The tasting notes
Reviews
Every fry scored on the 5-C Fry Scale, out of 25.
Fisher’s Club Fries
Here is a distinct charm in the roadside roadhouse—a promise of lakeside views and the kind of meal that has remained unchanged for decades. At Fisher’s Club in Minnesota, the atmosphere is thick with the legacy of a classic supper club. But while the history here is deep, the fries tell a story of a […]
Ruby’s Diner Fries
Soft inside but lacking the crisp edge expected from a proper fry. The color is pale golden, with uneven cuts and a light, somewhat oily finish. Salt level is mild and the fries feel under-fried, missing the crunch that defines great diner fries. They deliver nostalgia and warmth but not texture or […]
The Counter Fries – Revisited
The fries still arrive in a neat, golden mound—thin, crisp, and beautifully uniform. Visually, they remain impressive, glowing under natural light with the same inviting look that first earned them high marks. But the moment they hit the palate, the change becomes clear. The flavor feels flatter and lighter, lacking that savory edge that once […]
Laurel Supper Club Fries
There’s a kind of nostalgia that comes with fries cooked in lard. It promises deep flavor, old-school richness, and a break from modern fryer blends. At Laurel Supper Club, that’s what’s advertised. But what lands on the plate feels like a promise half-kept. The fries look the part—thick, golden, rustic. But the moment you bite […]
Sessions Fries
Rosemary-Salted, Dip-Ready, and Not Quite as Crisp as They Look Sessions West Coast Deli offers up their Rosemary Skinny Fries as a flavorful, fast-casual companion to their gourmet sandwiches. These thin-cut fries arrive seasoned with rosemary and paprika-style spice for a bold orange glow. While the color and aroma are strong points, the execution leans […]
Farmhouse Fries
Golden Steak Fries with a Baked Soul The fries at Farmhouse arrive in a terra cotta pot lined with floral paper — thick-cut, hand-cut steak fries stacked high. They’re made fresh from non-frozen potatoes and single-fried in rice bran oil. Served hot, they have a light outer crisp and an interior that’s soft and fluffy […]
Finca Fries
Golden and Soft, With Sauce That Shines The fries at Finca arrive looking nearly perfect — thick, golden, and flecked with herbs. They have a rustic, hand-cut appearance and a generous portion size. But despite the visual appeal, they fall short on texture. Most pieces are soft rather than crisp, with little crunch even at […]
Musso & Frank Grill Fries
Musso & Frank Grill – Julienne Fries The julienne fries at Musso & Frank Grill arrive in generous portions, stacked high on a classic white plate. They’re thin, irregularly hand-cut, and lightly golden with a rustic appearance. Cooked in vegetable oil, they’re typically single-fried, which leaves the outside only mildly crisp and the interior soft. […]
Eat Fantastic Fries
The fries at Eat Fantastic live up to their name with a crisp, golden shell and creamy, steamy interior. These are standard thick-cut fries, likely par-fried and frozen at a central facility, then finished to order on-site — and done exceptionally well. They arrive piping hot, with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and fluffy, soft center. […]
The Counter Fries
The fries at The Counter arrive in a messy pile of thin, golden threads. They are served hot, crisp on the outside, and surprisingly fluffy inside for a shoestring cut. Some fries have slightly darker tips while others are lighter, but overall the batch is well-cooked and consistent. They stay light and […]
OC Fish Grill Fries
The fries at OC Fish Grill look like they have potential. Thick-cut, skin-on, with a rustic, hand-prepared appearance, they seem like they’re about to deliver. But what you get instead is a fry that feels like it missed its moment. Visual Appeal These fries show promise at first glance — skin-on, thick, and golden-brown. They […]
McDonald’s Fries
The Fry That Built an Empire McDonald’s fries are the fast-food benchmark—ubiquitous, instantly recognizable, and engineered for maximum craveability. But how do they fare under a critical lens? Visual Appeal Thin, uniform, and golden, McDonald’s fries are the epitome of consistency. Their appearance is inviting, promising a familiar taste experience. Texture When fresh, these fries […]
Norske Nook Fries
A Diner Basket with No Illusions Norske Nook is famous for pie. Towering, cream-swirled, fruit-filled, meringue-topped creations that draw crowds from far beyond Osseo. People line up for the lefse, the meatballs, the turkey dinners served with gravy-lake potatoes. But before the pie, there are fries. Or at least there can be — if you […]
Matt’s Bar Fries
Basket of Memory: The Fries at Matt’s Bar, Minneapolis You don’t go to Matt’s Bar for the fries. You go for the Jucy Lucy, the molten-core, crust-seared burger that’s so tied to Minneapolis identity it might as well have its own zip code. You walk in, squeeze into a booth, order your Lucy, and almost […]