The Ultimate Guide to Denver’s Best French Fries: Because Who Needs a Salad Anyway?

The Mile High City, where the air is thin, the mountains are majestic, and the French fries? Well, they’re basically a food group unto themselves. Look, if you’re wandering around LoDo or Capitol Hill and not stuffing your face with crispy, golden potato perfection, you’re doing it wrong. We’ve scoured the interwebs – think Eater Denver, Thrillist, and even those snobby Yelp reviews – to rank the best fries in town. We’re breaking it down by categories because not all spuds are created equal. Whether you’re chasing classic cuts or something loaded with enough toppings to make your cardiologist weep, here’s the lowdown. Spoiler: They’re all worth the calories.

Best Classic Fries: The No-Frills MVPs

Let’s start simple, shall we? Sometimes you just want fries that taste like, well, fries – not some overcomplicated science experiment. According to Eater Denver’s 2023 roundup, Steuben’s Uptown takes the crown here. Their hand-cut beauties are fried to that perfect crisp-without-being-greasy level, served with a side of nostalgia (think retro diner vibes). Thrillist agrees, calling them “the gold standard” for anyone who thinks truffle oil is just fancy nonsense. Pair ’em with a burger, and boom – you’ve got a meal that says, “I adulted today… sort of.”

Runner-up? Shake Shack in RiNo. Those crinkle-cut wonders are salty, satisfying, and engineered for maximum cheese-dipping potential. As one Denver Post article put it last year, they’re “the fries that make you forget you’re in a chain.” Hey, no judgment – consistency is key when you’re hangry.

Best Truffle Fries: For When You Want to Pretend You’re Fancy

Truffle fries: the bougie upgrade that turns a humble potato into something you’d pay $15 for without blinking. Hopdoddy Burger Bar in Union Station leads the pack, per a 2022 Thrillist list of Denver’s top indulgent eats. Drizzled with truffle aioli and sprinkled with Parmesan, these bad boys are so addictive, you’ll wonder if they’re laced with something (spoiler: just deliciousness). Eater raved about them as “decadent without being overkill,” which is code for “eat them before your friends steal them all.”

If Hopdoddy’s too crowded (it always is), swing by Tag Burger Bar in East Colfax. Their version gets a shoutout in Westword’s annual best-of lists for that earthy truffle kick paired with garlic. Pro tip: Order extras, because sharing is for amateurs.

Best Loaded Fries: Because Plain is Boring

Why settle for naked fries when you can bury them under a mountain of toppings? Illegal Pete’s, with spots all over town, dominates this category according to a 2023 Denverite poll of local favorites. Their queso-loaded fries are basically a party on a plate – think melty cheese, guac, and whatever else you can dream up. Thrillist called them “the ultimate drunk food,” and honestly, they’re spot-on. Perfect for soaking up that post-hike beer… or three.

For a twist, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs in Ballpark gets nods from Eater for their wild-game-topped fries. Elk jalapeño cheddar sausage on fries? It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s quintessentially Denver. As one reviewer put it, “These aren’t fries; they’re an adventure.” Yeah, we’re sold.

Best Sweet Potato Fries: The “Healthy” Option (Wink Wink)

Sweet potato fries: for when you want to feel virtuous but still crave that deep-fried crunch. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery with locations in Union Station and beyond, tops the charts here, as per a 2024 Westword feature on alternative eats. Their version is crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and comes with a maple syrup dip that’ll make you question all your life choices. Eater praised them as “a sweet-savory dream,” ideal for brunch warriors.

Don’t sleep on Park Burger (multiple spots, including Highland). Thrillist ranked their sweet potato fries high for that perfect seasoning blend – a little spicy, a little sweet. It’s like they read our minds: “Fries, but make ’em autumnal.”

Best Wild Card Fries: For the Adventurous Eater

Denver’s food scene is nothing if not eclectic, so let’s shout out some outliers. For duck fat fries, head to Rioja in Larimer Square – Food & Wine magazine highlighted them in a 2023 piece on elevated bar snacks. Rich, flavorful, and yeah, a bit pretentious, but in the best way.

Or try the poutine-style fries at Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, which made it onto Denver Post’s list of must-try comfort foods. Cheese curds, gravy, and all the regrets? Sign us up.

Final Thoughts: Fry ‘Em If You Got ‘Em

There you have it, folks – Denver’s fry scene in all its greasy glory. We’ve pulled from the pros at Eater, Thrillist, Westword, and the Denver Post to keep things legit, but let’s be real: the “best” is subjective. Hit up a few spots, form your own opinions, and maybe share your hot takes in the comments (politely, please). Just remember, in a city where you can ski in the morning and feast in the afternoon, fries are the real elevation. Now go forth and carb-load – your taste buds (and probably your waistband) will thank you. Or not. Whatever.