TOLEDO, Ohio — It's officially fish fry season! The sounds of sizzling oil and the scent of deep-friend goodies are a sure sign that spring is near.
Due to the tradition of Lent, local Catholics must give up eating meat on Fridays. Thankfully, they have plenty of options to snag a plate of some delicious battered fish right here in the 419.
Here's a quick look at some great fish fries in our area. The list may look small for now, but that's where YOU come in! If you're favorite fry is missing, let us know. Send an e-mail with your suggestion to jstrock@wtol.com.
TOLEDO CATHOLIC DIOCESE
With its long list of church's, the Toledo Catholic Diocese has made it easy with a guide all of its own. You can check that out here.
WALT CHURCHILL'S
Both the Walt Churchill's in Maumee and Perrysburg take part in the seasonal fish fry frenzy and have for many years.
The popular dinner features Atlantic Cod, Lake Erie Walleye and even an easterly Atlantic Lobster Roll. You can snag any of this delicious grub as a full dinner or a la carte.
The Churchill's fish fry goes from 4 - 7 p.m. every Friday until April 10.
TONY PACKO'S
Tony Packo's is getting in the spirit! The restaurant's lake perch and Guinness-battered cod is back and better than ever. The special is valid now through April 12.
SUSIE'S SKILLET LLC
The family-owned diner in Walbridge is a great option for Lake Erie perch this season. They have perch dinners every Friday along with a huge selection of other daily specials that are tough to beat. The restaurant's fish seems to go quick so snag a table early!
Susie's Skillet is located at 101 S. Main St. in Walbridge.
VFW POST 2984
Situation in Northwood, this VFW holds its fish fries every Friday through Lent. And you'll never leave hungry, because this dinner is all you can eat — what a steal for only $10.
Check them out at 102 W. Andrus Rd. in Northwood from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
GESU ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH
The church is holding its famous fish fries all throughout Lent.
The menu features Alaskan pollock, but is also stocked with other goodies for picky eaters. There's cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, french fries, coleslaw apple sauce and peaches for those who may want to feast on other meatless treats.
The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. in the Loyola Hall.
For price information and more, click here.
ST. BONIFACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
This Oak Harbor church has great options at its fish fries, including a healthier baked fish for those trying to partake in Lent without all that extra oil.
You can try their french fries, seasoned potatoes or macaroni and cheese as a heftier side, or check out the salad bar for a lighter option.
These fish fries kick off at 4 p.m.
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
This is yet another "all you can eat" fish fry in the 419!
You can order fried or baked Alaskan pollock or grab a slice of Marco's cheese pizza with a number of tasty sides.
There are plenty of desserts to choose from, too, to satisfy that sweet tooth.
These fish fries go all through Lent until April 3, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help is located at 2255 Central Grove in Toledo.
Carry-out is an option for those on the go.
For more information, click here.
We will continue adding to this list as the season continues! Send us your suggestions at jstrock@wtol.com