Get Hooked! Friday Fish Fry is a Lenten Tradition in Belmont County

If it is a Friday during Lent in the Ohio Valley, you can bet there will be local fish fry fundraisers and restaurants serving seafood specials. Fish is often served on Friday nights during Lent, the Christian season of repentance, as a restaurant special or fundraiser for local organizations.

Below is a list of local, Lenten fish fry events and a list of Belmont County restaurants offering Friday or weekend fish specials during this time.

The Bellaire Sons of Italy, 3348 Belmont St., Bellaire, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and every Friday of Lent. Orders will be for eat-in or takeout. Call ahead at 740-676-7137 to order.

Bellaire Volunteer Fire Department will hold fish frys from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and every Friday until Easter at 2450 Belmont Street. Call ahead to order at 740-325-1848. Dine in or carry out, with delivery depending on availability.

Bridgeport Masonic Lodge #181 is selling Coleman’s fish sandwiches and delicious sides every Friday. The sides include: French fries, cabbage and noodles, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese! They will also have pickles, mozzarella sticks, and hush puppies. Take-out orders are available by calling 740-921-8920

Flushing Volunteer Fire Department, 104 E High St., Flushing, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday of Lent. Orders will be for takeout or delivery. Call ahead at 740-968-4700 to order.

Martins Ferry Knights of Columbus will hold a Lenten fish fry at the council home, 25 N. Fourth St., beginning Feb. 16 and continuing each Friday of Lent from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. or until the fish is sold out. Eat-in or takeout orders are available. The menu includes Coleman’s fish dinner or sandwich, onion rings, french fries, cole slaw, pop, tea, and water. Call 740-633-0528 early for afternoon orders.

Martins Ferry American Legion Post 38 will hold a fish fry every Friday during Lent at 22 S. Zane Highway. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 740-633-1494 to place an order.

Shadyside St. Mary Church will host weekly Canadian whiting fish frys from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through April 11. Eat in or carry out. Call ahead to order at 740-340-5061.

Smith Township Volunteer Fire Department, 46389 Fire House St., Centerville, 3-6:30 p.m. every Friday of Lent. Call ahead at 740-686-2150 to order.

The St. Clairsville Eagles, 50690 National Road East, will host fish frys from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent. These events are open to the public. Call 740-695-9164 to order.

Wolfhurst Fire Department, 55485 Brand Ave, Bridgeport, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Friday of Lent. Call ahead at 740-635-3192 to order.

Local restaurants featuring Friday fish specials include: Main Street Barrel House in Barnesville; Schlepp’s Family Restaurant and Chapz Bar & Grill in Belmont; Gulla’s Lunch in Bellaire; Audrey’s Avenue Kitchen & Bar, Newellstown Diner; Nicolozakes Cafe, and Mehlman’s Cafeteria in St. Clairsville; The Barton Trap in Barton; Belmont Brewerks and Hanover Fuel Stop in Martins Ferry; and Convenient Food Mart in Barnesville; JLK Carryout LLC Bar and Grill between Barnesville and Beallsville; Riverside Restaurant & Bar and Hank’s Place Powhatan in Powhatan Point; Central Grille ; Matt’s Tiger Pub; Good Thymes and South End Bar and Grill in Shadyside; Riesbeck’s (all locations) and Ideal Provisions food truck (the schedule of their location can be found on their Facebook page).

Visit the Places to Eat page on this website for more dining options. Check out our calendar for upcoming fish frys and other events.