'I'm shocked': This Peoria restaurant won our competition for best French fries in town

Final results for Peoria's French fry face-off are in.

As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris near, we wondered: Which golden-brown French fry in Peoria has what it takes to go for the gold?

The Journal Star asked the community to share the restaurants with their favorite fries, and more than 40 local establishments were nominated. The field was then narrowed down to the six most-mentioned, non-chain eateries. Contenders in the competition included:

• BLACK BAND Distillery
• Fort Clark Gastropub/Grill Location
• Khaki Jack's
• The Publik House
• Ulrich's Rebellion Room
• Weaver's Fresh Food and Drink

It was a neck-and-neck race to the finish with a total of 1,628 votes cast. In the end, first and second place were separated by 39 votes − which was a difference of less than 3% of the total votes.

Now, it is time to see which Peoria restaurant reigned supreme in this hard-fought French fry face-off.

Previously:Which Peoria eatery has the best fries?

Which Peoria eatery took home the gold?

Peoria's first place finisher is Fort Clark Grill − which is situated inside the Northwoods Mall food court. The restaurant won with 515 votes or 31.63% of total votes cast.

Executive Chef Shawn Holler was initially surprised to learn Fort Clark had been nominated for the competition, as he said he is “not really into the fry thing.

"Now, I do make my own seasoning and stuff which makes the fries different regardless what type of fry it is, but I was kind of shocked that someone really took the interest into the fry seasoning,” he said.

The shock gave way to an "adrenaline rush" as Fort Clark climbed the ranks to be neck and neck with Weaver's Fresh Food and Drink. Holler described the restaurant as a strong contender, so he continually encouraged his supporters to vote. The constant push paid off.

In the end, Holler thanked all of those who offered their support.

"I'm shocked," he said, "and I want to say I appreciate everybody."

Also at Northwoods Mall:This popular Peoria BBQ restaurant takes annual summer vacation

What fries are popular at Fort Clark Grill?

At Fort Clark Grill, customers will find crinkle cut fries for $3, battered straight cut fries and battered curly fries for $3.50 and cheese fries for $3.75. The menu also features various loaded fry options which range in price from $7 to $8.50.

When asked about what makes the fries stand out, Holler came back to the seasoning.

"They love it," Holler said of the seasoning. "It's one of a kind."

Indeed, the seasoning is the key to this crinkle cut creation, as the French fries are speckled with a course seasoning blend which leans into a pepper-focused flavor.

Unassuming at first, the fries offer an unexpected burst of flavor and texture that – while not overpowering – avoids the potential pitfall of a bland potato. The flecks of pepper provide a lip-warming sensation without becoming unbearably hot. And while these crinkle cuts are not heavy on the crisp, a quiet crunch attests that freshly served fries won’t leave diners heartbroken over limp and soggy spuds.

Of the loaded fry options, Holler said the Fort Clark Cheesesteak loaded fries are popular. The fries − adorned with the same pepper-forward flavoring − act like little sponges as they sop up the cheesesteak flavor.

"I ciphered what everybody else was missing and I put it together," Holler said of the cheesesteak. "And it's not a big secret. I tell people all the time. I don't use raw bell peppers or onions. I use roasted bell peppers and onions."

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The silver and bronze go to...

Weaver's Fresh Food and Drink came in at a close second after it secured 29.24% of the vote − with 476 votes cast in its favor. The business's menu includes hand-cut fries for $5.95, chicken cheese fries and ranch house fries for $13.95 and Philly cheesesteak fries for $14.95. Weaver's is located at 7301 N. Radnor Road, Peoria.

The bronze medal − metaphorically speaking − went to Ulrich's Rebellion Room. The restaurant, located at 631 Main St., Peoria, secured 18.86% with 307 votes. The online menu lists a half or whole pound of hand cut fries for $4.75 and $7, respectively. Cheese fries are also listed for $8.75.