Omaha, NEFish Fry

Holy Name's fish fry runs during Lent in the parish cafeteria. Volunteers work in the kitchen while neighbors, friends and regulars gather for dinner. People return to see those they meet at the fry from one season to the next, and newcomers join the conversation. Order the fried fish and stay for the company.

Mary Our Queen's Knights of Columbus run a fish fry on Fridays during Lent. Choose fried or baked fish, with macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, waffle fries and pasta salad available alongside it. Diners can eat at the parish or use the drive-through. The meal is a recurring gathering for the church community as well as a fish dinner.

St. Patrick's in Elkhorn runs its parish fish fry on Fridays during Lent. The gathering extends beyond the plate: youth volunteers staff a face-painting table, giving families a reason to linger together. It is a recurring community event at the Maple Road church.

Holy Ghost serves its Friday fish fry during Lent in the parish social hall. Fried cod is the direct order, with baked cod, shrimp and a combination dinner also on the menu. A meal comes with baked potato, coleslaw, fruit, bread and butter; clam chowder is available too. Diners can eat inside or carry out, with the fry held in the social hall on Q Street.

The fish fry is a standing dish at this downtown supper club inside the Hilton Omaha, available beyond the Lenten season. Beer-battered cod comes with remoulade, slaw and grilled lemon. A relish tray and trout dip give the meal the supper-club setting, while a neon sign at the entrance nods to older roadside clubs. Order the cod for the fish fry itself; the room brings the rest of the ritual.