Best Fish For Fridays

Spring may not have made a commitment to Minnesota just yet, but regardless of the weather, it's that time of year again: Lent. Looking for fish on Fridays? Check out one of the perks of the season: the Friday Night Fish Fry. Always a tradition during Lent, and available several places, some family friendly, some not so much. In many cases, it's all you can eat, but even when it's not, you're assured a heaping plate of food that won't leave you hungry. Call ahead for hours and types of fish served.

The Anchor

302 13th Avenue Northeast
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 676-1300
The Anchor

'Nuff said. If you haven't had this fish 'n' chips basket, go now.

Church of St. Albert the Great

2836 33rd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406-1688
(612) 724-3643
Church of St. Albert the Great

One of the primary sources of a fish fry is, not surprisingly, local churches. Possibly the best known for its memorable and tasty fish is Church of St. Albert the Great in south Minneapolis. They offer their fish fried or baked, but really — it's a fish fry. (For more possibilities within the Catholic Church/Knights of Columbus communities in the Twin Cities, check out The Catholic Spirit.)

American Legion/VFW

Various Locations
American Legions of Minnesota
VFW

Two more good resources for the Friday fish fry (sometimes just for Lent, sometimes year-round) are veteran's organizations. American Legion Clubs that offer a fish fry include Posts in Excelsior, Chanhassen, New Brighton, and Wayzata. (For a full list of Posts in the state along with contact information, check the American Legions of Minnesota.) The second organization that can provide info on club fish fries is the VFW.

Obbs Bar & Grill

1347 Burns Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55106-6701
(651) 776-7010
Obbs Bar & Grill

Beyond those stalwarts, there are almost limitless possibilities for fish, whether you like traditional fried fish or want to see how local chefs mix it up. For the traditionalists, Obbs Bar & Grill in St. Paul. This is comfort food fried fish.

Liberty's Restaurant & Lounge

303 W 3rd St
Red Wing, MN 55066-2306
(651) 388-8877
Liberty's in Red Wing

Another big option for comfort food is the Friday fish fry found at Liberty's in Red Wing.

Lake Elmo Inn

3442 Lake Elmo Avenue North
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(651) 777-8495
Lake Elmo Inn

It's hard to beat the charming ambiance at the Lake Elmo Inn, and the Inn goes all out for Lent. Why just have a fish fry when you can have a seafood buffet extravaganza?

Mac's Fish and Chips

1330 Larpenteur Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55113-6342
(651) 489-5299
Mac's Fish and Chips

Ambiance is lacking at Mac's Fish and Chips, but that's OK. When the fish is wonderfully battered and fried hot and crispy, you won't really care about the surroundings.

Red Stag Supperclub

509 1st Avenue Northeast
Minneapolis, MN 55413-4600
(612) 767-7766
Red Stag Supperclub

If you're ready to try something different, check out the Red Stag Supperclub, which uses a wider variety of fish as well as changing specialties such as of king crab linguini or smelt fries.

Café Twenty Eight

2724 W 43rd St
Minneapolis, MN 55410-1663
(612) 926-2800
Café Twenty Eight

Café Twenty Eight uses beer in the batter coating the Canadian walleye, and it's served up with homemade coleslaw and fries.

Culvers

Various Locations
Culvers

In a rush? This may surprise you, but the seasonal walleye dinner or sandwich at Culvers can be a quick, tasty, and cheap way to get your fried-fish jones satisfied -- at least until you can get to any of the above.