10 of the Best Fish Fry Locations in Rockford, Illinois

March is one of my favorite months of the year, because it's when temperatures (typically) start to warm up as Spring arrives, Cubs spring training games are on, and Fridays are for Fish Fry's during Lent.

Was THIS the first Fish Fry in Illinois history?

According to an article from Illinois Farm Bureau Partners, the Friday night ritual of attending a fish fry may have first started in Illinois with the Woodworth Fish Fry.

This fish fry goes all the way back to the 1930s when people would travel from miles around to the village of Woodworth in western Illinois for Elmer Brutlag's fried cod fish sandwiches.

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The "Original Woodworth" Fish Fry continues in 2025 and is coming up Friday, March 14 at St. Paul's Lutheran School of Woodworth, about 100 miles south of Chicago.

What is your favorite Friday fish fry in the Rockford region?

I'm partial to the St. Bernadette Catholic Church Fish Fry in Rockford. Not because their fish and sides are great, but I also won their half pot last year so you know I'll be heading back again.

And the St. Edward Catholic Church Fish Fry is always tops on my list for their dessert selection.

According to your responses on Facebook, these were 10 of the Best Friday fish fry spots to visit during Lent:

Rockford's Best Fish Fry During Lent

Here are the fish fry locations that social media suggest we try.

Gallery Credit: Johnny Vincent

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Filed Under: Rockford Food