Logan Square, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, boasts a diverse culinary scene, and its French fry offerings are no exception. From classic steak fries to gourmet truffle creations, there's a perfect fry for every craving. This comprehensive guide explores 17 of the best French fry spots in Logan Square, ensuring your next fry fix is nothing short of spectacular.
The Classic Fry Joints: Your Go-To for Simple Perfection
These establishments prioritize quality ingredients and straightforward preparation, resulting in fries that are consistently delicious.
1. The Golden Barrel: A Logan Square Staple
The Golden Barrel's fries are a neighborhood favorite, known for their perfectly crisp exterior and fluffy interior. They're simply seasoned with salt, allowing the potato's natural flavor to shine through. Their consistent quality and generous portions make them a top contender.
- Fry Style: Classic steak fries
- Signature Sauce: Ketchup, but their house-made aioli is a must-try.
- Why they're great: Simple, delicious, and reliably good.
2. Lonesome Rose: Tex-Mex with a Fry Twist
While known for its delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, Lonesome Rose also serves up a mean plate of fries. Their thick-cut fries are seasoned well, offering a satisfying crunch. They pair exceptionally well with their various flavorful sauces.
- Fry Style: Thick-cut
- Signature Sauce: Chipotle aioli
- Why they're great: A tasty addition to a delicious Tex-Mex meal.
3. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria: The Perfect Beer Pairing
Piece Brewery & Pizzeria provides a solid fry option alongside their extensive beer menu. Their fries are perfectly cooked and seasoned, offering a satisfying complement to a cold brew.
- Fry Style: Thin-cut
- Signature Sauce: Garlic aioli
- Why they're great: Ideal for beer lovers.
Gourmet Fries: Elevate Your Fry Game
These establishments take the humble fry to the next level with creative seasonings, unique cuts, and gourmet additions.
4. Estereo: Elevated Latin American Flavors
Estereo's fries are a unique experience. Often featuring Latin-inspired seasonings and sauces, they add a vibrant twist to the classic fry. Their seasonal variations keep things interesting.
- Fry Style: Varied, often shoestring or waffle fries
- Signature Sauce: Spicy aji amarillo mayo
- Why they're great: Unique and flavorful, reflecting the restaurant's overall cuisine.
5. Scoma's: Seafood with a Side of Amazing Fries
While primarily a seafood restaurant, Scoma's fries are surprisingly exceptional. Their crispy texture and subtle seasoning make them a worthy complement to their fresh catches.
- Fry Style: Classic steak fries
- Signature Sauce: Tartar sauce (classic seafood pairing)
- Why they're great: A perfect complement to their seafood dishes.
6. The Violet Hour: A Speakeasy Surprise
This hidden speakeasy offers a surprisingly delightful fry selection. While their menu might change, expect creative variations and sophisticated seasoning.
- Fry Style: Varies, often featuring unique cuts and seasonings.
- Signature Sauce: Their cocktail-inspired dipping sauces are worth seeking out.
- Why they're great: A fun surprise in a unique setting.
Beyond the Basics: Unique Fry Experiences
Logan Square offers fries beyond the ordinary. This section explores spots offering distinctive fry variations and experiences.
7. Big Star: Tacos and Fries, a Match Made in Heaven
Big Star perfectly blends the flavors of Mexican street food with a classic side of fries. Their fries are a must-have addition to any taco order.
- Fry Style: Shoestring or steak fries
- Signature Sauce: Salsa or guacamole
- Why they're great: A simple yet perfect pairing with their tacos.
8. Wrecking Ball: A Gastropub Delight
Wrecking Ball offers a gastropub experience that includes some exceptional fries. Their unique preparations and flavorful toppings make them stand out.
- Fry Style: Often features truffle oil or other gourmet enhancements.
- Signature Sauce: Truffle aioli
- Why they're great: A gastropub-style elevation of the classic fry.
9. Heartland Cafe: A Community Favorite
Heartland Cafe, a Logan Square institution, serves up hearty and flavorful fries that are a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients.
