Would you like fries with that? Of course you would! Fries are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Plus, they are a vegetable—a fried veg, but let’s not get fry-fastidious. Dish scouted out the best fries of the ‘burbs, and here are our top picks:
The Butcher and the Barkeep
Aptly named “Sexy Fries,” these fresh, hand-cut fries are delicately tossed with fresh herbs, parmesan, hollandaise and truffle oil. They are warm, creamy and savory. If you are looking for something with spice, go for the “Angry Fries” with chorizo, hot pepper and cheddar sauce. Definitely some strong emotions going on here, but either way, you’ll be happy with your fries. FYI: they do not accept reservations. 712 Main St., Harleysville, (267) 932-8407
McKenzie Brew House
There are fries, and then there are fries. These are not an accompaniment, they are the main meal. These Bourguignon fries are smothered in red wine sauce, ground beef, carrots, onions, mushrooms and melted cheddar cheese curds. It’s like a warm, comforting beef stew over fries—a contemporary shepherd’s pie, if you will. They are sinful and satisfying. 240 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, (610) 296-2222; 451 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 361-9800; 324 West Swedesford Rd., Berwyn, (610) 407-4300
White Dog Café
This fun Wayne establishment offers truffle fries or sweet potato truffle fries as a delicious side. You’ll be glad the portion is generous, but still, order a silver cup o’ fries for yourself—you’ll definitely want more than one serving. 200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-3700; 379 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, (610) 896-4556
Station Taproom
Poutine fries: thick, fresh-cut fries heaped with gravy and cheese curds so delicious that you’ll be sure you’ve landed in food heaven. Crisp and warm, these sturdy hand-cut fries fully support their toppings and fill your stomach happily. Add duck confit for a savory experience and munch away. 207 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (484) 593-0560
The Peanut Bar & Grill
This hometown bar offers great pub food with fun-to-eat fries: The cheesesteak supreme fries offer Idaho fries topped with chopped steak meat, cheese, fried onions, mushrooms and jalapenos. Don’t forget the ketchup with these tasty and hearty potatoes. 301 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford, (610) 948-7635
Smashburger
Malvern’s Sweet Potato Smashfries make you feel as if you are eating a bit healthy (okay, okay!) while enjoying your burger. Shoestring-cut sweet potatoes with a light crispy coating then dolloped with rosemary, garlic and olive oil offer another tasty way to get your beta carotene. 5 S. Morehall Rd., Malvern, (484) 318-8572
Station Tap House
Set along the tracks in the large, old rail station, this restaurant serves up a huge wine list and a twist on Americana pub grub. Their Over-the-Top Tots are the tasty tots that you WISH had been served to you in the cafeteria in grade school: classic tater tots covered in cheese sauce, bacon and caramelized onions, with ranch and sour cream as needed. Sinful and satisfying. 194 W. Ashland St., Doylestown, (215) 348-1663
What is your FRY-Q? What kinds of fries do you enjoy, and from where?
- Fries photo: Mary Bigham
- McKenzie fries photo: Christine Tarlecki
- White Dog fries photo: White Dog Cafe