We Tried Every Fast Food French Fry: Here’s Our Ultimate Ranking

Brightcast

There is nothing more delicious than a hot, oily, salty, crunchy French fry. And while there is plenty of room for debate on waffle or curly, crinkly or thin cut, sweet potato or regular, there is certainly a hierarchy in fast food. These are the top 25 fries in all of fast food.

25. Arby’s

Francis Dean/Corbis via Getty Images

Arby’s is a well-known fast-food chain celebrated for its hearty sandwiches, particularly its roast beef offerings, and its slogan “We Have The Meats.” Established in 1964 in Boardman, Ohio, Arby’s has expanded to become one of the largest sandwich restaurant chains in the United States. While roast beef sandwiches remain a signature item, Arby’s curly fries are the real item to order.

24. Red Robin

jetcityimage via iStock

Red Robin is a beloved casual dining restaurant chain known for its gourmet burgers, bottomless steak fries, and vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Founded in 1969 in Seattle, Washington, Red Robin has grown into a nationwide favorite, delighting diners with its diverse menu and commitment to quality ingredients.

23. Wingstop

Wirestock via iStock

Wingstop is a popular fast-casual chain known for its mouthwatering array of flavorful chicken wings and handcrafted sauces. Founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, Wingstop has expanded rapidly, becoming a go-to destination for wing lovers across the United States and internationally. Wings are the focus here, but no one orders wings without fries– and these fries are the real deal.

22. Smashburger

Denise Truscello via Getty Images

Smashburger is a popular fast-casual chain celebrated for its innovative approach to crafting burgers and flavorful menu offerings. Established in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger has quickly expanded across the United States, captivating diners with its unique cooking method. At Smashburger, each burger patty is “smashed” on a hot grill, creating a deliciously caramelized exterior while locking in juices for maximum flavor. The menu boasts a diverse selection of burgers alongside a variety of signature sides and hand-spun milkshakes.

21. Ruby’s Diner

Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Ruby’s Diner is a nostalgic American diner chain renowned for its retro atmosphere, classic diner fare, and exceptional customer service. Founded in 1982 in Newport Beach, California, Ruby’s has expanded across the country, capturing the hearts of diners with its 1940s-inspired decor, complete with red vinyl booths and chrome accents. The menu features an array of timeless comfort food favorites, including juicy burgers, crispy fries, delicious corndogs, and indulgent milkshakes.

20. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

JHVEPhoto via iStock

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a beloved fast-casual chain known for its nostalgic atmosphere and deliciously indulgent menu offerings. Established in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, Freddy’s has rapidly expanded across the United States. The menu features a tempting selection of Steakburgers made from premium beef, thin and crispy shoestring fries, and, of course, the star of the show – creamy, rich frozen custard available in a variety of flavors and toppings.

19. Steak ‘n Shake

SeanPavonePhoto via iStock

Steak ‘n Shake is a cherished fast-food chain revered for its classic American diner-style cuisine and old-fashioned milkshakes. Established in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, Steak ‘n Shake has grown into a beloved institution with locations across the United States. Renowned for its handcrafted steakburgers, made with a blend of ground beef and steak, and its signature thin-cut fries, Steak ‘n Shake embodies the nostalgia of a bygone era with its retro-themed decor and friendly service.

18. Checkers and Rally’s

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Checkers and Rally’s represent a dynamic fast-food chain celebrated for its bold flavors and affordable prices. Established in the 1980s, these sister chains have grown to become a staple in the quick-service restaurant industry, particularly in urban areas across the United States. What sets Checkers & Rally’s apart is their focus on offering a diverse menu of indulgent items, including their famous seasoned fries. Their fries are so successful they sell a frozen version to heat up at home in an air fryer.

17. Dairy Queen

jetcityimage via iStock

Dairy Queen, often fondly referred to as “DQ,” is a beloved fast-food chain renowned for its iconic soft-serve cones, sundaes, and Blizzards. Established in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, Dairy Queen has since expanded globally, with thousands of locations serving up sweet indulgences. While famous for its soft serve and Blizzards – Dairy Queen also offers delicious fries, chicken baskets, burgers, and hotdogs.

16. Jack In The Box

Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Established in 1951 in San Diego, California, Jack in the Box has expanded across the United States, delighting customers with its innovative and indulgent fare. The menu boasts a wide array of options, ranging from classic burgers and tacos to breakfast sandwiches and late-night munchies like loaded fries and mini churros. The late-night menu is really what sets Jack in the Box apart from the rest.

