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10 Places Serving Real Fries—Not Frozen Fakery

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Remember that heartbreaking moment when your fries arrived sad and lifeless? We’ve all been there. While many chains rely on frozen, pre-packaged spuds, some still honor the time-honored tradition of fresh-cut fries. These 10 chains go the extra mile to serve fresh, hand-cut fries made in-house for unbeatable taste and texture.

In-N-Out Burger

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In-N-Out takes pride in its potato-to-plate approach. Fresh potatoes are shipped directly from farms, hand-cut at each location, and fried in 100% sunflower oil. For an elevated experience, try their iconic Animal Style fries topped with cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce.

Five Guys

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Those iconic potato sacks aren’t just decor—they’re a promise. Known for its generous portions, Five Guys serves boardwalk-style fries from fresh Idaho potatoes. Each batch is double-fried in peanut oil for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Choose between classic or Cajun-style for a flavorful kick.

Mooyah

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Mooyah’s commitment to freshness shines through its meticulous 24-hour, six-step fry-making process. Hand-cut potatoes are washed, soaked to remove starch, blanched, and double-fried in canola oil for rich flavor and crispness. Frozen shortcuts cannot replicate this chain’s sweet potato fries and queso-topped options.

Whataburger

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Texas legend Whataburger maintains strict freshness standards with its distinctive fries. These golden strips undergo rigorous quality checks before hitting your tray. Their consistent texture proves that even massive chains can maintain small-batch quality when prioritizing freshness.

Wingstop

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Wingstop’s fries are freshly cut and cooked to order at every location. Tossed in their signature seasoning or topped with cheese and ranch dressing for indulgent variations like Louisiana Voodoo Fries, these spuds never see a freezer.

BurgerFi

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BurgerFi’s fresh-cut fries start with Russet potatoes from family farms, never experiencing the flavor-killing chill of a freezer. Fried in peanut oil, this crisp-outside, fluffy-inside fry perfection comes in bold varieties like Urban Style with Parmesan and truffle aioli or Cajun Style for a spicy kick.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

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Hopdoddy refines fry-making with hand-cut potatoes prepared daily at its restaurants. Its truffle fries and truffle aioli dipping sauce are favorites among fries enthusiasts seeking gourmet flavors.

Becks Prime

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With the motto “Our only freezer is for brew mugs,” Becks Prime ensures freshness across its menu. Their hand-cut Idaho potato fries come plain or loaded with cheddar cheese or chili for indulgence.

Wahlburgers

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These fries walk the line—thinner than chunky diner cuts, thicker than your average fast-food shoestrings. Made from fresh Yukon potatoes, Wahlburgers’ fries are the Goldilocks of side dishes: not too skinny, not too thick, and just crisp enough to make you reach for more.

Bareburger

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Bareburger caters to health-conscious diners with sustainably sourced fresh fries. Their tastiest options include sweet potato fries with cinnamon sugar or loaded bacon-and-cheese-style creations if you’re craving something extra.

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