Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant french fry scene. Beyond the standard steak-fry fare, Chicago offers a diverse range of fry experiences, from classic to gourmet. This comprehensive guide dives into the best french fry spots in the city, ensuring your next fry craving is met with perfection. We've explored countless options to bring you this curated list of the best of the best, updated for 2023.
The Classics: Where Tradition Meets Perfection
These establishments represent the heart of Chicago's french fry legacy, offering consistently delicious, classic fries.
Portillo's Hot Dogs: A Chicago Institution
No discussion of Chicago food is complete without mentioning Portillo's. While famous for their Chicago-style hot dogs, their crinkle-cut fries are equally legendary. Perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these fries are a must-try for any visitor or resident. Their simple seasoning allows the potato's natural flavor to shine.
- Why they're great: Consistency, nostalgic appeal, perfect crunch.
- What to order with them: A Chicago-style hot dog, of course!
Superdawg: Drive-In Delight with a Side of Fries
Superdawg, a classic Chicago drive-in, offers a slightly different fry experience. Their fries are thicker, more akin to steak fries, and boast a satisfyingly hearty texture. The simple seasoning allows the natural potato flavor to shine through.
- Why they're great: Thick-cut, hearty texture, a classic drive-in experience.
- What to order with them: Their famous Superdawg (two all-beef frankfurters on a poppy seed bun).
Gene & Georgetti: Upscale Italian with a Classic Side
While known for their upscale Italian-American cuisine, Gene & Georgetti also serves fantastic french fries. These are more on the thin and crispy side, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from their delicious dishes.
- Why they're great: Thin and crispy, perfect pairing with Italian-American fare.
- What to order with them: Their signature prime rib or their classic spaghetti.
Gourmet Fries: Beyond the Basic
Chicago's culinary scene extends to the humble french fry, with many restaurants offering inventive and elevated takes on this classic side.
Small Cheval: Burger Perfection, Elevated Fries
Small Cheval, a popular burger joint, elevates the classic fry with a perfectly seasoned and crisp exterior. Their fries are consistently cooked to perfection, a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients and preparation.
- Why they're great: Perfectly crisp, elevated seasoning, complements their burgers perfectly.
- What to order with them: Their namesake Small Cheval burger.
DMK Burger Bar: Gourmet Burgers and Gourmet Fries
DMK Burger Bar offers various gourmet fries, often with unique seasoning blends. Their creative offerings demonstrate their focus on high-quality ingredients. Check their menu for seasonal offerings.
- Why they're great: Unique seasoning combinations, focus on quality, creative options.
- What to order with them: One of their signature gourmet burgers.
Public House: Gastropub Goodness
Public House, a gastropub with multiple locations, offers a solid take on classic fries, but with a gastropub twist. Expect well-seasoned, perfectly cooked fries that complement their extensive beer selection.
- Why they're great: Solid classic preparation, good seasoning, perfect for pairing with beer.
- What to order with them: One of their craft beers and a pub burger.
Unique Fry Experiences: Stepping Outside the Box
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: A Deep Dish Side
While known for their deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria offers a surprisingly good french fry. They lean more towards a thick-cut, steak-fry style, a nice complement to their rich pizza.
- Why they're great: Thick-cut, a surprising and satisfying side to deep dish.
- What to order with them: A classic deep-dish pizza, of course!
Andros Taverna: A Greek Twist
Andros Taverna offers a unique perspective on fries. Their fries are often included in various Greek dishes, such as their fries with gyro meat.
- Why they're great: Unique take on fries, integrated into Greek dishes.
- What to order with them: A gyro or another classic Greek plate.
Finding Your Perfect Fry
Ultimately, the "best" french fry is subjective. This guide highlights some of Chicago's finest offerings, showcasing the diversity and quality of the city's fry scene. Whether you prefer classic, gourmet, or something unique, Chicago has something to satisfy your fry craving. Happy frying!
