Offered at Rosetown Legion only during Lent Fridays, a.k.a. “Frydays”, the crowd comes for cod and fries. Photo courtesy of Deborah Locke.

Every night, not just during Lent, Rosetown American Legion 542 keeps its guests entertained.

By Eleanor Ostman — Food critic

Rosetown American Legion is a happening place! Something crowd pleasing happens nearly every day, from meat raffles to blues music to bingo and cribbage— and more.

Crowds happily frequent the bar and order hearty meals, with particular emphasis on hefty burgers. And you don’t have to be a veteran to join the fun. With my Friday dining group, which includes Catholics who seek fish on Fridays during Lent, we gave a nod to cod by squeezing into Rosetown for one of their Fish Frydays. Not easy— the place was packed.

We got lucky: the parking lot is on two levels (drive down the hill to gain easier access to the main entrance) and not a space was open. Just as we were about to circle back up the hill, a car pulled out of a spot near the door. 

Once inside, there wasn’t a table available anywhere and the standees, including us, were about to leave without dinner. But then a family with young kids, just where we were hovering, stood to leave and we planted ourselves at that table. Serendipity!

An abbreviated menu for Fish Frydays offered only a fish fry platter, fish sandwich (each $16) or a bevy of burgers ranging from $10 to $19 —with fries, of course. Our group went for burgers long ago, and I recall they were impressive, but I don’t remember what variety I chose. If I were to return for another burger, I’d be tempted by Bourbon Bacon Cheddar enhanced by garlic, onion and a bourbon glaze on a toasted brioche bun, choice of single or double blast of beef.

Anticipating a generous platter of center cut cod fillets, my friend Midge and I decided to split an order. Maybe not such a good idea— the crusted fillets were rather slim, though tasty. Maybe the cooks, including a fellow named Josh, who uses the Legion’s kitchen as home base for his Station No. 6 food truck and in return cooks for those who come for food and fun, saw the throngs that Friday night and cut the cod smaller so as not to run out. 

Also on the platter were minuscule plastic cups of coleslaw (about two forkfuls) and homemade tartar sauce. We were offered the option of adding another piece of fish for $4, but it had to be ordered with the initial choice.

Fries were abundant, though they were not the usual just-salted version. I saw the cook shaking reddish seasoning over a bowl of sliced potatoes. Might have included paprika. Not to my taste.

On the regular menu other days of the week, offerings include an array of appetizers such as breaded green beans and mini corn dogs. Hungrier? Breasted chicken is popular, as is smoked fried chicken. Reubens are on the menu, too.

And now to the fun: Pie Raffles, Thursday night Blues music, karaoke, Saturday bingo. Also on Fridays, if a guy wears a red shirt, he gets a $1 discount on his drink. When Queen of Hearts is on the agenda, every lady can pick a playing card. Those who draw a Queen get a prize. The Friday we were there, there was a drawing for gift cards. Midge and I both bought a number for $1, but our luck at parking and getting a table didn’t extend to winning that lottery.

To be updated on what’s happening at the Legion, visit their website for a complete rundown. You’ll also notice they offer party options such as cheap wedding venues and party rooms. The fun never ends!

Fish Frydays are on the calendar only during Lent, so get there before Easter, Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Rosetown American Legion 542, 700 W County Road C, Roseville. 651-483-3535