My family is Catholic, and we are excited for fish fries this Lenten season! Normally, we are excited to enjoy times with friends while our kids enjoy a meal cooked by someone else. This year, it is a great excuse to get out of the house while someone else still cooks for an affordable price during our meatless Fridays!
Check our guide to where you can find fish fries in Des Moines, options for drive-through and carry out, or find a restaurant that is serving fish on Fridays during Lent.
5 Reasons to Love Fish Fries
If you need 5 reasons fish fries are fabulous, we have them!
- Delicious fish. It’s fresh, it’s hot and crispy. And some places it comes with french fries too!
- Friday nights should be spent letting someone else cook for you. So grab something in a drive-thru or carryout and support your community while doing it!
- It’s seasonal, so it feels extra special! And we all need a little change in routine right now.
- Most of them are very affordable, so eating out as a family won’t break the bank when looking for something fun and different to do this year.
- Fish is good for your brain (or so I tell my kids).
Fish Fries in Des Moines for 2021
All Saints Catholic Church (DRIVE-THRU ONLY)
Where: 650 NE 52nd Ave., Des Moines
Who: The Knights of Columbus
When: Fridays, Feb. 19th to March 26th; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
What: Fish ~ fries ~ coleslaw and dessert (desserts are pre-packaged)
Price: $10 per order
Procedure: Come to the circle drive, one of the Knights will take your order (s) along with your money, and this information will be relayed to the kitchen. Your meal (s) will then be delivered to you.
More info: (515) 265-5001; dmallsaints.org; Facebook
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (DRIVE UP ONLY)
Where: 1906 Sycamore St, Granger
When: Fridays, Feb. 19 to March 19; from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Baked or fried fish, baked potato, homemade coleslaw, dinner roll, and desserts. Additionally whole cheese pizza option.
Price: Free will donation
Procedure: Drive up only, line up in park West of Church (Rose Street)
More info: Facebook
Christ the King Parish (DRIVE-THRU ONLY)
Where: 5711 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: Fridays, Feb. 19 to March 26th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: $10 adults; $5 kids
Procedure: Drive-Thru service in the North Parking lot
More info: (515) 285-2888; christthekingparish.org; Facebook
Holy Trinity Catholic Church & School (CARRY OUT ONLY)
Where: 2926 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: Feb.19 and March 5th, TBD additional dates from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
What: Baked tilapia and baked beer-battered cod, cheesy potatoes, mac n cheese, vegetables, coleslaw, and dinner roll. Desserts are provided by the Holy Trinity youth group for free-will offering supports youth group activities.
Price: $10 adults, $5 kids 5-11; under 5, free; $40 maximum per family.
Procedure: Pre-order information on website, or carry out with masks and social distancing.
More info: (515) 255-3162; htschool.org; Facebook
Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (Drive-Thru Only)
Where: 510 E. First St., Ankeny
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: February 26th, March 12th and March 26th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Hand Battered Fried Pollock, Baked Cod, Corn, Green Beans, Baked Potato, Dinner Rolls, Grilled Cheese & Tater-tots.
Takeout service will be available.
Price: Free-will offerings
Procedure: Enter through the East driveway, pick up an order form, drive to the ‘Order Barn’, turn it in (with any donation), and get a number. Drive to the West driveway to pick up your meal. Enjoy it at home! Look for the QR code on the order form for a ‘touchless’ way to donate.
More info: (515) 964-3038; olih.org; Facebook
Sacred Heart Church (TAKE AWAY ONLY)
Where: 1627 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
When: Fridays starting February 19th, 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m.
What: Hand Battered Fried Fish, lemon peppered baked fish, cheese pizza, and various sides. and all proceeds benefit youth programs.
Takeout service is available.
Price: $10 adults
Procedure: Walk thru only in Sacred Heart Parish Center,
More info: (515) 225-6414 ext 320; sacredheartwdm.org; Facebook
Sts. John & Paul Catholic Church (DRIVE THRU ONLY)
Where: 1401 First Ave. S., Altoona
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: Fridays, Feb. 19th to March 26th, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for all Fridays.
What: Fried fish, green beans, baked potato, and mac n cheese. Dessert is free with a donation to support parish youth groups.
Drive-thru and take-out are also available.
Price: $10, suggested donation
Procedure: Enter the parking lot at the south driveway at 1st Avenue South. Follow the cones for payment and pickup.
More info: (515) 967-3796 ; ssjohnpaul.org; Facebook
St Joseph (Drive-Thru and Dine In)
Where: 3300 Easton Blvd, Des Moines
Who: St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus Council #10980
When: every Lenten Friday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: A full menu for the family in the school gym
Price: $9 for adults; $7 for ages 6-12; free for kids under 6; or $40 for the immediate family
St. Mary of Nazareth Church (TAKE OUT ONLY)
Where: 4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: Fridays, Feb. 26, March 12, March 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: TBD
Price: TBD
More info: (515) 276-4042; stmarysdsm.org; Facebook
St. Augustin’s Catholic Church (TO-GO)
Where: 545 42nd St., Des Moines
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: March 5 & 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What: Fish Bake To Go, more details TBD
Price: $10 for adults; free for children 12 and under; $40 max per family.
More info: (515) 255-1175; staugustin.org; Facebook
St. Boniface Catholic Church (Take Out Only)
Where: 1200 Warrior Lane, Waukee
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: Fridays, Feb. 19 to March 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Take out Fish Fry
Price: $10 adults; $5 kids 3-10; kids under 3, free; $35 immediate family maximum.
Procedure: Take Out Only
More info: (515) 987-4597; stbonifacechurch.org; Facebook
St. Elizabeth Seton Church (DRIVE THRU AND CARRY OUT)
Where: 2566 Scotch Ridge Road, Carlisle
Who: Knights of Columbus
When: February 26, March 12, and March 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Baked and deep-fried fish fillets, coleslaw, a baked potato, and Mac n cheese. Pie will be available from the St. Elizabeth Seton Ladies Guild. Some of the proceeds will be donated to the Carlisle High School Dollars for Scholars scholarship program.
Price: $10 meals
More info: (515) 989-0659; stelizabethcarlisle.com; Facebook
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (DRIVE UP & CARRYOUT SERVICE)
Where: 210 Route 63 Hwy., Indianola
When: Fridays, Feb. 19th to March 26th, 5:30pm-7:00pm
What: Fried fish, french fries, cole slaw and a dinner roll.
Price: $10 per meal
More info: (515) 961-7499; stthomasindianola.com; Facebook
Des Moines Restaurants with Lenten Fish Specials
Culver’s
Check out their specialties for Lent including a Northwoods Walleye Sandwich, North Atlantic Cod Sandwich and Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp.
More info: culvers.com
The Hall DSM
Where: 111 South 11th Street, Suite 200, West Des Moines
When: Fridays February 19 through March 26
What: Special on Fish and Chips and other fish as well
More info: Facebook
St Joseph’s is doing Fish Fries every Friday as well with drive thru and dine in available.
A full menu for the family in the school gym on Lenten Fridays, 5-7pm. Cost is $9 for adults; $7 for ages 6-12; free for kids under 6; or $40 for the immediate family.
Thanks! We will add this to the guide.