8 Fries That Don’t Deserve a Bite and 5 Champs Worth the Drive-Thru Trip

Fast food fries can make or break a meal. Some are legendary, while others leave much to be desired. Here’s a breakdown of 8 fries you might want to skip and 5 that are worth seeking out.

1. Burger King Fries

Burger King Fries always evoke a flicker of hope, only to disappoint with each bite. Thickly cut yet perpetually soft, they lack the satisfying crunch one craves. The absence of flavor leaves them tasting more like unseasoned potato slivers than a beloved fast-food side.

Fans may find themselves wishing for a punch of salt or a hint of spice, but are met with a bland experience. Despite innovations across their menu, these fries remain unchanged, standing as a stark reminder that not all fast-food fries are created equal. It’s a culinary letdown.

For those seeking a fry that complements their meal, Burger King’s offering often falls flat, overshadowed by the more flavorful options available in the fast-food landscape. Many ardent potato lovers may steer clear, leaving them to gather neglectfully at the bottom of the bag.

2. In-N-Out Fries

In-N-Out Fries, often lauded for their freshness, tend to baffle with their cardboard-like texture. Fresh-cut and made to order, they should be a delight, but many find them oddly bland and limp.

The allure of freshly prepared fries fades when the texture fails to satisfy. While fans may argue their uniqueness, their paleness and lack of crispiness can be off-putting. While the cult following raves about many menu items, these fries frequently leave a peculiar aftertaste.

A classic case of expectations versus reality, In-N-Out Fries often don’t deliver the experience one might eagerly anticipate. For some, they remain an acquired taste, their appeal more about nostalgia than an actual gastronomic triumph.

3. Jack in the Box Regular Fries

Jack in the Box Regular Fries are a forgettable sidekick in the fast-food fry realm. Lacking the zest of their seasoned curly fry counterpart, they struggle to make a memorable impression.

Their blandness often leaves diners wishing for more seasoning, a little something extra to elevate their potential. Unfortunately, they typically fall short of expectations, leaving patrons yearning for a more flavorful experience. The texture sometimes borders on soggy, adding to the underwhelming experience.

Next to their more popular siblings, these fries often feel like an afterthought. A testament to missed opportunities, they serve as a reminder that a touch of seasoning can be a game-changer.

4. Wendy’s Natural-Cut Fries

Wendy’s Natural-Cut Fries with sea salt try to promise a gourmet touch, yet often fail to deliver. Despite their appealingly rustic appearance, they usually arrive limp and soggy, a far cry from the golden-crispy dream.

The sea salt, touted as a fancy upgrade, often fails to rescue their texture or flavor. With high hopes dashed, the experience can feel like a letdown as one watches their fries wilt quickly. When paired with a burger, these fries often lack the satisfying crunch that completes a meal.

Craving a textural delight, patrons may find themselves disappointed, longing for a more robust, flavorful fry experience that these simply don’t provide.

5. Sonic Fries

Sonic Fries often stand in the shadow of their more popular tater tots. Rarely crispy and sometimes bland, these fries don’t shine in the fast-food world. Their texture can be inconsistent, leaving some fries limp while others achieve a fleeting crunch.

The lack of flavor is a common critique, as they seem to miss that essential seasoning punch fast-food lovers crave. While they accompany Sonic’s diverse menu offerings, they rarely stand out in their own right.

Fans of crispy, flavorful fries might find Sonic’s offering a little too understated, preferring instead the boldness of the tots or other side options. A missed chance for culinary excitement.

6. Dairy Queen Fries

Dairy Queen Fries, great with a Blizzard, often fail to stand alone. Lukewarm and somewhat generic, they frequently leave tasters wanting a touch more pizzazz.

Often, diners find themselves reaching for extra salt to bring out any semblance of flavor. Their routine texture doesn’t provide much in the way of memorable bites. As a companion to DQ’s sweet treats, they may suffice, but on their own, they are largely overshadowed.

Despite being a staple, these fries hardly capture the spotlight, often leaving them untouched as fans focus on the richer, more indulgent menu offerings. A side that needs a bit of a boost.

