Lent is here, and for many, that means swapping burgers and fried chicken for fish sandwiches, shrimp, and seafood platters every Friday.
Luckily, fast food chains and restaurants across the country are rolling out limited-time seafood specials to make those meat-free meals a little easier (and tastier).
Whether you’re craving crispy fish sandwiches, buttery shrimp, or indulgent seafood pasta, here’s where you can dine out while sticking to your Lenten commitment.
McDonald’s: the OG Filet-O-Fish is back
You can’t talk about Lent specials without mentioning McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. This fast food classic, made with wild-caught Alaskan pollock, has been around since 1962 and is still a fan favorite every Lent season. It comes topped with American cheese, tangy tartar sauce, and a steamed bun.
If you’re feeling nostalgic (or just really hungry), some locations offer a two-for-$5 deal on Filet-O-Fish sandwiches.
Burger King: fiery fish and BOGO deals
Burger King is bringing some heat to Lent with its Fiery Big Fish Sandwich, which takes their classic Big Fish and adds a triple-pepper spicy glaze. It’s crispy, flaky, and not for the faint of heart.
For those who like things a little less spicy, the Original Big Fish—made with panko-breaded Alaskan pollock, lettuce, pickles, and tartar sauce—is also available. Royal Perks members can get a buy one, get one for $2 deal from now through April 20.
Wendy’s: crispy panko fish sandwich
Wendy’s is bringing back its Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich, made with wild-caught Alaskan pollock and topped with lettuce, pickles, American cheese, and creamy dill tartar sauce.
This seasonal fan favorite only sticks around for Lent, so grab it while you can.
Popeyes: flounder fish sandwich and shrimp tacklebox
Popeyes is once again offering its Flounder Fish Sandwich, featuring a flaky, marinated flounder filet, crispy Southern-style breading, and pickles on a brioche bun.
For those craving something a little extra, the Shrimp Tacklebox is also making a return. It comes with eight crispy butterfly shrimp, a side, and a biscuit for just $5.99.
Arby’s: three fish sandwich options
Yes, Arby’s still has the meats, but they also have seafood on deck for Lent. You can choose from:
- Crispy Fish Sandwich – A fried fish fillet with lettuce and tartar sauce on a sesame seed bun.
- Fish ‘N Cheddar Sandwich – Like the classic, but with cheddar cheese sauce added for extra indulgence.
- King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe – For an extra layer of flavor, this sandwich includes cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a King’s Hawaiian roll.
All three are available for a limited time.
Jack in the Box: simple and crispy fish sandwich
Jack in the Box is offering its seasonal Fish Sandwich, featuring a wild-caught Alaskan pollock filet, crisp lettuce, and tartar sauce on a bakery bun. It’s nothing fancy—but sometimes, simple is best.
They’re also running a $2 fish sandwich deal every Friday through Lent, making it one of the cheapest seafood options out there.
Dairy Queen: wild Alaskan fish sandwich
Dairy Queen may be famous for Blizzards, but they’re also serving up seafood for Lent. Their Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich is made with lightly battered Alaskan pollock, lettuce, and tartar sauce on a toasted bun.
It’s available for a limited time, so consider grabbing a fish sandwich before diving into a Blizzard for dessert.
Sonic: limited-time fish sandwich
Sonic is getting in on the seafood action this year with its seasonal Fish Sandwich, featuring a crispy wild-caught Alaskan pollock filet with tartar sauce and pickles on a brioche bun.
Available through April 17, it’s perfect for those who want to swap their chili dogs for something Lent-friendly.
Long John Silver’s: shrimp and fish deals
It wouldn’t be Lent without Long John Silver’s, and they’re rolling out some big seafood deals:
- $6 shrimp baskets – Choose from coconut shrimp, grilled shrimp, battered shrimp, or popcorn shrimp.
- $10 Shrimp Sea-Shares – Get 15 coconut shrimp, grilled shrimp, battered shrimp, or popcorn shrimp, all meant for sharing.
- Oreo Cookies & Cream Cheesecake – Because why not follow up your seafood feast with dessert?
These deals are available through Lent, so make sure to hit up LJS before April 20.
Red Lobster: Lobsterfest is here
For those who want a sit-down Lent-friendly meal, Red Lobster’s annual Lobsterfest is back, featuring garlic butter-poached lobster, lobster mac & cheese, and even a warm lobster roll.
You can also go all-in on seafood with their Create Your Own Lobsterfest Feast, where you can mix and match lobster dishes.
Subway: $6.99 footlong deal
Subway isn’t just about cold cuts—they also have seafood-friendly subs. Their $6.99 footlong deal applies to the Tuna Sandwich and Veggie Delite, making it a great meat-free option for Lent.
Whataburger: Whatacatch sandwich and platter
Whataburger’s Whatacatch Sandwich is back for Lent, featuring a crispy wild-caught Alaskan pollock filet, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a toasted bun.
For those extra hungry, the Whatacatch Platter comes with two fish filets, fries, and extra tartar sauce.
White Castle: shrimp nibblers and fish sliders
White Castle is offering its Shrimp Nibblers and Panko Fish Sliders for a limited time. These bite-sized seafood snacks are perfect for when you want a Lent-friendly meal on the go.
The verdict: where to find the best Lent specials
Lent 2025 is serving up some serious seafood options, whether you’re craving a classic Filet-O-Fish, spicy flounder, or a seafood feast at Red Lobster.
Are you grabbing a crispy fish sandwich or going for a full shrimp platter this Lent? Let me know which deal you’re most excited to try!
