- In-N-Out Burger tops the list with fresh-cut fries praised for their crispiness and flavor.
- McDonald’s and KFC rank among the worst, criticized for soggy, mass-produced fries.
- Freshness, quality, and consistency are crucial factors that determine the best fast-food fries.
If you’ve ever found yourself debating which fast-food joint fries up the best golden, crispy potatoes, you’re not alone. French fries may be the ultimate comfort snack, but when it comes to fast-food fries, opinions can get heated. Recently, a new study has stirred up the fry fanatics, revealing a fresh ranking of America’s favorite fast-food fries — and the results might just surprise you.
Crunching the Numbers: A Nationwide Fries Ranking
Seating Masters recently sifted through over 40,000 Yelp reviews from customers all across the country to crown the best and worst fast-food fries in the U.S. Their goal was simple: identify which fries have the perfect balance of crispiness, flavor, and freshness. Spoiler alert — it wasn’t the usual suspects dominating the list.
California’s beloved In-N-Out Burger took the top spot with a solid average rating of 3.86 out of 5. While the chain only operates in a handful of states, their fries left a lasting impression. Why? The secret lies in their fresh-cut potatoes, sliced daily and cooked to order, delivering a flavor and texture many others fail to match. This made In-N-Out’s fries a crispy, golden standout.
Not far behind was New York’s own Shake Shack, snagging second place with a 3.7 rating. Their crinkle-cut fries have a history of making a comeback after being removed from menus, but their return clearly pleased fans. What started as a humble hot dog stand in Madison Square Park in 2001 has blossomed into an international chain with over 377 locations, all serving fries that people keep coming back for.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers took the bronze with 3.59 stars, thanks to their ultra-crispy shoestring fries. Their delicate thinness and crunch have earned a loyal following who rave about the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Southern Comfort and Waffle Fries Win Hearts
Southern charm showed up strong with Bojangles’ seasoned fries grabbing fourth place at 3.51. Known for their bold seasoning and crispy finish, these fries offer a distinct flavor punch that resonates with fans of Southern cuisine.
Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries also made the cut, landing a respectable 3.4 rating. Famous for their unique shape that’s perfect for dipping, these fries provide a satisfying crunch that complements their chicken offerings perfectly. Their distinct “dip-ability” has helped the chain maintain a devoted fan base who swear by their fries.
Other notable mentions included Raising Cane’s crinkle-cut fries, which held firm in sixth place with a 3.24 average rating. The chain’s focus on quality and consistency keeps those fries a favorite for many.
Rounding Out the Top 10
The remaining spots in the top ten went to familiar fast-food chains known for their varied fry styles. Zaxby’s, Arby’s, Hardee’s, and Checkers/Rally’s earned ratings ranging from 2.98 down to 2.84. While not the highest scorers, these fries still managed to win over enough fans to make the list, showcasing the diversity of tastes across America.
The Fry Failures: A Reality Check for KFC and McDonald’s
Perhaps the biggest shock came at the bottom of the list, where KFC’s fries fell to last place with a dismal average of 1.77 stars. This was a surprising and unflattering result for a fast-food giant better known for its chicken than its sides.
Even more astonishing, McDonald’s, the iconic king of fries for decades, barely escaped the bottom. Their fries received only a 1.91 average rating, placing them second worst nationwide. For a chain that practically built its empire on its fries, this lukewarm reception sparked a lot of debate and disappointment among fry lovers.
Why Do Some Fries Fall Flat?
What causes such a wide gap between the crispy kings and the soggy sidekicks? Experts and customers alike agree that freshness, quality, and consistency are the key ingredients. Fries that are hand-cut daily, cooked carefully, and served fresh consistently rise to the top. Meanwhile, mass-produced, frozen fries often lack that authentic crunch and flavor that true fry enthusiasts crave.
Many customers lamented the soggy texture and bland taste of fries from some big chains. Volume production and supply chain logistics often force large chains to prioritize efficiency over quality, resulting in fries that feel more like a side afterthought than the star of the meal.
The Public Reaction: A Mix of Surprise and Agreement
The rankings have sparked lively discussions online and in fast-food circles. Fans of In-N-Out and Shake Shack rejoiced, sharing their love stories of perfect fries and reminiscing about road trips dedicated to chasing those golden delights. On social media, many expressed shock over McDonald’s low score, with some defending the classic fries as a nostalgic treat, while others agreed the quality has slipped.
Fast-food lovers from the South proudly stood by Bojangles and Chick-fil-A, pointing out the unique flavors and textures that keep them coming back. Meanwhile, KFC’s fans were left wondering if their once-beloved fries might need a serious makeover.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fast-Food Fries
This ranking shines a spotlight on a surprisingly competitive arena in fast food: the humble french fry. With customers more discerning than ever, chains may need to rethink their fry strategies if they want to win or keep loyal fans. Freshness, texture, and flavor are no longer optional — they’re demanded.
Some chains, like Shake Shack, have shown they can listen and adapt, bringing back popular fries after customer outcry. Others may need to innovate or risk losing their place in the hearts (and stomachs) of fry lovers.
One thing is clear: fries aren’t just a side dish anymore. They are a core part of the fast-food experience, capable of making or breaking a meal. So next time you’re biting into a crispy fry, remember — behind that golden crunch is a battle for supremacy that’s hotter than ever.
The Top 10 Best Fast-Food French Fries in America
- In-N-Out Burger – 3.86
- Shake Shack – 3.7
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – 3.59
- Bojangles – 3.51
- Chick-fil-A – 3.4
- Raising Cane’s – 3.24
- Zaxby’s – 2.98
- Arby’s – 2.89
- Hardee’s – 2.86
- Checkers/Rally’s – 2.84
Next time you’re craving fries, this list might just guide you to your new favorite snack spot. Whether you seek the fresh-cut crispiness of In-N-Out or the perfect dip-friendly crunch of Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries, the quest for the perfect fry continues — and it’s tastier than ever.
