9 Pennsylvania Friday Fish Fries That Locals Line Up For Every Lent (And Beyond)

When Lent rolls around in Pennsylvania, Friday means one thing: fish fry season. From church basements to fire halls, communities across the Keystone State serve up some of the most mouthwatering fried fish you’ll ever taste.

These beloved traditions bring neighbors together and keep folks coming back year after year, with lines often stretching around the block.

1. St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Golden-Battered Delights

Locals start lining up before 11 a.m. at this Munhall parish fish fry, where the fish-to-bun ratio is legendary. The hand-dipped fish stays crispy even on the drive home.

Their famous Captain’s Platter offers a mountain of seafood that could feed a small family. Many regulars make this their weekly Lenten tradition, claiming no other fish sandwich in Pittsburgh measures up.

2. Swissvale Fire Department’s Smokin’ Good Fish

Firefighters know how to handle heat, which explains why Swissvale’s volunteer heroes nail their fish fry every time. My grandfather used to volunteer here in the 70s and swore their secret batter recipe hasn’t changed since.

The line forms early for their “Deliciously Famous” fried fish, but nobody minds the wait. Pair your sandwich with homemade haluski and pierogies for the full Pittsburgh experience that locals can’t resist.

3. Community Kitchen Pittsburgh’s Award-Winning Catch

Culinary training meets community service at this Hazelwood gem. Hand-battered haddock gets the gourmet treatment from professional chefs who train food service workers.

Their house-cut fries alone deserve their own fan club. Community Kitchen took home the crown in a regional fish fry bracket competition, cementing their status as local royalty.

The social mission adds extra flavor to every bite, knowing your purchase supports job training programs.

4. St. Aidan’s North Hills Fish Feast

Volunteer power fuels this massive operation in Wexford, where the parish transforms into a well-oiled fish-frying machine each Friday. The smell of fresh fish wafts through the parking lot, guiding hungry patrons inside.

Choose between perfectly fried or delicately baked fish, then load up on homemade sides. The dessert table, stocked with parishioner-donated treats, becomes the final temptation on your way out.

5. Seven Sorrows’ Drive-Thru Fish Phenomenon

Middletown’s most efficient operation serves hundreds without anyone leaving their car. The precision of this drive-thru system would impress military generals.

Fish and chips arrive perfectly crisp despite the high volume, while baked haddock maintains its flaky texture. The real insider move? Grabbing their famous homemade Easter chocolates while waiting for your fish order.

Cars line up for blocks, but the wait rarely exceeds 20 minutes thanks to their well-choreographed system.

6. St. Joan of Arc’s Knights of Columbus Catch

Knights in Hershey know fish, not just chocolate. This select-Friday operation creates a frenzy of anticipation in town, with locals marking calendars months in advance.

The Knights pride themselves on generous portions that leave no one hungry. My neighbor Fred has been volunteering here for 23 years and still won’t reveal their batter recipe, no matter how much I bribe him.

Their mac and cheese side dish has its own following.

7. St. Lawrence’s Downtown Harrisburg Tradition

Capitol workers flock to this downtown Harrisburg parish when the lunch bell rings. The Knights of Columbus here have mastered the art of the quick-service fish dinner without sacrificing quality.

Their expanded menu includes non-fried options for the health-conscious government employee. Kid portions make this a family favorite despite its downtown location.

Smart patrons use their online pre-ordering system to skip the inevitable line.

8. All Saints Waterford’s Erie Diocese Delight

Northwestern Pennsylvania knows fish, being so close to Lake Erie. All Saints Parish in Waterford serves both baked and fried white fish that would make commercial restaurants jealous.

The choice of potato sides ranges from traditional to unexpected, pleasing both purists and adventurous eaters. Their homemade dessert table features generations-old recipes from parish families.

Friendly volunteers create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps folks coming back weekly.

9. Old Lycoming Township Fire Company’s Haddock Heaven

Firefighters in Williamsport start prep work at dawn for their legendary fish fry. The simple menu focuses on perfecting one thing: enormous portions of crispy haddock that put chain restaurants to shame.

Every dinner comes complete with all the fixings – crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, tangy applesauce, and a drink.

I’ve driven through snowstorms to make it here on Ash Wednesday, their busiest day of the season.