Ronald McDonald is gonna be salty about this list.
In a new nationwide ranking from Seating Masters, based on over 40,000 Yelp reviews, one burger chain’s golden spuds are un-fry-gettable, according to WWLP.
In-N-Out Burger topped the list — scoring a crispy 3.86 out of 5 average across 25 locations.
Despite its limited reach, the California-based chain has been recognized for its fresh-cut fries, prepared in-store daily.
Shake Shack sizzled into second with a 3.7 average — the crinkle-cut fries, which have been removed and added back to menus throughout the years, have since made a triumphant comeback.
The store began as a small hot dog stand operating out of Madison Square Park in New York City in 2001 and has since grown into a gourmet fast-casual restaurant with more than 377 locations internationally.
Meanwhile, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers snagged third with 3.59 stars, thanks to its crispy shoestring style.
Bojangles, a Southern regional favorite, landed in fourth with a 3.51 rating for its seasoned fries and Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries, beloved for their dip-ability and crispy crunch, kept the chicken chain from getting grilled with a 3.4.
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Notably, Raising Cane’s large crinkle-cut fries landed in 6th place with a 3.24 average.
Zaxby’s, Arby’s, Hardee’s, and Checkers/Rally’s completed the top 10 list, all scoring between a 2.98 and a 2.84.
Left at the bottom of the bag, KFC, was fried with an 1.77 average rating — making them the worst.
Surprisingly, McDonald’s, typically believed to be the best, received a soggy acceptance. Despite decades of the golden arches, its fries only mustered a 1.91 — second worst in the nation.
What makes for this supersized disappointment?
According to experts — and thousands of Yelp users with strong snack opinions — freshness, quality, and consistency reign supreme. And while massive chains may have the volume, it seems the best fries are hand-cut, not mass-produced.
Seems like some popular fast food chains may-o need to ketchup.
Top 10 best fast-food french fries:
- In-N-Out Burger – 3.86
- Shake Shack – 3.7
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – 3.59
- Bojangles – 3.51
- Chick-fil-A – 3.4
- Raising Cane’s – 3.24
- Zaxby’s – 2.98
- Arby’s – 2.89
- Hardee’s – 2.86
- Checkers/Rally’s – 2.84