French fry fanatics everywhere have conflicting definitions of what makes the best guilt-inducing fry. The few factors that have reached a consensus? Crispy, of course. Golden-brown and sprinkled with salt, no doubt.
Whether cut from the the tried and true Idaho or Russett, or from the lesser-known Kennebec potato, a versatile variety with a rich, earthy and nutty flavor, we love our fries.
An often overlooked attribute of incredible french fries is whether they’re cut fresh and fried in-house or poured onto a sheet pan straight from a freezer bag, covered in ice crystals.
We lean heavily toward the house-made version, ideally served alongside a homemade ketchup or aioli for true taste bud sensation.
The following restaurants are serving up house-made french fries in Tucson every day, each approaching the classic with their own unique mix of techniques, seasonings and sauces.
47 Scott
47 N. Scott Ave.
47 Scott’s Kennebec fries, seasoned with a light salt and herb blend, pair perfectly with a delicious aioli…which you may be tempted to pour generously over everything else that comes to the table.
For more information, visit 47scott.com.
Diablo Burger
312 E. Congress St.
These Belgian-style frites are served with your choice of dipping sauce: Hatch chile mayo, pesto, ranch, chimichurri, DB special sauce or RisingHy spicy honey mustard. The sweet, chunky house-made ketchup complements the fries, and burgers, perfectly.
For more information, visit diabloburger.com.
The Dutch Eatery & Refuge
943 E. University Blvd.
The Dutch’s fries evoke a McDonald’s fries in the best way. For a global twist, order the Patat Oorlog, also known as war fries. The house-made mayo and sambal peanut sauce are both rich and light at the same time, making it a satisfying bar snack.
For more information visit thedutchtucson.com.
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N. 4th Ave.
A 24-hour brining process that involves bay leaf, sage, peppercorn, garlic and kosher salt, and a generous sprinkle of house-made herbes de Provence after frying certainly results in flavorful french fries. The house-made ketchup won’t leave you missing Heinz. On the late night menu, order the Loaded Fries for a taste of the chef’s whim.
For more information, visit ermanosbrew.com.
Graze Premium Burgers
2721 E. Speedway Blvd.
Graze fans rave about the house-made curry ketchup and sriracha mayo, but the fast-service restaurant’s simple approach to hand-cut fries is also deserving of praise.
For more information, visit grazepremiumburgers.com.
Kingfisher
2564 E. Grant Rd.
It’s hard to go wrong when ordering off the menu at Kingfisher, and the fries are no exception. Opt for the shoestrings to pair with your mussels, or the big fries to complement your sandwich.
For more information, visit kingfishertucson.com.
Maynard’s Market & Kitchen
400 N. Toole Ave.
Maynard’s fries, or pommes frites, and aioli, are served in a tall cone and wrapped in signature wax paper. The traditional approach leaves little to be desired for those seeking classic, thin fries. For an indulgent treat, order them as poutine with foie gras.
For more information, visit maynardstucson.com.
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Rd.
The Parish sticks to their Southern gastropub roots, even down to the crispy fries. Warning: you may find yourself dreaming of the special fry sauce long after you have scarfed down the generous portion of perfectly-cooked fries.
For more information, visit theparishtucson.com.
Union Public House
4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Union’s pub fries are delivered in a basket, stacked high with the perfect pairing of Kennebec potatoes and sea salt.
For more information, visit unionpublichouse.com.
Wild Garlic Grill
2870 E. Skyline Dr. Ste 120
If you’re a fan of garlic, you’ll go nuts for the Roasted Garlic Fries made with extra-virgin olive oil and an extremely generous amount of garlic.
For more information, visit wildgarlicgrill.com.
Zinburger
6390 E. Grant Rd. • 1865 E. River Rd.
Though it can be hard to resist Zinburger’s wide array of flavorful fry options, like the truffle or green chile, the classic basket won’t induce any post-meal regret.
For more information, visit zinburgeraz.com.
Where are your favorite fries in town? Let us know in the comments.
