The Chicago Tribune Released A French Fry List And They Knocked It Outta The Park
Chicago Tribune -Someone suggested a $5 price limit. Sure, it would exclude places like Hopleaf Bar and Boeufhaus, but what better way to prove Chicago’s french fry supremacy than to set such a low limit.
We divvied up the 106 restaurants among Food & Dining reporters and editors (with help from other Tribune staffers) and got to eating. After the first round, in which participants decided thumbs up or down on each spot, we had narrowed the list to 28. For the second round, Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger revisited those semi-finalists, selecting 20 we thought were worth celebrating. To declare a winner, we embarked on round three, revisiting our top eight picks in one potato-packed day.
You can click the link to see a little bit more about how they qualified who was eligible or not. The main gist of it is that the fries had to be under $5 and they tried 106 different spots.
Overall, they did a great job, and I’m happy that they went with the divier places as those are right up my alley. None of the foo-foo West Loop bullshit.
I’m not going to list all 20 for the sake of not hijacking their article so I’ll just list off the ones I’ve had.
#13 – BRGRBELLY on Irving
I’ve only had it once, but from what I remember they were very solid fries. They give it to you in like a little mini fryer which adds a little bit to the presentation elements. #13 seems about right for BRGRBELLY
#12 – Susie’s on Montrose
This is the one on the list that I think is too low. Pound for pound they have the best cheese fries out of any of these, and are potentially my favorite cheese fries in the whole city. You can even throw em into a lil taco bowl if you wanna get crazy. It’s open 24 hours, but the drive-thru takes roughly 2 hours per car on the weekend so go at your own risk.
#10 – Bobo’s on Irving
A neighborhood staple. I enjoy Bob-O’s, but it’s never been my spot per se. They have a strong fresh cut fry, but to me they lack a little bit on the main course. The trio is good, but if I want a dog w/ fries I’m going over to Judes no matter how many people try to lie and say that they’re just as good.
#8 – Small Cheval – on Milwaukee
Solid fry. If you like that garlic sauce they probably move up the rankings a little more for you. To me when you’re at Small Cheval it’s all about the burger so I guess I’ve just never taken a moment to properly rank them amongst this group even though I like them.
#6 – Gene and Judes in River Grove
Great fries as they’re almost guaranteed to be fresh since they crank out so many. My only con is that they don’t travel well. Especially if you get em on a dog. I live only a little over a mile away, and they’re mush by the time I get back to my place if I don’t eat there.
#3 – Jimmy’s on Grand and Pulaski
This is the one that I think is just a touch too high. I like Jimmy’s, but they notoriously give you a million little end/butts of the potato that take up half the bag.
#2 – Red Hot Ranch – on Western
Another place that I’ve only had once. They’re good from what I remember, but can’t speak to if they’re worthy of the #2 spot. The burger & shrimp are very solid though.
#1 – Mr. D’s on Diversey
The absolute best fries in Chicago. I’m happy that Mr. D’s is finally getting the love that they deserve, but now I’m officially nervous that lines are going to become insane. The whole experience of this place is just so amazing. From the way the son interacts with his dad (there are only 3 employees – a father, mother, and son) to them always letting you slide on a couple dimes because they don’t want to count the change.
If I had to choose one more meal on earth (from a fast food place) then I’m going with Mr. D’s steak sandwich w/ fries.
Truly, truly a hidden gem.
Great job by the people at the Tribune. Usually these lists are a bunch of spots people have never heard of, but this one really was for the common man/woman.