Fish fries are a common Lenten tradition in communities across the Northeast and Midwest, especially in areas with large populations of Christians who observe the religious holiday with the practice of avoiding meat on Fridays. 

In places like Buffalo, the appreciation for fish fry season has become increasingly secular. Between February and April you can find our regional take on the fish fry in almost any Western New York town on almost any night of the week. 

If you’re a big fan, consider following the @BuffaloFishFryBabes on Instagram for a constant source of great fried fish flash and insight.

Below you’ll find a list of tried and true local restaurants serving classic fish fry. We’ve even sprinkled in a couple with a gluten-free option.

Amherst

Brunner’s Tavern

3989 Main Street, Amherst; 716-836-9718

Blasdell

Lakeshore Cafe

3255 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell

Sneaker’s

205 Martin Avenue, Blasdell; 716-825-924

Buffalo 

Bailey Seafood

3316 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo

The Blackthorn

2134 Seneca Street, Buffalo

The Burning Buffalo

1504 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo

Casey’s Black Rock

484 Amherst Street, Buffalo

Dalmatia Hotel

1187 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo

Doc Sullivan’s

474 Abbott Road, Buffalo

Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs 

Gluten-free option

707 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore

Gene McCarthy’s

73 Hamburg Street, Buffalo 

Lenox Grill

140 North Street, Buffalo

Joe’s Deli

Multiple locations

Parkside Meadow

2 Russell St, Buffalo

The Place

229 Lexington Avenue, Buffalo

Pressure Drop Brewing

1672 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo

Union Pub

38 Swan Street, Buffalo

The Wellington Pub

1541 Hertel Avenue Buffalo

Cheektowaga

Bellevue Hotel

544 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga

Clarence

Griffon Gastro Pub

5445 Transit Road, Clarence

Hayes Seafood House

8900 Main Street, Clarence 

Kennedy’s Cove

9800 Main Street, Clarence

East Aurora

Griffon Gastro Pub

634 Main Street, East Aurora

Irishman Pub

160 Main Street,  East Aurora

Wallenwein’s Hotel

641 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora; 716-652-9801

Grand Island

The Beach House

5584 E River Road, Grand Island; 716-773-7119

Hamburg

Butera’s Craft Beer & Craft Pizza

32 Main Street, Hamburg

Mammoser’s Tavern

16 S Buffalo Street, Hamburg; 716-648-1390

O’Brien’s West End Inn 

Gluten-free option

340 Union Street, Hamburg

Kenmore

Curry’s Pub

864 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore

Lancaster

The Olive Tree

5240 Broadway Street, Lancaster

Lewiston

Griffon Gastro Pub

115 S. Water Street, Lewiston

Lockport

Montondo’s Seafood

201 East Avenue, Lockport

Wagner’s

246 Park Avenue, Lockport

Niagara Falls

Griffon Gastropub

2470 Military Road, Niagara Falls

The Polish Nook

2242 Cudaback Avenue, Niagara Falls

North Tonawanda

Sawyer’s Creek Hotel

3264 Niagara Falls Boulevard, North Tonawanda

The Hideaway Grille

399 Division Street, North Tonawanda

Olcott

Maxwell Station

1571 Lockport Street, Olcott; 716-778-9900

Orchard Park

Big Tree Inn

 4277 Abbott Road, Orchard Park

Tonawanda

Caputi’s Sheridan Pub

2351 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda

Eldridge Bicycle Club

17 Broad Street, Tonawanda; 716-693-3589

Williamsville

Eagle House

5578 Main Street, Williamsville

Glen Park Tavern

5507 Main Street, Williamsville

Irishman Pub

5601 Main Street, Williamsville

West Seneca

Mandy’s Cafe

3796 Clinton Street, West Seneca; 716-771-1553

The Olive Branch

2343 Union Road, West Seneca

The Overpass Pub

2720 Seneca Street, West Seneca

Ebenezer Ale House

4348 Seneca Street, West Seneca