Let’s be honest: when you hit the drive-thru, the fries matter. You can have the juiciest burger or the crispiest chicken sandwich in the world, but if the fries are soggy, flavorless, or worse—lukewarm—you’re walking away disappointed.
French fries aren’t just a side dish. They’re the golden, salty crown jewel of fast food, and we all know they can either make or break the entire meal. That’s why we took on the greasy, glorious challenge of tasting and ranking the fries from every major fast food chain in the game.
We’re talking crinkle-cut, curly, waffle, shoestring, seasoned, and straight-up classics. No ketchup. No dips. Just fries, in all their naked, crispy glory—judged on texture, flavor, freshness, and pure craveability.
Some fries shocked us—in both good and bad ways. Some iconic contenders fell flat. Others that rarely get the spotlight ended up stealing the show. We bit into limp, sad excuses for potatoes and nearly wept at fries so good they could be eaten by the handful like popcorn.
This isn’t just a ranking. It’s a mission to settle once and for all: who serves the best fast food fries in America?
Whether you’re a fan of the ultra-salty legends at McDonald’s or you swear by the thick, crunchy satisfaction of Five Guys, we’ve got hot takes, strong opinions, and maybe a few surprises in store.
So loosen your belt, grab a napkin, and get ready to enter fry heaven—or fry hell. We tried them all so you don’t have to. Here’s our definitive ranking of fast food French fries, from worst to best.
25. Zaxby’s – Crinkle-cut seasoned fries
Zaxby’s may shine when it comes to chicken, but the fries are their Achilles’ heel. Thick crinkle-cuts dusted in seasoning, they look promising. But texture is a major issue—too often they’re soggy, limp, and desperately in need of a double fry.
The seasoning’s decent, but not enough to save the day.
It feels like they’re trying to do too much and still falling short.
If fries were judged solely on appearance, Zaxby’s might place higher.
But taste and texture tell a different story.
24. Wingstop – Fresh-cut seasoned fries
You’d think a wing joint would go hard with their fries—and they almost do. Wingstop’s seasoned fries are sweet, salty, and peppery with a soft bite. But that sweetness? It’s a divisive move.
Some people love it.
Others think fries should never taste like cinnamon sugar.
They’ve got texture down, but the flavor’s going to be hit or miss depending on your palate.
For us, they leaned a little too far into dessert territory.
23. Bojangles – Seasoned fries
If seasoned fries are your jam, Bojangles should be a winner. The potential is there with thick-cut potatoes dusted in Cajun-style spice. But they’re wildly inconsistent—either undercooked, oversalted, or soggy beyond belief.
The flavor’s good when they’re done right.
But “right” doesn’t happen nearly enough.
It’s a shame, because with some quality control, these could easily climb the ranks.
Until then, they’re stuck in side dish purgatory.
22. Church’s Chicken – Classic fries
They’ve improved in recent years, but Church’s fries are still hovering in “just okay” territory. Thick-cut with a decent crunch and a mild saltiness, they tend to get overshadowed by the star of the show: the chicken.
They’re rarely offensive, but rarely memorable either.
If you need a starchy side, they’ll do the job.
But compared to chains that bring more flair and flavor?
Church’s fries play it way too safe.
21. White Castle – Crinkle-cut fries
Crinkle-cut fries from the land of sliders have their loyal fans—but they’re not for everyone. The shape gives them a satisfying texture, and they hold condiments like champs. The problem is consistency.
One visit, they’re golden and crispy.
The next, they’re pale, floppy, and forgettable.
There’s potential buried in there somewhere.
But White Castle’s fries rarely live up to their bite-sized burger buddies.
20. Whataburger – Straight-cut fries
These fries have potential, but too often feel like a missed opportunity. Thin, lightly salted, and soft on the inside, they should work—but they rarely deliver the crisp or flavor punch you’d expect from a chain with such loyal fans.
Fresh batches are tasty, especially with spicy ketchup.
But more often than not, they arrive limp and uninspired.
They’re a classic case of “meh.”
You’ll eat them, sure—but you won’t remember them an hour later.
19. A&W – Signature fries
You might go for the root beer, but the fries? Well, they’re not exactly the main attraction. A&W’s fries are basic in the most literal sense—standard cut, lightly salted, and often lacking in both crunch and personality.
They’re decent when fresh, but that window is short.
A lukewarm batch quickly turns into a starchy, soggy letdown.
There’s no bold seasoning, no unique texture—just potatoes playing it painfully safe.
Pair them with a float and you might not notice, but on their own, they fall flat.
18. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Shoestring fries
Freddy’s doesn’t just serve fries—they serve micro-fries. These ultra-thin shoestring fries come in a mountain-like pile, daring you to finish them all. The crisp is serious, with nearly zero fluff in the middle. You’re basically eating potato sticks in fry form.
