Top 10 Restaurants With the Best French Fries
The Universal Love for French Fries
Few foods have achieved the universal acclaim that French fries enjoy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack at a fast-food joint or indulging in a gourmet meal at a fine-dining restaurant, French fries are often the star of the side dish lineup. Their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and versatility make them an irresistible treat for people of all ages. But not all fries are created equal—some restaurants take this humble potato dish to new heights with unique seasonings, cooking techniques, and presentation styles.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 restaurants with the best French fries, highlighting what sets their fries apart and why they’ve earned a spot on this list. Along the way, we’ll answer common questions about French fries, such as “What makes a great fry?” and “Which restaurants are worth visiting for fry enthusiasts?” Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard fry connoisseur, this guide will help you discover your next favorite fry destination.
What Makes a Great French Fry?
Before diving into our list, it’s important to understand what elevates a French fry from good to great. Several factors contribute to the perfect fry experience:
- Texture: A great fry should have a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, pillowy interior. Achieving this balance requires precise frying techniques and high-quality oil.
- Flavor: While salt is a classic seasoning, many restaurants experiment with spices, herbs, and sauces to create unique flavor profiles.
- Cut and Size: The thickness of the fry matters—thin shoestring fries offer a different experience than thick-cut steak fries.
- Freshness: Freshly cut potatoes fried to order tend to outshine pre-packaged alternatives.
- Presentation: Some restaurants go the extra mile by serving fries in creative ways, such as loaded fries topped with cheese, bacon, or truffle oil.
With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into the top 10 restaurants with the best French fries and see how they stack up.
1. McDonald’s
No list of the best French fries would be complete without mentioning McDonald’s. Known for their iconic golden fries, McDonald’s has perfected the art of consistency. Their fries are thin, crispy, and lightly salted, making them a crowd favorite worldwide.
What sets McDonald’s fries apart is their proprietary blend of oils, which includes beef tallow for added flavor. This secret ingredient gives the fries a rich, savory taste that keeps customers coming back for more.
Why It’s on the List: McDonald’s fries are a global benchmark for quality and consistency, making them a must-try for any fry enthusiast.
2. Five Guys
Five Guys takes pride in its hand-cut fries, which are made fresh daily using high-quality potatoes. Unlike many other chains, Five Guys doesn’t skimp on portion sizes—their fries come in generous servings that are perfect for sharing (or not!).
One standout feature of Five Guys’ fries is their “Cajun style” option, which adds a spicy kick to the classic fry experience. Additionally, the fries are cooked in peanut oil, giving them a distinct nutty flavor and extra crispiness.
Why It’s on the List: Five Guys’ commitment to freshness and flavor variety makes their fries a top contender for the best in the business.
3. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is famous for its minimalist menu, but its fries are anything but basic. Served piping hot and generously salted, these fries strike the perfect balance between crunch and fluffiness.
While In-N-Out’s fries may not come with fancy toppings or exotic seasonings, their simplicity allows the natural potato flavor to shine through. For those who prefer their fries unadorned, In-N-Out delivers a satisfying experience every time.
Why It’s on the List: Sometimes, less is more—and In-N-Out proves that point beautifully with its classic, well-executed fries.
4. Shake Shack
Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are a fan favorite, thanks to their unique texture and bold seasoning. These fries are thicker than traditional shoestrings, offering a hearty bite that pairs perfectly with Shake Shack’s signature burgers and shakes.
The key to Shake Shack’s success lies in its attention to detail. Each batch of fries is cooked to perfection, ensuring a consistent crunch and flavor profile. Plus, the addition of their house-made cheese sauce takes the experience to the next level.
Why It’s on the List: Shake Shack combines innovation and tradition to create fries that appeal to both purists and adventurous eaters.
5. Arby’s
Arby’s Curly Fries are a cult classic among fast-food aficionados. These spiral-shaped fries are seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices, including paprika and garlic, giving them a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from standard fries.
The curly shape not only makes them fun to eat but also increases surface area, allowing for maximum seasoning absorption. Arby’s fries are a testament to the power of creativity in the culinary world.
