WHO HAS THE BEST FAST-FOOD FRENCH FRIES?

New York Post

 

Who has the best fast-food french fries? New study reveals the top 10 — and an NYC favorite made the grade

By Adriana Diaz

Published June 11, 2025, 10:05 a.m. ET

 

Ronald McDonald is gonna be salty about this list.

 

In a new nationwide ranking from Seating Masters, based on over 40,000 Yelp reviews, one burger chain’s golden spuds are un-fry-gettable, according to WWLP.

 

In-N-Out Burger topped the list — scoring a crispy 3.86 out of 5 average across 25 locations.

 

Despite its limited reach, the California-based chain has been recognized for its fresh-cut fries, prepared in-store daily.

 

Shake Shack sizzled into second with a 3.7 average — the crinkle-cut fries, which have been removed and added back to menus throughout the years, have since made a triumphant comeback.

 

The store began as a small hot dog stand operating out of Madison Square Park in New York City in 2001 and has since grown into a gourmet fast-casual restaurant with more than 377 locations internationally.

 

Meanwhile, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers snagged third with 3.59 stars, thanks to its crispy shoestring style.

 

Bojangles, a Southern regional favorite, landed in fourth with a 3.51 rating for its seasoned fries and Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries, beloved for their dip-ability and crispy crunch, kept the chicken chain from getting grilled with a 3.4.

 

Notably, Raising Cane’s large crinkle-cut fries landed in sixth place with a 3.24 average.

 

Zaxby’s, Arby’s, Hardee’s and Checkers/Rally’s completed the top 10 list, all scoring between a 2.98 and a 2.84.

 

Left at the bottom of the bag, KFC, was fried with an 1.77 average rating — making them the worst.

 

Surprisingly, McDonald’s, typically believed to be the best, received a soggy acceptance. Despite decades of the golden arches, its fries only mustered a 1.91 — second worst in the nation.

 

What makes for this supersized disappointment?

 

Should McDonald's have made the list?

 

According to experts — and thousands of Yelp users with strong snack opinions — freshness, quality and consistency reign supreme. And while massive chains may have the volume, it seems the best fries are hand-cut, not mass-produced.

 

Seems like some popular fast-food chains may-o need to ketchup.

 

Top 10 best fast-food french fries:

In-N-Out Burger – 3.86

Shake Shack – 3.7

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – 3.59

Bojangles – 3.51

Chick-fil-A – 3.4

Raising Cane’s – 3.24

Zaxby’s – 2.98

Arby’s – 2.89

Hardee’s – 2.86

Checkers/Rally’s – 2.84

AH: Regrettably, I don't think most of these chains have franchises in Canada.