North Side Croatian National Hall Javor voted Pittsburgh's best fish fry

Zoom in: Croatian National Hall Javor, founded in 1905 by Croatian immigrants as a community gathering place for food, music and culture, has hosted its annual fish fry on the North Side since the 1980s.

• It's volunteer-run and serves as the club's biggest fundraiser, says Mary Sestric, a past board member who's still active in the event. The crowd mixes longtime regulars with first-time visitors, often with lines out the door, she says.

By the numbers: Hundreds of Axios Pittsburgh readers voted this week to narrow a field of 16 nominated fish fry spots. In the end, it came down to the Swissvale Volunteer Fire Department and Javor.

Dig in: The club has Lenten classics including baked and fried fish and shrimp, with sides like pierogies, mac and cheese, fries, Croatian coleslaw, potato salad and kids' options.

• Javor's weekly specials pack the house, Sestric says, "especially when we feature something a little different or a Croatian specialty like fish paprikas."
• "One of the things that makes our fish fry special is that a different volunteer chef leads the kitchen each week, which keeps the menu fresh and exciting," she says.
• Save room for Javor's popular bake sale items. Volunteers make traditional recipes like breskvice, or peach cookies, from scratch. "First-time visitors should definitely try the baklava or the banana cake," Sestric adds.

The intrigue: Visitors can sometimes catch live tambura bands at the hall during fish fries. Follow on social media for updates.

• Murals celebrating Croatian heritage adorn the hall's exterior, and parking is available in a rear lot and along the street.

If you go: Croatian National Hall Javor is open to the public for fish fries each Friday during Lent, including Good Friday, from 4:30pm-8pm.

• 📍 805 East St., North Side
• 📞 412-321-8104. Dine-in and takeout available. Cash and credit accepted.