A Mission to Find the Best Spuds
Some places are best known for their burgers while others boast the tastiest dipping sauce, but a true fast food joint needs good fries. That’s why we’ve ranked this classic side from worst to absolute best.
20. In-N-Out
It’s not that we don’t love In-N-Out—it’s that we don’t love their fries. They’re often bland cardboard strips that don’t come close to the beauty of their burgers. Some people still swear by them, though, so to each their own.
19. Dairy Queen
When you think of DQ, you likely think of their iconic ice cream treats, not french fries. We don’t blame you! Their fries are often cold and unseasoned and we definitely don’t order them.
18. Shake Shack
These guys are known for their burgers, not their crinkle-cut fries. While it’s nice to have a classic side with a classic dish, it’s easy to see why they’ve never garnered the same hype.
Steve Rainwater from Irving, US on Wikimedia
17. Bojangles
If we’re being honest, Bojangles isn’t what it used to be—that includes their fries, too. What were once piping hot, generously dusted fries are now a pretty lackluster side. While we haven’t given up on them entirely, they’re not how we remember.
Mr. Blue MauMau from USA on Wikimedia
16. Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s hardly known for its french fries, but those supreme platters help a little. The thing is, those sides look good on the menu but it’s still Taco Bell, which means they’re hardly worth it in real life.
15. KFC
KFC fries were always pretty dull but their new seasoning doesn’t help anything. Thankfully, you can request that they be unseasoned, but then you’re left with their bland, everyday side. (Boy do we miss their potato wedges.)
14. Culver’s
Culver’s crinkle-cut fries are…fine. They’re not a skippable side but they also don’t hold a candle to their cheese curds, which are our side of choice. The fries do, however, come with a great dipping ketchup-mayo sauce.
13. Jack in the Box
This chain comes with two varieties—regular spuds or curly fries. That alone makes them a great choice, but their curly fries are especially appetizing. They’re crispy and coated in seasoning and we just can’t help ourselves!
RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia
12. Whataburger
Lots of people compare Whataburger to McDonald’s fries, but those golden arches do it way better. Whataburger’s skinny side doesn’t quite compare, but that doesn’t make them any less tasty. (However, we will say their onion rings are pretty great.)
11. Raising Cane’s
Though they’re best known for their chicken strips and sauce, Raising Cane has decent fries too. They’re not top-tier crinkle-cut, especially since they’re a little softer than others, but they’re still good enough to grab.
10. Portillo’s
Speaking of sauce and crinkle-cut, we have to mention Portillo’s fries. They’re not only crispy but they’re also nice and slender, which means you get a good serving. You can also dunk them in that famous cheddar cheese sauce for something really special.
9. Burger King
These shoestring fries aren’t greasy or coated in salt, making them a tasty side for modest palettes. They’re thick and crispy and we can’t say no to a helping alongside our juicy whopper.
8. Popeyes
Chicken sandwiches or spicy tenders aren’t complete without Popeyes’ cajun fries. As delicious as they are, we admit that other places do it better…and don’t become slimy little worms when they’re cold. They’re still great when hot, though!
7. Del Taco
Now we’re getting into the good stuff. As far as crinkle-cut goes, these are some of the best around. There’s no doubt you’re getting a terrific side either because this little number just won USA Today’s Readers’ Choice for the best fast food fries.
6. Checkers
They’re not called famous for nothing—Checkers’ seasoned fries are a step above the rest because of their batter. Others have sea salt or simple spices whereas Checkers’ fries have the same batter as the mozza sticks and fried pickles.
5. Chick-Fil-A
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, CFA has some of the best fries in the game. The only downside is that its waffle cut means you won’t get the best bang for your buck. However, that doesn’t negate how yummy they are.
4. Wendy’s
One of the best things about Wendy’s is their generous sizes—mediums are practically large and don’t even think about an XL unless you’re starving. Combined with golden fries topped with sea salt? Forget about it.
Calgary Reviews from Calgary, Canada on Wikimedia
3. Five Guys
We know Five Guys have traditional fries but our hearts belong to the seasoned ones. Peanut oil? Generous helpings tossed in the bag? Cooked twice with cajun spice? Yes, please.
Jerry Huddleston from Hampton, Minnesota, US on Wikimedia
2. McDonald’s
They’re world-famous for a reason! Whether you remember them from childhood or grab them with a Big Mac, those perfectly golden french fries hit the spot. Of course, we’re grabbing some every time.
1. Arby’s
Say what you want about Arby’s roast beef (though that’s also delicious), but their curly fries won’t be beat. They’re crispy, they’re delicious, and so, so bad for you—still, we can’t resist ordering a cup every time we nab a sandwich.
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