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Liz Thomson
The Best French Fries In Virginia
27 days ago
User-posted content
I take my french fry consumption very seriously. No soggy, bland fries allowed. Luckily, there are a lot of very good french fries in Virginia. I once organized a mini “fry crawl” with my friends in Carytown. You can download the map here. But what makes the best French fries? Is it the cut, the type of potato, the oil used for frying, or perhaps the seasoning? Maybe all of the above? I’ve been on a mission to find out.
I’ve done a lot of research (and enlisted the help of a few tasters around the state) and I think we've found the best french fries around Virginia!
The Red Apron Butchery is known for its beef fat fries tossed with garlic confit and fresh rosemary and served with ranch aioli and ketchup. Consider pairing the indulgent fries with one of their delicious sandwiches like the Beef & Blue or the Red Apron Original burger.
Red Apron Butchery offers a relaxing ambiance in the heart of the mosaic district of Fairfax. (Something to note- You can subscribe and get a monthly box filled with fresh meat from local farmers. We love interesting ways to support local farms!)
Address: 8298 Glass Alley, Merrifield/Fairfax, VA 22031
Hot Lola’s is known for its seasoned waffle fries, perfect with spicy chicken tenders or a Hot Lola’s signature sandwich. The trendy restaurant has three locations in Northern Virginia: Ballston Quarter, Rosslyn, and Alexandria.
While you can pair your fries with ketchup, at least try Lola’s sauce! If you like spicy, their chicken sandwiches range from no heat to “flippin hot.” (Don’t forget to order a cold beverage!)
Address: 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA, 22203
6544 Little River Turnpike Unit A, Alexandria VA, 22312
Sweetwater Tavern is part of the Great American Restaurant group and is known for its shoestring fries. While the fries are delicious, ask your server for a side of the lobster ginger sauce from the calamari appetizer.
The sauce is a bit runny, but it goes fantastic with the fries. You can pair your fries with a grilled chicken sandwich or burger, or they can be served on their own. (Just remember to ask for the sauce!)
Address: 14250 SWEETWATER LN, CENTREVILLE, VA 20121
There’s nothing like a juicy hamburger with a side of fries. Thankfully, Citizen Burger Bar in Charlottesville has both. Known for its sweet potato and hand-cut regular fries, Citizen Burger Bar is at home in the downtown mall, making it convenient for a date night or girls’ night out. (P.S. They used to have a location in Richmond, but that one is on longer around. RIP.)
If you dare to be different, you’ll want to try their cheese fries covered with jalapeños and house ranch or the truffle fries sprinkled with parmesan, chives, and garlic aioli. I personally love the sweet potato fries, which are thick cut but so crispy. Truly, all versions of their fries are top notch.
As a tip, they offer a lunch special Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., where you can get a mini burger of the day with fries and a soda. It makes for the perfect workday lunch spot!
Address: 212 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Downtown Mall)
Timberwood Tap House
The fries at Timberwood Tap House are so good you may ask for seconds. (I don’t judge!) Timberwood has delicious fries at their 5th Street Station location that pair fantastically with a burger, steak, and fried fish. You can even pair them with one of their tasty salads. (Again, I don’t judge!)
Fun fact: UVA Women’s Basketball Player Sam Brunelle hosts a live podcast from the restaurant!
Address: 245 Merchant Walk Ave, Suite 100, Charlottesville, VA
Richmond
Cocky Rooster
The Cocky Rooster has a funny-sounding name, but they are serious about their food. Known for their wings with various rubs and sauces, customers also love the super crispy, dusted fries with a hint of everything bagel seasoning. (Or at least I think so!)
If you’re looking for a break from traditional fries, they also serve sweet potato fries in regular or waffle form. Just don’t forget to pair one of their indulgent sandwiches with your order.
Another Richmond favorite is Little Nickel, a neighborhood restaurant with a tropical feel and a tiki-themed patio. Fans of the restaurant love their shoestring fries, which have the perfect dose of crunchiness to send your taste buds into a frenzy.
Coated in Aegean salt and herbs, the fries at Little Nickle keep customers coming back for more. The good news is that they don’t skimp on the serving!
Also, I know we’re here to talk about fries, but you can’t miss their Hawaiian nachos. Chef’s kiss!
Address: 4702 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA (Closed Sundays)
Cobra Cabana offers delicious seasoned house-cut fries with the option of vegan seasoning. They also have waffle fries that are just as delicious, but customers tend to prefer the house-cut fries. You’ll likely want to try both to decide!
Cobra Cabana has several main entrees to pair with your fries, including burgers, a pork loin sandwich, shrimp or tofu po’ boy, and a deep-fried buttermilk chicken sandwich. Nearly every item on the menu has a vegan option, which is fantastic.
Address: 901 W Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23220
Roanoke
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is the perfect late-night spot to grab a bite and enjoy the eclectic ambiance and menu. (It even serves a burger on a donut!)
Jack Brown’s is known for their extensive burger menu, but no burger is complete without a side of fries. You can choose from their regular crinkle-cut or sweet potato fries, or try both!
In the heart of downtown, Jack Brown’s offers bar patrons front-row seats to the magic of their burger flipping. If you have room, don’t miss the fried Oreos!
Address: 210 B Market St SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
The Tater Shack
With a name like The Tater Shack, you know it will deliver some of the best fries your taste buds have met. At The Tater Shack, you can choose from one of their “signature spuds” or “create-a-tater.”
For the “create-a-tater,” you choose your base: French fries, sweet potato fries, baked potato, or sweet potato. Next, you pick your meat, cheese, sauces, seasonings, and veggies. The family-owned spot offers a friendly staff and plenty of food for leftovers.
But if you have room, you’ll want to try one of their desserts, like the “Peanut Butter Jelly Time,” which are fries covered in butter, brown & white sugar, peanut butter, grape jelly, and panko.
Address: 5524 Williamson Rd Ste 18 Lamplighter Mall Shopping Center Roanoke, VA 24012 (Closed Sundays)
The Grilled Cheese Bistro is famous for its hand-cut fries with various finishes, including chimichurri, cinnamon-cayenne, sriracha, or smoked sea salt. There are seven flavors to choose from when deciding how you want your fries.
There is also no shortage of eclectic grilled cheese sandwiches to go with their fries, including El Ranchero, You Don’t Know Shishito, and the Loaded Baked Potato. You can finish your order with a refreshing Dominion Draft Root Beer or Arnold Palmer.
Address: 345 Granby St Suite B, Norfolk, VA 23510 (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
If you’re looking for thick-cut fries that are crispy and flavorful, you don’t want to miss Repeal. Virginia Beach’s Repeal Bourbon and Burgers is known for a wide array of fries, including bacon-dusted, parmesan, and truffle oil fries tossed with sundried tomatoes.
As a main attraction to your fries, you’ll appreciate the fresh herbs and vegetables, locally farmed mushrooms, and free-range eggs. Repeal also features house-made pickles, Korean kimchi, sauces, and bourbon chili. What can’t they do?
Address: 202 22nd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Did we miss your favorite fries? Let us know in the comments!
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