French fries (or freedom fries, if you will) are such a common side dish/sandwich accompaniment, that it’s easy to take them for granted. Sure, there’s a variety of different styles of French fries (crinkle cut, waffle, wedges, etc.), but overall, fries are pretty uniform; there’s not much room for experimentation. Still, many area restaurants manage to transcend the trappings of the traditional French fry formula and offer a unique spin on an otherwise straight-forward food. Below are DCist writers favorite French fries in the D.C. area.
Photo by jjgardner3.
GARLIC FRIES AT DC9: Fries are such a commonplace food that’s sometimes easy to forget how a little bit of seasoning can go a long way. Such is the case for the garlic fries at DC9, which infuse just enough garlic flavor to let these fried pieces of potatoes soar. — Matt Cohen
DC9 is located at 1940 9th Street NW.
FRIES AT FIVE GUYS: Fried in peanut oil, the fries at Five Guys are so greasy, so hot, so crispy and so salty that they are undeniable (unless you’re allergic to nuts. Then please say no to these). The regular order is huge and that’s a good thing. (I mean, it’s a terrible thing for your health. But in that moment of gluttony, it’s oh so right.) These fries are perhaps Arlington’s greatest export. (Yes, even better than Sandra Bullock.) — Sarah Anne Hughes
Five Guys is
CHILI CHEESE FRIES AT BEN’S CHILI BOWL: This legendary U Street establishment might be known for its half-smokes, but don’t sleep on the chili cheese fries: they might be as good, if not better than the half-smokes. The fries, which come with about a gallon of Ben’s signature chili and warm nacho cheese is a meal in and of itself, but if you get it as a side to accompany your half-smoke and share with a friend or partner, can really up the ante in a typical Ben’s meal. Warning: Your toilet may not be as thrilled. — Matt Cohen
Ben’s Chili Bowl is located at 1213 U Street NW.
PARMESAN FRIES AT THE PINCH: Another example of how simple experimentation with seasoning can go a long way. The parmesan fries at Columbia Height’s The Pinch add another level of savory and intrigue to your taste buds, as they’re coated in a thin layer of shredded parmesan. The spot also serves sweet potato waffle fries, which is a worthy runner-up. — Matt Cohen
The Pinch is located at 3548 14th Street NW.
Photo by Chris Tank
EGGPLANT FRIES AT GALAXY HUT: Arlington’s Galaxy Hut is known for a lot of things: live music, good selection of draft beer, hearty sandwiches, being one of the only non-douchey bars in Arlington. But it’s also known (at least to some people) for its eggplant fries; deep-fried pieces of eggplant shaped like french fries only far, far more delicious. — Matt Cohen
Galaxy Hut is located at 2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Va.
GREEK FRIES AT GREEK SPOT: I’m not exactly sure what kind of seasoning they use on the fries at Greek Spot—the menu only says “seasoned”—but they’re doing it right. The combination of greek spices and everyday seasonings used on these fries elevate Greek Spots reputation as “above average” take-out spot to “best” take-out spot (in my opinion). — Matt Cohen
Greek Spot is located at 2017 11th Street NW.
DUCK FAT FRIES AT BLUE DUCK TAVERN: Not only are the fries at Blue Duck Tavern triple-fried in duck fat, they take 24 hours to make. I’ve never heard of such devotion in creating a simple side dish/sandwich accompaniment. Damn. — Matt Cohen
Blue Duck Tavern is located at 1201 24th Street NW.
FRITES AT GRANVILLE MOORE’S: The delicious mussels and other Belgium fare offered at Granville Moore’s is so enhanced by their salty frites that I doubt the food would be as good without them. Take the amazing brisket hash I had this weekend. The eggs and meat were mixed with the frites, offering the perfect bite of salt and crunchiness in every bite. Combine that with one of the many amazing beers they offer? You can’t do better. — Sarah Anne Hughes
Granville Moore’s is located at 1238 H Street NE
TRUFFLE FRIES AT POSTE MODERNE BRASSERIE: Poste—the restaurant inside Hotel Monaco in Chinatown—is possibly best known for their huge indoor courtyard area. The place is a fine spot for outdoor happy hour, even though the drink prices aren’t very happy. Still, it’s a nice setting to hang out with some friends. But the real winner at Poste are the truffle fries, served in a cone of paper. The fries are light and coated with truffles and salt, making them delicate and tasty. It’s not a meal, but it’s a great way to tie you over for a few drinks. — Andrew Wiseman
Poste is located at 555 8th Street NW.
FRIES AT BRASSERIE BECK: If you like a crisp, skinny fry, Brasserie Beck is the place to be. These pale, slender sticks of potato have an ideal ratio of crunchy, parsley-dusted exterior to soft, creamy interior. The restaurant serves their fries with three varieties of house-made mayonnaise, the superior french fry condiment. I love the textural contrast of crackling potato dunked in creamy mayo, but they’re also great for sopping up the flavorful broth at the bottom of a bowl of mussels. — Alicia Mazzara
Brasserie Beck is located at 1101 K Street NW.
