This might be the time where you’re recognizing Lent. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Lent is a season that focuses on simple living, prayer and fasting. We’re here to help with the fasting part, which can be tricky sometimes. In this case, fasting refers to abstaining from red meat, on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of the Lenten season.
Whether you’re committed to fasting during Lent or just have a hankering for amazing seafood, we made a list of five great restaurants that offer special meals for those avoiding meat so you won’t have to cheat or give it a second thought.
Dos Urban Cantina
Photo Credit: Dos Urban Cantina
Logan Square, 2829 West Armitage Avenue
Mexican food without meat? Sign us up! Chef Brian Enyart’s Mexican menu focuses on fresh seafood and vegetarian options. During Lent, and year-round, Dos Urban Cantina offers special meat-free dishes. Their specialties include Fried Green Tomatillos, Raw Scallops, Crispy Mediterranean Sea Bass and more.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Photo Credit: Joe’s Seafood
Near North Side, 60 East Grand Avenue
Not only is this five-star restaurant perfect for Lent, they also have gluten free options. Their fresh seafood is amazing, hand-harvested and caught from the Gulf of Mexico. We recommend the shrimp cocktail or their world famous stone crab. Delicious!
Shaw’s Crab House
Photo Credit: Shaw’s Crab House
Near North Side, 21 East Hubbard Street
Perfect for a late Friday night dinner, Shaw’s Crab House is known for great seafood and their oyster bar. They also offer classic fair and sushi in a club-like atmosphere. The oyster bar is more casual but they also have a main dining room which is more traditional and classy.
Brown Bag Seafood Co.
Photo Credit: Brown Bag Seafood Co.
The Loop, 340 East Randolph Street
If you’re looking to spice things up, Brown Bag Seafood is perfect for an awesome lunch that you can bring back to your desk. You can get your fish served straight, or in sub, taco or salad form.
mfk.
Photo Credit: mfk.
Lakeview, 432 West Diversey Parkway
The mlk. experience is not one you should miss. The atmosphere is very intimate with excellent service and even better food. It’s a bright, comfortable restaurant that features Spanish seafood dishes like ceviche and clams with chorizo. We recommend their Seafood “Cataplana.” It’s delicious!
Where are your favorite places to dine during the Lenten season? Let us know down below!