When it comes to fast food cravings, I don’t think it gets much better than a good, cheap, salty french fry. Whether it be after a bad day at school or in preparation of a long night of homework, french fries really know how to hit the spot.
I wouldn’t say I’m an expert on french fries, but … uh… I definitely know my stuff.
So let’s talk about the best of the best.
#5 Culver’s
There was just recently a new Culver’s built, right off of Ogden Ave (the real hub of all restaurants in Naperville). Now, I’m not trying to go into this with a closed mind, but I am not a huge fan of Culver’s food to begin with because I think their quality is not so great, especially for their price. Anyways, Culver’s decided to go with the wrinkled french fry look, what they call their “crinkle-cut fries” (I’m not sure the best way to describe it but you can reference the picture if you’re lost). In my opinion, their fries are usually quite soft rather than crispy, and you don’t get that crunch element that I believe is so important to a good french fry. They don’t salt them very much either, another big turn-off. An order of fries comes in at a whopping $1.89. Not too bad, but I don’t think it’s worth the price.
#4 Portillo’s
Portillos is a fast-food chain that is only located in Illinois, most specifically the area I live in, Naperville, and other places southwest of Chicago. They are famously known for their Vienna beef hot dog. I think it should stay that way. While I do like my share of hot dogs once in a while, Portillo’s has just never blown me out of the water with theirs. I do fancy their unique chocolate cake shakes, but that’s about it. Their fries are actually quite similar to Culver’s, they have that same wrinkle texture, but I think Portillo’s did a much better part of nailing the crispiness. Their fries are not really soft at all, each one having the perfect amount of crunch without being overcooked, but I think that they oversalt them. While a lot of salt is better than no salt, I think at least, they just take it a smidge too far, and it’s not fun to have to rub your salt off before you enjoy your fries. All of that being said, their small fry comes in at $1.95 and their large is marked at $2.29. Better than Culver’s, but not worthy of much hype.
#3 Franco’s
This is a restaurant that is seriously underrated. It’s a small, family-owned business right down Chicago Ave, in an area mostly surrounded by houses rather than restaurants. When I found this place, I was more than excited to try their food. Their fries are much thinner than any I have tried before, but that turned out to be a huge plus for me (honestly, because I could stuff more in my mouth at a time). They are the perfect blend of crisp and salt, and what’s even better is you can watch them make the fries right in front of you, so you know they are super fresh. An order of fries at Franco’s clocks in at $1.85, and I think that is such a great price because you most definitely get the bang for your buck. Most people like eating at their usuals, but I highly suggest you try out this place.
#2 Chick-fil-A
You knew it had to be on the list somewhere, and here it is. Chick-fil-A comes second in my rankings today, which is definitely saying something because my entire family and I pretty much worship the ground of Chick-fil-A, as do most other people in Naperville. They get all the credit for the most unique type, the wonderful waffle fry. My sister worked at Chick-fil-A throughout high school and she preaches the freshness of all of their food, definitely a plus. Their waffle fries are so perfect when they’re hot, the right amount of variety in fry size, the perfect crunch of the outside edges, and the impeccable amount of salt. These really are everything, and definitely have become a “late-night cry” type of fry, if you know what I mean 🙂 Anyways, Chick-fil-A offers three sizes, also a bonus from the rest of these restaurants so far. Their small costs $1.79, a medium is $1.99, and a large totals in at $2.25. Waffle fries are much bigger so each of the serving sizes comes in a much bigger box than other restaurants, and while it might not actually be any more food, it feels like a dang good bargain.
#1 Mcdonald’s
I know, I know. Half of you are saying, “Yes I was waiting for this!”, and the other half are saying, “Why would she even put this on the list?”, but let’s be honest. Yes, Mcdonald’s is arguably the most unhealthy fast-food chain, but yes their fries are heavenly, just admit it. While I may seem basic for putting this as my top choice, I will say that Chick-fil-A was fighting for this spot too but Mcdonald’s just edged them out. My reason being: they are cooked absolutely perfect. They are thin, but not too thin, and have the most perfect amount of crunch in every single bite. They are salted to perfectly that you never have to ask for salt packets. They are cooked so well, that they really just hit the spot. Mcdonald’s fries are the ultimate craving fry, the late-night fry, and everything in between fry. They even call them their “World Famous Fries”. Their small comes in at $1.49, medium at $1.99, and large at $2.59. While their prices are highest on the list, they are definitely the most worth it.
I suggest you take a day to go try these out and see whether or not you actually agree. The yelp page for french fries definitely has some different opinions than mine. Per reviews, they had Franco’s 1st, Portillo’s 5th, Culver’s 21st, and Mcdonald’s 29th. To each their own I guess!
I hope you take some of my opinions into consideration and have a fry marathon of your own. Happy eating!
– Gabby
Reviews:
“French+Fries Naperville, IL – Last Updated November 2019.” Yelp, www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=french%2Bfries&find_loc=Naperville%2C%2BIL&attrs=RestaurantsPriceRange2.1.
