With Ash Wednesday happening this week, Lenten fish fries are coming back. Even if you aren't going for religious reasons, there is something about a Central Minnesota fish fry that puts a smile on your face. The sense of community is normally found along with a side of tartar sauce and a lemon wedge. Here's a list of area restaurants, VFW's, and Churches that will be offering up a fish fry during the Lenten season.

When Is Lent In 2026?

Wednesday, February 18th, is when Lent kicks off in 2026 and will run through April 4th. Various organizations will be offering up fish on Fridays for those practicing their faith and abstaining from meat.

Central Restaurants Offering Fish Fry's Or Specials During Lent

Burger Time - 410 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387 - is running their fish sandwich starting this Wednesday through Easter Sunday. It is a codfish sandwich with fries and a large soda.

Charlie's Sport Bar & Grill - 12287 Hancock St, Becker, MN 55308 - (763) 262-4000

*Clearwater American Legion - 505 Pine Street, Clearwater, MN 55320 - (320) 558-6627 - "Fish Fry Extravaganza" on Sunday, February 22nd

Coyote Moon Grille - 480 55th Ave SE, St Cloud, MN 56304 - (320) 257-6500 - Friday Night Fish Buffet - Reservations are suggested

Danny's Dugout - 736 S Benton Dr, Sauk Rapids, MN, 56379 - (320) 252-0451

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar - (Walleye Fest) - 100 4th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301 - (320) 259-6455

Hasty 183 Diner - 4101 148th St NW, Clearwater, MN 55320 - (763) 878-4005

Jimmy’s Pour House - 22 2nd Ave N, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 -  (320) 253-0208

Lost Times Tavern - 2 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN, 56379 - (320) 217-5475

Marnatelli's Pizza & Grille - 314 3rd Street South, Cold Spring, MN - (320) 685-3083

Old Creamery Café - 405 E Main St, Rice, MN 56367 - (320) 393-4100

Pearl Lake Lodge - 10600 Co Hwy 8, Kimball, MN 55353 - (320) 398-2588

Ridgewood Bay - 14255 288th Ave NW, Zimmerman, MN 55398 - (763) 389-3818

Saint Augusta American Legion - 1894 247th St, St Augusta, MN 56301 - (320) 252-6693

Trappers Pub and Grub - 27011 County Road 23 Albany, MN 56307 - (320) 548-3700 - Lent Buffet starting Feb 20th, 5 - 9 p.m. New Options Weekly

Trobec's Bar and Grille -  1 Central Ave S, Saint Stephen, MN, 56375 - (320) 251-0946

Ultimate Sports Bar - 1101 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387 - (320) 251-5580

Churches & VFW's

St. Anthony Parish - 2405 1st St N, St. Cloud, MN

• When: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Fridays Feb 20, Feb 27, & Mar 13, 2026

Eastside VFW Post 4847 - 104 Franklin Ave NE, St Cloud, MN 56304

• Time: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM Fridays Feb 20, Feb 27, & Mar 13, 2026

Options For Dine-In or Take-Out

Some places offering fish specials on Fridays may allow you to order to-go, while others have a strict dine-in only policy.

This list isn't a complete list of fish fries or specials in the St. Cloud area, but is a great starting point if you are looking for a place to go during Lent.

READ MORE FROM PAUL SHEA