'Tis the season... the season of Lent, that is, which means many will be looking for red meat free meals on Fridays between now and Easter Sunday (that's March 31 this year, in case it's not on your radar yet). Whether you're observing Lent, or just looking for some tasty vegetarian or pescatarian friendly dining options, here's our handy list of the best independent, locally owned eateries to find red meat-free meals in Morgan County.
A1 Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar - Mooresville
Fresh sushi is always a great option when you're trying to avoid red meat, and A1 has some of the tastiest in Indiana! Salads, edamame and a variety of tofu based offerings make this a very happy place for veggie lovers.
Bar Ziek - Martinsville
Located on the downtown square in Martinsville, Bar Ziek offers several Lent-friendly options. Appetizers include their Chicago dip, fried mushrooms, beer mussels and fried pickles, their shrimp po'boy is always tasty. On the entree menu, try the grilled salmon, Chicago dip shrimp pasta, or the vegetarian sweet potato peanut curry.
Blueberry Hill Pancake House - Mooresville
Breakfast all day, salads and seafood options on their regular menu make Blueberry Hill a safe bet during Lent. Keep an eye out for their daily specials as well, for additional tasty options!
Come N Git It Diner - Martinsville
Yes, they're known for comfort food of the "meat 'n potatoes" variety, however Come N Git It has a few things that will surprise you! Their fish is always good, whether you choose catfish or cod, and their salads are HUGE! Don't miss the cheesy, melty grilled cheese and their multiple breakfast options (yes, even for dinner) - the French toast is scrumptious.
Dawg House Pizza - Monrovia
Pizza is always a winner for meatless options to please the whole family - pile it high with veggies, go with mushroom or enjoy a classic cheese pizza. Dawg House Pizza always hits the spot!
Gather Around BBQ - Martinsville
Specially for the Lenten season this year, downtown Martinsville's Gather Around BBQ is adding fish and chips to their menu! Available every day during Lent, this new menu item may or may not stick around, so be sure to check it out while it's available. Let them know if you'd like to see it become a permanent addition to their menu!
Gray Brothers Cafeteria - Mooresville
Cafeterias are a great place to eat when you have certain types of food to avoid. You can choose whatever you like! Gray's offers a fish option pretty much every day, and you can always go with a veggie focused plate and skip the entree altogether if you'd like!
Green Hill Diner - Morgantown
This relatively new addition to the Morgantown dining scene has a fabulous fish sandwich, a blackened catfish entree and a winter vegetable risotto on the menu. If you love cheese, you've got to try their fresh fried cheese curds! Keep an eye out - the menu changes regularly based on available ingredients!
Indy's Family Restaurant - Martinsville
The menu at Indy's Family Restaurant features features fish sandwiches, dinners and even a seafood platter! In addition, they serve up breakfast all day with pancakes, waffles and french toast topped with fruit and more. Their broccoli and cheese soup is a great non-meat option as well! Watch for daily specials.
Morgan's Corner Cafe - Mooresville
Now open for dinner as well as lunch, Morgan's Corner Cafe is known for catfish Fridays! (Go early - they've been known to run out!) They also have a shrimp po'boy and a shrimp and calamari basket.
Ralph & Ava's Kitchen & Bar - Mooresville
From truffle parmesan fries to the brauhaus pretzel or firecracker cauliflower, Ralph & Ava's has you covered from the appetizer menu on down to entrees like fish and chips, cast iron salmon, and the stuffed portabella. Also, check out Soup on the Side, their streetside walk-up serving window featuring multiple soups each day, plus creamy mac and cheese.
Rise & Shine Breakfast House - Mooresville
Open for breakfast and lunch, Rise & Shine serves up pancakes, waffles, crepes and french toast, with a variety of toppings such as fruit, whipped cream, even chocolate chips! The veggie lovers skillet or a veggie omelets are also solid choices.
The Tasty Plate Cafe - Morgantown
You can rest assured that everything served up at The Tasty Plate Cafe is plant-based, even when you can't necessarily tell the difference! Their menu features seasonal dishes with an international flair, plus classic comfort food favorites.
Trackside Bar & Grill - Paragon
This relatively new addition in Paragon serves up great home-cooked meals, including a fish sandwich and a fish and shrimp dinner, making it a Lenten-friendly choice.
Zydeco's Cajun - Mooresville
Known for their catfish, both fried and blackened, as well as other fun seafood options such as shrimps, crawfish and oysters, Zydeco's is a great option for a special meal during Lent. Thankfully, their amazing bread and house dressing qualifies, too!