Let me just start off by saying that your post made me crave fries. I am in full agreement that fries are the go to food and seriously one of the most versatile foods ever. You can eat fries at literally any time of day and they will always taste great.
I definitely agree that McDonald’s and Chick-Fil-a, hands down, have the two best fries. Nowhere else can really compete with either of these two places. Your descriptions are so spot on; Chick-fil-a’s waffle fries have such a great texture, crunchy on the outside and just the right amount of salt. Paired with your choice of sauce, these fries are literally to die for. But real talk, McDonald’s really is still the GOAT when it comes to fries. You describe them to a tee, they really are the perfect amount of thin and have the perfect amount of crunchiness. Nowhere else can compare.
I’ve never tried Franco’s before but I definitely will be going there sometime. Also, I’m salty (haha, get it) that you didn’t include Five Guys. I would say that they definitely aren’t at the same level as McDonald’s or Chick-fil-a but might edge out Culver’s for the 5th spot on the list.
Loved reading this even though it made me hungry!
-Kelly
Such a fun post! As you already know, I love some Mcdonald’s and I definitley agree that they are the best. Personally, I love the salt to fry ratio (pro tip: if you go to McDonalds, espiclly the one by Target, past 9, they usually have to make you a fresh batch of frries. The best way to make sure they are fresh.) Culvers and Portillos would mke the bottom of my list too, I HATE crinkle fries. To much potato and not enough crunch. I was suprised to see Chick-fil-A because I usually think of the whole meal, not just the fries, but the posision is definitley earned (they should make the list for customer service alone). Overall, I loved this post, it was a fun read and definitley food for thought. Pun intended.
Hands down one of the best blog topics ever. I’m totally with you on ranking Culver’s low overall – I’ve just never been fascinated by any aspect of their food (in terms of taste or price). I’ve never before heard of Franco’s before so thank you for that! I definitely have to head there next time I’m craving fries. And like Kelly said, Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s rightfully claim the top 2 spots. For me, the deal-breakers or -makers are texture and temperature: every time I’ve dined at one of those establishments, the fries have always been piping hot with the perfect crunch.
Have you ever considered Raising Cane’s to be on the list? It’s not as common place a chain as some of the ones you mention here, but I think it’s worthy. To me at least, their fries are always perfect in crunchiness and they never skimp on the serving size.
Anyway, thanks for the post! (Now I know what I’m getting for lunch during off campus tomorrow.)
This is a really fun piece and very relevant considering the brand new Culvers. I definitely agree with the overpricing at Culvers as I went there when it was opened and was very surprised when comparing its cost to that of Portillos or Mcdonalds. I didn’t try the fries at Culvers though but its good to know that they undersalt because that’s a very crucial element in fries. I actually enjoy Portillos fries, but in comparison to others I definitely agree there could be improvements. I also think their portion sizes are larger and better for the price in general. I definitely will consider trying the Francos fries as well; the one difference I had in taste is I like the texture and interesting shape of Chick fil a fries when compared to Mcdonalds fries. One place that could be added would be Smashburger fries, it is a less common place (especially in Naperville), but definitely hits all the checkpoints and additional compared to that of Mcdonalds.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WRITING THIS POST. I’m such a big fry enthusiast and I can’t last very long without a dose of them. I’m with you 100% on the McDonald’s fries being #1. I personally looove skinny fries, and they make theirs so warm and fresh… ugh and there’s just something different about eating Micky D’s fries at night in your car. The satisfaction is overwhelming.
For me, Chick-fil-A waffle fries come in at #3 after, yes, Steak and Shake. Skinny and long fries are exactly my type and their fries are consistently like that. And adding their seasoning they have?I It’s something different to break up the monotony of ketchup (though I still love ketchup, don’t get me wrong). Other than that, I agree with everything else.
One thing, though: what’s your opinion on cheese fries? (Instead of ketchup)
I absolutely LOVE cheese fries! I like Portillo’s fries when they are paired with cheese, same with Franco’s! I also actually hate ketchup so I either eat my fries plain or with cheese, which is why I’m so particular on the salt ratio. And I totally didn’t think about Steak n Shake, that’s definitely high on the list for me too because they are super long, thin and crispy.
I really love this piece and I totally agree with this list! McDonald’s for the win! As you mentioned, although it might seem to be the most unhealthy of all the fast food chains, their fries are always perfectly salted and have the perfect balance between exterior crispiness and the interior softness. In comparison to other fast food chains, McDonald’s fries just outshine everyone else by far.
I’ve never heard of Franco’s, but I will be sure to try them out. I think that thinner fries are actually a plus, because they usually tend to be more crispy when compared to their thicker competitors. I’m really excited to go there and see for myself!
As for the Culver’s, how do you think about their sweet potato fries? I think that they are a smidge better than their regular french fries, but still not worth the high price. The limited salt seems to work a little better for the sweet potato fries instead of the french fries.
I actually had no idea they sold sweet potato fries! I love the sweet potato fries from The Patio (if you’ve ever heard of that) and I’m always open to trying new kinds so I’ll have to check those out! Thanks!