It’s time for another low quality post people! This time, I wanted to jot down my top 10 chain/fast food french fries along with a few variations that I am partial to. I will admit I struggled a bit to come up with a list of 10 and settled on the last spot after a while. Part of the problem is that while there are various fast food spots with french fries, in a few cases I wouldn’t even add them here because they’re awful or unmentionable. I will address those at the end just in case people wonder why certain spots are missing.
10 – Jack-in-the-Box’s Curly Fries
Jack-in-the-Box got a nod from me because it’s hard to find fries after 1am in my zone. So this place gets it as a sort of default as I generally order these or “halfsies” where you get half curly fries and half normal fries for those late night Munchie Meals. And these aren’t that great but they satisfy a niche that few places can (or any for that matter) when I get those horrible late night cravings.
9 – Red Robin’s Steak Fries
Red Robin has some decent steak fries. The important aspect that differentiates Red Robin’s from other spots is that their fries are “bottomless.” So it’s not a bad value proposition if you just want to get filled up quickly on these things.
8 – Carl’s Jr’s Waffle (CrissCut) Fries
I believe in the past, these fries were called CrissCut but it seems that they standardized on the Waffle Fries naming convention. Back in the day, when I would come to Carl’s Jr more regularly, I thought the CrissCut fries were some of the best with the seasoning and crispness. Carl’s Jr’s normal fries never were great to me whereas the CrissCut types were so much better. I’m not sure if they still have the same seasoning but the general quality for Carl’s Jr has diminished drastically over the years. Still, this rank might be more due to nostalgia than their actual current quality.
7 – Island’s Cheddar Fries
In the past, Island’s used to offer unlimited fries too. They weren’t bad but the real deal thing on their menu was their cheddar fries. These are a fantastic addition to their burgers. I vaguely remember adding bacon bits to these too but that might be a different non-chain spot. But for a chain, these fries are pretty awesome when you get a chance to get them.
6 – Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries
I have to admit that I didn’t think I would like these. But once I tried them, I was instantly hooked. They use a nice, flavorful seasoning to their thick fries and add the cheese sauce as a condiment. Since Taco Bell’s nachos with their cheese sauce has been a forever guilty pleasure of mine, it was natural for me to instantly like the Nacho Fries. Generally, I get these as part of a combo or when I have the odd craving especially if I decide not to get nachos (or chips n cheese as they might call it)
5 – Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Potato Fries
Just for standard waffle fries, I really like Chick-fil-A’s. They aren’t seasoned except with a tiny bit of salt and I generally have them with whatever sauce I choose with my nuggets. But it’s a nice staple that has been reliable for years to me. They haven’t changed their formula and it’s something I can appreciate since a lot of places have.
4 – Arby’s Curly Fries
I can’t recall if Arby’s was the first spot to offer curly fries, but I do know that when one opened across the street from my old home that I would order them all the time. Like Taco Bell, Arby’s old curly fries could be purchased with their cheese sauce, something you can find on their Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwiches. I’m not sure if Arby’s can sell the cheese sauce on the side as a condiment but the combination is quite incredible. I’ve kept Arby’s curly fries up just because it’s one of my favorites of all time.
3 – Del Taco’s Chili Cheddar Fries
Del Taco’s crinkle cut fries are their standard and by themselves they usually are pretty decent. But I really prefer Del Taco’s version of a chili cheese fries compared to other spots that may have it on their menu (at least in terms of chains/fast food). They go quite well with their burgers or Del Beef Burritos. Another really bad guilty pleasure of mine.
2 – In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries
I think for fresh fries, In-N-Out is by far the best. They taste like real potatoes underneath everything and they’re not ultra greasy where you regret your decisions at 1:30am (or 2am depending on how long it takes me to get back from a certain 24 hr spot). But if you want to make things interesting you need to try the Animal Style fries. It’s not for everyone but it’s a unique thing they do. The main issue I’ve had with the Animal Style fries is that the cheese that they place over the fries might not be melted enough and the fries can get soggy with the layers of dressing grilled onions that get dumped on top. But they are delicious if you get a good batch. Even without the bonus of the Animal Style, In-N-Out has the best fresh fries overall. However….
1 – McDonald’s Fries
I need to be honest when I say that fresh McDonald’s French Fries are my absolute favorites. Sure, there are better fries in terms of the add ons, etc. But for plain fries, McDonald’s are the standard that you can find anywhere and nearly at anytime. The real trick to McDonald’s fries though is that you need a fresh batch that doesn’t get over salted. If you get a fresh batch that isn’t overly salted, these are the winners by a long shot. I’m certain that the first fries I’ve ever tried were McDonald’s and they have been consistent throughout my entire life. My favorite way of having them surprisingly is not with ketchup but whatever sauce accompanies my Chicken McNuggets. BBQ is the way to go but almost all the condiments you get for Chicken McNuggets work well with these fries.
Not So Honorable Mentions
The following places did not make it into my list despite being a popular chain. In each case, I have my own reasoning.
- Burger King – They’ve changed their formula over the years. I remember there was a period when they made one of their first major changes by adding sugar. Supposedly, that allowed more crispness but I honestly prefer their onion rings much better.
- Wendy’s – I heard at one time these were the best. I can’t recall much about them because I never really ate them that often growing up. When I moved to Japan, I probably had them more often but I never considered Wendy’s my go-to burger spot until recently whenever I got a craving for a decent burger (In-N-Out should be that spot but the drive thru can be painful). Their current fries are more filler than something I crave or look forward to when I order a meal here.
- Five Guys – Some people really like the Five Guys fries. In my case, they seem to be too much for the price and I prefer having a larger burger than more fries whenever I go here. But the fries just stuff you and not really satisfy you.
- Wienerschnitzel – There is nothing special at all about Wienerschnitzel’s fries. They are plain (boring) and commonly too salty. Again more filler. You can get chili fries but I only do this when I have a rare craving for Wienerschnitzel. Del Taco does a by far better version of chili cheddar fries so you’re better of going there.
- Shake Shack – I’ve seen their version of the cheddar fries which looks like Del Taco’s crinkle cut and topped with a cheese sauce. However, I can’t justify the price for these things. Also, I will admit I have yet to eat here, despite how one is in Del Amo Mall’s newer food court. Each time I go to Del Amo Mall for lunch, I just find better stuff that’s probably cheaper. And if I have that craving for a burger, there’s better spots I can hit up.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. My version of the best 10 fries around in Los Angeles (mainly) when it comes to chains and fast food that you can get.
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