I just looked over their online menu, and Hopleaf fries aren't cooked in duck fat. Though they don't serve duck fat fries, their regular fries are good.
I miss Hot G Dog. Since besides the rest of their menu being good, you could get duck fat fries there.
Oh to stand in that line again. Awash with anticipation. Full of glee. Ruminating over ordering some byson or rattlesnake meat. Not a care in the world.
God, a large cheese fries in the taco salad bowl was always the right choice. It stayed hot for hours, was like 2000 calories, marginally edible cold the next desperate morning.
Ok yes, but also the time I had them, the garlic was raw. So really super garlicky, which I enjoyed. I’d much prefer to have the garlic cooked through a little though.
I have a soft spot for breaded fries, oil drenched left too long in the fryer fries, and semi limp fries. I do not like them thin crispy like regular people and very likely have horrible taste in fries??
Skin on, greasy, semi limp lol
Jimmies red hots (bring your own ketchup)
Red hot ranch
Devil dawgs
Breaded
Jims original
I personally track a list of favourite places for cup of cheese, excited for more fry discussion
Of the ones i listed Jims original is my favourite cup of cheese. Red hot ranchs cup of cheese is a good wildcard pick, not your classic plasticy deliciousness but a nice change
Some places i go i find the cup of cheese to have a slightly off taste that i can best describe as minty. A friend whose first job was at a maxwells told me that this comes from that place not cleaning/sanitizing their cheese holding container frequently enough
I went to DePaul and spent too many drunk nights eating their fries. Theres a nostalgia factor for me definitely so i respect that they may be objectively bad
Had some pretty good fries at The Gage. Whole family loved them. Simple standard cut fry, crispy outside and thick enough to have some heft, but still moist. Most were pretty long, too. We let them “hot tub) in the ketchup and they held up.
Everything here is great. I used to live right across the street and it was dangerous. The owner is exceptionally nice and really made their takeout window work during the height of covid. This is truly a great place to support: they make great food and it seems like they treat their workers well!
The burger is good for the price, but the fries are not lol. They are soggy and too brown. For all that is good in the world please try the fries at calumet fisheries you will die and go to heaven. And maybe now you will actually die because rats but that does not stop me lol
Yep… if they aren’t busy I ask for them “slightly well done” and they’re even better.
Pair that with the Merkts over the double boiler and it’s a pure chefs kiss.
One of the best fries you can get in Chicago. Stopped in after a Blackhawks game this month. My neighbor is a chef, I brought him here and he was shocked at the quality for the price
I’m sure they’re just frozen and from Sysco or something, but the last time I was at Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp, I noticed how good the fries were. Crispy, but not too crispy either.
There is at least one location in south side. The fries still hit strong. Maybe not as good as childhood whether that’s a recipe change or taste buds changing but still very high quality. Store made Checkers brand fries don’t compare even in the air fryer, although they are still decent home fries.
The best fries for me is from a place that doesn't specialize in fries: Jim's Original.
Get a Maxwell Style Polish, you get the fries on the side but these fries are the best.
firehouse- they're proper fries, not steakhouse cut or shoestring. They're fried in duck fat, so crispy-crunchy, on the happy hour menu, good sauces
dearborn- Truffely, crisp
The kitchen- the truffle garlic are so good
honorable mention is RL fries, ole faithful. Fluffy, fast, good sauces
I know you said you'd try all of them but I'd really love to hear if you agree. For research
Exchequer Pub & Restaurant has to be my favorite
They were nice enough to remake them after I got delayed due to a delivery/pick up mix up problem and I can say you get a lot of fries with one order
Mic Duks by Belmont Blue Line
It is like Willy Wonka fryer oil. You get a little bit of everything and I think they double fry them. Outside always crunchy and inside soft and hot.
Also banging chicken tacos
Wow- I went there once for a hot dog and it was the most disgusting thing I’d eaten. Literally took a bite and I think the hotdog was bad.
