Where to find the best fried fish in Chicago, according to Yelp

A popular substitute for meat during Lent? Fish. We’ve got you covered.

By Ismael Pérez

FILE PHOTO: Fried fish served along chips.

Lent observance began Wednesday, which means the fried fish business in Chicago could see a big boom for 40 days and 40 nights.

In recognition of Jesus Christ’s withdrawal into the desert, many Christians spend this six-week period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday partially fasting and abstaining from eating meat on Fridays.

A popular substitute? Fish. (Only land-dwelling animals are off-limits.)

Forget your old friends and make new ones this year on the church fish fry circuit

Chicago foodies weighed in on Yelp to review the best spots for fried fish in the city; we rounded up their highest-rated picks on the map below.

Whether you’re religious, or just religiously devoted to fried fish, these restaurants will keep you well-fed until Easter April 12, and beyond.

Check out our map to see which Chicago-area restaurants “never disappoint,” will make you want to “go back for more” and are also “super affordable””

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Map: 20 best places for fried fish in Chicago, according to food reviewers

A popular substitute for meat during Lent? Fish. We’ve got you covered.