato and coleslaw or macaroni and cheese, visitors to the Croatian Cultural Society of Omaha can also learn more about the area’s Croatian heritage.

The fish fry is known for its large portions of fried and baked fish, as well as macaroni and cheese and dessert. The fish fry also features a full bar.

Dinners are $10 per adult and $5 for elementary school students. Children under 5 eat for free. The Croatian Cultural Society does accept credit cards.

Scottish Rite Fish Fry Days

2021 Update: No word on whether there are fish fries this year.

The Scottish Rite Fish Fry-Days usually runs for a few Fridays during Lent. Featuring a menu of all-you-can-eat fried fish, french fries, and coleslaw, as well as a drink, dinners are $12 per person. While to-go orders are welcomed, they ask you call ahead so they can have it ready when you arrive.

The fish fry is available over lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Scottish Rite, 202 S. 20th St.

Creighton Bluejays Baseball Fish Fry

2021 Update: No word on whether there are fish fries planned this year.

The Creighton Bluejays host an annual fish fry as part of their Big East home baseball schedule for Friday night games at TD Ameritrade Park. Ticket prices include a meal voucher for future games.

More Omaha area churches & organizations with fish fries

Holy Ghost Church – There will be seven Lenten fish fries beginning Feb. 12 with the pre-Lenten Fish Fry. Menu includes baked and fried cod, shrimp, mac and cheese, and clam Chowder. It’s walk-on and to-go only, and yes, masks are required. The church is located at 5223 Q. St.

Holy Spirit – Fish Frys are Fridays through April 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Autism Center Gym, 90th and Q streets. Dine-In and Carry-Out available. Masks required until seated. Dine in and carry-out (call 402-253-1839 or email order to ahsfishfryomaha@gmail.com). Reservations not required but may be made for 5-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. via ahsfishfryomaha@gmail.com. Menu includes fried cod, walleye, bang bang shrimp, appetizers and desserts.

Our Lady of Lourdes – This church will have a drive-thru of their fish fry this year at 2110 S. 32nd Ave.

Tangier Shrine – Tangier Shrine will host their annual Fish Fry on April 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Shriners Temple is located at 2823 S. 84th St.

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church – There will be fish fries every Friday from Feb. 19 to March 26 running from 5 to 8 p.m. Church is located at 7790 S. 192nd St., Gretna.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church – There will be fish fries with limited in-person seating and takeout on Fridays, Feb. 26, March 12 and March 26 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the church located at 5419 N. 114th St.

St. James Catholic Church – More details to come, but the word is the fish fry will be held every other Friday during Lent. It’ll be take-out only. 

St. Patrick Catholic Church (CB) – The Council Bluffs church at 4 Valley View Drive will run every Friday beginning Feb. 19 and running through March 26.  There will be limited in-person seating as well as an expanded take-out option.

Omaha restaurants known for great fish

Crescent Moon Ale House – The restaurant at 36th and Farnam streets has an all-day special fish fry menu in 2021, starting Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17), and then every Friday from Feb. 19 through April 2. Friday hours are 11 a.m. til midnight. They have a number of non-meat items, as well.

A Taste of New Orleans – Head to this restaurant that shares a building with Ted and Wally’s at 6023 Maple St. They’ve got some great catfish.

Elegant Edge Event – This caterer at 841 Tara Plaza in Papillion will have fish fries that will be dine in and take-out. Details will be announced soon on their Facebook page.

On the Hook – Check the Omaha fish-focused food truck’s online calendar to see where they’ll be parked.

The Dire Lion Grille & Chippy – Head to this food truck parked at Trucks and Taps, just south of 108th and Q streets, to enjoy their Lent menu.

Whether you want to support your church or local service organizations, the Omaha area offers a variety of fish fries you can attend. There’s something special about standing in line and visiting with your neighbors while you await your turn for a delicious meal and tasty drink. Either way, you’ll enjoy a true Omaha experience.