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I Ordered French Fries At Culver's, Sonic, And Freddy's. One Chain Really Stood Out From The Rest.
I tried french fries at Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic.
Meredith Schneider
- I went to Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic to see which chain has the best fries in the Midwest.
- All three serve different styles, so there's something for everyone on this list.
- Freddy's fries were beautifully thin and crispy, which is just how I like them.
^ Pick one of those chains to link! (Or we can link a chain later and link "best fries in the Midwest" instead if we have something relevant)
I love french fries, but there are so many different varieties out there that I think it's hard to name an objective winner.
Despite this challenge, I ordered fries at three popular Midwest chains — Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic — to see which one served my favorite fast-food side.
Here's how the fries stacked up.
First, I drove through Sonic.Sonic doesn't have indoor dining rooms, so I took my fries to go.
Meredith Schneider
Sonic started as a single restaurant in Oklahoma in the 1950s and has since grown to over 3,500 locations across 47 states.
I ran out to get my fries at 11 a.m. on a Sunday, and I was able to drive right up to the speaker without waiting.
My medium fry cost $3.25. Despite being the most expensive of the bunch, the container appeared to have the least amount of food.
Sonic's fries have been upgraded since the last time I got them.The fries almost reminded me of tots.
Meredith Schneider
If you haven't been to Sonic in a while, it might be time to swing through and get yourself some fries. Last year, the chain released its Groovy Fries — crinkle-cut potatoes with a crispy surface akin to the chain's famous tots.
They're quite different from the Sonic fries I remember.
Maybe the idea of having to choose between tots and fries was too much for people. Whatever the case, the fries had a great crunch, even if they were a bit nontraditional.
The ridges are also supposedly ideal for picking up dipping sauces, which I could see as a plus.
Next, I ran down the street to Culver's.Culver's is an iconic Midwest burger chain.
Meredith Schneider
Since opening in the 1980s, Culver's has become an old-reliable in the Midwest. The Wisconsin-based chain, which now operates out of 26 states, is known for its Butterburgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard.
Even on a Sunday morning, it was hopping. The parking lot and drive-thru were both packed.
My medium fry from Culver's cost $2.74 and was the only one served in a paper bag instead of a cardboard container. However, I seemed to have gotten a few more fries than I received at Sonic, so I was content.
Culver's is great if you like a thick-cut fry.Culver's fries are hefty.
Meredith Schneider
If you like potato wedges, these may be your top choice. Culver's crinkle-cut fries have a similar soft, creamy interior with a thin outer layer.
Some of my fries had nice crispy edges, but unfortunately, they were few and far between.
However, I let the inconsistency in texture slide a little since the fries are so thick — noticeably larger than the other two — which I bet makes the cooking process more difficult.
I swung through Freddy's last before heading home.Freddy's is a Kansas-based chain.
Meredith Schneider
Freddy's hasn't been around as long as the other chains — it was founded in 2002 — but it's expanded far beyond its humble beginnings in Wichita, Kansas. It now serves cheese curds, onion rings, and frozen custard in 500 locations across 36 states.
There were a few other Sunday morning customers and diners, but I easily placed my order and patiently waited for my food.
Freddy's medium fries come in an upright container — the biggest of the three — and it seemed absolutely overloaded. For $3.09, I was pleased with the generous portion.
Freddy's stood out from its competitors.Freddy's fries were much thinner than the others.
Meredith Schneider
Visually, Freddy's thin fries are very different from the crinkle-cut ones I got at the other chains.
They tasted ever-so-lightly seasoned and almost had a shoestring texture. I'd say they're slightly thinner than a McDonald's fry.
Best of all, each one was delightfully crunchy, just how I like it.
All of these options were solid, but Freddy's fries were my favorite.Freddy's has the best french fries, in my opinion.
Meredith Schneider
There is truly a french fry for everyone on this list. Although it's difficult to crown one singular winner, I think their distinctions are interesting to note.
Freddy's was my favorite, and if you're also a fan of consistently crispy, shoestring fries, it'll likely be yours as well.
However, if you prefer a thicker wedge-like fry, Culver's is probably your best bet.
Sonic kind of fell into its own unique category, but I guess if you can't decide between a tot and a fry, you now know where to go.
Read the original article on Business Insider
