Christians are now in the middle of Lent, and seniors living in Cincinnati know that the weeks leading up to the celebration of Easter are also synonymous with what’s become known locally as “fish fry season.”

That’s because many neighborhoods in Cincinnati have a strong Catholic heritage, and local parishes still host fish fries (typically on Fridays) for the benefit of parishioners who observe the tradition of foregoing meat during Lent.

You don’t have to be Catholic, of course, to attend and enjoy a good parish fish fry. Cincinnatians of all faiths and walks of life flock to these community gatherings to meet their neighbors and share a great meal. Some of the fish fries around town are run by various other churches or civic groups.

Here are some of our suggestions for can’t-miss fish-eating fun in the Queen City this spring:

All Saints Parish

8939 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, OH 45236

Friday evenings through April 7

5 - 7:30 p.m.

Head out to All Saints, near Moeller High School’s campus on the border of Montgomery and Kenwood, for your choice of fried cod, grilled salmon, grilled tilapia or, back by popular demand, fish tacos! For non-fish lovers, cheese pizza is available, as well as a host of sides and yummy desserts.

Christian Moerlein Brewery Tap Room

1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, OH

Every Friday until Easter

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Head down to the Christian Moerlein tap room, in the historic Over-the-Rhine brewery district, to observe Lent, have fun and celebrate Cincinnati’s rich German brewing history!

At this weekly fish fry, co-presented by St. Francis Seraph Church, you can enjoy a wonderful fish dinner ($8) or fish sandwich ($6), live music and a variety of craft Christian Moerlein beers on tap.

American Legion Post 318

6660 Clough Pike, Anderson Township, OH 45244

Every Friday through April 14

5 - 7 p.m.

Out on the east side of Cincinnati, stop in to American Legion Post 318 for fried or baked fish, shrimp and chicken nugget dinners. Fish sandwiches are also available. Dinners include French fries, choice of a side and a beverage. Bar drinks are available for additional purchase. Dine-in or carry out, $8.50.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

5890 Buckwheat Rd., Milford, OH

Every Friday evening through April 7

5 – 7:30 p.m.

At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s fry, Cincinnati seniors can get a one-piece fried fish dinner with two sides, plus slaw or a side salad, dessert and a beverage, for just $5! Shrimp, crab cakes, baked tilapia and salmon dinners are also available. Children can enjoy a cheese pizza dinner for just $4, so feel free to bring your grandkids along.

Woodlawn Firefighter's Association

10121 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215

Fridays, March 24 through April 7

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

On Lenten Fridays, the Woodlawn Firefighter’s Association hosts it’s “Pike Bar & Grill” fundraiser fish fry that’s open for both lunch and dinner.

You’ll get a fabulous meatless meal, including two pieces of fish, fries and slaw, for just $6.50, while you support our best and bravest lifesavers. Meet your neighbors, enjoy raffles and play split-the-pot!

Our Lord Christ The King

3223 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226

Friday, March 24 and March 31

5 - 8 pm

Over on the west side of Cincinnati, parishioners and guests come together during Lent to enjoy delicious fish dinners in the Cardinal Pacelli School cafeteria and gym.

For just $6, seniors can enjoy their choice of a fried cod or grilled salmon dinner. Shrimp Caesar salads, clam chowder, pizza, homemade macaroni and cheese, and other meatless goodies are available. You can dine in or carry-out. And grandkids preschool-age or younger eat free.

These are just a few of the many Tristate fish fries you can enjoy during Lent.

Don’t see one that strikes your fancy here? Find more in the Cincinnati Enquirer’s listings, on FOX 19’s website, or on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s newsletter site.

This spring, seniors, get out to your local fish fry for some delicious Lenten nutrition and fun with other members of our community. Living in Cincinnati has its advantages, and a robust “fish fry season” is certainly one!