During Lent (February 18 – April 2 in 2026), Christians traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays. Across the country, that means fish.

In Pittsburgh, it means something much bigger.

A fish fry here is:

Many of these fish fries double as the largest annual fundraiser for parishes and community organizations. And over time, Pittsburgh has turned this religious tradition into a regional culinary identity.

Below is your comprehensive, neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the most talked-about fish fries of 2026 — including award winners, historic institutions, and local favorites.

📍 107 Flowers Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

Founded as a nonprofit culinary training program, Community Kitchen provides workforce development for individuals facing barriers to employment. Their fish fry became so popular it won Axios’ 2025 Fish Fry Bracket.

Their edge? Everything is scratch-made. The haddock is hand-seasoned, hand-battered, and fried to order. Sides like pierogies and mac & cheese are house-made.

Fridays 11am–7pm.

(Hosted at the American Serbian Club) — South Side
📍 2524 Sarah St., Pittsburgh, PA

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral has deep roots in Pittsburgh’s Serbian community. Their fish fry, held at the historic American Serbian Club, won the 2025 PTL / Talk Pittsburgh bracket challenge.

Expect traditional fish dinners, generous portions, and a full bar — making it one of the most energetic fish fry experiences in the city.

📍 400 Cedar Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks has operated in Pittsburgh for generations. Lodge #339’s fish fry is often described as the most popular in the city.

Run entirely by volunteers, it features hand-breaded Atlantic cod on fresh rolls with homemade sides. Lines form early — and that reputation has only grown over the years.

📍 7400 Irvine St., Swissvale, PA

A true fire hall fish fry. The Swissvale VFD has been serving the community for decades, and their Lent operation is legendary.

Beer-battered fish sandwiches, hearty haluski, and efficient volunteer coordination make this one of the fastest-selling fish fries in the region.

Arrive early.

📍 414 Hawkins Ave., Rankin, PA

Emil’s is an old-school Mon Valley tavern with decades of history. Featured by Rick Sebak and praised by locals for years, it’s known for generous portions and classic comfort sides.

Their fish fry blends bar culture with parish tradition — a very Pittsburgh combination.

📍 9600 Babcock Blvd., Allison Park, PA

This career and technical education center allows culinary students to run one of the most diverse fish fry menus in the area.

It’s both a fundraiser and a real-world training experience. Expect shrimp, crab fritters, chowder, and more.

Select Fridays, 11am–1:30pm.

📍 1000 Tropical Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

Serving Pittsburgh’s Lebanese Catholic community for decades, OLOV adds Middle Eastern flavors to the traditional fish fry menu — including lentil soup, falafel, and lubia alongside classic fish sandwiches.

A unique cultural spin on Lent Fridays.

📍 20 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA

Established in 1870, this is Pittsburgh’s oldest bar and restaurant. Long before fish fries became trendy, Oyster House was serving cod sandwiches in Market Square.

A true historic institution.

📍 164 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA

Operated by Catholic Charities, Brother Andre’s focuses on affordable meals and community outreach. During Lent, they host Friday fish fry specials in Epiphany Church’s lower level.

Mission-driven and community-centered.

📍 245 7th St., Pittsburgh, PA

A modern downtown cocktail bar that leans into Lent tradition with an oversized fish sandwich lunch special. A more contemporary take on the fish fry.

📍 8701 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA

A long-standing North Hills restaurant known for large portions and a loyal following. Their “Giant Fish Sandwich” is famous for its secret beer batter.

📍 1110 Davis Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

A casual neighborhood spot offering tilapia, cod, and catfish — a more everyday, no-frills fish fry experience.

📍 1700 Harvilla Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

A long-standing parish serving Troy Hill families for generations. Their fish fry reflects classic church-basement hospitality.

📍 1830 E Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA

Opened by British expats, this South Side staple focuses on authentic fish & chips with imported ingredients and traditional preparation.

📍 1828 E Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA

Established in the early 2000s, Piper’s is a Scottish pub known for soccer, whiskey, and excellent beer-battered haddock.

📍 6470 Library Rd., Bethel Park, PA

Part of the South Hills Catholic community, St. Joan of Arc’s fish fry is known for its extensive menu and return to full dine-in service.

📍 363 W 11th Ave., Homestead, PA

A large and active parish offering one of the most expansive menus — including seafood pastas and wine service.

📍 201 Saline St., Pittsburgh, PA

A Pittsburgh institution featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Known for oversized portions and neighborhood loyalty.

📍 252 46th St., Pittsburgh, PA

A long-running Lawrenceville bar famous for “The Codfather,” a massive fish sandwich served during Lent.

📍 544 Butler St., Etna, PA

A neighborhood tavern along Butler Street known for strong local support and fish sandwich specials during Lent.

📍 4770 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

A modern pop-up collaboration bringing chef-driven creativity to the traditional fish fry format.

📍 1711 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

A Strip District landmark since 1912. Known for seafood markets and enormous fish sandwiches like the “Wholey Holy Moley.”

📍 1700 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

A wine bar collaborating with St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish to serve church-style fish fry traditions in a more modern setting.

📍 2208 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

Opened in 2008, this seafood restaurant focuses on fresh daily catches and sushi — offering a nontraditional but high-quality Lent option.

📍 46 18th St., Pittsburgh, PA

Founded in 1933 in the Strip District, Primanti’s iconic sandwich (with fries and slaw inside) extends naturally to its fish & cheese Lent offering.

📍 2329 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

An authentic Irish pub known for Guinness-battered fish & chips and one of the region’s largest whiskey selections.

To make planning even easier, we’ve created a 2026 Pittsburgh Fish Fry Interactive Map featuring locations across the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you're mapping out a Friday fish fry crawl, looking for the closest parish to your office, or trying to discover a hidden fire hall gem, this tool lets you explore by neighborhood and build your route with ease.

👉 View the 2026 Pittsburgh Fish Fry Map here:

Use it to plan ahead — because in Pittsburgh, the best fish fries don’t wait around until 8pm.