New York City, a culinary melting pot, boasts an impressive array of food options. But beyond the Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy eateries lies a humble, yet deeply satisfying staple: the French fry. This isn't just any potato stick; NYC's fry scene is a battleground of crispy exteriors, fluffy interiors, and unique seasoning profiles. This guide dives deep into 11 of the best French fries the city has to offer, ensuring your next fry fix is nothing short of legendary. We'll explore what makes each location special and help you navigate the city's vast fry landscape.
The Golden Arches of Fry Excellence: Top NYC French Fry Spots
Finding the perfect French fry in a city as large and diverse as NYC is a quest worth undertaking. This list blends classic favorites with hidden gems, catering to various tastes and preferences. Each entry details what makes its fries stand out – whether it's the cut, the cooking method, or the accompanying sauces.
1. Pommes Frites (West Village): Belgian Fry Perfection
Pommes Frites, located in the charming West Village, sets the bar high for Belgian-style fries. Their fries are twice-fried, resulting in an incredibly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. They offer a wide variety of dipping sauces, from classic mayonnaise to more adventurous options like curry ketchup. The simple, no-frills atmosphere perfectly complements the focus on the star of the show: the fries themselves.
- Why they're great: Twice-fried for maximum crispiness, extensive sauce selection.
- Price Range: $ Mid-range
2. Shake Shack (Multiple Locations): A Classic for a Reason
Shake Shack needs no introduction. While known for its burgers, their crinkle-cut fries are a beloved side. The crinkle cut adds extra surface area, resulting in maximum crispiness. The fries are seasoned perfectly, providing a salty, savory punch that pairs beautifully with their creamy shakes. Shake Shack's consistent quality makes them a reliable choice across all their numerous NYC locations.
- Why they're great: Classic crinkle-cut, consistently good quality, readily available.
- Price Range: Mid-range
3. Five Guys (Multiple Locations): The "Little" Fries That Aren't So Little
Five Guys is another fast-food giant with a devoted following. Their fries are known for their generous portions, which are often described as "little" fries, though this is a relative term. The fries are thick-cut and seasoned simply with salt, allowing the natural potato flavor to shine through. Their generous portions are sure to please even the hungriest fry lover.
- Why they're great: Huge portions, thick-cut, simple seasoning.
- Price Range: Mid-range
4. Patty Smyth's (Multiple Locations): A Gastropub Gem
Patty Smyth's offers a gastropub experience with elevated comfort food. While their menu boasts a wider range of items, their fries deserve a special mention. They're thick-cut and perfectly seasoned, offering a satisfying crunch and a comforting flavor. The gastropub setting offers a more sophisticated fry experience than typical fast-food joints.
- Why they're great: Thick-cut, perfectly seasoned, gastropub setting adds to the ambiance.
- Price Range: Mid-range
5. Halal Guys (Multiple Locations): The Street Food Surprise
The Halal Guys are famous for their chicken and gyro platters. But don't overlook their fries – a perfectly crispy complement to the flavorful meats. They are often seasoned with the same spices as the chicken and gyro, offering a unique and flavorful experience. The fries are a testament to how simple seasonings can elevate a classic.
- Why they're great: Perfectly crispy, unique seasoning blending with their signature flavors.
- Price Range: Budget-Friendly
6. The Smith (Multiple Locations): Upscale Comfort Food
The Smith is a popular restaurant known for its upscale comfort food. Their fries are a testament to this blend. They are thinly cut and perfectly crisp, often served with a variety of delicious dipping sauces. The restaurant's sophisticated atmosphere creates an enjoyable experience for enjoying these fries.
- Why they're great: Thinly cut, perfectly crisp, upscale atmosphere.
- Price Range: Mid-to-High Range
7. Joe's Shanghai (Multiple Locations): A Dumpling Delight with a Side of Fries
While primarily known for their soup dumplings, Joe's Shanghai serves surprisingly excellent fries. These fries are a welcome side to their delicious dumplings, offering a satisfying textural contrast. It showcases how a simple side dish can perfectly complement a more complex main course.
- Why they're great: A satisfying contrast to the dumplings, unexpectedly good.
- Price Range: Mid-range
8. Artichoke Basille's Pizza (Multiple Locations): Pizza and Fries? A Perfect Match!
Artichoke Basille's is famous for their artichoke pizza. But their fries are a surprisingly excellent side dish, often overlooked. The thick-cut, seasoned fries are a flavorful pairing with their creamy pizza, showcasing the versatility of a good fry.
- Why they're great: Thick-cut, seasoned well, complements the pizza.
- Price Range: Mid-range
9. Burger Joint (Le Parker Meridien): A Hidden Hotel Gem
Located inside the Le Parker Meridien Hotel, this unassuming burger joint serves some of the city’s best fries. The thinly cut, incredibly crispy fries are a perfect accompaniment to their juicy burgers. The hidden gem aspect adds a unique element to this find.
- Why they're great: Thinly cut, incredibly crispy, a hidden gem location.
- Price Range: Mid-range
10. Clinton St. Baking Company (Lower East Side): Comfort Food Perfection
Clinton St. Baking Company is a beloved institution, famous for its pancakes. But their fries are a hidden gem on their menu. They are thick-cut and seasoned perfectly, offering a delicious side to their other comfort food classics.
- Why they're great: Thick-cut, perfectly seasoned, a complement to their other comfort food options.
- Price Range: Mid-range
11. B.R. Guest Restaurants (Multiple Locations): Variety and Quality
B.R. Guest Restaurants (like the Beatrice Inn or Blue Smoke) offer a variety of locations and menus, but often include a fantastic French fry option. The specific style may vary by location, but generally, you can expect high quality and creative preparations.
- Why they're great: High-quality ingredients, varied styles depending on the location.
- Price Range: Mid-to-High Range
Finding Your Perfect Fry: A Guide to NYC's Fry Scene
This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a fantastic starting point for your NYC fry adventure. Remember to consider your preferred fry style – thin, thick, crinkle-cut, seasoned, or plain – when choosing your destination. The best fry is subjective, but with this guide, you're well-equipped to find your perfect match. Happy frying!