Why It’s on the List: Arby’s Curly Fries prove that thinking outside the box can lead to delicious results.
6. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries are beloved for their unique grid-like pattern and buttery flavor. Made from real potatoes and cooked in canola oil, these fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
What truly sets Chick-fil-A’s fries apart is their ability to complement the chain’s chicken sandwiches. Whether enjoyed plain or dipped in one of Chick-fil-A’s signature sauces, these fries are a comforting and satisfying choice.
Why It’s on the List: Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries are a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.
7. Poutineville (Canada)
For fans of loaded fries, Poutineville in Canada is a dream come true. This restaurant specializes in poutine, a Canadian dish featuring fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds. Customers can customize their orders with a variety of toppings, including pulled pork, smoked meat, and vegetables.
The fries themselves are thick-cut and perfectly crispy, providing a sturdy base for the rich toppings. Poutineville’s innovative approach to French fries has earned it a loyal following both locally and internationally.
Why It’s on the List: Poutineville showcases the versatility of French fries by turning them into a hearty, indulgent meal.
8. The Halal Guys
Known primarily for their Middle Eastern street food, The Halal Guys also serve some of the best seasoned fries around. These fries are tossed in a blend of spices that include cumin, coriander, and chili powder, creating a bold and addictive flavor profile.
Served alongside their famous white sauce, The Halal Guys’ fries are a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their fry game.
Why It’s on the List: The Halal Guys demonstrate how cultural influences can elevate a simple dish like French fries.
9. Balthazar (New York City)
For a more upscale take on French fries, look no further than Balthazar in New York City. This French brasserie serves perfectly golden pommes frites that are crispy, salty, and utterly divine.
Served in a paper cone with a side of aioli, Balthazar’s fries are a nod to European culinary traditions. They pair beautifully with the restaurant’s steak dishes and seafood platters, making them a staple for diners seeking a refined experience.
Why It’s on the List: Balthazar proves that French fries can hold their own in a fine-dining setting.
10. Potato Champion (Portland, Oregon)
Rounding out our list is Potato Champion, a food cart in Portland, Oregon, that specializes in creative fry concoctions. From truffle Parmesan fries to buffalo ranch fries, Potato Champion offers something for everyone.
The fries are thick-cut and double-fried, ensuring maximum crispiness. Toppings range from classic cheese and bacon to more adventurous options like kimchi and sriracha mayo.
Why It’s on the List: Potato Champion embodies the spirit of experimentation, proving that there’s always room for innovation when it comes to French fries.
Honorable Mentions
While the above restaurants represent the cream of the crop, several others deserve recognition for their exceptional fries:
- KFC: Known for their fried chicken, KFC’s fries are surprisingly underrated, with a light seasoning that enhances their natural potato flavor.
- Wendy’s: Wendy’s natural-cut fries are skin-on and seasoned with sea salt, offering a rustic twist on the classic fry.
- A&W Canada: Their root beer floats might steal the spotlight, but A&W’s thick-cut fries are equally deserving of praise.
Tips for Enjoying French Fries Like a Pro
Now that you know where to find the top 10 restaurants with the best French fries, here are a few tips to enhance your fry-eating experience:
- Pair Wisely: Experiment with dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or even ranch dressing to find your perfect match.
- Share Generously: Fries are best enjoyed with friends, so don’t hesitate to order a large portion and split it.
- Try Different Styles: Don’t limit yourself to one type of fry—explore shoestring, waffle, curly, and crinkle-cut varieties to discover your favorite.
- Visit Locally-Owned Spots: Many small businesses serve incredible fries that rival chain restaurants, so support your local eateries.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fry
French fries are more than just a side dish—they’re a beloved comfort food that brings joy to millions of people worldwide. From the crispy classics at McDonald’s to the gourmet creations at Balthazar, the top 10 restaurants with the best French fries offer something for every palate.
Whether you’re craving a quick snack or planning a fry-themed road trip, this list provides plenty of inspiration. So grab a napkin, gather your friends, and embark on a delicious journey to find your ultimate fry fix.
What’s your favorite type of fry, and where do you think serves the best ones? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow fry enthusiasts!
