French fries are a classic potato dish and one of the few that can be perfected at home to the point where they can even be better than what you get in the restaurant. That said, wherever they are served, they can be limp and soggy fries, or they can be exquisitely crisp fries and it’s all in the ingredients and technique. Whether you are enjoying fried French fries or baked, there are techniques to employee that will give you the best result. So, where do you get the best French fries out and about, or with recipes to make it home? (We also have some to steer clear of).
Based on the search results from reputable food publications and review sites, here are some of the top picks for the best French fries in restaurants, and to recipes for you to make at home. And don’t forget the toppings! We’ve got a bunch of those, too.
Fast Food Chains
Fast food chains are known for their French fries, but if you stand out. Five guys gets my vote. By the way, at most fast food chains if you ask for your French fries without salt, they will have to make them fresh right there for you. This insures the hottest and crisp result and then you consult them yourself if you’d like. I tend to do this, and also ask for extra crispy.
McDonald’s
Consistently praised for their iconic, crispy and delicious shoestring fries. Many chefs and critics consider McDonald’s fries among the best in the fast-food category.
Five Guys
Their fresh, hand-cut fries fried in peanut oil are a favorite among chefs and critics for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The Cajun-style fries are especially popular.
Arby’s
Their crispy, seasoned curly fries are a unique and tasty option according to many reviews.
In-N-Out Burger: Thumbs Down
While polarizing, their fresh-cut fries made from real potatoes have fans for their natural potato flavor when properly salted. On the other hand, most reviews discussing how delicious the burgers are also point out that their fries are truly terrible. But we believe they are only fried once, and the result is pale and insipid.
Casual Dining/Independent Restaurants
You might pay a little more for French fries in casual dining restaurants but there are some that are worth seeking out – and one stand out we bemoan is no longer open and frying.
Balthazar (New York City)
Praised by chefs for their perfectly crispy exterior and creamy interior achieved through a reverse blanch/fry process. One report says they serve about 200 orders a day.
Les Halles (NY; Closed)
I only include Les Halles here as a tribute to a perfected rendition. Anthony Bourdain’s restaurant was known for its fries, and for good reason. They always came piping hot, crispy, golden brown on the outside, tender in the middle, with exceptional flavor and seasoning, and what I hold other French fry experiences up to. If you ever had the fries there, perhaps you do the same?
Friskie Fries (Rhode Island)
A local favorite known for their super-crispy fries with unique toppings like chili, pulled pork, or General Tso’s chicken.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill (Austin)
Their buttermilk-battered fries served with jalapeño-dill mayo have made multiple “best fries” lists from Food & Wine and other publications.
Thrasher’s French Fries (Maryland)
A regional chain beloved for their fresh-cut fries with a signature crispy exterior.
Saus (Boston)
This Belgian fry shop offers a variety of creative toppings and dipping sauces for their crispy fries.
While personal preferences vary, these establishments seem to be consistent standouts for excellent French fries according to expert reviews and popular opinion.
How Do You Top Your Fry?
For some people ketchup is the obvious condiment of choice for French fries, but for others mayonnaise is just as common a choice, as is malt vinegar. What is your favorite way to top your fries?
Then of course there are more substantial and creative toppings, like cheese sauce, recipes for truffle fries, ranch dressing is popular with many.
Then there are tweaks to the standards. For instance, my husband puts loads of black pepper on top of his little dipping container of ketchup and as he draws the French fry out of the ketchup a good portion of black peppers sticks to the ketchup and the fry. Do you have any French fry traditions?
Here are some of the most popular French fry toppings:
Cheese-Based Toppings
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for loaded fries, often melted over the top for a gooey texture.
- Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack: These cheeses add a bit of spice and creaminess.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy and salty flavor, often paired with herbs like oregano.
- Parmesan Cheese: Often combined with truffle oil for a sophisticated touch.
Meat-Based Toppings
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits are a common addition for extra crunch and flavor.
- Pulled Pork: Adds a savory and sometimes sweet element, especially when combined with BBQ sauce. This sweet, sticky and tangy one is perfect.
- Buffalo Chicken: Sliced Buffalo chicken with bleu cheese dressing and jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Sauces and Dressings
- Ranch Dressing: A popular choice for drizzling over fries, often combined with bacon and cheese. We think homemade is best.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky and sweet flavor, often paired with meats like pulled pork or chicken.
- Aioli: Garlic aioli or other flavored aiolis are frequently used for dipping or drizzling.
- Fry Sauce: A mix of ketchup and mayonnaise, sometimes with added spices.
- Vegan Big Mac Sauce: This comes from Elysia Cartlidge and is dairy-free and plant-based!
Unique and Regional Toppings
- Poutine: A Canadian classic with brown gravy and cheese curds.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Corn kernels mixed with mayo, chili powder, and lime for a sweet and spicy topping.
