Feb 23, 2016 – Now that Ash Wednesday has passed and Lent has begun (the time leading up to Easter, as celebrated by Catholics), in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and the rest of Western New York, it’s officially fish fry season.

While the dish can be found across the country and beyond, Buffalo, with its large Catholic population, has a long tradition of fish fries–and its residents consume more fish fries than nearly any other area, according to The Buffalo News.

The best fish fries in Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY

Luckily, there are plenty of places to get a fish fry in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY.

To help make it easier for you to indulge in one of the area’s most representative (and delicious) delicacies, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants with the Best Fish Fries in the areas around our apartment communities.

Check them out below, and don’t forget to let us know your favorite place to get a fish fry in the comments.

North Buffalo / Parkside

Gordon’s – Served with a side of their hand-cut fries, you can’t go wrong with a fish fry from Gordon’s, a popular North Buffalo pub on Delaware Ave. With solid food in a comfortable, casual atmosphere, Gordon’s is the perfect place to hang out on a Friday night and grab some great grub.

Wellington Pub – Fridays are one of the most popular nights for the Wellington Pub, and for good reason. This popular North Buffalo bar and restaurant has been serving up some of the best fish fries in the area for years. Try their potato salad as a side–it’s a perfect complement to their crispy, fresh fish.

Curry’s Restaurant And Pub – Located on Kenmore Ave. in North Buffalo, Curry’s Restaurant And Pub has been nominated for Buffalo’s best fish fry two years in a row. Bring your appetite–their huge, yet affordable fish fry is served with coleslaw, macaroni salad, your choice of potato, and rye bread.

Parkside Meadow – Located on Parkside Ave. right near Delaware Park, this recently opened neighborhood pub serves up one of the most unique fish fries in Buffalo. Diners love their specialty fish fry made with hushpuppy batter, a cornmeal breading that’s used to make the popular Southern side dish.

Elmwood Village / Downtown Buffalo

Joe’s Deli – While better known for its sandwiches, Joe’s Deli on Elmwood Ave. serves up one of the best fish fries in Buffalo. Complete with hand-battered fish, fresh-cut fries, and homemade coleslaw and tartar sauce Joe’s takes the fish fry to a gourmet level–for less than 10 bucks.

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery – This popular downtown pub and brewery is more than just a sports-watching mecca–it’s also got a killer fish fry. Served with crispy fresh fish and a side of their delicious fries, Pearl Street’s fish fry pairs perfectly with any of their house-brewed beer.

Kenmore

The Jake – Located on Delaware Ave. in Kenmore, The Jake has emerged as one best places to grab a fish fry in the area. Served in a large portion atop hand-cut fries and rye bread, their delicious fish fry is best washed down with one of their many on-tap beers.

Amigo’s – With quirky decor and a delicious fish fry, this Kenmore restaurant will be your best Amigo come Friday. Their fish fry comes in a variety of preparations, including beer battered, fried, Cajun and broiled, so you can try a different one each week.

Tonawanda / North Tonawanda

Exit 2 Bar and Grille – Located in an unassuming strip mall in Tonawanda, Exit 2 Bar and Grille offers a variety of preparations for your fish fry–from breaded and beer battered to lemon pepper garlic and Cajun seasoned. With modern décor and a warm atmosphere, this unexpected gem shouldn’t be overlooked.

Hideaway Grille – This spot is busy on Fridays and for good reason–it has one of the best beer-battered fish fries in the area. Located on Division St. in North Tonawanda, Hideaway Grille is offers a friendly atmosphere and delicious food in a more refined setting than your average pub.

Squire’s Tap Room – Locals say this casual eatery in Tonawanda is one of the best places to grab a fish fry in the area. It fills up fast on Fridays, but their crispy fish and homemade sides (it’s served with macaroni and potato salad in the winter) are well worth the wait.

Niagara Falls, NY

Gadawski’s Restaurant – This family-owned Polish restaurant in Niagara Falls, NY serves up more than just pierogis–it’s also got one of the best fish fries in the area. And if you’re a fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, you’ll love the décor–the restaurant is filled with shamrocks, leprechauns and memorabilia dedicated to the football team.

Judi’s Lounge Bar & Grill – Located on Military Ave. in Niagara Falls, NY, Judi’s Lounge Bar & Grill is a highly popular pub with a fish fry that’s lauded by locals. Offering a fun, casual atmosphere, Judi’s is a great option when you’re looking for a place to hang out, relax and indulge in a Friday fish fry with friends.