They’re crunchy, salty, and excellent for dipping.
But they lose their charm if you’re hoping for a tender interior.
For fans of texture overload and salty snacking, they’re a dream.
Just don’t expect a classic fry feel—they’re their own crunchy thing entirely.
17. Del Taco – Crinkle-cut fries
Taco chain with great fries? Believe it. Del Taco’s crinkle-cut fries are unexpectedly solid—crispy, well-salted, and generously portioned. They’ve got a nice snap to the bite and hold up surprisingly well, even when paired with burritos or slathered in queso.
It’s a strange combo, but it works.
And the price-to-quality ratio is kind of unbeatable.
They might not be life-changing, but they’re always hot, always crispy, and sneakily addictive.
Don’t sleep on these sleeper spuds.
16. Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s – Natural-cut fries
These natural-cut fries look promising with their golden hue and visible potato skin, but the taste doesn’t always live up to the image. They aim for a rustic, hand-cut vibe—but often land somewhere between average and just plain forgettable.
The outside has a slight crisp, and the inside is soft enough.
But they lack a bold flavor profile and tend to fade into the background.
You won’t spit them out, but you probably won’t crave them either.
They’re the side dish equivalent of elevator music.
15. Steak ‘n Shake – Thin shoestring fries
If you like your fries shoestring-thin and endlessly crunchy, Steak ‘n Shake is your happy place. These tiny slivers of potato are all about the crisp—there’s very little softness inside, which makes them more snack than side.
They’re excellent when piping hot and salted just right.
But because they’re so thin, they cool down fast and can become brittle.
Still, the sheer volume you get in a serving is a win.
Perfect for people who treat fries like popcorn.
14. Jack in the Box – Regular and curly fries
Two options, one clear winner. Jack in the Box serves both regular and curly fries—but let’s be honest, it’s the curly ones that keep people coming back. Spiced, crispy, and playfully shaped, they’re a snack all on their own.
The regular fries are fine but extremely average.
Curly fries, though, bring boldness and a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
That seasoning blend hits just right, and the shape makes them fun to eat.
It’s like they came to the party dressed in flavor while the regular fries stayed home.
13. Sonic – Regular fries
You never quite know what you’re going to get with Sonic’s fries. When they’re fresh, they’re crispy and well-salted, with a light golden color and decent flavor. But freshness is a gamble, and they too often show up limp, underseasoned, or suspiciously lukewarm.
They’re the kind of fry that fades into the background.
You won’t hate them, but you probably won’t remember them either.
Sonic’s real strength lies in their tots and specialty drinks.
The fries? More of a filler than a feature.
12. Culver’s – Crinkle-cut fries
Midwestern charm meets crinkle-cut comfort with Culver’s fries. They’re clean-tasting, reliably crispy, and great at soaking up any extra cheese sauce or ketchup you’re dunking them in. The texture is spot-on, with a firm bite that doesn’t turn to mush.
But they aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel.
There’s nothing wild or exciting here—just good, solid potato craftsmanship.
That said, the freshness and quality are hard to argue with.
And paired with a ButterBurger? These fries just work.
11. Rally’s/Checkers – Seasoned fries
Now these are fries with swagger. Boldly seasoned, double-fried, and absolutely unapologetic, Rally’s (or Checkers, depending on where you live) delivers one of the most flavorful fry experiences around. The outer crisp is serious business, while the inside stays soft and steamy.
Every bite is a blast of peppery, garlicky goodness.
And the seasoning actually clings, rather than dusting off into the bag.
The grease level might be a dealbreaker for some.
But for the flavor chasers out there, these are top-tier spuds.
10. Burger King – Thick-cut classic fries
Over the years, Burger King has tweaked their fries more times than we can count—and they’ve landed on a version that’s… fine. They’re thick-cut and made to stay hot longer, which sounds great. But the reality? They’re often bland, starchy, and forgettable.
The outside has a soft crunch, but the inside feels like mashed potatoes in limbo.
Not quite fluffy, not quite creamy—just kind of there.
If you catch a fresh batch, they’re serviceable.
But nine times out of ten, they’ll leave you wishing you went with onion rings instead.
9. KFC – Secret Recipe fries
They may be known for chicken, but KFC’s Secret Recipe fries are sneaky good. Thick, golden, and coated in a savory blend of herbs and spices, these fries are designed to soak up grease in all the right ways.
They’re crispy, well-seasoned, and hearty enough to hold their own.
The flavor profile hints at their famous chicken breading—and that’s not a bad thing.
Occasionally, the batch might be overdone or a touch too salty.