- Greek Toppings: Feta cheese with lemon juice and oregano, often served with tzatziki sauce.
- Honey Chipotle Sauce: This is from blogger Christina Tino Marie Konckerm; it is sweet, smoky, tangy, and fiery – and can be made in a flash from 5 ingredients (including water!)
- Yum Yum Sauce: Have you heard about Yum Yum Sauce? Blogger Stacie Vaughn has a delicious and easy rendition filled with flavor from smoked paprika, onion, garlic, ketchup, mayo and more.
- Creamy Nut-Free Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce: Like cheese sauce, but vegan! From Rebecca Pytell.
Vegetables and Herbs
- Green Onions: Often sprinkled on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Jalapeños: Adds heat and a bit of crunch, commonly used in various loaded fry recipes.
- Chives or Parsley: Used for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Other Notable Toppings
- Truffle Oil: Drizzled over fries for a rich, earthy flavor, often paired with Parmesan cheese.
- Chili: A hearty topping that turns fries into a more substantial dish, often combined with cheese.
- Gravy: Used in dishes like poutine or “disco fries” (with mozzarella cheese).
- Salsa: We love dipping French fries in salsa. Try with sweet potato fries, too.
These toppings reflect a wide range of flavors and textures, making French fries a versatile and customizable dish.
French Fry Recipes
These are some of our favorite DIY French fry recipes. For sweet potato and other recipes, check out the next section.
Five Guys Copycat French Fries At Home
Have you attempted making homemade French fries before? Do you wish you could make them taste like the epic fries at Five Guys? You can make these at home, and they are easier than you’d expect. As long as you know THREE key tips, your homemade Five Guys copycat French fries will blow your mind…and everyone else’s! Get the recipe.
Duck Fat Fries
Duck fat imparts a wonderful flavor to anything you cook in it and is naturally gluten-free. Also, unlike butter or olive oil, duck fat can easily be recycled by straining out any solids and kept frozen until the next time you want to cook with it. Duck fat is incredibly easy to render yourself, but if you do not have access to fresh or frozen duck, or just prefer to let someone else do the work, you can buy it already rendered. Get the recipe.
Homemade Poutine
Make authentic Canadian poutine at home with this simple recipe for crispy French fries, savory brown gravy, and delicious cheese curds. It’s pure comfort food! Get the recipe.
Air Fryer Crispy Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Crispy Potato Wedges are a nice alternative to the usual oil fried French Fry.
These perfectly seasoned oil free potato wedges are fluffy in the middle and crisp on the outside, making them perfect for dipping in ketchup or enjoying as is. Get the recipe.
The Best Truffle Fries Recipe
Savor crispy perfection with the best truffle fries recipe. Golden shoestring fries are tossed in aromatic truffle oil, sprinkled with Parmesan and served with a creamy garlic aioli. Get the recipe.
More Fry Recipes
Sweet potatoes make great fries, too, but have you tried carrots or parsnips? How about zucchini or polenta sticks?
Parsnip Fries
Parsnips make great fries! These are oven baked. Sweet, earthy. A great alternative. Get the recipe.
Air Fryer Polenta Fries
Air Fryer Polenta Fries are a nice alternative to the usual French Fries cooked in oil. These air fryer polenta fries are impossibly crispy and golden on the outside while being perfectly soft on the inside. Get the recipe.
Baked Curly Sweet Potato Fries {with Cornstarch}
Ditch the store-bought frozen fries to make these delicious curly sweet potato fries completely from scratch! They’re perfectly crispy and crunchy and require just a handful of simple ingredients. Get the recipe.
Baked Zucchini Fries
These baked zucchini fries are golden and crispy outside, tender inside, and bursting with summer flavor!
They are the perfect crunchy low-carb snack or side dish, made with keto and gluten-free panko and Parmesan breading. Get the recipe.
10-Minute Easy Air Fryer Carrot Fries
Are you looking for a guilt-free and nutritious alternative to traditional French fries? Look no further! These Air Fryer Carrot Fries are a low-calorie healthy option that not only satisfies your savory cravings but is packed with nutrition. Serve these roasted carrot fries with homemade dairy-free dip to make it a complete vegan healthy snack! Get the recipe.
18 Insanely Delicious Ways To Load Your Fries!
What’s better than a pile of crisp fries? Loaded fries! Fries with cheese, taco fries, Buffalo fries, you name it. Even some truly unusual recipes like Reuben Fries, Kimchi Fries, and Butter Chicken Poutine! Some feature sweet potatoes, and we threw in one tater tot recipe for good measure. How’s that for flavorful mash-ups? 18 in all. Which will you make first? READ: 18 Insanely Delicious Ways To Load Your Fries!
