We’re not the best Catholics, but we know Lent means having to give up juicy steaks. Thankfully, we’re close enough to the shore to feel comfortable noshing on quality seafood in town. Here are a few of our favorite dishes to get you through the next 40 days.

Battalion 604 S. Alamo St., (210) 816-0088, battalionsa.com Grilled octopus meets a bright pesto with braised chickpeas that’ll leave you wanting more. Photo via Instagram / battalionsa
Smashin’ Crab 8910 Bandera Road, Suite 305, (210) 509-7702, smashincrab.com Get down and dirty with crawfish and shrimp boils, and keep tabs on Smashin’s newest location that’s about to open in Stone Oak. Photo via Instagram / mexa_pina
El Bucanero Multiple locations, (210) 314-3929, bucanerosanantonio.com Three locations in San Antonio all with one similar theme: great ceviche. There’s plenty to choose from, but our only recommendation is to take a few friends and ask for more Saltines. Photo via Instagram / demaximoni
Botika 303 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 111, (210) 670-7684, botikapearl.com Churashi at Botika means you’re noshing on fresh sushi-grade fish and other seafood. Grab a bowl next time you’re at the Pearl. Photo via Instagram / botikapearl
Shuck Shack 520 E. Grayson St., (210) 236-7422, shuckshack.com Honestly, take your pick. There are shrimp rolls to nosh on, but we’re partial to spending the afternoon on the porch throwing back oysters. Hop over to The Bin for their smoked octopus tapa if you’re still hungry. Photo via Instagram / andydadandytattoos
Pinch Boil House & Bia Bar 124 N. Main, (210) 971-7774, pinchboilhouse.com This house was made for boiling everything from crawfish to snow crab legs. We’re partial to the seafood feast which features a little of everything doused in their signature house sauces. Go get messy. Photo via Instagram / safood.e
Bliss 926 S. Presa St., (210) 225-2547, pinchboilhouse.com Dainty and bold is possible with these classic bites from Bliss. The Japanese hamachi is a staple on the menu, with its roasted jalapeno avocado pico de gallo, ponzu, ginger slaw, aji amarillo yuzu vinaigrette and we hope they never go away. Photo via Instagram / spinoza29
Niki’s Tokyo Inn 819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn The freshest sashimi for your Lenten needs. Just settle in to Niki’s sushi bar and take your pick. Photo via Instagram / jetsetter2020
Rolling Fish 2730 I-10 W., Suite 304, (210) 592-1003,facebook.com/rollingfishsushiburrito You’d think we’d choose the sushi burritos, but you’d be wrong. The poké bowls, either signature house mixes or DIY, are your best bet. Go for one, two or three proteins and enjoy. Photo via Instagram / stine.eats
LA Crawfish Multiple locations, thelacrawfish.com A bit of a cheat if you consider all delicious phos are made with a hearty beef broth base, but you’ll want to ask for the Cajun variety sans Kiolbassa at this Houston-based joint that’s won over plenty of San Antonians. Photo via Instagram / lacrawfishsanantonio
Laguna Madre Seafood Co. Multiple locations, lagunamadreseafood.com If you’re physically near one of these locations, you’ll want to stop in for their fried or grilled plates. It’s the Bill Miller of the Sea and gets the job done. Photo via Instagram / lagunamadreseafood
Mariscos El Marinero 1819 McCullough Ave., (210) 465-9178, mariscoselmarinerosa.com There’s something particularly awe-inspiring about this tower of seafood from El Marinero. With its blend of ceviches, this Sinaloa-style dish keeps us going back. Photo via Instagram / yspfitness
Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy #101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com Lump crab in a delicate dressing topped with beets (so it’s definitely healthy, natch), avocado for those good creamy fats and seasonal citrus for a hint of acid and sweetness combine to form one delicious dish. Photo via Jessica Elizarraras
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery 136 Grayson St., (210) 455-5701, southerleigh.com Snapper throats! You read that right. Since Southerleigh’s opening three years ago (time flies!), the restaurant has offered these particularly buttery parts of the fish. Photo via Dan Payton
Boss Bagels 6458 N. New Braunfels , (210) 504-4888, bossbagel.com You’ll want to stick with traditional salmon on that bagel during Lent and Boss Bagels has two options to choose from: either smoked or cured, both made in house. Photo via Instagram / don_chocolatte
The Cookhouse 306 Pearl Pkwy #101, (210) 314-3929, cookhouserestaurant.com Buttery shrimp fried to perfection. We’re partial to the fried po’boy, but you’ll want to sample the barbecue shrimp while at The Cookhouse as well. Photo via Instagram / the_cookhouse
Yellowfish Sushi Multiple locations, yellowfishsushi.com Chirashi bowls are chefs choice at Yellowfish and each is its own work of art. Trust your sushiologist. Photo via Instagram / la_aventurera_
Boiler House 312 Pearl Pkwy., Building 3, (210) 354-4644, boilerhousesa.com This salmon ceviche with serrano, red onion, lemon sabayon, and wontons, makes for the perfect starter (but we won’t judge you if you don’t share. Photo via Instagram / boilerhousesa
Silo Terrace Oyster Bar 22211 I-10, Suite 1210, (210) 698 – 2002, siloelevatedcuisine.com Yes, the oysters are great and the view can’t be beat, but you’ll want to trust the cooks at Silo for their takes on everything frolm salmon to pan seared halibut. Photo via Instagram / siloterrace
Sea Island Shrimp House Multiple locations, shrimphouse.com Warm up with some chowder at this San Antonio throwback. Photo via Instagram / seaislandshrimphouse