Much of the time people get bored with fries. In all honesty they are just fried carbs with not a lot of taste. But, that being said, that simplicity is what allows for so much creativity
and customization when it comes to making the food stand out. This type of creativity is so popular these days it’s hard to even get on Facebook without seeing a new “Pizza Fries” or “Philly Cheese Steak Fries” recipe. While some of these items are available at many different fast food locations, these are the fries I would suggest from personal experience.
1. In ‘N Out’s Animal Style Fries
Being in Texas, I only heard about the California based fast food restaurant “In ‘N Out” several years ago. I also only heard about In ‘N Out’s secret menu only several years after that. Once this elusive menu was discovered I found out about “animal style” fries. Animal style fries are a type of loaded fries that In ‘N Out offers that is very different than most restaurants idea of a loaded batch of french fries. Topped with melted cheese, a secret spread, and grilled onions, these loaded fries leave Texans to a taste that is left to be even more desired when finished.
2. Smashburger’s Smashfries
Smashburger may or may not be a fast food joint you have heard of yet but I assure you that eventually you will see them on every street corner. The most note worthy spud item on this menu are the sought after “Smashfries.” A take on the classic “truffle fries”, these french fries are tossed in Italian rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. I haven’t been to many other restaurants that offer fries like these as they are mainly a west coast menu item. These fries are a fresh take on what you typically eat with your burger and may even change the way you eat your fries at home.
3. Steak ‘n Shake’s Seasoned Fries
Steak ‘n Shake is a fairly common restaurant around the DFW area, but they also have a fairly uncommon add-on when it comes to their french fries. The fast food chain offers a variety of cheap seasonings for your side which include; Parmesan Cheese ‘n Herb, Cajun, and Salt ‘n Vinegar. While having tried all of these I can say each type of seasoning offers a very different taste than the one before it. All of these can also pair very well with different food items on the rest of the menu. My favorite being the “Parmesan Cheese ‘n Herb” seasoning really pairs well with the garlic burger Steak ‘n Shake offers.
4. Burger Island’s Sweet Potato Fries
Burger Island is actually not a large scale chain restaurant as are most of the ones on this list. It is in fact only catering to the local east Dallas area and there are only a hand full around. When I want to treat myself at this small business I go for the crinkle cut sweet potato fries. While being a common menu item at many fast food restaurant, these are by far the ones I would suggest to a first-timer. The way the fries are seasoned and cut make for a different experience than the typical sweet potato fry. While most of the time restaurants seem to be confused with the way to season and prepare these types of fries because they are so different, Burger Island does and excellent job of providing a mix of sweet and salty flavors with this side.
5. Cafe Brazil’s Loaded Cheese Fries
I know exactly what you are thinking. “Loaded fries? Okay? I’ve had those before.” Wait just one second there buddy. Cafe Brazil does offer both loaded cheese fries and regular cheese fries yet the main difference from other restaurants is that this place will serve you an entire pound of loaded cheese fries. Topped with melted cheese, bacon, chives, and jalapenos, and buttermilk ranch, this cafe earns its spot in the list not only because of the quantity it serves, but of course, the quality.
These are my all time favorite types of specialty fries at some of my all time favorite burger places. In most instances I have ordered these by mistake or chance, almost never because someone actually mentioned I should get them. Next time you are out at your favorite fast food restaurant, take a second glance and see what more they have to offer.
Menu, Hack The. “Animal Style Fries – In-N-Out Secret Menu.” #HackTheMenu. Hack The Menu, 30 Jan. 2017. Web. 10 Mar. 2017.
“Menu.” Smashburger. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
“Steak ‘n Shake Enterprises, Inc.” Fries – Steak ‘n Shake Enterprises, Inc. – 578 E. Highway 130. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
COUCH POTATO 