July 13 marks “National French Fries Day”
That is as good of a reason as any for us to chow down on America’s favorite side! Below, we highlight over 20 fry variations that are yours for the tasting from a handful of downtown restaurants. We’re talking your hot, crispy crinkle cut to your juicy, steamy cheese fries and everything in between. Is your mouth already watering? Just wait until you see the photos!
The Classic
You know it. You love it. And in our minds, it’s simply hard to do the classic french fry wrong. Here’s one thing we know for sure– the crispier, the BETTER. Are we wrong?? Now sprinkle it with salt, slather it with ketchup, and enjoy!
Market at Main – 904 Main Street
The Depot Grille – 10 9th Street
Crinkle Cut
It’s the classic fry’s crazy cousin. The cousin that knows how to party. And depending on what kind of evening you’re trying to have, make sure to choose wisely between the classic or the crinkle. Anyway, kudos to the crinkle cut, because now we have options.
Barb’s Dream Hut – 1219 Main Street
Georgia’s – 915 Main Street
The Texas Inn – 422 Main Street
Parmesan Fries
Now once you start adding cheese to fries (or to anything really), the bar is raised to a level that is hard to beat. Parmesan fries are for those who want to spice things up but aren't ready to take the leap to ooey-gooey cheese fries (keep scrolling). These keep it classy and simple but still give you a lil’ extra kick.
Skyline – 712 Church Street
5th St. Vito’s – 522 5th Street
The Water Dog – 1016 Jefferson Street
truffle fries
Alright, you guys, now we’re really getting to the good stuff. This is the point where the fry becomes less of a side option and more of an appetizer. The more toppings the better, in our opinion, and truffle fries traditionally come topped with truffle oil, fresh herbs and spices, garlic, and cheese. Sounds better to us!
Bootleggers – 50 13th Street
Dish – 1120 Main Street
7 Rooftop Bar – 1208 Commerce Street
William & Henry (wedges) – 712 Church Street
Smothered & Covered
There’s really not much more to it. These are considered the “créme de la créme” when it comes to fries. And take it from us, each one of these options below are worth trying at least once (although we can guarantee that you’ll be back for more).
Badger On Main – 1118 Main Street
“Bowl o’ Fries”: Cheese, bacon bits, jalepeños, sour cream or ranch
Bootleggers – 50 13th Street
Loaded Fries: beer cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream
My Dog Duke’s Diner – 1007 Commerce Street
Poutine: Gravy smothered fries, Two eggs, cheddar
{RA} Bistro – 1344 Main Street
Cheese Fries: garlic PARMESAN, melted cheddar jack, green onions, chopped bacon, cheese sauce
Shoemakers – 1312 Commerce Street
Steak Frites: shoestring fries, grilled beef skewer, garlic aioli
The Water Dog – 1016 Jefferson Street
Crab Fries: Seasoned crab meat, beer cheese, green onions
Sweet Potato
The name doesn’t lie. These fries generally taste a bit sweeter than your normal spud. Which is why you’ll sometimes find them drizzled with honey or seasoned with cinnamon. Some may think the sweet potato fry is overrated, but we think it’s the perfect addition to any menu (especially as waffle fry).
Bootleggers – 50 13th Street
The Depot Grille – 10 9th Street
Market at Main – 904 Main Street
The Water Dog – 1016 Jefferson Street
The White Hart – 1208 Main Street
Well, there you have it. All fries are clearly not created equal. And we’re better off because of that! We hope you’ll choose to celebrate “National French Fries Day” with us all month long and enjoy a meal in Downtown Lynchburg this summer!
