It’s fish fry day: Here’s where you can still get a meal in the Miami Valley

Lent started Feb. 14 and is a 40-day span of reflection where many will give up something they love — and in exchange can sink their teeth into a crispy tradition that many of us look forward to — fried fish and golden delicious fish fries.

Many local fish fry hosts follow a simple and timeless recipe — a piece of fish soaked in an egg and milk bath followed by a corn meal, flour or bread crumb coat that is fried crisp.

ExplorePHOTOS: 39th St. Pat's Fest Friday Irish Fish Fry at Carroll H.S.

The amount of seafood consumed during Lent jumps each year with demand rising from consumers at the grocery, restaurants cashing in and classic community fish fry meals.

Local restaurants across the region will be offering up Lent-friendly options. Menu specials abound near and far, ranging from our local mom-and-pops to chains like Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen, which just unveiled its “2024 Fish Fry Menu.” In Partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Bob Evans offerings include a wild-caught Alaska cod fish fry platter, a fried shrimp dinner and low-carb lemon pepper sole fillets.

But it’s hard to compete with a really good, home-grown fish fry, which is unquestionably one of the best dining deals to be found this time of year.

Here are some of the best opportunities to enjoy a fish fry in the next few months. Please note: Details and pricing are subject to change, many of these are limited to those 21 and older. It is recommended to call first for details.

TODAY, MARCH 22

Miamisburg Band Fish Fry: 4:30 p.m. Miamisburg High School, 1860 Belvo Road, Miamisburg. Dinner is fried fish or chicken tenders, cole slaw, applesauce. Performances by MMS and MHS Jazz band, bake sale and basket raffles. $10 for children 10 and younger, $15 for adults, $20 all-you-can-eat. Tickets ahead of time are cheaper at miamisburgbands.com.

Lions International Fish Fry & Monte Carlo: 6-10 p.m. Milton Athletic Club, 640 Cosler Drive, Dayton. $20 in advance, $25 at door. All you can eat, no carryout. Tickets: (937) 520-1936

St. Francis of Assisi: 5:30-11 p.m. 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville. More info: (937) 689-2570

Fish Fry-Day: 5-8 p.m. Hidden Valley Orchards, 5474 Ohio 48, Lebanon. Menu and RSVP here: facebook.com/events/324501359912737/324501386579401

UPCOMING

March 29

Friday Fish Fries: 6-9 p.m. Antioch Shrine, 107 E. First St., Dayton. Fish, chicken or sausage available. Single plate, $15. Draft beer, $1.

April 12

Eintracht Singing Society Fish Fry: 6-8 p.m. 2707 Old Troy Pike, Dayton. $18 nonmembers, $15 members. Deep-fried, baked fish (limited), sausage, baked beans, french fries, fried cabbage, cole slaw and a surprise side dish available. Water, soda, beer available. Singer’s desserts, $2. facebook.com/events/915938569857997

April 27

Miami East Athletic Boosters Fish Fry and Auction: 6 p.m. Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Road 35A, Troy. $15 advance, $20 at door; carryout available. Auction items sought. facebook.com/events/359229930296952

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Alexis Larsen