7. Shake Shack Fries (Crinkle-Cut Fail Days)

Shake Shack Fries, on their off days, resemble the frozen fries from a cafeteria lunch line. Though known for their crinkle-cut charm, inconsistency plagues their reputation. When they’re good, they’re delightful; when they’re not, they crumble under expectation.

The texture can be a hit or miss, with some fries perfectly crispy, while others lack that signature crunch. Shake Shack fans encounter a rollercoaster ride, hoping for a better batch with each visit. Unfortunately, these fries sometimes leave fans longing for the dependable taste they anticipate.

The inconsistency makes them a gamble—sometimes rewarding, often disappointing. A dice roll on flavor and texture.

8. A&W Fries

A&W Fries exist without much fanfare, often fading into the background. Lacking crunch and standout flavor, they quickly become an afterthought in the fast-food fry lineup.

Devoid of any defining characteristics, they leave much to be desired. These fries fail to deliver the crispy, satisfying bite that fry enthusiasts chase. Their lackluster performance often sees them left behind as patrons focus on more enticing menu options.

While A&W might have a strong root beer reputation, their fries fail to capture similar acclaim, leaving many wondering what could have been if more attention was paid to seasoning and texture.

9. McDonald’s Fries

McDonald’s Fries are iconic, setting the standard for fast-food excellence. Fresh from the fryer, they offer golden, salty perfection that’s hard to beat. Their thin, crisp nature ensures a delightful crunch with every bite.

Seasoned to just the right degree, these fries compel fans to savor each piece until the very last. Their aroma promises a taste experience that rarely, if ever, disappoints. With a reputation that precedes them, McDonald’s Fries continue to be the benchmark others are measured against.

Whether as a standalone snack or the perfect side, they excel, capturing a timeless appeal that draws in both young and old alike. A fast-food legend.

10. Arby’s Curly Fries

Arby’s Curly Fries bring a bold twist to the fry game, both literally and figuratively. Each curl is seasoned with a spicy blend that adds zest and excitement. These fries are crispy, full of personality, and never boring.

Their unique shape ensures a fun eating experience, with each bite delivering consistent flavor and crunch. A beloved choice for those seeking more than the ordinary, these fries offer a playful departure from typical fry options.

Pairing perfectly with Arby’s sandwiches, they shine as a side that could easily be mistaken for a main event. A flavorful journey in every twist and turn.

11. Popeyes Cajun Fries

Popeyes Cajun Fries are a revelation for spice lovers. Their crispy exterior is coated with a unique blend of spices that tantalizes the taste buds. These fries hold their own, not just as a sidekick to Popeyes’ famous chicken but as a star in their own right.

Each fry offers a kick that leaves diners craving more, their addictive nature evident in every bite. The balance of spice and crunch is expertly achieved, making them a must-try.

For those unafraid of a little heat, Popeyes Cajun Fries are a delightful exploration of flavor, proving that fries can indeed pack a punch beyond the ordinary.

12. Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries

Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries are a visual treat with their distinct shape and texture. With a crisp exterior and fluffy interior, they offer a delightful contrast that captivates fans. The unique waffle cut allows for maximum dip coverage, pairing harmoniously with Chick-fil-A’s signature sauces.

Their golden color and satisfying texture make them a standout choice, not just as a side but as an experience. These fries don’t merely accompany a meal; they elevate it through their playful yet sophisticated nature.

Whether eaten solo or dipped generously, they capture a special place in the hearts of many fast-food enthusiasts, setting them apart in a crowded field.

13. Rally’s/Checkers Seasoned Fries

Rally’s/Checkers Seasoned Fries are a masterpiece in the fry world. Renowned for their crusty, salty, and spicy profile, they provide an instant burst of flavor that doesn’t require any additional condiments.

The robust seasoning blend makes them a standalone delight, with each fry delivering a full-bodied taste that satisfies deeply. Perfectly crispy, they maintain their texture from first bite to last. These fries are a testament to what a little spice and creativity can achieve, offering a distinctive experience that lingers.

For those seeking an unforgettable fry adventure, Rally’s/Checkers deliver in abundance, providing a next-level experience that invites return visits.