The quest for the ultimate French fry is a winding journey through the diverse culinary landscape of America. But what makes a fry truly exceptional? It's all about that golden-brown crispness, a fluffy interior, and the perfect seasoning. And let's not forget the all-important dip!
In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a state-by-state exploration to uncover the best French fries across the nation. From the East Coast to the West, we'll dive into the unique flavors and techniques that make each fry stand out. But be warned: this journey might just make your mouth water.
Alabama: Ono Poke in Birmingham serves up a unique twist with their Ono Fries, seasoned with furikake, a Japanese blend that adds a burst of flavor. Alaska: Rustic Goat in Anchorage offers crunchy, hearty fries that can hold their own against any burger. Arizona: Butterfly Burger in Sedona presents yucca fries, a basic yet perfect fry with a nutty twist. Arkansas: Capital Bar and Grill in Little Rock sprinkles just the right amount of Parmesan and pepper for a cheesy kick. California: Beer Baron Bar in Pleasanton pushes the boundaries with Belgian Duck Fat Fries, offering a range of dipping sauces.
Colorado: C Burger in Boulder, a fine-dining group's new burger joint, fries their potatoes in beef tallow for a controversial yet delicious choice. Connecticut: Fryborg Restaurant in Trumbull serves classic, fast-food-style fries that are hard to replicate at home. Delaware: Ava's in Rehoboth Beach, disguised as a pizzeria, offers hand-cut fries with various toppings. Florida: Blue Collar in Miami serves up no-frill fries that put frozen ones to shame. Georgia: Mix Market in Columbus has Dill Fries that taste like crispy potato chips with a creamy center.
Hawaii: 'Aiea Bowl in 'Aiea serves garlic fries in a bowling alley, a generous portion that might seem excessive at first. Idaho: Boise Fry Company in Boise lets you customize your fries with various shapes, seasonings, and sauces. Illinois: Hawksmoor in Chicago, a London steakhouse, cooks its 'chips' in beef tallow for a unique flavor. Indiana: Bubba's 33 in Indianapolis pleases locals with its seasoned fries, available in a spicy version too. Iowa: Field Day Brewing Co. in North Liberty serves beer-battered fries, a thick and crispy treat.
Kansas: The Burger Stand in Lawrence uses canola oil to fry their regular fries, a simple yet tricky technique. Kentucky: The House of Marigold in Louisville, born from a catering company, serves House Fries with Parmesan and garlic aioli. Louisiana: Elsie's Plate & Pie in Baton Rouge, a soul food and pie place, hand-cuts its fries, which pair perfectly with everything. Maine: Foreside Tavern & Side Bar in Falmouth masters the art of sweet potato fries, achieving a crispy texture. Maryland: Thrasher's in Ocean City has been serving fries since 1929, with a golden-brown look and exceptional flavor.
Massachusetts: Saus in Somerville ages and twice-fries Idaho potatoes for their hand-cut fries, offering a wide range of dipping sauces. Michigan: HopCat in Detroit presents Cosmik Fries, seasoned expertly and available in loaded and truffle-parm versions. Minnesota: Nightingale in Minneapolis serves upscale fries with malt vinegar aioli, perfect for dipping. Mississippi: Lou's Full-Serv in Ridgeland offers LA Crawfish Fondue Fries, a hearty dip with a cheesy fondue and crawfish tails. Missouri: Bolyard's Meat and Provisions in Maplewood fries their potatoes in tallow, a technique that ensures a special flavor.
Montana: The Montana Club in Great Falls serves Hoagieville Cheese Fries, a hefty portion covered in cheese and secret spices. Nebraska: Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob in Omaha sprinkles curry on their fries, served with mayo and ketchup. Nevada: PBR Rock Bar & Grill in Las Vegas tops their fries with cheese, bacon, Buffalo sauce, and a fried egg, a bold combination. New Hampshire: The Gyro Spot in Manchester serves classic fries that pair perfectly with tzatziki. New Jersey: Left Bank Burger Bar in Jersey City presents Disco Fries, a local delicacy with mozzarella and gravy.
New Mexico: Del Charro in Santa Fe offers beer-battered fries with a flavorful crust and creamy insides. New York: Mother's Ruin in New York City serves waffle fries with Old Bay seasoning, perfect for sharing and soaking up cocktails. North Carolina: NanaSteak in Durham cooks its fries in beef fat and serves them with Bearnaise sauce, a classic French sauce. North Dakota: JL Beers in South Fargo hand-cuts its fries, which can be loaded with Buffalo sauce and blue cheese. Ohio: Marlow's Cheesesteaks in Gahanna serves fresh, hot, and hearty fries, even cheesier when ordered with cheese.
Oklahoma: Mack's Wings in Tulsa coats its fries with a savory spice blend, a perfect match for their sticky hot wings. Oregon: Lardo in Portland offers Dirty Fries topped with fried rosemary, peppers, and pork scraps, a unique and delicious creation. Pennsylvania: Star Fusion Express in Philadelphia fuses American, Caribbean, and Thai flavors, with Truffle Parmesan Fries that often steal the show. Rhode Island: Wright's Farm Restaurant in Burrillville serves family-style, thick, and tender steak fries with a creamy filling. South Carolina: The Darling Oyster Bar in Charleston pours super-fresh clam chowder over delectable fries, a unique East Coast take on poutine.
South Dakota: Sickie's Garage in Sioux Falls serves crispy fries, available in sweet potato variety too. Tennessee: Dino's in Nashville, a dive bar, serves greasy fries covered in Velveeta, a classic combination. Texas: Rodeo Goat in Arlington continues the tradition of Cheese Fries Surprise, a thin yet crispy fry loaded with toppings and brisket chili. Utah: The Bayou in Salt Lake City brings Cajun flavors to the West with Gumbo Fries, a unique and successful fusion. Vermont: Al's French Frys in South Burlington, a local institution, serves classic diner fries with a James Beard American Classics Award under its belt.
Virginia: Burger Bach in Richmond, a New Zealand-inspired gastropub, offers a range of dipping sauces, from Manuka Honey Mustard to Blueberry BBQ. Washington: Katsu Burger in Seattle sprinkles roasted seaweed on its Nori Fries, a unique twist. West Virginia: Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville seasons its fries with a secret blend, available with pimento cheese and bacon. Wisconsin: Camino in Milwaukee serves IPA Fries with a beer cheese sauce, a perfect pairing. Wyoming: 2 Doors Down in Cheyenne serves classic steak fries, chunky and fried to perfection.
The search for the best French fries is a never-ending journey, and these picks are just the beginning. What's your favorite fry spot, and why? Share your thoughts and keep the fry-love alive!