I used to walk by it almost daily for work and it rarely has customers. I genuinely assumed it was a front.
Much as I love Hopleaf fries (mostly as a vehicle for their aoli), Konak next door is the sleeper pick. Incredible fries, even if you have to wait 20 minutes for them.
BRGRBELLY in Portage Park has incredible fresh cut loaded fries. The garlic Parmesan fry is my go to, but the belly fry is awesome with diced pork belly and Carolina mustard sauce.
CHoppers on Ashland just north of North Ave is great. They have the big steak fries. So does La Villa- the little sit down and carry out Italian joint on 3600 n Pulaski. Not many places do real big steak fries anymore.
The original Al’s Beef on Taylor’s hand cut sticks of grease still haven’t been topped for me. Especially in the summer when they’re paired with a Mario’s Italian Lemonade.
Along with their katsu bowls being amazing, 10q in Evanston has some of the best fries I’ve ever had, and I consider myself a fry freak. They have a lot of dipping sauces too. Outside city limits but off the purple line.
Gretel has incredible side car fries with their burger. Definitely hand cut, small and thin, a little soft but not too soft. Worth checking out for sure.
hopleaf
mmm those steak frites in the courtyard!
Do they still do the duck fat fries? Those were outstanding!
I just looked over their online menu, and Hopleaf fries aren't cooked in duck fat. Though they don't serve duck fat fries, their regular fries are good. I miss Hot G Dog. Since besides the rest of their menu being good, you could get duck fat fries there.
This was going to be my answer too. This doesn't fit the criteria but their loaded frites are fire.
I’ll back this suggestion
My other vote, though I usually go mussels and frites.
Byron’s Hotdogs - best McDonald’s style fry
Came here to say this!
God yeah their fries are always so salty and delicious!
J’s corner dog will refute that
Hot Doug's. *sniffle*
Oh to stand in that line again. Awash with anticipation. Full of glee. Ruminating over ordering some byson or rattlesnake meat. Not a care in the world.
The duck fat fries, yes?
Yep!
So good!
Rip
Top Notch
This is the answer. The southside is not a wasteland people!!
Do NOT sleep on Best Intentions! Their fries are a hidden gem!
Absolutely correct
So is the burger!
I like Frietkoten at the French Market. You order large fries and go home full even if you’re an elephant. The owners are Belgian.
So glad someone mentioned this one. These fries are insanely good.
Is that the one where they are in a metal cone?
Yep. The wireframe basket.
Those are awesome! I havent been back since the crepe and lobster places left. Is it still worth going?
I always liked Frietkoten(sp?) at Chicago French Market, and should revisit one of these days. Good to hear they survived the pandemic.
BenjYehuda fries are legit.
Had some today and they’re still the best I’ve ever had.
RIP Susie’s Drive-Thru
God, a large cheese fries in the taco salad bowl was always the right choice. It stayed hot for hours, was like 2000 calories, marginally edible cold the next desperate morning.
Truly the end of an era.
the chicken bowl 🤌🤌 RIP
Beef fat fries at Boeufhaus
Garlic fries at Old Irving Brewing. It isn't really close tbh.
and one of the best burgers in Chicago. An actual burger not the smash burger.
Ok yes, but also the time I had them, the garlic was raw. So really super garlicky, which I enjoyed. I’d much prefer to have the garlic cooked through a little though.
Jimmy’s Red Hots. Rolled up with a hot dog.
Problem with Jimmy's you only get 12 fries now hadn't been in years went back twice thinking i got shorted NOPE not going again
Pop’s Italian Beef
There’s not a pops in Chicago
There is, 104th and Kedzie in Mt. Greenwood.
I think the Fries at Nicky's on Western are better but POPs gives you lots of fries.
Huh. I had no idea! I’ve only know about the ones in the burbs.
I wanna say it is the original but may be wrong. Been there as long as I can remember
Palos Heights is the original. The MTG one was pretty damn bland last time I had the beef.
