When french fries are good they are very, very good. But when they are bad they are a crushing blow to any meal. Luckily, these five dishes not only sing with perfectly crispy potatoes, but through chef magic they offer diners layers of flavor beyond the spud.
What makes these funky fries the best? Quality ingredients and culinary innovation. From a mixed bag of fried potatoes to melty cheese with a kick to dancing fish flakes, here’s five places to indulge.
Okonomiyaki Fries at Osaka Ramen
One may not think of fries with ramen, but that changes now. The Okonomiyaki Fries are an $8.75 dish worth investing in. The crux of the appetizer is shoestring french fries topped with yaki sauce, Kewpie mayo, and Japense furikake seasoning. While the indulgent plate delights, it’s the waving bonito flakes sprinkled on top that really makes the dish stand out. 2611 Walnut St, Denver, osakaramendenver.com
Mixed Bag at Bodega
Sweet potato waffle fries, battered sidewinders, straight fries, and spicy curlies make up the $6 mixed bag of fries at this Sunnyside hot spot. Yes, you absolutely should order them. Not that the massive sandwiches need any sides. But, once a platter goes by, expect salivation to initiate.
Each order comes with a side of house-made fry sauce. For $1 extra, go over the top with either more of that delectable dip, a side of ranch, or Bodeg’s addictive habanero mixture. These can also be used to adorn any sandwich, whether that be the Bodega burger or falafel on naan. 2651 W. 38th Ave., Denver, bodega-denver.com
Street Fries at Kike’s Red Taco
Sure, Kike’s is known for craveable tacos, especially the ones topped with birria and dipped in consumé. Then there’s the street fries, a hearty bowl topped with protein of choice, melty cheese, fresh guacamole, tangy crema, and a handful of cilantro. All this for $12.95. Just make sure to share, that way you can still get your taco fix. 1200 W. 38th Ave., Denver, kikesredtacos.com
Volcano Fries at Adrift
At first glance the funnel of fries at the South Broadway tiki spot appear unassuming. But after one bite you’ll understand these aren’t just any potatoes. Each $9 order features a pile of battered french fries, which get tossed in a secret spice blend right out of the fryer.
The whole mess gets topped with drizzles of spicy “volcano” aioli, adding to the standout flavor. Naturally the dish is vegetarian, but can be made vegan on request. Bonus, the fries work perfectly to soak in the spirits from the balanced, but mostly boozy, tiki drinks. 218 S. Broadway, Denver, adriftbar.com
Loaded Fries at Atomic Cowboy
Whether you call it Denver Biscuit Co., Fat Sully’s, or Atomic Cowboy, this local restaurant mini chain encompasses all these concepts in the same building. It’s a good thing too, that means you can order a giant pizza, the famous Lights Out Burger (only $7 on Mondays), fried chicken biscuits, and fries.
Lot’s of fries. Fries loaded with vegetarian or sausage gravy, Tillamook pimento cheese sauce, Tenderbelly bacon chunks, and green onions. Best part, these aren’t the normal fries, Atomic Cowboy specializes in waffle fries. Order them at any of the restaurants for $12.95. Or, during the weekday happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., the dish runs $7. Various locations, theatomiccowboy.com
