The Lenten season: Fish frys and the best fish sandwiches in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
Ash Wednesday — March 5 — marks the beginning of the 2025 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.
Church Fish Fry Options
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign: Fish Fry on March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11. In the past hours have been 5-7 p.m. Dine in or pick up available at the door off the playground parking lot. 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: March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Urbana: Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Dinner in St. Brigid Hall, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11.
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Mahomet: Parish Fish Fry 6-7:30 p.m. every Friday of Lent: March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11. Carry-out meals available.
Restaurant Fish Options
Aspen Tap House, 2001 S. Neil St., Champaign: You can’t go wrong with the Aspen Tap House’s Big Fish Sandwich. Other regular menu fish items include cod tacos and battered cod fish and chips. Carryout and delivery available.
Big Grove Tavern, 1 E. Main St., Champaign: “The Korean BBQ salmon is awesome!”
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, 320 N. Chestnut St., Champaign: Black Dog features “excellent” smoked salmon and smoked catfish on its regular menu as sandwiches or platters.
Bunny’s Tavern, 119 W. Water St., Urbana: “Hands down, no contest.” Grilled salmon sandwich is among the Friday choices.
The Corn Crib, 107 E. Yates St., Newman: Fish specials on Fridays include an All You Can Eat Fish deal.
Esquire Lounge, 106 N. Walnut St., Champaign: “Esquire has a fantastic fish (cod) sandwich available every Friday, not just during Lent but all year.”
The Fish Wagon, 401 W. Clinton Ave., Farmer City: “Worth the drive.”
Golden Harbor, 505 S. Neil St., Champaign: Some reader favorites here are ginger scallion fish fillets, salt fish, fish with spicy dry rub (recommended for dine-in rather than takeout).
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 Road, Mahomet: Check out its hand-battered fish sandwich — it’s … big.
KoFusion, 30 E. Main St., Champaign: “The salmon dish is outstanding!”
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 sandwich 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. 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, 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!” “Tilapia tacos!”
Shark Grill, 1511 N. Bowman Ave., Danville: Shark Grill “is worth the drive for some fish.”
Sun Singer Restaurant, 1115 W. Windsor Rd., 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 Shack and Rail, 211 N. Neil St., Champaign: Watson’s carries its Watson’s Hot Fish Sandwich (perch) and Firecracker Shrimp Po’Boy as well as Crab Hushpuppies 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.
Know of a fish fry – church or restaurant serving fish entrees/specials – that we should include? Email us and we will update our listing.