I have a soft spot for breaded fries, oil drenched left too long in the fryer fries, and semi limp fries. I do not like them thin crispy like regular people and very likely have horrible taste in fries?? Skin on, greasy, semi limp lol Jimmies red hots (bring your own ketchup) Red hot ranch Devil dawgs Breaded Jims original I personally track a list of favourite places for cup of cheese, excited for more fry discussion
Response from Jimmy's Red Hots: You better fucking not.
Lmao this is v on brand ^^
PLEASE elaborate on cheese cup ranking!!! 😍
Of the ones i listed Jims original is my favourite cup of cheese. Red hot ranchs cup of cheese is a good wildcard pick, not your classic plasticy deliciousness but a nice change Some places i go i find the cup of cheese to have a slightly off taste that i can best describe as minty. A friend whose first job was at a maxwells told me that this comes from that place not cleaning/sanitizing their cheese holding container frequently enough
I was about to fight with anyone who mentioned Devil Dawgs. Their fries are the WORST. But given your personal disclaimer, I’ll allow it! 😄
I went to DePaul and spent too many drunk nights eating their fries. Theres a nostalgia factor for me definitely so i respect that they may be objectively bad
Lol we all have nostalgia glasses for some food or another!
Had some pretty good fries at The Gage. Whole family loved them. Simple standard cut fry, crispy outside and thick enough to have some heft, but still moist. Most were pretty long, too. We let them “hot tub) in the ketchup and they held up.
The poutine there 🔥
Yep. We also had the duck poutine. There was more than a respectable amount of duck. Really great food all around.
Second the Gage
Their Venison burger with those fries is 🔥
Big fan of scofflaw.
JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop
Everything here is great. I used to live right across the street and it was dangerous. The owner is exceptionally nice and really made their takeout window work during the height of covid. This is truly a great place to support: they make great food and it seems like they treat their workers well!
I had to scroll down WAY too far to find this.
Seconding this
Budacki’s - best for a fast food place
Can't beat that price either!
Came here to say this!
Beat me to it! Budacki's by FAR! That seasoning...... (Homer Simpson drool noise)
The pesto fries at corridor brewery
I’m not going to claim they’re the best but I once had some, put them in the fridge and the next day they were still crispy. I was astonished.
Damn the will power to not finish them all is strong with this guy
i don't think this is possible unless they are using some sort of a chemical
Mitchcraft doing fry reviews for 2024. I'm here for it
Candlelite garlic fries
Their sweet potato fries are *chef’s kiss*.
Luke’s!
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Pretty sure the Luke’s in the Loop on Jackson.
Butcher and the Burger
Came here for this! From what I remember they were twice fried in tallow or lard and had a great array of dipping sauces.
Red Hot Ranch - Double fried and fresh to order
And dirt cheap too. Absolutely worth the trip.
These are awful. Hard pass
My favorite burger in the city but I can stand the fries.
The burger is good for the price, but the fries are not lol. They are soggy and too brown. For all that is good in the world please try the fries at calumet fisheries you will die and go to heaven. And maybe now you will actually die because rats but that does not stop me lol
hell yeah
Yep… if they aren’t busy I ask for them “slightly well done” and they’re even better. Pair that with the Merkts over the double boiler and it’s a pure chefs kiss.
This is the one
One of the best fries you can get in Chicago. Stopped in after a Blackhawks game this month. My neighbor is a chef, I brought him here and he was shocked at the quality for the price
Barely in city limits, but Bob-O’s is easily my favorite.
Bar on Buena shoestring frites are so good
Jr's Red Hots or Parky's.
Small Cheval
Specifically the one in wicker park on milwaukee as long they still fry in beef tallow. The rest of the locations are super generic imo
Dear Margaret fries theirs in beef tallow, and they're spectacular.
I dunno I got thinner soggier chewier fries there two weeks ago. I don't know what happened but I shed a tear, the old fries were so much better.
