Fish 'Fry' Day 2020: Where To Find Lenten Meals Near Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — The Christian season of Lent is here, and with it comes the tradition of Friday fish fries. The Catholic custom of abstaining from red meat during the days preceding Easter dates at least back to the third century CE, and is associated with the Biblical story of Jesus fasting in the Judean Desert for 40 days.

Why fish and seafood have often been exempt from this fasting custom is still up for debate, but it may have something to do with the writings of St. Paul, who declared the 'flesh of fish' as a distinct category from the 'flesh of beasts.' This distinction itself may descend from older Jewish dietary restrictions outlined in the Torah and Talmud. For what it's worth, the Catholic Church has also declared - during the colonization of the Americas - that beavers, alligators, capybaras and other animals are 'fish' acceptable to eat during the Lenten fast.

• South Suburban Fish Fry Roundup for Lent 2020

Regardless of the history, there are plenty of groups around town that will be serving up delicious fried fish over the coming Fridays. Whether you're an observing Christian or just a local foodie looking for a good seafood lunch, here's where you can find them:

• Oswego Family Restaurant - 69 Main St, Oswego
  • All-day fish fry menu every Friday
  • Extensive menu options with many types of fish and seafood
  • Open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Cash only
    
• Knights of Columbus / Sts. Peter & Paul Church - 36 N Ellsworth St, Naperville
  
  • First six Fridays in Lent, 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Kitchen closes at 8 p.m.
  • Menu includes fish, shrimp, pizza and salad
  • Carry out orders available, call (630) 355-1081 for more information
  • Dinner to take place in the Ministry Center Social Hall
    
• Naperville VFW - 908 Jackson Ave, Naperville
  
  • Lenten Fridays, Feb. 21 - April 10 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Menu includes fish, chicken, salad, vegetables, plus rolls, dessert and coffee.
  • Adults eat for $13, seniors $11, children $7, toddlers three and under eat free
  • Cash bar available; cash and credit cards accepted
  • Call (630) 420-9820 for more information
    
• American Legion Post 489 - 9054 E. Veterans Pkwy., Yorkville
  
  • Lenten Fridays, Feb. 28 to April 10 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Menu includes cod, shrimp, chicken, tilapia, mac n' cheese and more
  • Adults eat for $13, seniors, $12, kids aged six to 12, $8; children five or younger eat free
  • No carry out available
  • Call (630) 553-7117 for more information

Are you having a fish fry this Lent and want to add your name to the list? Is your organization here but we missed something? Send an email with your information to dave.byrnes@patch.com and we'll add you to the list.