With the all out decadence of "Fat Tuesday" behind us, the 40 days of Lent -- a time of prayer, atonement, and (most importantly for the purposes of this article) meat-free Fridays -- has begun. But just because you may sacrifice meat, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice deliciousness. From one of our favorite tuna melts to half-price fish tacos, check out the restaurants offering Lenten specials and delectable seafood dishes:
Berryhill Baja Grill, select locations
Great news. You can have your fish taco and eat it, too. Select Berryhill locations in the Greater Houston area are offering their internationally famous original or grilled fish tacos for $1.99 (regularly $3.99). The offer begins Wednesday, February 18 and is then offered every Friday through April 3 at the Berryhill stores near the Galleria, West U, The Woodlands, Memorial City Mall and the original on Revere.
D'Amico's Italian Market Cafe, multiple locations
In addition to fire-roasted pizzas, soups, salads and more, this Italian market offers weekly lunch and dinner specials perfect for Lent. This Friday's seafood options includes salmon ravioli and tilapia D'Amico (Rice Village location).
Danton's Gulf Coast Seafood, 4611 Montrose
While this Big Easy-inspired eatery's entire menu is full of soulful seafood classics, we think it's the perfect spot for a Lent-friendly Friday happy hour. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., get Gulf oysters on-the-half-shell ($10/dozen or 90 cents each), peel-and-eat shrimp (90 cents each), big-as-hell crab-stuffed jalapenos ($2.25 each), bite-size, cornmeal-battered catfish pieces with tartar sauce ($6.95), or a heaping plate of fried calamari ($10.95) alongside drink specials.
Fountain View Fish Market, 2912 Fountain View
For a classic fried fish sandwich that will kick any fast-food version's sorry behind, look no further than Fountain View Fish Market. Choose from hot and crisp shrimp, oyster, codfish, catfish, or crabmeat served simply on an old-fashioned hamburger bun with bright tarter sauce, lettuce and onion. The meal is just $4.99 with a choice of side (onion rings, coleslaw or french fries) and a drink.
Lankford Grocery & Market, 88 Dennis
You may normally come to this mom and pop shop for the burgers, but the old-fashioned tuna melt is one of the best in town. Get the mega-stuffed, buttery and crisp melt for $6.75 or the classic fried fish sandwich for $6.50.
Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, 3201 Louisiana
Holley's kicks off its Lenten Friday lunch menu this Friday, February 20. Following the tradition of forsaking meat on Fridays during Lent, the kitchen has created a lunch-only menu, offering two main course dishes to choose from, each for just $22. Get chef Mark Holley's Southern bouillabaisse filled with Gulf shrimp, clams, mussels and seafood sausage; or feast on a classic whole red fish coo-bee-yon (courtbouillon), the epitome of Southern Louisiana comfort food. The dishes will be available each Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 3.
Jonathan's The Rub, 9061 Gaylord
Dine during Lent without sacrificing any bit of flavor! Jonathan's The Rub's Lent-friendly dishes include salmon with mango nectar sesame ginger sauce; pan-seared, spice-rubbed snapper with tomatillo salsa, and blackened wild Chilean sea bass. Not to mention some of our favorite lobster sliders in town!
Maine-ly Sandwiches, multiple locations
Head here for a lobster roll that will make you forget all about your usual Friday burger. A buttery-crisp, griddled bun comes filled with hunks of plump, tender lobster dressed simply in lemon-mayonnaise and salt and pepper, allowing the fresh-out-of-the-sea flavor of the meat to shine.
Oceanaire Seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer
Sleek and sophisticated, The Oceanaire provides the perfect setting to enjoy the freshest seafood flown in daily from around the world. Friday hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Quiznos, multiple locations
Quiznos' new lobster menu is a perfect meatless alternative during the Lenten season. Try their Lobster & Seafood Salad, Sub, or Ciabatta and Lobster Mac & Cheese.
Saint Arnold Brewery, 2000 Lyons
Every Friday through April 20, the brewery will be offering a "Fish on Fridays" Lent special featuring two courses and beer for $19. To ensure a spot, you can prepay online, then show up anytime between 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. to take advantage of the special. The offerings change weekly, but you can expect things like fried shrimp and cheese grits, Weedwacker mussels and handcut frites, Lawnmower-battered cod and more. See their website for a full list of the daily specials.
Whataburger, multiple locations
Everyone's favorite burger chain has two offerings perfect for Lenten season. The Whatacatch sandwich includes a breaded, sliced white fish fillet on a toasted four-inch bun accompanied with crisp lettuce and topped off with Whataburger's original tartar sauce. The Whatacatch dinner includes two white fish fillets, French fries and Whataburger's tartar sauce.
We will be updating this list throughout the weeks leading up to Good Friday. Please let us know if you'd like to be included.
