When we rave about restaurants, we talk about how hearty the meal or how decadent the dessert was. Rarely do we give justice to the sides that amp up and complete our meal, so here's a guide to finding the best fries in Austin, Texas.
1. Chi'lantro BBQ
It's nearly impossible to visit Austin and not hear someone recommend Chi'lantro, so it is no surprise that Chi'lantro's world-famous kimchi fries are at the top of the list. The Korean-Mexican fusion food truck offers caramelized kimchi atop fries and your choice of protein, smothered in cheese, Sriracha, and their secret sauce. With over four different locations in Austin (and a fifth one coming soon in South Shore), there is no excuse to not try these fries.
Locations: Chi'lantro South Lamar (1509 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704), Chi'lantro Burnet (5222 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756), Chi'lantro Downtown (823 Congress, Austin, TX 78701), and Chi'lantro Domain (11005 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78758)
2. Frank Restaurant
If you are a fan of waffle fries, there is no place in Austin that does them better than at Frank. In addition to being served with a wide variety of sauces such as Sriracha Aioli or Bacon Buttermilk, Frank often comes up with innovative creations like Pizza Fries or Poblano Fries.
Location: 407 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701
3. Hyde Park Bar and Grill
Hyde Park Bar and Grill offers some of the tastiest fries (and avocado fries) that Austin has to offer. Coated in buttermilk batter, black pepper, and Hyde Park sauce, these fries have gained some serious street cred (and national recognition) according to both Food Network and People Magazine.
Locations: Hyde Park Central (4206 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751) and Hyde Park South (4521 Westgate Blvd. Austin, TX 78745)
4. Hopfields
This French-inspired restaurant boasts of decadent fries tossed in fine herbs and aioli, a side you will see paired with steak or other entrées on the menu. Make the trip out well worth it by ordering the mussels with a side of fries.
Location: 3110 Guadalupe Street Austin, TX 78705
5. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
People are often intimidated by the long line that can be found trailing out and wrapping around the building of any Hopdoddy restaurant, but do not let that line intimidate you. The truffle fries with chipotle ketchup, paired with the fantastic burgers, are the absolute best combination.
Locations: Hopdoddy Triangle (4615 N Lamar Blvd STE 307 Austin, TX 78751), Hopdoddy Anderson Lane (2438A W Anderson Ln Austin, TX 78757), and Hopdoddy South Congress (1400 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704)
6. Second Bar + Kitchen
Austin is a big fan of truffle fries and Second Bar + Kitchen does a great job with theirs, seasoning their fries with black truffle aioli. You can also add seared foie gras for an extra $14.
Locations: Downtown Austin (200 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701) and Domain Northside within the Archer Hotel (3121 Palm Way, Suite 101 Austin, TX 78758)
7. Salty Sow
Though probably not the healthiest dish (even when compared to the other fries dishes on this list), Salty Sow's famous Triple Fried Duck Fat Fries features a 110-minute egg and cold béarnaise. These fries are absolutely the perfect dish to share (or not).
Location: 1917 Manor Rd. Austin, TX 78722
8. Sala and Betty
Though the fries can be ordered à la carte, Sala and Betty has figured out the perfect combination with their The Betty Sandwich by placing the fries inside of the sandwich. Though the fries seem simple and without any of the special flourishes like truffle aioli that competitors boast, the fries from Sala and Betty are easily some of the crispiest fries in Austin.
Location: 5201 Airport Blvd. Austin , TX 78751
9. Jack Allen's Kitchen
For spice enthusiasts who like their meals with a kick, Jack Allen's Kitchen created the Red Chile Fries. Topped with red chile, scallions, lime, Cotija cheese cilantro, and garlic aioli, these fries are not only crispy, but the flavor will indulge your tastebuds.
Locations: Oak Hill (7720 Highway 71 West, Austin, TX 78735), Round Rock (2500 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681), and 360 (3600 North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746)
10. Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden
In a city like Austin where barbecue and meat are heavily ingrained into our culture, Banger's offers their perfect American Fries as a — to really amp up your meal, ask for their poutine fries.
Location: 79 & 81 Rainey St., Austin, TX 78701