Fast food has been a lifeline during some of my most challenging moments. I fondly recall the summer of my early teens when I first tasted the Quarter Pounder with cheese, igniting an endless craving. After my seventh-grade breakup, my friend Sarah pooled her spare change, and we skipped art class for a fry run to our local McDonald’s.
In college, greasy fast food was my go-to remedy for hangovers. And as a mother of three energetic teens, the drive-thru has become my escape, a way to keep my kids contained while indulging in fries and blasting our favorite tunes from the car.
Now, as we navigate a pandemic, fast food remains my guilty pleasure. With three hungry teenagers at home, our weekly trips to grab some fast food have become our little adventure—sometimes three times a week. I cherish the convenience of being able to hop in the car and satisfy those cravings.
With over four decades of fast food experience, I consider myself a fry aficionado. The moment I think of them, the aroma of salty, crispy goodness fills my mind. French fries are truly my comfort food. If I had to choose just one type of junk food for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be those golden fried potatoes, heavily salted and served with ample ketchup. Don’t expect me to ever order a small, and certainly don’t suggest sharing a large.
And for the love of fries, how can anyone order a burger or sandwich without a side of fries? I genuinely don’t understand those who skip this essential side. My absolute favorite fries come from McDonald’s. Their perfect structure makes them ideal for dipping, and I love the convenience of grabbing a handful.
There’s a wave of nostalgia that washes over me every time I catch a whiff of McDonald’s fries. It brings back memories of summer outings with my mom and siblings, enjoying Happy Meals while basking in the sun. The combination of air conditioning and the smell of fried food makes me unreasonably happy.
I’ll stand by my claim: McDonald’s fries are the best. You can keep your gourmet bacon-dusted or duck-fat-fried options; I’ll stick to a large fry in that iconic red box any day.
Five Guys comes in a close second, especially if you ask them to double-fry the fries. They are hand-cut, bursting with potato flavor, and perfectly salted. My kids enjoy hunting for the crispy little bits, and I appreciate the variety of fry sizes in each order. If you ever have leftovers, reheat them with butter in a skillet the next morning for an unbeatable breakfast side.
Wendy’s hand-cut fries are another contender, almost rivaling Five Guys, and their price is hard to beat. If you’re feeling adventurous, dipping them in a Frosty is a delightful treat.
Recently, I discovered that KFC has introduced french fries at select locations, and I must say, they are unexpectedly fantastic. Crunchy on the outside, they almost taste breaded or double-fried. If you haven’t tried them yet, you owe it to yourself to sample a small order, even if you usually prefer their mashed potatoes.
I’m not alone in my love for fries; many people hold strong opinions about their favorites. Recently, I surveyed some readers about their fry preferences. One shared, “The salt to grease to potato ratio is crucial, plus how many I can fit in my mouth—so, McDonald’s.” Another enthusiast chimed in with a love for McDonald’s, Five Guys, and In-N-Out. I’m tempted to try In-N-Out’s fries, as I’ve never had the chance, but their reputation precedes them.
Chick-Fil-A also deserves mention; their waffle fries are soft on the inside yet crispy on the outside, making them perfect for dipping in their signature sauce. This sauce is so good, I would consider bathing in it.
Ultimately, while McDonald’s secured the top spot in my heart (and stomach), the fry debate is ongoing. No matter where you stand on the fry hierarchy, one thing is certain: fries make everything better.
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To summarize, fast food and fries have been crucial companions through various life phases, and my love for McDonald’s fries remains unmatched. Whether you agree or have your own favorites, fries truly enhance any meal.
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