Time for a Fish Fry: St. Louisans Weigh In on How To Tackle the Season

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The first Friday of fish fry season is nigh. Known to many as Lent and known to all as a time when hoppy brew and battered cod reigns supreme, the next six weeks churches and organizations all over St. Louis will host good old fashioned fish fry dinners.

St. Louisans from every spiritual persuasion troll around the city to partake in these cheap nights out, and there are even roving fish fry crews that circulate around the city. Steve Smith, owner of The Royale in South City, is the organizer of one traveling fry groups. Each week members of his STL Fish Fry Crew meet a different fish dinners throughout the city; Smith said, "I started organizing weekly Lenten outings to area fish fry dinners about nine years ago as a way to get together with friends, eat fish and drink beer on the cheap. I continued this tradition after I opened the Royale for it is a great way to get out into the community and get to know their neighbors."

So where are some of the best and most interesting fish fry dinners around the city? One fish fry in North County seems to be a hit with many St. Louisans. St. Ferdinand's in Florissant came up a lot when we were asking people about their favorite fish fry. For more than 40 years St. Ferdinand's has been serving up hush puppies, slaw and battered cod in what they also claim to be "the best fish fry in St. Louis."

While just about every neighborhood in the city boasts one or two traditional fish fry dinners, there are a few places that mix it up by borrowing music and recipes from other countries. Saint Cecilia's in South City serves quesadillas, tacos and flautas alongside their salmon and cod for the Mexican Fish Fry that has become a city-wide favorite. Another popular Lenten season destination is Saint Pius' for their Irish Fish Fry, complete with Irish tunes from Clan Jameson.

Whether it's gathering a group and traveling cross city or heading to a quick bite at your local parish, fish fry dinner are a great way to spend a Friday night no matter what your religious background. Smith explained, "It is a great way for multiple generations to get together and enjoy a meal and support neighborhood institutions."

Looking for a Fish Fry near you? Check out Fox 2's Fish Fry Finder!