Here’s where to get the best fish sandwiches in Charlotte during Lent
Christians in Charlotte — notably Catholics — who celebrate the period of fasting, abstinence and reflection of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends just before Easter will still need to eat. Often that means fish is on the menu. And we’re here to help.
During Lent, many Christians abstain from eating meat on Fridays. Because fish are cold-blooded and don’t live on land, they’re not considered meat. Furthermore, Lenten meals are also meant to be one of sacrifice. “America: The Jesuit Review” even went so far as to tell Catholics, “Stop eating fancy fish on Fridays during Lent.” Christianity Today also noted: “Lent is not a vibe.”
OK, check. We’re on this.
So here’s something the will foot the bill: the humble fish sandwich. And here’s where to get some of the best fish sandwiches for Ash Wednesday or a Friday fish lunch in Charlotte during Lent.
Bob Evans
Location: 9253 Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
Location: 16706 Northcross Dr., Huntersville, NC 28078
Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen puts together a hearty sandwich with two wild-caught, battered Alaska Cod fillets, plus cabbage and dill tartar sauce on a brioche bun. It’s served with French fries and a lemon wedge for a fresh accent.
Bojangles
Location: Multiple
For the Lenten season, Bojangles is offering two options: The original Bojangler with a panko-breaded Alaskan Pollock filet, American cheese and Duke’s Tartar Sauce; or the Bojangler Deluxe, which adds Bo Sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato and pickles.
Brooks’ Sandwich House
Location: 2710 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Brooks’ Sandwich House keeps it classic. The fish filet sandwich is made with flounder, and you can purchase a side of coleslaw, fries or onion rings separately.
Cost: $6
Eddie’s On Lake Norman
Location: 643 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
At Eddie’s, the fish sandwich comes with whitefish in your choice of grilled, blackened or fried, then topped with lettuce, tomato and pesto aioli on a toasted brioche bun. Fries and house-made coleslaw are included. There’s a mahi mahi sandwich on the menu and also a salmon burger for even more options.
Cost: $15 for whitefish sandwich or salmon burger, $19 for mahi mahi sandwich
Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish
Location: 413 Dalton Ave. Charlotte, NC 28206 (opening in 2023)
Location: 8006 Cambridge Commons Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
Location: 3100 Statesville Avenue Charlotte, NC 28206
Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish — a longtime Charlotte favorite — has multiple options for fish sandwiches, including croaker, flounder and whiting. Each option is served on a toasted bun with seasoned fries.
Cost: $7.99 for croaker, flounder or whiting
Original Chicken ‘n Ribs
Location: 1100 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
While the fried chicken may tempt you at Original Chicken ‘n Ribs, there is a fish sandwich option among the various seafood choices on the menu. Choose from croaker, flounder, perch or whiting on a bun with tartar sauce.
Cost: $8.95, or $12.45 to make it a combo with fries and a drink
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Location: 1600 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208
Location: 9818 Gilead Road, Suite 101 B, Huntersville, NC 28078
If you’re looking for a fish sandwich outside of the standard restaurant menu options, say no more. Pinky’s Uptown Tuna Melt comes with albacore tuna salad that includes mayo, wasabi and ginger, plus Swiss and American cheese on Texas toast. (For an upcharge, you can also get it as a taco, a wrap on a wheat bun or a gluten-free bun.)
Cost: $10.25
Po Boys Low Country Seafood Market
Location: 3022 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
Of course at a place called Po Boys Low Country Seafood, there’s a selection of po boy sandwiches on the menu. You can select fried catfish, whiting, flounder, shrimp or oyster. Each comes with lettuce, tomato and your choice of Po Boys Sauce, mayo or tartar sauce.
Cost: catfish, whiting or shrimp is $12.65; flounder or oyster is $13.80.
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Rusty’s Deli
Location: 8512 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Rusty’s, a Charlotte Classic Eats spot known for its sandwiches, has got a take on tuna you won’t find many places. Its Grilled Tuna Steak Sandwich comes with Special Sauce, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a whole wheat Kaiser roll.
Cost: $11.99
Sea Level
Location: 129 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Sea Level takes the fish sandwich to a new place. Its lunchtime Catfish Rueben is made with blackened Carolina Classics catfish, along with Swiss cheese, a house-made slaw and remoulade sauce. It comes served with your choice of handcut fries or slaw.
Cost: $17
Showmars
Location: Multiple locations
Showmars’ World Famous Fish Sandwich keeps it simple. The sandwich at the Charlotte-based chain features a wild-caught and sustainable fried Alaskan fish fillet with house-made tartar sauce.
Cost: $7.99 with Salt and Pepper Tots for a limited time
South 21 Drive In
Location: 3101 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Souuth 21 Drive’s made-to-order Fish-O-Burger comes with two filets of trout and tartar sauce, with coleslaw and a side of fries.
Cost: $9.95
Waterman Fish Bar
Location: 9615 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Location: 2729 South Blvd., Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28209
The Waterman Fish Bar’s Friday lunch special is the Fisherman’s Pick, a beer-battered cod sandwich on a brioche bun with house-made pickles, coleslaw and tartar sauce. On the side comes house-cut fries or coleslaw. Enjoy it on the three-season patio in Lake Norman or on the rooftop in South End.
Cost: $14
This story was originally published February 22, 2023 at 6:30 AM.