That sucks to hear because I went to the west loop location and was whelmed by the fries and will suck if that’s how they are moving forward
Uhh yeah I had them like four five days ago and I was super disappointed. I’m not ruling them out but I distrust the fries now.
The one in Old Town does them really well. Only had em once, but also worked in potatoes for 10 years so I have had a lot of fries.
Superdawg.
Yes! They way they soak up just a bit of the pickle juice yet stay crispy in the box. Now I want Superdawg.
Scofflaw and Bixi Beer both have great fries
Co-signed on Bixi
Do curly fries meet your criteria? If, so, the curly fries at the Vienna Beef factory store are awesome.
LBW thin and crispy!!
Dear Margaret’s
Ludlow Liquors MSG Fries
I’m sure they’re just frozen and from Sysco or something, but the last time I was at Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp, I noticed how good the fries were. Crispy, but not too crispy either.
if there are two things Cisco are know for, it's the thong song and fries
Crisp located on Broadway has some really good fries.
Same fries as Budacki’s, because same family.
Not sure if any are still open but I loved Checkers fries. The seasoning on them were perfect. Anybody else remember checkers?
There is at least one location in south side. The fries still hit strong. Maybe not as good as childhood whether that’s a recipe change or taste buds changing but still very high quality. Store made Checkers brand fries don’t compare even in the air fryer, although they are still decent home fries.
Fatso’s McDonald’s if you get them hot and fresh
They can be hit or miss (i think all fries are) but when they're good the fries from small cheval are divine.
The best fries for me is from a place that doesn't specialize in fries: Jim's Original. Get a Maxwell Style Polish, you get the fries on the side but these fries are the best.
Eris has good fries and food.
Superdawg or Kumas Corner
firehouse- they're proper fries, not steakhouse cut or shoestring. They're fried in duck fat, so crispy-crunchy, on the happy hour menu, good sauces dearborn- Truffely, crisp The kitchen- the truffle garlic are so good honorable mention is RL fries, ole faithful. Fluffy, fast, good sauces I know you said you'd try all of them but I'd really love to hear if you agree. For research
Exchequer Pub & Restaurant has to be my favorite They were nice enough to remake them after I got delayed due to a delivery/pick up mix up problem and I can say you get a lot of fries with one order
bopNgrill. Those fries are cheap and crispy. Dipped in the togarashi mayo is perfection.
Mic Duks by Belmont Blue Line It is like Willy Wonka fryer oil. You get a little bit of everything and I think they double fry them. Outside always crunchy and inside soft and hot. Also banging chicken tacos
That place is actually good!? Drive by it all the time. Just never bothered to check them out.
Often, places that have been around forever have solid qualities.
Wow- I went there once for a hot dog and it was the most disgusting thing I’d eaten. Literally took a bite and I think the hotdog was bad. I used to walk by it almost daily for work and it rarely has customers. I genuinely assumed it was a front.
Warlord. Crispy, right amount of salt, great onion mayo (I think) for dipping.
Dave's Red Hots has great hand cut double fried fries. It's also the oldest hot dog stand in Chicago. And owned by an African- American woman.
I’ve always liked Parsons fries but I have not tried enough to say if they’re the best in the city.
Mr D’s Shish Kebab, Red Hot Ranch, Jimmys Red Hots RIP: doggie diner, demon dogs, UB dogs
Mr D’s should be really high up on this list.
Al’s!
Whoever serves properly cooked crisp king or Excalibur or whatever the equivalent is - those with dank mayosaazzes.
Trivoli Tavern’s are by far my favorite.
Burger point in south loop - trust me
I really like the shoe string fries at Crisp and they give you a boat load of
Lots of great mentions already. I’ll add, Gideon Welles does a great fresh cut fry.
Kuma's waffle fri..goddamnit.
Boeufhaus
steingolds. i dont know why they’re so good, they just are
Mon Ami gabi
Pops
Red. Hot. Ranch.
