Cincinnati Brewery Lent Specials, 2026
Written By: The Gnarly Gnome
2/18/2026
Cincinnati has been shaped by Catholic immigrants, all the way back to its early days in the 1800s. The Germans and Irish who flocked to the city brought with them their deeply rooted religious beliefs, and that can still be seen today around the city. From the church festivals that dot the area in the warm summer months, to yes… the fish fry happiness that the Spring Lent season brings, it has become a part of the culture of the city itself.
Here, though… we talk about drinking. Which brings up a great question. What are some great options for folks looking for fish specials AT local breweries?
Luckily for all you good Catholic boys and girls (or just you folks who love a good fish sandwich), there’s a bunch of options, and I’ve been tracking them all! (with that said… If you see one I missed, please let me know!)
13 Below
13 Below over in Sayler Park has a great special that goes a little deeper than “just” a fun fish sandwich. Their food partner, Incline Smoke Shack, has a menu that includes: Grilled Cheese, Hush Puppies, Clam Chowder, Fried Fish Basket, Fried Fish Sandwich, and a Shrimp and Crab Lemon Pasta.
Just try to pretend that doesn’t sound incredible.
Alexandria Brewing Company
Alexandria’s food partner, Bender’s Pub Grub, rolls out a fish special every single Friday to celebrate Lent, with a fried cod sandwich, and an additional fish special (stay tuned for that…). They make it really hard for me to not spend all my time down in Kentucky.
Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
Barleycorn’s made a post this week showcasing their limited-time menu, and they are calling it the “off the hook” menu. That’s clever, but it’s also actually true. Holy smokes… Crispy Hush Puppies with firecracker sauce, Firecracker shrimp, a classic shrimp po’ boy, a New England crab roll, and Tequila lime salmon topped with pineapple corn salsa.
Bocce Brewing
Gabby’s Cafe in Wyoming is the home to Bocce, and they’re kicking off Lent with specials every single Friday. Seafood Lasagna, a Salmon Burger, Fish & Chips, a Fish Sandwich, and more. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get to Bocce… let this be your excuse. There aren’t any other breweries in town that feel like this one!
Fifty West
Fried Fish is back at Fifty West! They have a cod sandwich that you have GOT to try. It’s crispy and topped with hot sauce marinated tomatoes, lettuce, and tartar slaw. You really don’t have to wait for a Friday to try this; it hits the spot ANY day.
Gilligans
Gilligan’s leans into fish all year round, with a signature fish and chips that only gets that much better this time of year when they put it on special every Friday during Lent. They’ve also got a fried fish sandwich if you’re looking to go that route… and yes, they pair up perfectly with a pint of beer. Ask me how I know.
HighGrain
HighGrains fish and chips are back on the menu to help you celebrate the season. They’ll stick around until April 2, so get it while you can!
Lebanon Brewing Company
Not only is Lebanon Brewing offering up Fish and Chips specials all Lent ($12 for two filets, fries, and their house-made tartar sauce), but every single Friday through Easter, they’re also going to be offering up new fish specials. Make sure you’re checking their social media each week to see what they’re offering!
MadTree
Now, through April 3rd, MadTree is serving up a $16 fish fry special every single Friday. We’re talking crispy, incredible fish and chips that, when you put them next to a pint of their MadTree Light, might actually make you lose your mind.
Nine Giant
Fish Fry Season is one of my favorite times to belly up at Nine Giant. Their fish and chips are spectacular, and I’m not sure that it would be spring without them! It’s back on Fridays – and you gotta go taste for yourself!
Third Eye
Third Eye’s Fish Fry Fridays will get you through your Lent, and will make you feel like you’re not actually giving anything up in the process. I think we all know that these guys make great beer, but their kitchens in both their taprooms are under-the-radar GREAT places to eat. I don’t think they get nearly the credit that they deserve!
Wandering Monsters
Every Friday through Lent, Wandering Monsters is offering up a Fish Sandwich, with house-made tartar sauce, fresh-fried pollock, and topped with lettuce. You can also get a fish platter (2 or 3 pieces) and some house-made hush puppies on the side. My mouth is literally watering as type this out…
Wiedemann
Fish Fry Friday is happening over at Wiedemann, too. An oversized haddock filet, chips, and homemade creamy coleslaw for only $12? It’s too good to be true… sign me up.