While Lent officially begins on March 6, Cincinnatians can't wait to start skipping meat at the end of the week and head straight for the fried fish. These early adopters go big on "Fat Friday" with March 1 fish frys, kicking off Lent a week early and getting the faithful in the spirit to repent with beer-battered haddock.
Bridgetown Finer Meats — Home of Fabulous Fish Friday and a bigger-than-the-bread giant fish sandwich (for just $10). The menu also includes lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese, Big John's shrimp boat, famous green beans, homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw.11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Fridays through Easter. Bridgetown Finer Meats, 6135 Bridgetown Road, Bridgetown, facebook.com/bridgetownfiner.
Old St. Mary — This church along the Bockfest parade route starts the fish fry at 5 p.m. and serves until the food runs out. 5 p.m. March 1. 123 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
St. Francis Seraph — More Bockfest-related fried fish action. Head to the Christian Moerlein event center for this fish fry. The fry continues every Friday through Lent (except Good Friday). 5:30-9 p.m. March 1. 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine. More info here.
St. William Price Hill — This dine-in only option is a warm up to the annual St. William fish fry and features chicken wings, chicken tenders, pizza, potato skins, fries, fried pickles and cheese sticks for a real "Fat Friday" experience. Cash only. Jim Conway will provide live entertainment. 5-8 p.m. March 1. 4108 W. Eighth St., Price Hill. More info here.
