French fries are one of the most beloved comfort foods across the globe, adored for their crispy texture, golden hue, and salty satisfaction. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, fries come in various styles, and not all are created equal. From fast-food chains to gourmet takes, here’s a ranking of the top 20 French fries, from the best to the least impressive, with insights and tips on why they stand out (or fall flat). No matter where you get your fries from, there’s something undeniably satisfying about that perfect crunch and salty goodness!
McDonald’s Fries
Why They’re the Best: McDonald’s fries are arguably the gold standard. Perfectly crisp with a soft interior, these fries are the epitome of consistency. The balance of salt and a unique blend of oils give them an irresistible flavor.
Tips: Pair with their signature ketchup or even McFlurry for a decadent treat. For the ultimate experience, order them fresh, hot, and crispy.
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Five Guys Fries
Why They’re So Good: Five Guys fries are known for their generous portions and fresh-cut appeal. Double-fried in peanut oil, they have a crisp exterior and a rich, potato-forward flavor.
Tips: Don’t be shy about asking for “cajun fries” for a spiced-up version. The large servings mean you might want to share with a friend (or keep them for later!).
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In-N-Out Fries (Fresh-Cut)
Why They’re Great: In-N-Out’s fries are hand-cut from fresh potatoes, fried to order. Though some might prefer them “lightly” cooked for a slightly softer bite, their freshness stands out.
Tips: Order them “well-done” for extra crunch, or dip them in their famous animal-style sauce for added flavor.
Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries
Why They’re a Top Pick: Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are crispy and slightly thicker than traditional fries, giving them a sturdy texture. The unique shape allows for an impressive amount of seasoning and a more satisfying bite.
Tips: Dip in their signature Chick-fil-A sauce for an unbeatable combination of sweet, tangy, and savory.
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Shake Shack Crinkle-Cut Fries
Why They’re So Popular: Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries offer a unique twist with their ridged texture, providing an ideal surface for holding onto ketchup or their ShackSauce.
Tips: Pair with ShackBurger for a perfectly balanced meal. Opt for the cheese fries if you’re looking to indulge!
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Arby’s Crinkle-Cut Fries
Why They’re Great: Arby’s fries have a satisfying, crispy texture with their crinkle-cut style. They are seasoned well and offer a solid potato flavor.
Tips: Add Arby’s Horsey Sauce for a spicy kick or their classic dipping sauces for extra flavor.
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Freddy’s Steakburgers & Fries
Why They’re Popular: Freddy’s fries are thin and crispy, with a light seasoning that enhances their natural potato flavor. They’re perfect for those who enjoy an extra-crunchy fry.
Tips: Dip them in Freddy’s sauce for added zest and enjoy them with a side of their steakburgers.
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Del Taco Crinkle-Cut Fries
Why They’re Good: Del Taco’s fries have a satisfying crunch, and their seasoning is pleasantly salty and slightly savory. They’re a perfect accompaniment to their Tex-Mex menu.
Tips: Pair with a side of guacamole or Del Taco’s signature sauce for a flavorful dip.
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Wendy’s Natural-Cut Fries
Why They’re Loved: Wendy’s fries are naturally cut with the skin on, giving them a heartier texture. Their crispy finish pairs well with the chain’s rich frostys.
Tips: Order them with sea salt and a dipping sauce of your choice to take them to the next level.
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Burger King’s Classic Fries
Why They’re Good: Burger King’s fries are known for their classic straight-cut shape and slightly thicker texture. They are fried to a satisfying crispiness, offering a familiar flavor.
Tips: Pair them with a BK Stacker for the ultimate fast-food experience.
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Popeyes Cajun Fries
Why They’re Flavorful: Popeyes fries bring a Cajun seasoning blend that adds a kick of spice, complementing their crispy texture. They are a perfect balance of heat and salt.
Tips: Dip them in their famous spicy chicken sauce for the ultimate combo.
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Jack in the Box Regular Fries
Why They’re Good: Jack in the Box fries are crispy, salted, and with a simple yet satisfying potato flavor. Their seasoned fries have a nice spiced exterior.
Tips: Pair with any of Jack’s many dipping sauces for variety.
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Carl’s Jr. Natural-Cut Fries
Why They’re Great: Carl’s Jr. offers a thicker cut of fries that are fresh, with the skin left on for extra flavor. They’re crispy on the outside but tend to be a bit too starchy on the inside.
Tips: Pair with their famous burgers or try them with a side of ranch or honey mustard.
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Zaxby’s Crinkle-Cut Fries
Why They’re Tasty: Zaxby’s fries are crinkle-cut, golden, and crispy, with a decent amount of seasoning. They make for a solid side to their chicken fingers.
Tips: Try dipping them in Zax Sauce for an extra flavor boost.
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Steak ‘n Shake Thin-Cut Fries
Why They’re Simple but Delicious: Steak ‘n Shake’s fries are thin-cut and crispy, offering a no-nonsense option. They’re straightforward but satisfying when paired with a milkshake.
Tips: Dipping in a shake is an indulgent way to enjoy these fries.
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Culver’s Crinkle-Cut Fries
Why They’re Good: Culver’s crinkle-cut fries offer a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. While they’re solid, they often don’t stand out as much as other chains.
Tips: Enjoy them with a side of Wisconsin cheese curds for a Midwest classic.
Dairy Queen Regular Fries
Why They’re Classic: Dairy Queen’s fries are simple but satisfying, with a nice balance of salt and crispiness. However, they can sometimes be a bit soggy when not served hot.
Tips: Order them as a side to their Blizzard or burger for a complete treat.
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Hardee’s Natural-Cut Fries
Why They’re Decent: Hardee’s fries are natural-cut, thicker than standard fries. While they can be crispy, they sometimes lack the texture or seasoning to elevate them above other options.
Tips: A little extra seasoning or dipping sauce can enhance the flavor here.
Whataburger French Fries
Why They’re Hit-or-Miss: Whataburger’s fries are a bit thicker, which can be a double-edged sword. While they have a decent texture, they can sometimes feel a bit soggy and under-seasoned.
Tips: Try them with their spicy ketchup for a better experience.
Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists (Fries Alternative)
Why They’re the Bottom: Though not technically fries, Taco Bell’s cinnamon twists are often marketed as an alternative. These sweet, crispy treats don’t hit the mark for those craving classic French fries.
Tips: If you’re craving something sweet, these might be up your alley, but for fries, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
