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

ROMEOVILLE, 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:

• Gio's Restaurant - 330 N. Independence Blvd., Romeoville
  • Open every day 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Lent specials include Mojarra Frita, fish tacos, shrimp tacos and Camarones a la Diabla.
  • Call (630) 201-2238 for more information
    
• Ashbury's At Boughton Ridge - 335 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook
  • Every Friday, 11 a.m to 9 p.m.
  • Menu includes beer-battered cod, crispy shrimp, sides, and clam chowder. Prices run from $4 to $15.95
  • Located at the Boughton Ridge Golf Course
    
• St. Andrew the Apostle Church - 505 Kingston Drive, Romeoville
  • Lenten Fridays, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (no dinner on Good Friday)
  • Menu options include fish sandwiches, fish tacos, six-piece shrimp, plus sides and drinks. Prices range from $2.50 to $15.
  • Carry out available (excluding beverages)
  • To place an order call: (815) 886-4165 ext.419
    
• Knights of Columbus Council 11092 - 1501 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook
  • Several Lent Fridays: March 6 and 20, April 3, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Menu includes Fish, fries, slaw and pizza
  • Adults eat for $10, kids for $5 (except pizza), all pizza $3 per slice. $1 desserts and drinks
    
• 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
    
• St. Mary Immaculate Parish - 15629 S. Rte 59, Plainfield
  
  • St. Mary's, in collaboration with the Plainfield Knights of Columbus, is hosting fish fries in the St. Mary Parish School gym every Friday in Lent from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., starting Feb. 28 and ending April 3.
  • Menu options include cod plates, shrimp combos, fish tacos and more, priced between $4 and $11.
  • Phone orders can be taken at 815-577-6673 from 4 to 7 p.m. All phone orders must be picked up by 7:30. Cash, check and credit accepted.
  • Fish fry patrons are asked to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Knights of Columbus' food drive to benefit the Plainfield Food Pantry.
    
• Plainfield 2491 Moose Lodge - 16310 S. Lincoln Hwy #100, Plainfield
  • Call (815) 254-1403 for carry out (no carry out fee).
  • Menu includes two or three-piece cod dinner with sides, and eight-piece shrimp dinner with sides. All items priced between $10 and $12.
  • Meals only served until 8 p.m.
  • The Mooses will be hosting their Fish Fry at the Lodge every Friday from Feb. 28 to April 10, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
    
• Knights of Columbus 14283 - 2500 Arbeiter Road, Joliet
  • Carry out is available from 4 p.m.; call (815) 609-8077 ext. 207 to place an order.
  • In collaboration with St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, this chapter of the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a fish fry every Lenten Friday from Feb. 28 to April 3 on the St. Xavier premises from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
    
• Joliet American Legion post 1080 - 2625 Ingalls Ave., Joliet
  • Lenten Fridays, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Menu options include fried cod, beer-battered cod, catfish, walleye, fried shrimp and grilled chicken; prices range from $9 to $16.
  • Call (815)729-2254 for more information.
    
• Lockport VFW Post 5788 - 1026 E 9th St., Lockport
  • Feb. 28 - April 3, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Menu includes beer-battered cod, panko-crusted butterfly shrimp, chicken tenders and combo plates, plus sides and appetizers. Prices range from $2 to $10.
  • Call (815) 838-1066 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.