Nominate Pittsburgh's best fish fry
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Fish fry season is back in Western Pennsylvania, drawing thousands to churches, fire halls and restaurants across the region.
Why it matters: Lenten fish fries are a cultural fixture that pull together churchgoers and secular diners for food and fellowship.
Context: Fish fry season kicks off on Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent — during which many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays.
- Most fish fries start today or this Friday and continue every Friday through either March 27 or Good Friday on April 3.
Flashback: Last year, Axios Pittsburgh readers crowned Community Kitchen's fish fry the region's best in our tournament-style bracket.
By the numbers: There are roughly 250 fish fry venues in the greater Pittsburgh region, per Code for Pittsburgh's 2026 map.
How it works: Feast on fried or baked seafood alongside side dishes like haluski, pierogi, mac and cheese, stewed tomatoes, coleslaw, and homemade desserts.
- Most places have large shared seating areas, but takeout is common, and some venues serve via drive-thrus or food trucks.
What's next: We plan to launch another bracket this year, but we want to hear from you first.
- Visit a few spots, then tell us which fish fries deserve a place in the competition. We want everyone's input, especially the die-hards who make the rounds each season or have sampled plenty over the years.
Email [email protected] with your go-to fish fry spot!
Go deeper: Hear Axios Pittsburgh's own Ryan Deto talk fish fry pro tips and etiquette on City Cast Pittsburgh.