Still, they’ve made a huge leap from their soggy potato wedge days.
8. Popeyes – Cajun-seasoned fries
Cajun fries with a kick? Yes, please. Popeyes throws down bold seasoning and crisp texture that packs a flavorful punch. These fries are spicy, salty, and deeply satisfying—especially when paired with their signature sauces or a crispy chicken sandwich.
The flavor stands out immediately.
They’ve got that fried-to-perfection golden crunch that sticks around even after a car ride home.
Portion sizes can vary and the seasoning isn’t always evenly distributed.
But when they get it right, these fries are dangerously addictive.
7. Shake Shack – Crinkle-cut fries
Crinkle-cut fries don’t always get the respect they deserve, but Shake Shack makes a strong case for their comeback. These fries bring the crunch—crispy edges, ridged surfaces, and a golden hue that promises a satisfying bite. And best of all? They hold up well to cheese, ketchup, or anything else you throw their way.
What they gain in texture, they slightly lose in depth of flavor.
You’re mostly tasting oil and salt here, not a strong potato vibe.
Still, they’re reliable, fun to eat, and always piping hot when they hit the tray.
Shake Shack knows how to make a side dish feel special.
6. In-N-Out – Fresh-cut fries
Minimalist to the core, In-N-Out’s fries are famously fresh-cut and cooked in 100% sunflower oil. Sounds great in theory—but the execution is polarizing. These fries often taste undercooked, dry, and sadly, lack that crave-worthy crisp.
Some fans swear by them “Animal Style,” drenched in cheese, sauce, and grilled onions.
But straight out of the fryer with no toppings? They just don’t hold up.
They get points for being unprocessed and simple.
Still, in a head-to-head taste test, they’re easily outclassed by more flavorful options.
5. Wendy’s – Natural-cut, sea salt fries
Wendy’s opted for a more natural approach with their skin-on, sea salt fries—and it mostly pays off. They’ve got a homemade look, a decent outer crisp, and a fluffier interior than most. Plus, the touch of sea salt adds just enough flavor without overpowering the potato.
When they’re hot, they’re a solid contender.
But they tend to lose steam fast and turn limp and lifeless after a short car ride.
Texture is hit or miss depending on the location and timing.
Still, they’re an upgrade from their pre-2010 version and deserve some credit for effort.
4. Arby’s – Curly fries
There’s something undeniably fun about curly fries, and Arby’s has cornered the market on them. These spiral-cut wonders are crispy, spicy, and packed with personality. The seasoning blend hits just the right notes of pepper, garlic, and mystery orange powder that somehow makes everything better.
Biting into one feels like snack time and meal time had a delicious baby.
And when you get a particularly tight curl? That’s fry jackpot.
The only drawback is inconsistency—some batches are soggy or oversalted.
Still, when they’re fresh, they blow most straight-cut fries out of the water.
3. Chick-fil-A – Waffle fries
It’s not just the chicken that people rave about—those waffle fries deserve their own fan club. Chick-fil-A took a bold step away from the norm and gave us something crispy on the edges and fluffy in the center. The unique shape gives them bonus points for sauce-holding power.
When they’re fresh out of the fryer, they hit that ideal salty-soft balance.
Unfortunately, they can go from heavenly to chewy if they sit too long.
They don’t always come out evenly cooked, and some bites feel more like baked potato than fry.
Still, when they’re good, they’re really good—and paired with that Chick-fil-A sauce? Pure joy.
2. Five Guys – Hand-cut, skin-on fries
One look at the overflowing bag of fries from Five Guys and you know you’re in for a wild ride. These hand-cut, skin-on beauties are rustic, bold, and unapologetically greasy—in the best way. They taste like they were made by someone who actually cares about potatoes.
They’re never frozen, always fresh, and seasoned like your life depends on it.
Whether you go with regular or Cajun style, you’re getting fries that actually taste like potatoes, not processed fluff.
Some might find them a little too soggy or oily, especially toward the bottom of the bag.
But for fry lovers who appreciate a hefty, hearty spud with personality, Five Guys delivers a near-perfect experience.
1. McDonald’s – Classic thin-cut fries
Few things are more iconic than the golden fries served up in that red carton. These ultra-thin, perfectly salted strips of joy have earned a cult following for a reason. When they’re hot, they’re unbeatable—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with just the right amount of grease to keep you reaching for more.
But let them sit for even ten minutes and the magic starts to fade. Cold McDonald’s fries? Practically inedible.
Still, for that brief window of perfection, they deliver the kind of nostalgia and flavor punch no other fry can quite replicate.
Consistency is key here, and McDonald’s mostly delivers.
If you want a taste of fast food royalty, this is it.
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