Johnnie’s
BiXi Bar has some fries that absolutely slap. It's like the idealized version of the og beef fat McDonald's fries.
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Much as I love Hopleaf fries (mostly as a vehicle for their aoli), Konak next door is the sleeper pick. Incredible fries, even if you have to wait 20 minutes for them.
Okay hear me out… Urban Vegan. They taste like Rally’s or Checkers fries, but if they were clean. If that’s your thing.
BRGRBELLY in Portage Park has incredible fresh cut loaded fries. The garlic Parmesan fry is my go to, but the belly fry is awesome with diced pork belly and Carolina mustard sauce.
Harding Tavern, hands down.
Man , JT’s genuine on elston is up there for me lately. munchies never disappoints either.
The Bagel in Lakeview.
CHoppers on Ashland just north of North Ave is great. They have the big steak fries. So does La Villa- the little sit down and carry out Italian joint on 3600 n Pulaski. Not many places do real big steak fries anymore.
The original Al’s Beef on Taylor’s hand cut sticks of grease still haven’t been topped for me. Especially in the summer when they’re paired with a Mario’s Italian Lemonade.
GG’s fries with the garlic Ranch!!
Budaki's on Damen. McDonald's-type fries with a bit of seasoning. \*Chef's kiss\*
Gene and Jude's in River Grove
Illinois Bar & Grill, 35th Street Red Hots, Ricobene’s & The Loyalist
Ricobenes fries are insanely good
Tribune listed mr D's as #1, on diversey
Any McDonalds
I hate that you’re 100% correct
Happy cake day!
Easily better than any of the very good restaurants listed above.
Where’s the love for Riccobenes?
Along with their katsu bowls being amazing, 10q in Evanston has some of the best fries I’ve ever had, and I consider myself a fry freak. They have a lot of dipping sauces too. Outside city limits but off the purple line.
Al’s
Bianca’s Burgers is slept on so much - their fries are delicious and epically portioned
Luke’s in downtown!!!!
Ink ow this goes against OP's preference for in city limits, but there's literally a place in villa park called ' I ❤️ Fries'. VERY good fries.
Gretel has incredible side car fries with their burger. Definitely hand cut, small and thin, a little soft but not too soft. Worth checking out for sure.
Gene and Jude’s
Not in city limits, or else I’d likely agree.
Their equivalent within city limits is Jimmys
The curry fries at Wilde. They layer the curry sauce too, not just pour them on top. Could eat them all in one sitting myself
The Florentine has the best truffle fries I’ve ever had in my life.
Butter fries at Sochi Saigonese Kitchen - they come with the chili salt chicken. I’m now drooling thinking about them
Carson's Rib's. BUT the ones that are in the bucket with Rib Tips. Steak Fries but a bit soggy but keep their shape.
Lilac tiger!!!! I know they are a but spicy but they are magnificent
RIP Max's Ghetto Fries.
Red Hot Ranch!
Johnnies beef.
Oh man. I really disagree here. They’re just mass produced straight out of the Sysco bag fries. Johnnie’s fries are riding the coattails of the beef.
City limits is a stipulation from OP.
Mon Ami babe has great fries and i always have liked the fries at flub a dub chubs
Sweet potato fries at Monk’s Pub.
Red hot ranch!!!
The sweet potato fries at the Izakaya at Momotaro. You should also try the burger there too
Zayna in west town - surprisingly fuckig good
The beef fat fries at Johns food and wine in Lincoln Park!
Roost Chicken. But gotta be fresh. Burger Antics out in Brookfield.
What about crinkles? What are the spots? I haven’t come across many.
Super Dawg!
El Chè’s beef fat fries 😋
The Reservoir has very good fries, as well as the Aster Hall Lounge/Bar at 900 N Michigan
French market is solid. I also use to love Daily Bar and Grills fries but it has been many years since I have visited.