25 Fast Food Chains With the Best Fries
Although their name implies otherwise, French fries are indisputably an American classic. Most fast food restaurants have fries on their menu, making them the perfect side, midday pick-me-up, or even a late-night snack.
Whether you like traditional, curly, or crinkle-cut, the fast food fries on our list are sure to satisfy your craving.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fries at fast food chains are worth trying!
25. Dairy Queen: Fries
Most famous for its ice cream treats, including the ever-popular Blizzard, Dairy Queen also sells food at select locations.
There are nearly 4,500 Dairy Queen locations in the US; however, not all serve food.
To see whether your local Dairy Queen offers food, go to the locations page of the Dairy Queen website and type in your zip code.
Find the location you’re interested in. If it says “Treat Only” under the address, the location only serves ice cream. If it says “Food and Treat,” it also serves food.
Dairy Queen’s fries are basic, but sometimes, basic fries are just what you’re craving.
They’re hot, crisp, and slightly salted and come in three sizes: kids, regular, and large.
One regular-sized order of Dairy Queen Fries is 280 calories and contains 13 grams of fat, 590 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
You can order a serving of fries a la carte at Dairy Queen.
However, if you’re feeling extra hungry, fries are also available as part of Dairy Queen’s Chicken Baskets, Chicken Strip Meal Deals, Cheeseburger Meal Deals, and 2 for $5 Meal Deal.
24. A&W: Fries
You might know A&W for their root beer, but they’re also a successful fast food chain with over 500 locations in 38 states.
A&W’s fries are basic yet delicious. They come in three sizes: small, regular, and large.
A regular order of A&W fries is 310 calories and contains 13 grams of fat, 460 milligrams of sodium, and 3 grams of protein.
If you prefer, you can upgrade your regular fries order to chili cheese fries, which come topped with creamy cheese sauce and A&W’s signature chili.
23. Jack in the Box: French Fries
Jack in the Box is a fast food chain with a gigantic menu encompassing everything from tacos and egg rolls to burgers and fries.
There are over 2,000 Jack in the Box locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Jack in the Box’s French fries are pretty basic.
They’re made from real potatoes, lightly salted, and fried to the perfect amount of crispness.
Their fries come in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
A medium order of fries is 430 calories and contains 20 grams of fat, 780 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
If you prefer, Jack in the Box also offers Seasoned Curly Fries, which come in small, medium, and large sizes.
22. Del Taco: Crinkle-Cut Fries
Del Taco is a fast food chain best known for its take on Mexican food, but it also serves more American fast food items, including fries.
There are almost 600 Del Taco locations in the US, in states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Washington.
Del Taco’s crinkle-cut fries are a classic favorite, with tons of golden angles that provide extra crispiness and crunch.
Del Taco’s crinkle-cut fries are also vegan, which is great! They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
A medium serving of crinkle-cut fries is 320 calories and contains 19 grams of fat, 370 milligrams of sodium, and 4 grams of protein.
Del Taco’s crinkle-cut fries are part of all the combos available on the Del Taco menu, so you can enjoy them with your favorite burger, taco, burrito, or quesadilla.
21. Sonic Drive-In: Fries
Sonic Drive-In is the fifties drive-through-themed fast food chain that serves many fast food classics, including fries.
There are over 3,500 Sonic Drive-In locations in 46 states.
Sonic’s fries are made from whole russet potatoes.
They’re natural-cut and fried skin-on, creating the perfect amount of golden-brown crunch.
Fries at Sonic come in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 290 calories and contains 13 grams of fat, 300 milligrams of sodium, and 3 grams of protein.
If you want, you can upgrade your order to Sonic’s cheese fries, served with melted cheese, or chili cheese fries, topped with warm chili and melted cheddar cheese.
Fries are also available in all of Sonic’s combos, so you can enjoy them with your favorite burger, hot dog, or chicken.
20. White Castle: French Fries
White Castle is a fast food chain most famous for its hamburger sliders, with nearly 400 locations in the US.
