These 10 Classic Fish Fry Joints Are So Perfectly Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Whether or not you observe Lenten traditions, there’s one thing that we can all agree on: nobody can resist a good fish fry. During Lent, people set out to find the best fish fry in Cleveland, but the truth is… well, every local restaurant, church, and charity that hosts a fish fry does so with its own personal flair. However, diners swear that the following destinations are among the finest fish fry restaurants in Cleveland. Bring your bib and an appetite, because you won’t be able to resist the Lenten offerings at these Greater Cleveland landmarks.
Amidst the vivid landscape of Rocky River Reservation is the Emerald Necklace Marina, a boating facility, gift shop, and restaurant just 5,000 feet away from Lake Erie. Though it operates during seasonal hours, this nautical-themed gem also serves up a fish fry to die for. Not a fan of fish? Grab yourself a plate of pierogies while the rest of the family chows down on a perch dinner.
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Donauschwaben's German-American Cultural Center celebrates the culture of the Danube Swabians. At this venue, Donauschwaben lives on through song, dance, and the passing on of tradition. During Lent, this is also the perfect place to enjoy fried fish, baked fish, shrimp, and more. You can select which side you want with these dishes, but remember to leave room for dessert!
Merwin's Wharf is every Clevelander's favorite trailside dining destination. Located right on the Cuyahoga River's Irishtown Bend, this restaurant is famous for serving up great views. However, during the Lenten season, it's also the perfect place to dine on some delectable fish fry.
When you walk into Gunselman's, the first thing you notice is the old school atmosphere and vintage 1920s bar stools. If you visit during Lent, a trip to this long standing local landmark is best remembered as an aromatic experience. Its annual fish fry hearkens back to their roots, as Gunselman's advertised fish fry Fridays back when it first opened its doors in 1936.
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Tucked away amidst the enchanting greenery of Big Met Golf Course is a cozy little restaurant with a reputation for concession-style fare. All throughout Lent, this welcoming little eatery is also the perfect place to snag a delicious fish fry. Plus, with a kid's menu on hand, this dining destination is perfect for families.
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Beer battered haddock with a side of mac and cheese and pierogies? Yum! For over a decade, Prosperity Social Club has offered a Lenten fish fry that will knock your socks off. There's so much demand for it, in fact, that the kitchen serves fish-focused meals every Friday during Lent from 11 a.m. to midnight.
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If you're a fan of comfort food, Southside is likely already at the top of your dining list. Since 2003, Southside's indulgent and generous meals have filled up hungry patrons with great food and good vibes. During Lent, diners particularly enjoy the fish fry selections. Walleye, perch, and barramundi ensure you can select a meal that's perfectly catered to your taste.
Since 1983, locals have frequented Der Braumeister for European-inspired deliciousness. Its menu is particularly delicious during Lent, when every Friday becomes a fry day. Here, fish are never frozen and are hand-battered, offering diners a delicious entree for dinner.
Birch Cafe is a newbie in the Cleveland dining scene, but its food is so delicious that it has already amassed a following. Here, everything is vegan! Vegan tacos, pastas, crab cakes (pictured) and more make regular appearances on their menu. During Lent, you can enjoy a vegan fish fry at Birch Cafe for just one day. This event will sell out, so plan to visit early in the day!
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Looking for something a little bit different? Swing by El Carnicero for a fish fry you won't be able to refuse! Their annual Latino Lent features Dos Equis battered perch, chile chipotle tartar sauce, and more mouthwatering deliciousness on the side. This truly is a fish fry like no other in Cleveland!
You’ll uncover some of the best fish fry restaurants in Cleveland when you taste some of the dishes above. Where do you go to indulge in a good fish fry? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!
Craving more seafood? Visit some of Cleveland’s coolest seafood restaurants.
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Featured Addresses
Emerald Necklace Marina, 1500 Cleveland Metro Park Dr, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
7370 Columbia Rd, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138, USA
Merwin's Wharf, 1785 Merwin Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Gunselman's Tavern, 21490 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126, USA
Big Met Golf Course, 4811 Valley Pkwy, Fairview Park, OH 44126, USA
1109 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
2207 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
13046 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111, USA
5557 Wilson Mills Rd, Highland Heights, OH 44143, USA
16918 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA