10 Omaha Fish Fries You Gotta Try (In 2020)

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 contains updates for cancellations. Omaha Archdiocese has recommended all fish fries be canceled to avoid the spread of COVID-19, so any Catholic Church listed below will not be holding fish fries.

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.

2020 Omaha Fish Fry Recommendations

Holy Name Catholic Church Fish Fry

Located at 2901 Fontenelle Blvd., Holy Name hosts its 38th annual “Fryday” fish fry Feb. 21 through April 3. Dinners are served from 4:30 to 9 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 8:30. 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. Vincent de Paul Church Fish Fry

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 from Feb. 28 to April 3, 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.

St. Gerald’s Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

St. Gerald Parish, near 96th and Q streets, hosts its annual fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 28 through April 3.

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

UPDATE: Mary Our Queen announced the fish fries planned for March 13 and 20 are canceled.

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.

Serving dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. each Friday, Feb. 28 through April 3, Mary Our Queen is located at 3405 S. 118th St.

St. Patrick Catholic Church Fish Fry

The Elkhorn parish adds entertainment to its fish fry, including a magician, clowns who make balloon animals, and face painting. Families can make a night of it each Friday, Feb. 28 through April 3.

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

Update: Legion 374 now offers drive-up food service for those who do not wish to attend in person. To order food, call 402-895-0405 on Friday between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Located at 13913 S St., the Millard American Legion Post 374 will host its annual fish fry on Friday, Feb. 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 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.

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Fish Fry

Update: St. John announced they are canceling fish fries until further notice.

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, 602 Park Ave., is open from 4:30 to 8 p.m. each Friday, Feb. 28 through April 3. Admission is $11 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under.

Croatian Cultural Society of Omaha Fish Fry

Update: The March 13 fish fry went on as planned. No word if future fish fries are canceled.

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

The Scottish Rite Fish Fry-Days run each Friday, March 20 through April 3. 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

Update: All NCAA games have been canceled so there will not be baseball fish fries in 2020.

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 games against Central Connecticut State (March 13), Boise State (March 27), Seton Hall (April 3), and Wichita State (April 10).  

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.