White Castle’s French fries are a classic crinkle-cut fry with perfect golden-brown crispiness on the outside and a pillowy-soft tenderness on the inside.
French fries at White Castle come in two sizes: small and medium.
A medium order of fries is 600 calories and contains 39 grams of fat, 85 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of protein.
If you want, you can upgrade your regular fries to White Castle’s Loaded Fries, topped with ranch dressing, cheese sauce, and bacon crumbles.
Lastly, White Castle’s fries are available in many of the restaurant’s combos, so you can enjoy them with your favorite slider.
19. Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr.: Natural-Cut French Fries
Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are two different fast food chains, but they’re owned by the same parent company and share many of the same menu items.
There are over 3,500 Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s locations in 44 states.
Natural-cut French fries are part of both the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s menus and are unique among other fast food fries for keeping the potato skin on.
At both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., natural-cut French fries come in four sizes: kids, small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 420 calories and contains 21 grams of fat, 850 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
18. Johnny Rockets: Fries
Johnny Rockets is a 1950s diner-themed fast-casual restaurant chain serving American fast food classics.
There are almost 150 Johnny Rockets locations in 26 states.
Johnny Rockets’ fries are super classic, lightly salted, and fried to a perfect golden-brown crispness.
You can get a larger order of fries on its own or get a smaller portion of fries as a side to your burger or sandwich.
A single order of Johnny Rockets fries is 330 calories and contains 10 grams of fat, 700 milligrams of sodium, and 0 grams of protein.
If you’re feeling extra decadent, you can upgrade your fries to cheese fries, homestyle chili cheese fries, or bacon cheese fries.
17. Popeyes: Cajun Fries
Popeyes is a fast food chain famous for its Cajun-style fried chicken and biscuits.
There are almost 3,500 Popeyes locations in 46 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Cajun fries are one of the most popular sides at Popeyes.
They’re traditional fries but dusted on top with a spicy Cajun seasoning that makes them addictively delicious.
Popeyes’ Cajun fries come in two sizes: regular and large.
The regular order is 270 calories and contains 14 grams of fat, 590 milligrams of sodium, and 4 grams of protein.
You can enjoy Cajun fries as a side with any of your favorite Popeyes menu items, including the chicken sandwich, signature chicken, and chicken tenders.
16. Checkers/Rally’s: Famous Seasoned Fries
Checkers and Rally’s have different names but are essentially the same fast food chain with the same menu.
There are over 550 Checkers locations and over 300 Rally’s locations in the US.
Checkers and Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries are a cult classic, fried to crispy perfection and dusted with a delicious secret seasoning powder.
Famous Seasoned Fries come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and Fry Lover’s XL.
A medium order is 500 calories and contains 24 grams of fat, 1110 milligrams of sodium, and 7 grams of protein.
In addition to the regular Famous Seasoned Fries, Checkers and Rally’s also offer Cheese Chili Cheese Fries, Fully Loaded Fries, and Garlic Parmesan Loaded Fries.
The Garlic Parmesan Loaded Fries come with garlic parmesan sauce, melted cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and a dusting of parmesan cheese on top.
Famous Seasoned Fries are available in Checkers and Rally’s combo meals, so you can enjoy them with your favorite burger, wings, or sandwich.
15. Church’s Chicken: Fries
Church’s Chicken is a Texas-based fast food chain famous for its beloved fried chicken.
There are almost 900 Church’s Chicken locations in 26 states and Washington DC.
Church’s Chicken serves various sides, including classic crinkle-cut fries, which are perfectly golden and crisp.
Fries at Church’s Chicken come in two sizes: regular and large.
The regular order is 210 calories and contains 9 grams of fat, 620 milligrams of sodium, and 3 grams of protein.
Church’s fries are available as part of many combo meals, including the 3 and 5 Piece Texas Tenders, the 2 and 3 Piece Mixed, and the Chicken Sandwich Combo.
14. Burger King: Classic Fries
Burger King is one of the largest and most popular fast food burger chains, with over 7,000 locations in all 50 states.
Burger King’s classic fries are just that, classic French fries fried golden brown and lightly salted.
Fries at Burger King come in four sizes: value, small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 505 calories and contains 22 grams of fat, 920 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of protein.
You can always enjoy a delicious order of Burger King fries a la carte or as a side with your favorite burger, chicken sandwich, or chicken nuggets.
13. Steak ‘n Shake: Fries
Steak ‘n Shake is a Midwestern fast food chain famous for its steakburgers, milkshakes, and fries.
There are over 450 Steak ‘n Shake locations in 29 states.
Steak ‘n Shake’s signature fries are thin ‘n crispy, perfect for those who dislike thicker-cut fries.
They are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 450 calories and contains 24 grams of fat, 930 milligrams of sodium, and 4 grams of protein.
Steak ‘n Shake’s fries can also be upgraded to various flavors, including Parmesan & Garlic Herb, Cajun, Cheese Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, and Bacon Cheese Fries.
You can also enjoy Steak ‘n Shake’s fries as part of their steakburger combos, served with your favorite steakburger and a drink.
12. Wendy’s: Natural-Cut Fries
Wendy’s is one of the largest fast food chains in the US, famous for its burgers, fries, and Frostys.
There are almost 6,000 Wendy’s locations in the US.
Wendy’s natural-cut fries are served skin-on, dusted with a light sprinkling of sea salt.
Fries at Wendy’s come in four sizes: junior, small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 350 calories and contains 16 grams of fat, 620 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
In addition to regular fries, Wendy’s also sells cheese fries, chili cheese fries, and Baconator fries, topped with cheese sauce, shredded cheddar, and crispy applewood smoked bacon.
Fries are available as sides in all of Wendy’s combos, where you can enjoy them with your favorite burger, sandwich, or chicken nuggets.
11. In-N-Out Burger: Fries
In-N-Out is a popular West Coast-based fast food chain specializing in burgers and fries.
There are nearly 400 In-N-Out locations in seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.
In-N-Out’s fries are made from fresh, hand-cut potatoes and are always fried in 100% sunflower oil.
Fries at In-N-Out only come in one size and have 370 calories.
It also contains 15 grams of fat, 250 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of protein.
10. KFC: Secret Recipe Fries
KFC, short for Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a fast food chain most famous for its fried chicken and biscuits.
There are almost 4,000 KFC locations in all 50 states.
KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries are seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices, giving them an extra savory flavor you can’t find anywhere else.
They come in two sizes: individual and large.
An individual order is 320 calories and contains 15 grams of fat, 1100 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
You can enjoy Secret Recipe Fries a la carte, but they’re also available as a side with many of KFC’s combos.
9. Whataburger: French Fries
Whataburger is a fast food chain famous for its Texas-sized burgers!
There are over 900 Whataburger locations in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
Whataburger’s fries are traditional, fried to a perfect level of golden crispness, and lightly salted.
Fries at Whataburger come in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 420 calories and contains 21 grams of fat, 260 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
Whataburger’s fries are available a la carte but also as part of a Whatameal, where they’re paired with the burger or sandwich of your choice, plus a drink.
8. Culver’s: Crinkle-Cut Fries
Culver’s is a Wisconsin-based fast food chain famous for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard.
There are nearly 900 Culver’s locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Culver’s delicious crinkle-cut fries are made from Pacific Northwest-grown potatoes and are fried to order.
Fries at Culver’s are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 360 calories and contains 14 grams of fat, 530 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of protein.
Culver’s crinkle-cut fries are available a la carte but also as part of Value Baskets, paired with your favorite ButterBurger or other entree and a drink.
7. Raising Cane’s: Crinkle-Cut Fries
Raising Cane’s is a fast food chain famous for its chicken fingers, with over 550 locations in 31 states.
Raising Cane’s crinkle-cut fries are extra-long because they’re cut from the center of Grade A potatoes.
