Fat Tuesday & Fridays: How We Celebrate Lent in Lemont
For most practicing Christians, Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, where one observes a period of fasting and reflection on their sins. If you’re unfamiliar with Lent, we bet you’ve probably heard a few tales of Fat Tuesday known as Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnival in Brazil and through the Carribean, or the Masquerade Ball of Venice.
Even with all of the celebrating, reflecting, and fasting, there are many ways and opportunities to indulge in classic, traditional foods locally over the next 40 days and nights. Bring on the paczkis, fish-fry’s, and pepper and egg sandwiches.
It’s time for good eating in Lemont Downtown.
No matter your religion or spirituality, don’t let this season pass you by without indulging in some of these classics.
For Fat Tuesday
Paczki Donuts from Wooden Paddle
Pach-Key or puhnch-key
No matter how you pronounce it, you don’t have to go far to find the fried, filled doughnuts.
Wooden Paddle
Chef Patrick dug up his grandmother’s recipe and we’re benefitting big time. Each pack comes with six paczkis: two chocolate, two vanilla, two fig jam — and all housemade err’thang. Order today and pick up on February 13.
212 Stephen Street. Lemont
Celina’s Fresh Market
You can get your paczki fix every day at Celina’s Fresh Market. You’ll find them at the bakery regularly but for this special occasion, give them a call to order large amounts in advance so they can have your order waiting for you. If you forget last minute, there is a good chance you’ll find some if you stop by early. Visit online or call the Lemont location at (630) 243.1669.
14164 McCarthy Rd. Lemont
Polly Polly Paczki at Pollyanna Brewing Co.
Pollyanna Brewing Company
You never knew that you needed a paczki beer, but now that it exists? Make your dreams come through with this indulgent brew for your Fat Tuesday. The 2024 versions of “Polly Polly Pączki,” their newest Pączki-style lagers, are a smooth 6.0% ABV lager base with Raspberry and Vanilla. They stepped up the party by adding Hazelnut to the second beer!
Join Pollyanna Brewing Company for a special dinner The Curious Cow low-country boil on Tuesday, February 13. Reserve your tickets here.
For Your Meat-Free Fridays
After a sinful, Fat Tuesday, most Christians refrain from eating meat on Fridays, as a form of penance – admitting to any wrongdoings and sins while turning back to belief in God. After Stations of the Cross, Join in fellowship with others and end get your protein fix by enjoying this traditional meals.
SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish (SSCM)
The Friday Fish Fry at SSCM is the real deal. Beer Battered Cod is fried to order and served with fries, cole slaw, and a roll—plus extra beets on every table! Grab yourself a raffle ticket while you’re there to help support the parish.
Follow them on Facebook to view their menu and get notified of upcoming fish frys. The fun starts on Friday, February 16.
608 Sobieski St, Lemont, IL 60439
Nick’s Tavern
Our pick for the best Pepper & Egg Sandwich in ALL of Chicago goes to the Lemont Legend, Nick’s Tavern. Nick’s sandwich is served with pepper jack cheese on a fluffy Alpha Baking roll. With 75+ years in the tavern business we know Nick’s knows how to fix a sandwich! The secret ingredient here is that well-seasoned Nick’s grill, which makes for the best pepper and egg around. Nick’s is old school, so remember to bring cash because your plastic won’t work here!
221 Main St, Lemont, IL 60439
Corner Stone Tavern
Corner Stone Tavern is a classic spot, and they serve up a classic pepper and egg sandwich. Folded eggs with diced red peppers and onions, a wonderful gooey cheese pull, on a toasted French roll smeared with secret sauce. How can you resist a secret sauce? This sandwich has us dreaming of Lent all year round.
103 Stephen St, Lemont, IL 60439
Digs on Canal
Pepper? Check. Egg? Check. Tots? We’ll meet you there. In addition to a delicious pepper and egg sandwich, we love that at Digs on Canal, tots are always an option. Dig’s fish-n-chips is also tasty, served with a tartar sauce that you’ll want to order extra of… it’s made with Pollyanna Brewing’s Full Lemonty!
316 Canal St, Lemont, IL 60439
NEXT MEX
While not the most traditional, there are many ways to incorporate meat-free meals into your menu and throw in a little more culture.
The Tex-Mex and Mexican fusion restaurant is serving up fish tacos, shrimp ceviche, and even a portobello mushroom enchilada. We recommend all three so be sure to bring a friend and share!
319 Front Street, Lemont, IL
One of our favorite things about this great regional tradition is that it is still unknown to so many. As proud Chicagoans, we also love that the pepper and egg sandwich was created in Little Italy in the late 19th century and early 20th century and continues to be enjoyed today.
It is like stumbling upon a secret Catholic and Christian culture that everyone is invited to enjoy, regardless of your religious affiliation. And what better place to find it than the “Village of Faith.” Yet another good reason to look forward to Fridays!
