What is a Friday Fish Fry? Uncover the history and significance behind the Friday fish fry tradition, and why it holds such a special place in many communities.

The phrase 'Friday fish fry' takes on different meanings depending on where you live and your cultural or religious background. This time-honored practice stretches back centuries, and we’ll delve into its origins while offering creative ideas for your own fish fry gatherings.

The History of the Friday Fish Fry

For many in the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Southeast, the Friday fish fry is a well-known tradition. Originating from the Catholic Church's practice during Lent—where followers are asked to avoid meat on Fridays—fish became a popular alternative. This tradition has survived for generations, largely because fish, being cold-blooded, weren’t considered 'meat' by the Church’s standards.

When European immigrants arrived in America during the 1800s, they brought their Catholic customs with them, including the tradition of eating fish on Fridays. Many Germans and Poles who settled in the Midwest took advantage of the region’s abundant lakes, making the Friday fish fry a staple of local culture.

Interestingly, Prohibition helped reinforce the Friday fish fry tradition. From 1920 to 1923, bars and taverns were prohibited from selling alcohol, so they turned to selling fried fish to keep their businesses afloat. By the mid-1900s, with the rise of supper clubs, the Friday fish fry became a year-round custom for Midwesterners. In fact, McDonald's introduced the Filet-O-Fish sandwich when a Cincinnati location in a predominantly Catholic neighborhood found it difficult to sell burgers on Fridays during Lent.

In the South, the fish fry originated as a Saturday night tradition among enslaved African Americans on plantations. According to food historian Adrian Miller, "The work schedule on the plantation would slow down by noon on Saturday, so enslaved people had the rest of that day to do what they wanted," which included gathering for a meal of fried fish.

After emancipation, the fish fry tradition became a thriving business for many Black families, who opened restaurants across the South and beyond. Over time, the tradition shifted to Friday nights, likely influenced by Catholic customs in urban areas.

Today, the fish fry tradition continues in diverse ways across the U.S., with regional variations in side dishes. In St. Louis, St. Cecilia Parish, a predominantly Hispanic Catholic church, created a unique take called "The Original Mexican Fish Fry." This feast features chile relleno, bean tostadas, and fried cheese quesadillas instead of the usual potato and coleslaw.

Regional Fish Fry Variations

Midwestern Fish Fry Menu

Nowhere is the Friday fish fry tradition more entrenched than in the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin, where supper clubs have made fish fries a year-round staple. A classic Midwestern Friday fish fry typically includes beer-battered fish (often cod), served alongside tartar sauce, lemon wedges, French fries or German-style potato pancakes, coleslaw, and rye bread.

Main Dish: Beer-Battered Fish at Its Best

Side Dishes:

• Chef John's French Fries or German Potato Pancakes
• Restaurant-Style Coleslaw I
• German Rye Bread

Southern Fish Fry Menu

In the South, catfish takes center stage, as it's plentiful in the region's lakes and rivers. Typically coated in a cornmeal batter and deep-fried, Southern fish fries are often lively, outdoor affairs. No fish fry here is complete without crispy French fries, golden hushpuppies, coleslaw, and of course, a refreshing glass of sweet tea!

Main Dish: Classic Southern Fried Catfish

Side Dishes:

• Homemade Crispy Seasoned French Fries
• Hush Puppies
• Nana's Southern Coleslaw

Northeastern Fish Fry Menu

The Northeast, home to many Roman Catholic communities like Upstate New York and Pennsylvania, also boasts a rich tradition of Friday fish fries. Here, you'll find battered or breaded fish—often haddock, cod, or flounder—paired with fries, coleslaw, dinner rolls, and occasionally macaroni or potato salad.

Main Dishes: Classic New England Fried Fish

Side Dishes:

• French Fried Potatoes
• Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
• Classic Dinner Rolls