The Washington Middle School cafeteria, circa 1997, served the best french fries in the world. I’ve been chasing that exact medium-thin, fresh-from-the-fryer, extra-salty high for almost three decades. Since my time machine never quite works right, and I have, in the intervening years, expanded to other sizes and shapes, I set out to find the best french fries of any style in the Seattle area today.
There are many, many good french fries. Hell, a bag from a frozen food service and a hot, clean fryer gets you three-quarters of the way there. But the truly great ones set themselves apart—with toppings and spices and by staying crispy for a mystifyingly long time. Whether you like them curly or crinkle-cut, thick or thin, smothered or dipped, these are the best french fries in Seattle.
Doubutsu Fries at
University District
No need to head south—we’ve got “animal-style” fries at home. Except these long, thin, nori- and scallion-seasoned fries don’t limp out under their heaping of caramelized onions, American cheese, and doubutsu sauce. Doubutsu is Japanese for “animal,” and a sprinkling of furikake and togarashi ensure the Thousand Island dressing retains its accent.
Frites at Good Voyage
South Park…