Fries are not just a side dish they’re usually the best part of the meal. Crinkle-cut, seasoned, waffle-cut, thin, crispy fries are all so tasty that everyone has an opinion about where the best ones are to be found. You may think McDonald’s is the winner, but some under-the-radar fast food joints have even better fries.
Here is our ranking of 16 fast food fries, from must-try greatness to still-worth-a-snack quality. Each is a ranking based on flavor, texture, consistency, and overall crave-worthiness. This isn’t about what’s popular it’s about what actually delivers. Let’s get started.
1. Whataburger
Whataburger fries achieve simplicity at its best. They aren’t over-spiced or flashily embellished, but when mixed with the company’s iconic ketchup or better still, their spicy ketchup they are an instant indulgence. Crunchy on the exterior with a golden, soft inside, they provide gratification with each consumption. They will not take a creative award, but their dependability and savory comfort make them an instant front runner.
2. Chick-fil-A
These waffle fries are among the most distinctive fast food sides available, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re thick, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. Their odd shape makes them perfect for carrying sauce, particularly Chick-fil-A’s brand-specific dipping sauces. Fresh, they’re golden, warm, and lightly salted a combination that brings loyalists in time and again.
3. McDonald’s
McDonald’s fries are iconic, and when they’re hot and fresh, there’s little to top them. Thin, golden, and perfectly salted, lots of people like to keep them plain to get the simple potato taste, but plenty of others dip them in ketchup to sweet-and-sour sauce. Their only major flaw is inconsistency when they get too old, the magic is gone. But at their peak, they remain a fast food classic.
4. Shake Shack
Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are full of old-fashioned appeal. Their ridged appearance adds an extra crunch and the interior remains fluffy. Some batches may be a bit under-seasoned or too fried, but in general, they are well able to stand on their own or topped with a blanket of melted cheese. They balance novelty and quality without resorting to gimmicks.
5. Popeyes
Boldly flavored and full of flavor, Popeyes fries bring something many others don’t spice. Every fry is slathered in a savory assortment of paprika, garlic, and cayenne. The texture is pleasing, and the flavor holds up even when you are eating them straight from the bag. These fries don’t need dipping sauce to talk-the talk; they talk the talk.
6. Wendy’s
Wendy’s natural-cut fries have gotten better with the years. They’re big enough to retain heat, crunchy enough to take care of a craving for crunch, and salted perfectly. Dipped in a Frosty, they deliver a sweet-salty combination that devotees rave about. They’re not showy, but they’ve turned out to be a tried-and-true favorite among fast food enthusiasts looking for good fry quality.
7. KFC
KFC’s “Secret Recipe Fries” do not disappoint with a beautifully balanced seasoning mix that pairs well with their crunch. Their fries took over for KFC’s original potato wedges, a move that created controversy, but the new product stands on its own. They’re thin enough to get crunchy and tasty enough to be satisfying without requiring a dollop of gravy.
8. Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. remains traditional in its no-frills fries. They’re natural-cut, moderately thick, and lightly salted. As much as there’s nothing especially bold about them, they get the job done when hot. Some restaurants get them just right and perfectly crisp, while others get them wrong and render the fries limp or undercooked. When they get it right, they pair well with burgers, but they don’t have the wow factor of better-ranked options.
9. Burger King
Burger King french fries are thick, golden, and ever so slightly softer than a few of their competitors. They have changed recipes a few times over the years, but the latest version has just the right balance of potato taste and sufficient salt. Served up fresh, they can be really gratifying particularly alongside a Whopper. They’re kept out of the best category, however, by inconsistency in preparation.
10. Arby’s
Arby’s curly fries have been a popular favorite for years due to the spiciness of their seasoning and fun shape. They provide extra texture and taste compared to regular fries, and the curved shape provides a touch of entertainment. Unfortunately, they don’t always come fresh, and cold orders quickly lose their attraction. Even with the occasional dip in quality, they remain one of the more standout fast food fry options.
11. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box offers regular and curly fries, and the curly ones are truly the highlight. Slightly spiced and twice-crunchy, they become even more appealing when served with the brand’s special hot sauces. They might not be trending on social media, but they’re a great option for anyone who needs a seasoned, crunchy snack without breaking the bank.
12. Sonic
Sonic fries are light, sprinkled with salt, and designed to be eaten on the run. They don’t steal the show, and they’re never anyone’s primary motivation for coming to Sonic. But they’re cheap and consistent, particularly when accompanied by a drink from Sonic’s enormous drink menu. Plain, no-frills, and just enough to satisfy a hunger.
13. Five Guys
Five Guys has generous portions, which often spill fries out of the cup into the bag. Fried in peanut oil, they’re a home-cooked kind of food crispy on the edges, soft in the center. Although mild in seasoning, the generous portion size makes them seem indulgent. The drawback? They’re expensive, and the quality will swing from fresh to soggy depending on timing.
14. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen’s fries aren’t typically the highlight of your trip, and it shows. Occasionally they’re crispy and tasty, but then they’re also undercooked or greasy. There’s no special seasoning or notable texture to mention. They get the job done with burgers or chicken strips, but don’t look for a standout experience.
15. Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries quickly became popular, largely due to being served with warm cheese sauce. Alone, the fries are boring, with a weak spiciness that won’t impress. Without dipping sauce, they have little to provide. Fun as a temporary offer, but not meant to stand on its own.
16. In-N-Out
In-N-Out might excel at the burger, but their fries are anything but. Generally served pale and under-seasoned, they quickly lose heat and have no crisp. Even ketchup cannot rescue their flavor. Some enthusiasts request them “well done” to enhance texture, but that is not something that should be needed. Their overall performance compared to fries elsewhere on this list is disappointing.
Final Thoughts
Good fries are more than crispy potatoes they’re texture, flavor, and consistency. The best restaurants on this list serve fries that don’t require upgrades, sauce, or special orders. Personal preferences differ, but it’s evident that some fast food joints have beefed up their fry game and it pays off.
Some entries here are comfortingly consistent, while others are bold and adventurous. Whether you’re into spice, texture, or sheer volume, there’s a fry out there for every craving. So next time you’re ordering fast food, consider skipping the usual suspects and trying a side that just might surprise you.
