A comprehensive french fry review

Cultivated and modified to fit the American culture, potatoes are a delectable, dynamic addition to the cuisine that individuals enjoy on a daily basis. The starchy spud has a special place for many, in that it is versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways to create new favorites. As a fellow potato enthusiast, I’ve compiled a list of my views on common fast food places with different takes on an American favorite–the french fry.

McDonald’s, 7/10: McDonald’s fries are a staple in American culture, whether you personally enjoy them or not. This french fry comes at an affordable price and is the most accessible of all. Many McDonald’s locations serve food 24 hours a day, and lunch items begin to be sold at 10:30 a.m., so these fries are sure to be a tasty (and unhealthy) snack for anyone looking for a salty, saturated supplement to their day. Sometimes the batches are inconsistent depending on freshness, but overall these provide a reliable pick-me-up for non-picky potato lovers.

Wendy’s, 8/10: Wendy’s fries are notably consistent in their freshness and conformity, which makes them a good french fry option for the average person. They aren’t special in any way and lean on the saltier side, but they combine well when dipped in a frosty, which cannot be said for all fries. These fries appear less greasy and not as powerful of a gut bomb as other fries, which makes them appealing to those not wanting to play the roulette of feeling nauseous after eating fast food.

Chick-fil-A, 8.8/10: Chick-fil-A fries are always worth the wait and will never be a disappointment. The savory and salty blend can be further enhanced by the Chick-fil-A sauce, as it is known to make everything on this chain’s menu taste even better, as it adds hints of honey mustard and smoky BBQ flavors. There’s nothing like staying in a fast food line for exorbitant amounts of time to get delicious fries, lemonade, and chicken! I highly recommend getting these whenever you have the chance–these waffle fries are a must-have.

Shake Shack, 9/10: One of my personal favorites, Shake Shack puts a modern twist on the standard burger place. With healthier food and drink options on its menu and reasonable portion sizes, Shake Shack truly masters its service in delivering high quality meals. The fries are no exception; they are battered and fried to perfection, coated in a crispy, shiny layer that masterfully blends with the softened starch on the inside. I found myself wanting to get another order of these fries after eating them, despite the fact that they are very filling.

Culver’s, 6/10: Culver’s crinkle cut fries have a rippled, crunchy exterior and a very soft, starchy inside that has a unique texture compared to other fries on this list. Personally, I love crinkle cut fries because they are visually appealing, but honestly these fries do not stand out in any other way. It is not worth it to get fries to dip into custard from here–get the cheese curds or pretzel bites instead.

Though I (unfortunately) cannot sample every fast food french fry out there, I would encourage all readers to go find their favorite today, whether it’s on this list or not!