Lent in Omaha — a time of moderation for many in the Omaha metro area — is also synonymous with long lines of happy people waiting for heaping piles of deep-fried fish, pasta and mac & cheese. Nebraska Realty agents are no strangers to fish fries and rejoice with the approach of Ash Wednesday and the start of the annual Lenten fish fry season. And yes, fish fry hopping is really a thing. 

Those who have never joined in the fun should not hesitate. All are welcome. Lenten fish fries and pasta dinners (complete with games, raffles, pickle cards, and bake sales) are often the biggest fundraising event of the year for many churches, schools, and charities throughout the Omaha metro area.

“The fish is actually good at Mary Our Queen and their Mac & Cheese is the bomb!” ~ Kellie Konz Wieczorek

The festive “fry-day” gatherings are a popular annual ritual in Midwestern cities like Omaha with robust Catholic communities. Several dozen churches, in Omaha, will host fish fries throughout the 40 days of Lenten fast.

Although there are a few fish fries that start the Friday before Ash Wednesday. Most begin after Ash Wednesday which formally initiates the Lenten season.

Yes, there is plenty of socializing to be found but not all fish fries are for adults. Many boast a family atmosphere with children running wild while parents and young adults socialize. There are a few fish fries that are alcohol-free but all are celebrations of community.

This isn’t fast food. Expect to spend a few hours standing and waiting in lines that often wind through the building or school. Many of the area churches offer a to-go option and in some cases a drive-thru. Chris Bober, pictured below at the St. Pat's drive-thru, is a Nebraska Realty agent and often donates his time to the annual St. Pat's fish fry.  

Nebraska Realty agents have compiled a list of six must-try fish fries for lent. This list is hardly exhaustive, though. There are other excellent fish fries throughout the Omaha area.   

The Best Fish Fries in Omaha!

#1 Mary Our Queen Fish Fry

3405 So 119^th St., Omaha, NE

Fridays, February 28 – April 3, 2020 (4:30 – 8 p.m.)

Fried or Baked Fish, Mac & Cheese, Spudsters, Fries, Coleslaw, Bread, Coffee and Tea. Other beverages (wine, beer and pop) and desserts available for purchase.

#2 Holy Name Fish Fry

2901 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha, NE

The Holy Name Fish Fry is notorious and very well attended. Nothing fancy here. Just old school Icelandic and Alaskan Pollock. 

Fridays, February 28, March 13 & March 27, 2020 (following Stations of the Cross).

#3 St. Patrick’s Fish Fry, Elkhorn

204^th & Maple Rd., Elkhorn, NE

Fridays, February 28 – April 3, 2020 (5 – 8 p.m.)

Their menu items include Fried Catfish and Pollack, Baked Fish, Cheese Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese, French Fries, Coleslaw, Bread, Dessert, beer, wine, Margaritas, and punch. Plus, there will be face painting, clowns and magicians to entertain the kids! Drive-thru is available and if you're lucky....you'll meet Chris Bober himself! 

Adults $11, Children (ages 4-12) $5, Children (ages 3 and under) FREE.

#4 St. Stanislaus Lenten Dinner

“Save a Fish, Eat Pasta” Lenten Dinner

4002 J St., Omaha, NE

Fridays, March 6 – 27, 2020 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)

This is the only Lenten dinner in town featuring Pasta, Pizza and yes......Pierogis! Their all-you-can-eat pasta dinner includes Bread, Salad, and choice of beverage (water, pop, or beer). Choose homemade marinara or beer cheese sauce. Pizza, Perogies, and Desserts available for purchase separately. Take-out is available.

Pasta Dinner: $8/adult, $5/child under 12

#5 St. Columbkille Fish Fry 

200 E. Sixth St., Papillion, NE

Fridays, February 28 – April 3, 2020 (5 – 8 p.m.)

Choice of fried or baked fish with fries, baked potato, or mac. Fish tacos also available. Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and coleslaw included. Iced tea, coffee, fruit punch, and water included. Additional drinks (beer $3, wine $3, soda $1) available for purchase.

Take out is available. Pricing is not different for take-out. We do not accept credit cards.

Pricing as follows: $9 Senior Citizens (age 60 and over); $10 Adults (age 15-59); $9 Children (age 5-14); $3 kids 4 and under; $30 Family.

#5 St. Patrick’s (Gretna) Fish Fry

508 Angus Rd., Gretna, NE

Fridays, February 28 – April 3, 2020 (5 – 8 p.m.)

Many in the community choose St. Patrick's in Gretna as a Gluten-Free option. They have Fried or Baked Alaskan Pollock*, Scalloped Potatoes* or French Fries*, Green Beans*, Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw*, Bread, Coffee, Tea or Lemonade. Beer, Wine and Mixed Drinks available for purchase. Take-Out is available. *Gluten-Free

Adults $12, Children (age 6 – 10) $6, Children ( age 5 and under) FREE. (Credit and debit cards accepted.)