They’re cooked to order in a premium canola oil blend and immediately dusted with a light sprinkling of salt, so they’re always hot, perfectly crisp, and deliciously savory.
Raising Cane’s crinkle-cut fries only come in one size.
One serving of fries is 390 calories and contains 19 grams of fat, 310 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
Raising Cane’s crinkle-cut fries are available as part of all combos, including the Box Combo, the Caniac Combo, and the Sandwich Combo.
6. Shake Shack: Fries
Shake Shack is a New York-based fast food chain famous for its burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
There are over 250 Shake Shack locations in 30 states, plus Washington DC.
Shake Shack’s fries are classic crinkle-cut, perfectly golden brown, and lightly salted.
Fries at Shake Shack only come in one size.
One serving of fries is 470 calories and contains 22 grams of fat, 740 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of protein.
In addition to regular fries, Shake Shack also serves cheese fries, spicy cheese fries, and bacon cheese fries topped with applewood smoked bacon and melted cheese.
5. Portillo’s: Fries
Portillo’s is a Chicago-based fast food chain famous for its burgers, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs.
There are over 70 Portillo’s locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Portillo’s fries are traditional crinkle-cut fries, fried to the perfect crispness and lightly dusted with salt.
Fries at Portillo’s come in two sizes: small and large.
The small order is 380 calories and contains 20 grams of fat, 110 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
You can upgrade your order to Portillo’s cheese fries, served with a melted cheddar cheese sauce.
4. Arby’s: Curly Fries
Arby’s is a fast food chain famous for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries, with over 3,300 locations in the US.
Although Arby’s also sells crinkle-cut fries, its claim to fame is the curly fries.
Arby’s curly fries are cut into that classic spiral shape, then fried to crispy perfection.
They come in four sizes: snack, small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 550 calories and contains 29 grams of fat, 1250 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of protein.
Curly fries are available as a side in any of Arby’s meals, so you can enjoy them with your favorite sandwich, wrap, or chicken tenders.
3. Chick-fil-A: Waffle Potato Fries
Chick-fil-A is a fast food chain beloved for its chicken nuggets and sandwiches.
There are almost 3,000 Chick-fil-A locations in 47 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Chick-fil-A’s waffle potato fries are almost as famous as its chicken.
They’re cut into delicious waffle-shaped chunks and fried in canola oil until they’re perfectly crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries come in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 420 calories and contains 24 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein.
2. Five Guys: Fries
Five Guys is a fast food chain famous for its simple yet delicious menu of burgers, fries, hot dogs, and shakes.
There are over 1,400 Five Guys locations in 49 states, plus Washington DC.
Five Guys’ fries are made boardwalk-style.
They’re cut from fresh potatoes and fried twice in 100% cholesterol-free peanut oil, resulting in a perfect exterior and interior texture.
Five Guys’ fries come in three sizes: little, regular, and large.
The regular order is 950 calories and contains 41 grams of fat, 960 milligrams of sodium, and 15 grams of protein.
You can also order Cajun fries at Five Guys, which are cooked the same as regular fries but are generously dusted with Cajun spice.
1. McDonald’s: World Famous Fries
McDonald’s is the biggest and most popular fast food chain worldwide, famous for its burgers, chicken nuggets, and of course, fries!
There are over 13,000 McDonald’s locations in the US alone.
McDonald’s world famous fries are made from premium potatoes and fried to perfection, so they’re crispy and golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
McDonald’s fries come in four sizes: kids, small, medium, and large.
A medium order is 320 calories and contains 15 grams of fat, 260 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
Fries are available as sides for almost all McDonald’s combo meals, so you can enjoy them with chicken nuggets, a chicken sandwich, or a Big Mac.
Conclusion
No matter what time of the day it is, fries are the perfect pick-me-up. The fast food fries on our list make a great snack when you have a craving or a side item with your favorite burger.
Whether you prefer traditional, crinkle-cut, curly, or waffle-cut, we’ve rounded up the best fast food fries that are worth trying.
