Grub Guide

Boston’s 8 Best Spots for French Fries

Bliss.
Bliss.

In honor of National French Fry Day, which just so happens to be today, we’ve compiled a list of our fave frites around town. If you have any additions or suggestions, by all means, let us know in the comments. And, yes, tater tots are more than acceptable.

8. Tater Tots at the Lower Depths
These $10 tot platters are bad for you, massive, and come in several varieties. We opt for ours with bourbon chili, beer cheese dip, and a shaving of scallions. But the Kenmore, with melted cheese, applewood smoked bacon, chipotle aioli, and scallions is a fine alternative. Because bacon goes best with tots.

7. Fries with Garnish at Amsterdam Falafelshop
Amsterdam Falafelshop just opened last week, and we predict they’ll cultivate a rabid following with their Dutch frites alone: piping hot, perfectly mealy, with just the right amount of crunch. Doesn’t hurt that their garnish bar is busier than a cougar bar at 6 p.m. on a Friday night: Snag some curry ketchup and garlic mayo, and go to work.

6. Sunrise Poutine at the Gallows
Designed for when you can’t bear to face the day without gravy, cheese curds, and scrambled eggs draped over potatoes, this is the South End’s best hangover-evaporator.

5. Cajun Fries at Five Guys
Yeah, yeah, Five Guys is a chain and will probably have branches on Mars by year’s end. That aside, their spice-dusted Cajun fries, stuffed generously into a styrofoam cup, get the job done. They’re just the right combo of greasy and spicy.

4. Fries at Eastern Standard
These fries are fairly true to the bistrot tradition: simple, straight to the point, light, fluffy, and best enjoyed on their own (or with a flute of champagne). Bonus points for donning sunglasses and looking pouty while eating ‘em.

3. Rosemary Truffle Fries at Garden at the Cellar
Will Gilson’s not there anymore, but these mealy truffle vessels live on. The perfect side dish to split on a first date.

2. Frites at Saus
Boston’s first foray into Belgian street food churns out darn fine frites: double-fried delicacies with your choice of a dozen dipping sauces, potentially topped with a deep-fried egg. If you hate yourself, opt for the bacon parmesan.

1. Truffled Gorgonzola Fries at Deep Ellum
A snack food sent from the gods: a salty, tangy, creamy mess of cheese draped upon fries that aren’t too thin nor too thick and that somehow maintain their crunch beneath this blanket of sublime gooeyness. Delicious addled or sober.

What are your favorites? Do tell us.

Boston’s 8 Best Spots for French Fries