Fish is making a splash on these menus for a limited time.
Growing up Catholic, I used to dread Friday. It was one of my favorite days of the week, but for the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter, I was stuck with fish sticks for dinner. It wasn’t the most exciting meal, to say the least, and I haven’t touched a fish stick in years.
I’ve since expanded my fish meal options exponentially. I do love a good fish fry at my favorite local, family-owned restaurant, but I also like the reliability of visiting chain restaurants for something quick and easy. Going out to eat is one of my favorite ways to spend time with my family—and that’s not something you have to give up during Lent.
If you’re observing Lent this year, don’t stay home and eat fish sticks on Fridays. Unless you want to, of course! Instead, switch things up with a meal at one of these 13 restaurants that are offering Lent fish specials.
1/13
Via Mcdonalds.com
McDonald’s
Listen, I don’t need to sing the praises of the Filet-O-Fish. This is one of McDonald’s most innovative and bestselling products, and it was created specifically for Catholics abstaining from meat on Fridays. While it’s available on the menu year-round, most McDonald’s franchises offer the sandwich at a discounted price during Lent—sometimes as low as $2.50.
2/13
Via Popeyes.com
Popeye’s
Popeye’s brought back its seafood menu—including the fan-favorite Flounder Fish Sandwich and the Butterfly Shrimp Tackle Box—just in time for Lent. They even went the extra mile this year and are offering dry rubs! Previously only available on the chicken, seasonings like ghost pepper, Buffalo, garlic Parmesan and lemon pepper can now be added to your butterfly shrimp.
3/13
Via Qdobafranchise.com
Qdoba
Craving tacos during Lent? Qdoba has you covered. The chain brought back its citrus lime shrimp as a protein option for any burrito, bowl, quesadilla or salad. Move over, Tuesday; it’s time for Taco Friday.
4/13
Via Smashburger.com
Smashburger
The burger chain is making room on its menu for more than just meat, with new shrimp offerings debuted just in time for Lent. Smashburger now offers a shrimp roll and a shrimp basket, available with standard seasonings or “scorchin’ hot” spices if you want a little heat.
5/13
Via Whitecastle.com
White Castle
Another burger joint that has expanded its menu to accommodate Lent is White Castle. The OG fast-food burger chain has a fish slider on the menu, and it just brought back its popular Shrimp Nibblers. The shrimp are coated in a seasoned buttermilk batter, which sounds absolutely delicious.
6/13
Via Sonicdrivein.com
Sonic
Sonic definitely has one of the most diverse menu offerings out there, but one thing it doesn’t carry year-round is a fish sandwich. But the chain’s fish sandwich is back on the menu now, just in time for Lent. If you have a hankering for some crispy pollock with tartar sauce, and are also craving cherry limeade and mozzarella sticks, this one should be on your list!
7/13
Via Golden Corral Victoria/Facebook
Golden Corral
I think I’m probably happiest at a buffet, and this year Golden Corral has made it even easier to enjoy its offerings during Lent. First, you can now enjoy Cajun fried fish and butterfly shrimp from the buffet. Second, there’s a new lobster tail add-on option for any meal. Time for a big plate of surf and surf!
8/13
Via Crackerbarrel.com
Cracker Barrel
This year, Cracker Barrel is celebrating Lent by bringing its fan-favorite fried catfish back to the menu. The southern comfort chain also has a new limited-time spring menu available, which features a smoky southern salmon entree.
9/13
Via Whataburger.com
Whataburger
I know I shouldn’t play favorites, but Whataburger’s Lent menu options have my favorite names of this entire list. Its Whatacatch Sandwich and Whatacatch Platter are back for a limited time, available now through April 6.
10/13
Via Culvers.com
Culver’s
I’ve gone on record as a certified Culver’s fan who thinks it has the best fast-food burger on the market. But it also happens to have excellent fish options on its menu year-round. Culver’s goes the extra mile for Lent every year by bringing back its Northwoods Walleye Sandwich, and this year is no different.
11/13
Via Zaxbys.com
Zaxby’s
Another chicken joint doing its part for Lent, Zaxby’s has a great option for its fans. It brought back its Southern Fried Shrimp menu, which you can get as a box or on top of any Zalad. The Asian Zensation Zalad is particularly tasty, and is great with the shrimp!
12/13
Via Tacojohns.com
Taco John’s
If you’re torn between craving either fish tacos or a fish sandwich, look no further than Taco John’s. It’s providing both on its Lent menu this year! The Alaska Pollock Big Fish Sandwich and Alaska Pollock Fish Taco are available now for a limited time.
13/13
Via Ljsilvers.com
Long John Silver’s
Of course, Long John Silver’s is always going to be a key restaurant for anyone observing Lent. Its ample fish options make for nice meals year-round. For Lent, though, it brought back its $6 shrimp baskets so you can enjoy them at a discount. And if you’re a fan of LJS’s tartar sauce, I have some bonus news: It’s available to purchase at Kroger grocery stores for a limited time this spring.
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