It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Pittsburgh – fish fry season!

From the North Hills to the South Hills, and everywhere in between, churches, restaurants, clubs, and firehouses are heating up the fryer, and pulling out the haluski recipes.

Pittsburghers can get very territorial about their favorite fish fry spot, which can make it hard for some to deviate from tradition. However, with so many awesome fish frys around town, it would be a shame to not find a new spot, and see what all of the buzz is about.

This is why we have devised a fish fry road trip, featuring of some of the Pittsburgh’s favorite frys! Fish fry season 2020 runs from February 26 until April 9, so you have plenty of time to try a few of these. And if you enjoy this post, be sure to checkout our sandwich, doughnut, ice cream, and pierogi road trips.

What type of road trip would you like to see next? Leave it in the comments below!

How to Take the Ultimate Pittsburgh Fish Fry Road Trip:

Stop 1: Saint Teresa of Avila

North Hills 

Photo: St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church

Our road trip starts in the North Hills with Saint Teresa of Avila. Parish members and Pittsburghers from all over the city gather every friday to enjoy St. Teresa’s fried or baked cod sandwiches. The meal includes choice of main, two sides, soup, bread, and drink. Popular side options have included clam chowder, fresh cut fries, and macaroni & cheese. Don’t leave without trying their à la carte haluski!

Stop 2: Assumption Church

Bellevue 

Photo: The Church of the AssumptionA favorite in the Bellevue community and beyond, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a fish fry that may become your new favorite spot. The meal include a fish fillet sandwich, either baked or fried, as well as a side and your choice of coleslaw or applesauce. Be sure to try the coleslaw, as it is hailed as some of the best in the city. Side options include haluski, pierogies, and green beans. The full menu can be viewed online. This fry does accept credit cards, and take out orders can be placed by calling (412)766-9727.

Stop 3: Kretzler’s Tavern

North Hills 

Photo: Kretzler’s Tavern

Kretzler’s Tavern is a family-owned tavern, located in the North Hills. The restaurant has been in the family for over 60 years, and is famous for their fish sandwich. Kretzler’s fried fish includes an 8 oz piece of cod, battered dipped and fried golden brown (or broiled in white wine) and served on a sesame seed bun with a side of homemade coleslaw. The restaurant is packed on Fridays during lent, so stop by to join in on the fun. Otherwise, you can head to Kretzler’s anytime to try this famous sandwich.

Stop 4: Holy Angels Parish

Hays

The Holy Angels Parish in Hays is another popular spot for a Friday fish fry. Located on Baldwin Road, Holy Angels is open for both lunch and dinner on Fridays. While the fish is the most popular choice, the parish also serves pizzas. The full menu can be viewed online. Be sure to save room for dessert – there is also a fish fry bake sale.

Stop 5: Swissvale Fire Department

Swissvale 

Pittsburgh can’t get enough of the delicious fried fish from the Swissvale Fire Department. Because of this, the department hosts frys throughout the year. This is a good thing, because once you have a taste, you won’t be able to wait until next lenten season. Stop by every friday during lent for lunch or dinner. And if they still have some, be sure to get get a side of haluski. It’s known to sell out – fast.

Stop 6: Keith Heinritz Katering

Trafford

Photo: Keith Heinritz Katering

It’s a tough competition, but many people say Keith Heinritz Katering has “the best fish in the ‘burgh.” At the very least, they wear the crown of best fish fry in Westmoreland County. Located on Brinton Avenue, the “Fish Sandwich Dinner,” comes with Keith’s famous fish sandwich, as well as two sides.

Stop 7: Corpus Christi Parish

McKeesport 

Photo: Corpus Christi Parish

Stop by the Corpus Christi Parish for a famous fish fry sandwich at a good price. This hand-breaded sandwich is $7.00, and is available for both lunch and dinner. Other options on the menu include tuna salad, soup, and pierogies. Additionally, 10% of the net proceeds from the Corpus Christi fish fry will be donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Stop 8: St Joan of Arc Church

South Park 

If you like the fish fry at St Joan of Arc Church, we have good news. You can get it on the first Friday of the Month from September through May. During lent, this popular sandwich is available for dine in or take out every Friday (except Good Friday). Other menu options include salmon and fish tacos. Come join in the fun with the other community members, and enjoy a glass of wine or beer.

Stop 9: Holy Trinity 

Washington

Photo: Holy Trinity Church

The fish fry at Holy Trinity is well worth the drive to Washington, PA. With monster-sized fish sandwiches, and homemade specialties (hello, pierogies and potato pancakes!), the lines out the door every Friday are definitely earned. Plus, credit cards are accepted at this fish fry.

Did we forget your favorite fish fry? Don’t fret! Leave it in the comments below.