Best fries around???

[food_lubber]

OK, where can I find some of the best (in your opinion) fries in the Boston area? I like all kinds, not too picky. Shoestring, steak cut, spicy, crunchy, soggy and salty, it really doesn't matter. I just really love fries! Some of the best I have ever had were at Duckfat in Portland, ME...unfortunately, I can't just take a quick drive up there on a whim, since it is a tad too far...I had some surprisingly good fries at Estragon in the South End of all places...they sort of reminded me of Duckfat's...Sel de la Terre's are not too shabby either...so, how about you? where do you get the best fries in the Boston area?

[lipoff]

I had really good fries with the steak fries at Ten Tables Cambridge recently. They'd appeal to someone who (like me!) prefers their fries softer and thinner, not so thick and crispy.

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Ten Tables
5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA 02138

[opinionatedchef]

I concur about the DuckFat fries; love their aioli w/ them too. We continue to be impressed by the fries at All Star Sandwich Bar in Inman Sq. Here's a thread on them:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/810498

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All Star Sandwich Bar
1245 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[chompie]

DOnt see anything here north of boston eg along 128..Anything there? I feel like i should like 5 Guys but dont that much and hubby actually dislikes them.He prefers McD's (when they are fresh)..I feel like steak fries are the easiest to not screw up so I will eat them at places like Zaleks or Family Fare. but still would like to find a good unadulterated fresh, uncoated or spiced crinkle cut or standard cut fries up this way.. Maybe Belgian??

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Zaleks
21 Princess St, Wakefield, MA 01880

[opinionatedchef]

chomps, sorry but i have no idea. i've never headed along 128 for fries.

[Ora Moose]

RE: McD's fries, and how to get them fresh.

All you have to do is ask for them UNSALTED when you order and they will make a new batch, since they usually salt all the fries in each batch right away before serving them. Just don't forget to get your own salt on the side!

Personally I think nothing beats fresh home cut, homemade fries, but I realize that it is extra work and not feasible for everyone.

[EdnaStolichnaya]

The handcut fries at the Druid in Cambrdge are really quite good. They are medium thickness, fried just the right amount, very good flavor of sea salt, pepper and I think some parsely on top. They're great in the fish n' chip dinner, especially with some malt vinegar. Mmmmm . . . .

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Druid Restaurant
1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[hto44]

Don't laugh....the concesion stand at Kelly Field in Norwood....crispy, crinkle cut fries with just the right amount of salt!

[failingwannabevegan]

The fries at Clink at the Liberty hotel are ridiculously good. Shoestring, crispy but still potatoey, with awesome harissa aioli. You get a giant plate for, I think, $4 in the lobby bar area on Friday afternoons too.

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Clink - The Liberty Hotel
215 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

[random amblings]

Fries are pretty much my downfall, and the ones served at 28 Degrees are awesome. They serve it with two dipping sauces I am trying hard to perfect. One is a home-made ketchup, the other has strong lemon notes.

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28 Degrees
1 Appleton St., Boston, MA 02116

[el_caballero]

Be on the lookout for a new spot, Saus, opening soon at 33 Union St. near the Union Oyster House. It's a Belgian street food joint that will feature a classic Belgian fries served with a variety of different dipping sauces (plus Belgian waffles and imported bottled beer). Check the post here: http://blog.wheretoeat.in/post/297247...

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Union Oyster House
41 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108

[rknrll]

Beer?

[itryalot]

I am quite interested. Love the concept; just googled.
Website:
http://www.eatfrites.com/

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/saus_boston

[Mike5966]

Has anyone been here yet? I walked by Union Street last night and saw this place, but didn't recognize that this was the Belgian frites place I'd heard about. They look like they are open but to be honest, I can't remember all that clearly after all that alcohol...

[el_caballero]

It's not open yet but it should be in a manner of weeks. One of the owners is a good friend of mine I've known since undergrad at BU and I've been watching him put this together for a few years now. They've put a lot of time and care into getting it right and I'm sure this place is going to be a hit.

And good news for all those stumbling by the place after the bar: it's open til 2 AM AND serves beer. Dip out from Fanueil early and get some fries and another brew and still be able to get a jump on the rush for cabs...what more could you ask for?

[Ducksworth]

Kingston Station has some great frites - both as a side and an app...

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Kingston Station
25 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111

[Niblet]

2nd the fries at Kingston Station. I prefer them without cheese, "just" with truffle mayo.

Also like the fries at Brasserie Jo, and at Sel de la Terre with a side of the spicy aioli.

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Sel de la Terre
1245 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760

Kingston Station
25 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111

Brasserie Jo
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

[yumyum]

I was pleasantly surprised by Summer Shack's fries. They are all Idaho potato, skins still on, nicely fried and seasoned. I tried the fish tacos too and they were pretty darned okay ... lightly fried haddock pieces with cabbage, pico de gallo, in flour (!) tortillas. Nothing that is going to blow your hair back but another fine option if you find yourself needing to eat at Jasper's place.