15. Whataburger

JHVEPhoto via iStock

Whataburger stands as a beloved fast-food institution renowned for its Texas-sized portions and quality ingredients. Founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Whataburger has expanded to become a cherished staple across the southern United States. Its menu features a variety of mouthwatering options, from its signature Whataburger made with 100% beef patties to flavorful chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, and delectable sides like onion rings and fries.

14. Sonic Drive-In

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Sonic stands out as an iconic fast-food chain recognized for its distinctive drive-in dining experience and extensive menu of classic American favorites. Since its inception in 1953, Sonic has become synonymous with its carhop service, where customers can order from the comfort of their vehicles and have their meals delivered right to their window. And what better to get served to your window than their delicious fries and a milkshake?

13. Carl’s Jr./Hardees

SweetBabeeJay via iStock

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are sister fast-food chains known for their bold, indulgent flavors and generous portions. Established in 1941 and 1960 respectively, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s have grown into prominent players in the fast-food industry, with a wide-reaching presence across the United States and beyond. They are renowned for their chicken stars, juicy burgers, and premium shakes. Another place that offers waffle fries, we’d recommend those over the standard fries at these restaurants.

12. The Habit

George Rose/Getty Images

The Habit Burger Grill is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its delicious charbroiled burgers and fresh, made-to-order offerings. Established in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969, The Habit has since expanded across the United States, maintaining its commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional service. Their menu features a variety of mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches. The pros order the Santa Barbara Style and fries.

11. Johnny Rockets

cineman69 via iStock

While the shakes are certainly a focal point in this exceptional burger joint, there is a lot to love about Johnny Rockets. From the diner theme to the incredible fries served with a paper plate and a happy face of ketchup, Johnny Rockets is every child’s dream. We’re focused on the fries here so I won’t even mention that every shake is served with an overflow cup that is basically just another entire shake.

10. Raising Cane’s

Fernando Leon via Getty Images

If it’s good enough for the Super Bowl champs it is good enough for us. The Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast has everything you need. We respect a good crinkle cut, and Raising Cane’s has their French fry dialed in.

9. Culver’s

Koichi Yoshii via iStock

Culver’s restaurant offers a delightful blend of comfort food and Midwest charm, setting itself apart with its famous Butter Burgers and fresh frozen custard. Founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984, Culver’s has grown into a beloved chain known for its burgers and frozen custard. But don’t sleep on the fries. With a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that celebrates classic American flavors, Culver’s remains a cherished destination for top-notch fries of the Midwest.

8. Popeyes

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

With maybe the best seasoning of the bunch, Popeyes’ fries are nothing to gloss over. The Louisiana heat isn’t just for their chicken sandwich, which may surpass all other chicken sandwiches, but that is a debate for another day. These fries are worth the stop.

7. Wendy’s

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Wendy’s is underrated as far as the fast food French fry is concerned. They are consistent, crispy, and delicious. While we are strictly focusing on the French fry for this list, an added bonus at Wendy’s is always dipping one of those delicious fries in their signature Frosty.

6. In-N-Out

Sundry Photography via iStock

Controversial? We don’t think so. What appears at first glance to be a lack in consistency is actually an over-catering to customers. Patrons at In-N-Out can ask for their fries exactly how they want it and they will make a whole batch just like that. Well done? Under? Without salt? They’ll make it and then serve the custom batch to the next customers who don’t specify their French fry preferences. Dislike that business model?– order your fries how you want them and you’ll never be disappointed. These fries are excellent.

5. Five Guys

Manuel Milan via iStock

Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a popular fast-food chain known for its deliciously simple offerings and customizable menu. Starting in Arlington Virginia, the chain is now in every U.S. state and all over the world. The fries, cut fresh daily from whole potatoes are some of the best in the business. The open-concept kitchen adds to the atmosphere as you see your fries prepared and brought fresh to you.

4. Islands

Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

If you have not had the pleasure of eating the endless fries from Islands, you need to. This California burger chain known for its tropical themes and surfing videos has it all. From the Tiki Bar to the walls lined with surfboards, you feel like you’re right on the beach. These fries never stop getting refilled and come out hot with the perfect amount of salt and pepper– what more do you need?

3. Chick-fil-A

David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are a unique and beloved offering that has garnered a dedicated following among fast-food aficionados. Some of you may be wondering how the fastest-growing restaurant chain did not warrant the top spot, but this is solely about French fries and not who has the best sauce in the world (which would no doubt be Chick-fil-A).

2. Shake Shack