- Fry Style: Classic steak fries
- Signature Sauce: Ketchup, but they often feature seasonal dipping sauces.
- Why they're great: A comforting and consistently good option.
The Sweet & Savory Combination: Fries with a Twist
These restaurants offer interesting combinations, adding sweetness or savory elements to their fries.
10. Dimo's Pizza: Pizza and Fries, an Unexpected Duo
While primarily known for its pizza, Dimo's offers a side of fries that complement their pies perfectly. The simplicity of their fries makes them a great complement to a rich pizza.
- Fry Style: Classic steak fries
- Signature Sauce: Marinara sauce (unexpectedly great!)
- Why they're great: A surprisingly good addition to their pizza.
11. Monteverde: Italian with a Side of Fry Perfection
This award-winning Italian restaurant offers beautifully prepared fries that showcase their commitment to quality ingredients and culinary excellence. Their fries are a testament to their elevated culinary style.
- Fry Style: Thin-cut or shoestring fries.
- Signature Sauce: Aioli or a simple, high-quality marinara.
- Why they're great: A refined approach to a classic side.
Fast Casual Finds: Quick and Delicious
These places provide a quick and tasty fry option without sacrificing quality.
12. RPM Italian: Elevated Casual Dining
While known for its upscale Italian fare, RPM Italian also serves up a solid side of fries. Their fries are perfectly executed, showcasing simplicity and quality.
- Fry Style: Classic steak fries
- Signature Sauce: A classic garlic aioli or a simple ketchup.
- Why they're great: A good, reliable side dish in a stylish setting.
13. Pequod's Pizza: Chicago Deep Dish and Fries
Pequod's Pizza offers delicious deep dish, and their fries make a fitting side to the rich flavors of their pizza. A good balance of crisp and soft.
- Fry Style: Classic steak fries
- Signature Sauce: A simple marinara.
- Why they're great: A satisfying side to their Chicago-style deep-dish.
Hidden Gems: Discovering Unexpected Fry Delights
These hidden gems offer exceptional fries that are worth seeking out.
14. The Owl: A Neighborhood Pub with a Fry Secret
The Owl serves delicious fries that are a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. They might not be prominently featured, but they’re a delicious surprise.
- Fry Style: Classic steak fries or shoestring fries.
- Signature Sauce: Aioli or other seasonal offerings.
- Why they're great: A hidden gem that often gets overlooked.
15. Persona: Unique Vibes & Tasty Fries
Persona's overall atmosphere and ambiance extend to their fries. They offer a unique fry experience that's a must-try.
- Fry Style: Varied, often featuring unique seasonings or cuts.
- Signature Sauce: This changes regularly, keeping things exciting.
- Why they're great: A unique fry experience that matches the restaurant's style.
Beyond the French Fry: Exploring Other Potato Options
Some Logan Square restaurants go beyond the classic fry.
16. Fat Rice: Macao-Inspired Potato Dishes
While not strictly fries, Fat Rice's potato dishes often feature uniquely prepared potatoes, showcasing their culinary creativity and unique Macao-inspired cuisine.
- Potato Style: Varied, usually featuring unique spices and preparation methods.
- Signature Sauce: Often features sauces inspired by Macao cuisine.
- Why they're great: A unique potato experience that goes beyond the classic fry.
17. Churchill's Pub: Classic Pub Fare with a Twist
Churchill's Pub delivers classic pub fare with a twist, sometimes featuring variations on potato dishes that offer a unique flavor profile.
- Potato Style: Sometimes features loaded potato skins or other elevated potato preparations.
- Signature Sauce: Various options, often dependent on the specific potato dish.
- Why they're great: A pub experience with a side of elevated potato dishes.
This list is just a starting point. Logan Square's vibrant food scene is constantly evolving, so be sure to explore and discover your own personal favorites! Remember to check restaurant websites and menus for the most up-to-date information on their fry offerings. Happy fry hunting!