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Summer Shack
310 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

[rchudy]

Garden at the Cellar and Radius for me.

[thegirlwholovestoeat]

I too love fries, some of my favorite include:

Publick House: thin and crispy, fresh cut, always with double chili aioli

Teatro: Also thin and crispy, parmesan and truffle oil

5 Guys: Very fresh, don't usually prefer thick cut but these are tasty

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Teatro
177 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111

Publick House
1648 Beacon St, Brookline, MA

[hounda]

The Local in West Newton... with a side of fried pickles. Parmesan truffle fries we now call "crack fries" / They are still working on the atmosphere of this place - one room hoping bar, one room kinda quiet.

[cambridgedoctpr]

McDonald's fries are not made in animal fat; so forget them.

[lipoff]

Why should fries not made in animal fat be forgotten if they still taste wonderful? McDonald's used to make their fries in mostly beef tallow, but spent a large amount of money and development to switch to a vegetarian frying oil. Unlike most places that might just decide to use a different flavor, McDonalds has an army of food scientists who optimized the cooking process to produce a nearly identical taste. I, for one, am not ashamed to admit that I love the McDonald's fries.

[AnjLM]

Parmesan garlic fries at south end buttery with truffle aoili

[hotoynoodle]

thinking of duckfat brings a tear to my as i haven't been since last summer! (note to self)

around here i like the thin crispy styles at sel de la terre and brasserie jo, the thicker ones at neptune and the very good ones at dharma buns in lowell.

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sel de la terre
boston, MA, boston, MA

[cherrytomato]

Uburger has the best fries I have ever had. The burgers are just ok but the fries are divine.

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Uburger
636 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215

[sforzando8]

the parmesan fries at the Met Bar and Grill on Rt 9 in chestnut hill. MMMMMM.
also a fan of the fries at the Bristol Lounge.

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Bristol Lounge
200 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

[robpeekmiller]

Okay the fries in this place surprised me, particularly since they serve homemade potato chips with the burgers instead of these fries, which you have to order separately. Which doesn't make sense to because the potato chips are not good (nor are the beans if you don't want a sugar rush) but the fries (we had the garlic parm) rock. And they were huge steak fry style. Two of us could not finish the order and I took the leftovers home and they were still wonderful even cold (too hot to turn on the oven).

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Boston Burger Company
37 Davis Square, Somerville, MA

[lipoff]

The best fries I've had in Boston are from a food truck --- the Clover Food Lab near MIT. McDonald's fries are a close second though!

[Eatin in Woostah]

What style of fries do they serve at CFL? Are they frites/McD style?

[yumyum]

Very thin frites style. Lots of rosemary. Really good!

[Eatin in Woostah]

Oooh - yea! A work friend and I have been planning to walk down to Kendall for lunch to go to CFL. Now I'm extra motivated knowing that there are rosemary frites at the end of the walk!

[trufflehound]

Stones Public House in ashland. Hand cut and fried, served with curry sauce or homemade ketchup. Go further to Chillingsworth in Brewster, the truffled fries are like fresh MickyD's with truffle oil and truffle shavings.

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Stones Public House
179 Main St Ste 1, Ashland, MA 01721

[steinpilz]

If you like them more medium than small and crunchy then Casablanca in Harvard Square is the palce to go, good burgers and much else as well. Sit in the bar.

http://www.casablanca-restaurant.com/

[fantundo]

And go quickly - they are closing soon. Maybe they'll bring them to their new spot behind Fresh Pond Mall.

[Tir_na_nOg]

Rosmary pomme frites at Sel de la Terre, the original Long Warf one, not the mediocre new branches

Rosmary and sea salt pomme frites at Temple Bar in Cambridge (supposedly he ages the potatoes for a month to get the sugar/starch ratio just right)

Shoestring sweet potato fries at Cragie on Main (occasionally served with the insane-o Cragie burger, but usually not, so put in a good word to bring the amazing sweet potatoes back!)

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Sel de la Terre
1245 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760

[phatchris]

I'm probably in the minority, but I really like the fries with sage at the Beehive.

[kk519]

I just had the fries at Drink and they were unbelievable! I was not wowed overall with it ...but the fries were great!

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Drink
348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

[Northshoregirl]

We ate at the new 5 Corners Kitchen in Marblehead this weekend, and had some wonderful, very addictive fries with basil aioli. I also second the recommendation for Five Guys fries (there's one in Swampscott).

http://www.northshoredish.com

[MC Slim JB]

Lot of good ones mentioned already (love Duckfat, and those rosemary frites at SDLT). A few more:

Brasserie Jo -- probably my favorite frites in town.

Russell House Tavern -- very good, in a massive portion.

