Lent is all about pressing pause: ditching indulgences, reflecting a little deeper, and gearing up for Easter. But in San Antonio, giving up meat on Fridays doesn’t mean giving up flavor. From golden, crispy fillets to thoughtfully prepared seafood specials and comforting meatless favorites, these local restaurants offer delicious ways to honor the season while sharing a meal with family and friends.
Church's Texas Chicken
For those observing Lent on the go, this seafood-forward deal keeps things simple and seriously budget-friendly. The Surf & Turf Big Deal Box pairs four classic shrimp with cocktail sauce alongside your choice of chicken (leg and thigh or tenders), plus two homestyle sides, a scratch-made honey-butter biscuit, and even a jalapeño for a little kick. Prefer to skip the chicken? The Shrimp Big Deal Box doubles down with eight classic shrimp, two sides, that same warm biscuit, and jalapeño heat. With prices starting at $6.49, it’s an easy, wallet-friendly way to keep Friday traditions.
Corrine
The resident restaurant at the Plaza San Antonio Hotel and Spa is keeping Fridays classic with a Lenten-friendly take on fish and chips. The $15 plate features flaky, golden-fried fish paired with crisp potato fries, a bright cabbage slaw, and a housemade remoulade that adds just the right touch of je ne sais quoi.
Green Vegetarian Cuisine packs in flavor sans meat.Green Vegetarian Cuisine/ Facebook
Green Vegetarian Cuisine
If you’re ready to give fish a rest this Lent, this plant-based go-to makes going fully plant-based effortless and delicious. A longtime San Antonio favorite, the restaurant’s entirely meat-free menu offers a bounty of vegetarian and vegan options, from hearty bowls to creative twists on comfort food. It’s a vibrant, flavorful way to honor the season while keeping things completely green.
Little Red Barn Steakhouse
For Lent, the beloved local steakhouse is offering up a trio that covers all the seafood cravings. The $22 special brings together crispy fried fish, plump shrimp, and golden crab cakes on one hearty plate, offering a little bit of everything for Friday tradition. It’s the kind of generous, no-frills spread the longtime local favorite is known for.
Sea Island Shrimp House
At Sea Island Shrimp House, seafood is always the star, making Lent an especially easy time to visit. In addition to its lineup of fish-forward favorites, the local staple is offering two limited-time Lenten specials through April 2. The “A” Lunch bundles a fish sandwich with a cup of soup and a side for $11.49, perfect for a quick midday break. For heartier appetites, the Sea Monster Fish Sandwich — piled high and served with fries — reels diners in for $12.99.
