From healthier to epic, here are alternatives to traditional fries at Wilmington restaurants

We’ve been thinking a lot about fries. The winner of our own StarNews poll to find the best in the Wilmington area, was a part of USA TODAY's Americas Favorite Fries project. And, of course, lots of readers wanted to tell us about their favorite french-fried potatoes. So, so many good options in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.

And while, let’s call it, researching the topic we came across some notable variations on the theme. We’ve listed a few here.

Potato, po-taht-o

The original list of contenders included a lot of variations on french fries, from curly to crinkle. But it didn’t cover other favorites like awesome condiments, including the garlic aioli at Winnie's Tavern, or the potato chip-fry hybrid sometimes known as frips. Maybe one of the first places to popularize them locally is J. Michael’s Philly Deli, which opened in Wilmington in 1979. And, of course, tots. Maybe the most vehement tater tot advocates can be found at Mess Hall in the Cargo District, which offer them as a side or loaded.

Veggie variants

If you can fry it, Americans will try it. Some options are, let’s say, a little healthier than others.

Sweet potato: With their nutrient density (and loads of Vitamin A), the preference for sweet potatoes makes this option almost as ubiquitous as regular fries. A couple of popular ones can be found at Rooster & The Crow (which has sweet potato waffle fries) in downtown Wilmington and in Two Guys Grille in Porters Neck.

Avocado: It’s indulgent, but with better-for-you fats. Avocado fries are house-made and served with hot honey and green-tomato remoulade at Rumcow on Grace Street in downtown Wilmington. They’re called Avocado Frita at Si Senor Modern Mex in Porters Neck, but it's a similar dish with queso fresco, pickled onion and a creamy chipotle dipping sauce.

Zucchini: A leaner green vegetable is fried for your dining enjoyment at Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant or Za Pie Pizzeria in Wilmington’s Monkey Junction area, or Hoobie's NY Pizza in Murrayville.

Epic taters

And how could we leave out the sometimes over the top options when it comes to loaded fries? In addition to popular versions with cheese, bacon and more (like those at On Thyme Restaurant and Michael’s on Front), here are some other creative versions.

Classic Poutine: Fork n Cork in downtown Wilmington offers a local take on this classic Canadian fry dish, with white cheese curds and a house-made veal-duck gravy.

Asian Fries: The two Wilmington locations of CheeseSmith offer the house Parmesan fries and the basic loaded beer cheese Smith Fries. But maybe more popular are these, with bulgogi pork belly, house made hoisin ranch and green onions.

Trash Plates: Another loaded fry regional variation are these New York born dishes where things like cheeseburger and hot dogs are served on home fries or french fries. In Wilmington, the Port City Plates food truck has them, and other loaded fries.

Loaded Topsail Fries: At Breezeway Restaurant, which is celebrating 75 years in Pender County, there’s a coastal version of loaded fries which comes with shrimp, crab, and scallops and mornay sauce on Topsail Beach.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.