Clover Food Lab -- they punch a potato through a cutter after you order, sprinkle them with fresh rosemary (which I think also goes in the fryer). Wonderful
.
J.J. Foley's Cafe -- good skin-on pub fries, albeit probably previously frozen.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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J.J. Foley's
117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118

Brasserie Jo
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[yumyum]

The fries at Russell House Tavern are pretty great, but I wish Scelfo would bring back the superlative frites he made at North Street Grill. Thin, crispy perfection.

Edited to Add: served with a garlicky aioli which is addictive.

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Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[steinpilz]

Yes, a large portion at Russell House but I like them crunchier. Next time I'd also like my burger rare/medium-rare rather than well done.

[bartleby]

Greek Corner in North Cambridge has surprisingly excellent fries.

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Greek Corner Restaurant
2366 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

[nsenada]

I had them years ago, and thought they were among the best.

[rlh]

I haven't met too many fries I didn't like (even those Sysco batter-dipped ones have their place), however, here are some spots that I CRAVE the fries from, in my current order of preference:

Drink - thick and long (but not flat like steak fries), potatoey, fresh and aioli-accompanied (skin on) - shockingly amazing!

Neptune Oyster - fresh cut, skin on, always great

Eastern Standard - solid frites

Flat Patties - fresh, very thin, crispy, and salty

Scali (Pearl St downtown) - pre-frozen but fried to order and very crispy/greasy - decadent junky lunchtime indulgence...just not much else to recommend here (aside from breakfast sandwiches made to order)

McDonald's - it's true, they have darn near perfected this item and when fresh and properly salted, they are hard to beat (and fast/cheap, of course....) - they pretty much always seem to be done right at the one on O'Brien Hwy Twin City Plaza in Camberville - and consistently wrong at South Station...

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Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Scali Cafe
147 Pearl St, Boston, MA 02110

[hargau]

imo A fresh-cooked/salted right batch from mcdonalds is tough to beat.
I also like the handcut ones at five guys

[Prav]

hehehe, I was seriously considering posting a recommendation for Micky D's... 'cause, really, those are some of the best around :)

[bakerboyz]

I will take the fries at UBurger over 5 Guys anyday. UBurger always seems to get the crispness I favor. Five Guys has a nice fresh taste but they just don't get them as crisp for my liking.

[Parsnipity]

I really like the fries at Zaftig. They have a light seasoned batter on the outside and are super crispy. I also like the waffle fries at Gargoyles-- again, I'm a seasoned batter type of fry-lover.

[teezeetoo]

washington square tavern has a great burger and fries. fireplace grill has a great burger and fries at lunch.

[bakerboyz]

I was recently at the Beacon Street Tavern, I believe owned by the same folks from Washington Sq. Tavern and when I asked about the fries (with the burger) whether fresh or frozen, the waitress said that they were frozen fries. I always prefer fresh over frozen (sorry McDonalds).

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Beacon Street Tavern
1032 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446

[MC Slim JB]

Beacon Street Tavern and Washington Square Tavern used to share ownership, but separated over a year ago. BST's menu took a sharp turn for the worse afterward, I think.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Beacon Street Tavern
1032 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446

Washington Square Tavern
714 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02446

[winedude]

Love love love Duckfat, so I know what you're talking about. Around here, for "everyday" fries, I think the ones at Flat Patties in Harvard Square are really good (In 'n Out style, thin, fresh cut), and the ones at Five Guys aren't too shabby (fresh cut, thicker, fried in peanut oil).

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Flat Patties
81 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[celeriac]

The ones at Garden in the Cellar are pretty spectacular, though I'm not wild about truffle oil so the next time I'm there I'll ask them to leave it off... just about perfect besides that though.

[Gordough]

As some who believes the thinner and crispier (of course without burning) the fry the better, I think the fries at UBurger of all places are the best I have had in Boston.

[twentyoystahs]

second Uburger fries. Good stuff.

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Uburger
636 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215

[jgleeche]

I think the Rosemary Truffle Fries at Garden at the Cellar are the best fries I've had in Boston. Sel de la Terre and Sorellina are also pretty good, but I still like the ones at Garden at the Cellar better. They have a great crunch and will keep their texture for quite a while, so it doesn't get soft or soggy at all. I personally love truffle oil, so I think that just adds to the perfection of these fries.
Jen
http://tinyurbankitchen.com/

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Sel de la Terre
774 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199

Sorellina
1 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116

[Tir_na_nOg]

The truffle fries at L'Andana in Burlington are excellent.

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L'Andana
86 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA 01803

[hounda]

Second that, Garden at the Cellar fries - booyah!

[lulu806]

I love the fries at Neptune Oyster. They are the perfect side to the lobster roll with butter. yum!

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Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[Prav]

My favorites are the crisp garlic-y fries at River Gods in Cambridge, and I like the fries at 28 degrees.

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River Gods
125 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[Science Chick]

Just had the River Gods fries last weekend. They were wonderful! Loved the roasted garlic aoli dipping sauce too!

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River Gods
125 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[Prav]

Love everything about that place, especially the decor, and the occult-worship-bathrooms. :)