After the decadent last hurrah of Fat Tuesday, many Christians observe 40 days of abstinence from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday. The most common Lenten sacrifice is giving up meat on Fridays. That means the Midwestern tradition of Friday fish fries and the Chicago-specific pepper and egg sandwich are especially popular during Lent, which runs through March 28. Some restaurants are going further afield for their meat substitutes, serving lobster rolls or fish tacos, while others are harking back to older practices by pouring Lenten beer. Tap on our bio link for 26 spots to satisfy you until Easter. — Photo 1: The Michigan sandwich at All Too Well (@alltoowellchicago). Photo 2: Fried fish is among the Lent options at Shaw’s Crab House (@shawsschaumburg) in Chicago. Photo 3: Dover sole Lent special at Pomeroy (@pomeroywinnetka). Photo 4: Old Pueblo Cantina’s mariscos platter (@oldpueblochicago). ? Samantha Nelson / Chicago Tribune ? Lucy Hewitt, Chrissy Slaton and Ballyhoo Hospitality

After the decadent last hurrah of Fat Tuesday, many Christians observe 40 days of abstinence from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday. The most common Lenten sacrifice is giving up meat on Fridays. That means the Midwestern tradition of Friday fish fries and the Chicago-specific pepper and egg sandwich are especially popular during Lent, which runs through March 28.

Some restaurants are going further afield for their meat substitutes, serving lobster rolls or fish tacos, while others are harking back to older practices by pouring Lenten beer.

Tap on our bio link for 26 spots to satisfy you until Easter.

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Photo 1: The Michigan sandwich at All Too Well (@alltoowellchicago).

Photo 2: Fried fish is among the Lent options at Shaw’s Crab House (@shawsschaumburg) in Chicago.

Photo 3: Dover sole Lent special at Pomeroy (@pomeroywinnetka).

Photo 4: Old Pueblo Cantina’s mariscos platter (@oldpueblochicago).

? Samantha Nelson / Chicago Tribune
? Lucy Hewitt, Chrissy Slaton and Ballyhoo Hospitality