A love letter to everyone’s favorite potato-based food.
For many, the french fry is nothing more than a sidekick. A sandwich accessory is meant to accentuate the plate, not define it. For years the fry has been abused, ignored, and flung at friends’ faces for no other reason than because you were already full and bored and maybe kind of buzzed.
That all stops now (okay, maybe not the whole fry-to-the-face thing, comedy is comedy). Get yourself ready for Fryday, which can technically be Friday or any day of the week. French fries, this one goes out to you.
Greek Express
This fast-food Greek joint has some pretty decent gyros, but their french fries are where it’s at. They are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and they will smash whatever french fry craving you’re experiencing right into next week.
Where: 5328 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
Arch City Tavern
Besides having an ancient moniker for Columbus that we should really bring back into style, this bar and diner also has some pretty stellar french fries. Order them extra truffle-y and pair them with the sliders for the full experience.
Where: 862 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
101 Beer Kitchen
101 Beer Kitchen is anything but the basics. Most of their food is pretty killer but today we gotta give it up for the fries. Just look at that lightly seasoned goodness and try to deny the true awesomeness that is the potato. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.
Where: 7509 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
Butcher’s Galley at East Market
Fries come in all shapes and all sizes. Some people enjoy the light crunch of shoestring fries, some the thickness of wedge fries, still others prefer crinkle fries (those people are wrong, I said what I said).
But forget all of your preconceived notions. The fries at the Butcher’s Galley are thick, perfectly fried in beef tallow, and will probably ruin all other fries for you for a while.
Where: 212 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
The Walrus
The Walrus’s french fries are almost a golden brown masterpiece. A Shakespearean sonnet in the form of deep-fried perfection. To stare directly into its crispy yellow sheen is to stare into the depths of some deep and infinite truth. Behold, the fry of the covenant…
Where: 143 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Fado Irish Pub
These perfectly cooked fries are good enough on their own but they also come paired with several sauces. Whether you’re in the mood for a Maria Rose or a Guinness aioli, Fado has what you need to declare yourself the sauce boss.
Just, maybe don’t tell your friends you call yourself “the sauce boss”. Friendship can only be tested so much.
Where: 4022 Townsfair Way, Columbus, OH 43219
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
You know what goes perfectly with Wolf’s Ridge Brewing’s award-winning brews? Their french fries. These tasty little fried treats are made with fresh garlic and parsley and they should be promptly added to any lunch order at the brewery.
Where: 215 N. 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43215
The Woodbury
The Sidewinder fries at The Woodbury are the kind of fries that you’ll eat once and instantly find yourself holding up every other french fry that you consume in comparison. They’re perfectly seasoned, dense, and they have a funky, curly shape.
Where: 215 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
Loops
Fast-food french fries rarely get the praise they deserve. Loops offer three delicious types of french fries. If you’re looking to keep it simple, then the Original fries are the way to go. You can get a little fancy and order Chili Cheese Fries.
But the real reason you order fries at Loops is so you can enjoy the culinary treat that is the Fetafire Fries, which are tossed on the flat top, melted with fetafire, and topped with diced tomatoes and grated cheese.
Where: 1629 Northwest Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212
Ampersand Asian Supper Club
You’ve got two options for fries at Ampersand. You can order the Messy Fries, which come with kimchi, sesame chili mayo, mozzarella cheese, sweet chili ginger, scallions and pork croutons. They are delightful, but the Nori Fries are my favorite at Ampersand and they’ll always be one of my top recommendations for must-have french fries.
The Nori fries are seasoned with red chili-mayo, sesame dipping sauce, white pepper & sea salt, and shaved nori.
Where: 940 N High St. Columbus, OH 43201
