From new takes on the family fish fry to classic fish sandwiches, local restaurants offer a variety of meatless meals this Lenten season for curbside, dine-in and drive-thru
Pictured from left to right: Nathaniel Reid Bakery’s Tuna Salad Sandwich; Lion’s Choice’s Crispy Cod Sandwich; Russell’s Crab Cakes
As the Lenten season begins next week, St. Louis restaurants gear up for fish fry season by offering a number of meatless meals on Ash Wednesday, February 17 as well as every Friday until Friday, April 2. St. Louisans can support local businesses and restaurants for their Lenten obligations this year from a fish fry to-go for a family of four from Eckert’s Country Store to the return of the fan-favorite Crispy Cod Sandwich at Lion’s Choice. See below for St. Louis spots offering specials for Lent.
Eckert’s Country Restaurant (951 S. Green Mount Rd.,Belleville, IL 62220): Eckert’s, the pick-your-own family farm and country store in Belleville, IL is offering a Fish Fry Meal for curbside pick-up beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17 and running every Friday through April 2. Eckert’s Fish Fry Meal for 4 ($38) includes 1 ½ pounds of fried cod, mac ‘n cheese and creamy coleslaw. Beginning March 1, guests can dine-in at Eckert’s Country Restaurant, and order the family Fish Fry Meal for 4 for dine-in or pick-up to go. View the full details and order the family-sized Fish Fry Meal for curbside pick-up here or by calling Eckert’s Country Store at (618) 233-0513.
Lion’s Choice (multiple locations in St. Louis): Lion’s Choice, the St. Louis-based family of restaurants known for their famous roast beef sandwiches, crave-worthy fries and frozen custard, will offer the fan-favorite Crispy Cod Sandwich this Lenten season. Served on buttery and toasted sesame bun, the breaded cod filet is made-to-order and fried until golden brown with a slice of melted Swiss cheese and creamy tartar sauce on top. Guests can order the Original Crispy Cod Sandwich for $4.79 (Original Meal with fries and a drink for $7.99) or a King Crispy Cod Sandwich, featuring two fish filets, for $6.59 (King Meal with large fries and a drink for $9.59). The limited time offering will be available on Ash Wednesday, February 17, and every Friday throughout Lent until Friday, April 2 at all Lion’s Choice restaurants.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery (11243 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122; 314-858-1019): The acclaimed bakery, serving world-class pastries, offers a special Tuna Fish Salad Sandwich ($7.75) for Lent. The sandwich features a flaky croissant piled high with albacore tuna, mayo, Dijon mustard, dill pickles, celery, hard-boiled eggs and red onion. The sandwich will be available Wednesday, February 17 for Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. Guests can call ahead for curbside pick-up or walk into the bakery to order. See a photo here.
Russell’s On Macklind (5400 Murdoch, St. Louis, MO 63109): Russell’s, the family-run restaurant that focuses on homestyle, from scratch cooking and fresh baked goods daily, will offer two fish specials for Lent. On Fridays during Lent, they will offer a Fried Cod ($14) dish, served with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans and lemon caper aioli, as well as a classic Fish & Chips ($14) entree featuring Beer Battered Cod, Sea Salt Fries, and Caper Dill Pickle Remoulade. These specials will be available for dine-in, or to-go. To-go orders can be placed over the phone at (314) 553-9994.
Yellowbelly (4659 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108): Yellowbelly, an island-inspired restaurant and bar located in the Central West End, offers a variety of sea-centric dishes making it an ideal destination for those abstaining from meat during Lent. The restaurant will offer a Friday special of Lobster Taquitos ($15) with poblano cream sauce and chihuahua cheese - a lent-friendly take on their popular Pabil Chicken Taquitos. Additionally, Yellowbelly’s dinner menu offers a range of seafood from lobster rolls to fish sandwiches including Pan Seared Scallops, Seared Grouper, Grilled Salmon, a Warm Mini Lobster Roll and a Rum Battered Cod Sandwich. Guests can book their online reservations for socially-distanced dine in service here or place a carryout order here or by calling the restaurant at (314) 499-1509.
For fish favorites from local restaurants this Lenten season, try:
Retreat Gastropub (6 North Sarah Street, St. Louis): Retreat Gastropub, the modern American pub in the Central West End, offers popular seafood appetizers and entrees year-round. On Fridays during Lent, start with the Smoked Salmon Dip ($12) or Smoked Salmon Tartine ($12) and try entrees such as the gluten-free Pacific Cod ($24) with herb butter, red pepper curry and quinoa or the Seared Salmon ($23) with Parmesan risotto, arugula pistou and pickled peppers.
Schlafly Beer (Schlafly Tap Room 2100 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103; Schlafly Bottleworks 7260 Southwest Ave Maplewood, MO 63143; and Schlafly Bankside 920 S Main St, St Charles, MO 63301): Schlafly Beer the original, independent craft brewery in St. Louis will offers Fish & Fries at all three brewpub locations for dine-in and curb-side pick-up. The classic dish features Hefeweizen-battered cod, fried golden brown, and served on a bed of house-cut french fries with tartar sauce. Additionally, Schlafly offers fresh fish, sandwiches and fish tacos at their brewpubs: Salmon Salad ($14.25) at Schlafly Bottleworks and Schlafly Tap Room; a Fish Sandwich ($12.50) and Mahi Tacos ($12.50) at Schlafly Tap Room; a fresh Grilled Salmon special served with a side of rice and daily vegetables ($15) at Schlafly Bottleworks. Pair the fish with your favorite Schlafly beer style - from Coffee Stout to IPA! All Schlafly brewpubs offer socially distanced dine-in service and curbside pick-up. Guests can place a curbside order for Schlafly Tap Room here, Schlafly Bottleworks here and Schlafly Bankside here.