NFL
By: Brooke Hill
Few fast-food items spark as much passion, debate, and loyalty as French fries. Crispy, golden, salty, and sometimes outrageously seasoned fries are the unsung heroes of the drive-thru menu. But not all fries are created equal. In this review, we’re diving into the top five fast food French fries in America—ranking them based on flavor, texture, consistency, and overall craveability.
1. McDonald’s Fries – The Gold Standard
Score: ★★★★★
Best For: Classic lovers and fry purists.
Why They’re #1:
McDonald’s fries are the benchmark against which all others are judged. Thin, perfectly salted, and fried to a golden crisp, they strike a near-perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The consistency is unmatched; whether you’re in New York or Nevada, a McDonald’s fry tastes like home.
Pro Tip: Eat them fresh. They lose magic quickly once cool. Also, try them dipped in buffalo and ranch dipping sauces! I promise you won’t want them with the classic ketchup ever again!
2. Five Guys Fries – The Hearty Contender
Score: ★★★★☆
Best For: Fans of rustic, hand-cut, skin-on fries.
Why They’re Great:
Five Guys doesn’t mess around with portion size or quality. These fries are fresh-cut daily and cooked in peanut oil, giving them a nutty richness that sets them apart. So maybe you will disagree with this one if you’ve got a peanut allergy. You’ll find some variance from batch to batch, but the texture is hearty, and the seasoning (especially Cajun) is a standout.
Pro Tip: Ask for them “well done” for extra crispiness. And avoid them if you’ve got a nut allergy.
3. Arby’s Curly Fries – The Flavor Bomb
Score: ★★★★☆
Best For: Those who want their fries with flair.
Why They’re Great:
Curly, crispy, and spiced to perfection, Arby’s fries are in a league of their own. The curly shape maximizes surface area, giving them an ideal crunch, and the seasoning blend hits with notes of paprika, garlic, and onion. They’re fun, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tip: Dip in Arby’s Horsey Sauce for a kick or into Arby’s sauce for a tangy BBQ-like addition.
4. Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries – The Cult Favorite
Score: ★★★★☆
Best For: Sauce-lovers and those who crave variety.
Why They’re Great:
Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are unique in shape and generous in size, making them perfect vehicles for dipping sauces (looking at you, Chick-fil-A Sauce). When fresh, they have a tender inside and a lightly crispy exterior. While texture can vary, the flavor and potato quality are top-tier. They also have what I like to call turtle shell fries, which are not my personal favorite, but I know I’m the minority in that opinion.
Pro Tip: Ask for them well done during off-peak hours. Also, order a fry, and a small nugget and a salad container and shake them together in their buffalo sauce, or their Polynesian sauce for a fun meal combo.
5. Wendy’s Hot & Crispy Fries – The Comeback Kid
Score: ★★★½☆
Best For: People who want fries that stay crispy longer.
Why They’re Noteworthy:
After several reformulations, Wendy’s finally nailed its fry game. Their new “Hot & Crispy” fries live up to the name, using a batter-style coating that helps them retain heat and texture better than most. While they still lack some of the soul of Five Guys or McDonald’s, they’re a solid, reliable choice. But because they’re battered, they aren’t gluten-free, so keep that in mind also.
Pro Tip: Pair them with a Frosty for a sweet-and-salty treat. Or request them as baconater fries with a hamburger patty on top and cut the patty up, and mix them together. Viola! Cheeseburger fries!
Honorable Mentions:
- Shake Shack Crinkle-Cut Fries: Perfectly crispy but divisive in texture, they are more often soggy than not.
- Rally’s/Checkers Seasoned Fries: Bold seasoning, though a bit heavy for some.
- In-N-Out Fries: Loved by some, hated by others. Fresh-cut, but polarizing. I am originally from California, so I love animal style fries, but everyone else I have asked compares them to school cafeteria food.
Final Thoughts
In the world of fast food, fries aren’t just a side—they’re often the main event. Whether you’re into the classic simplicity of McDonald’s, the bold spice of Arby’s, or the rustic charm of Five Guys, there’s a fry out there for every palate Just remember: the key to great fries is freshness. So eat them hot, dip generously, and enjoy every crispy bite.
Disagree with the rankings? Taste is subjective—so maybe it’s time for a fry tour of your own.
Fries Ranked:
🥇 McDonald’s
🥈 Five Guys
🥉 Arby’s
🏅 Chick-fil-A
🏅 Wendy’s
Let the great fry debate begin. 🍟
