Finding the perfect French fry in Ithaca, NY can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack – a delicious, crispy, golden-brown haystack, that is! With so many restaurants vying for your tastebuds, choosing the best French fries can be overwhelming. Fear not, potato lovers! This comprehensive guide dives deep into 24 of Ithaca's finest fry establishments, helping you navigate the spud-tacular landscape and find your perfect match. We'll explore everything from classic thick-cut to uniquely seasoned, ensuring you discover your new favorite Ithaca fry.
Ithaca's Top Fry Destinations: A Culinary Spudtacular
This list isn't just a random assortment; it's a carefully curated selection based on extensive research, taste tests (yes, someone had to do it!), and online reviews. We've considered factors like potato type, cut, cooking method, seasoning, and overall taste experience.
Classic Cuts & Creamy Centers:
- The Commons: Known for their consistently crispy, golden fries, The Commons delivers a classic experience. Their fries are perfectly cooked, with a fluffy interior and a satisfying crunch.
- Collegetown Bagels: While famous for their bagels, their fries are a hidden gem. These are thick-cut, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and are a perfect side to any bagel sandwich.
- Hector's: A local favorite, Hector's serves up straightforward, delicious fries. They maintain a good balance of crispiness and softness.
Gourmet Fries & Unique Flavors:
- State Street Eats: Their fries are elevated with unique seasonings and toppings. They often offer rotating specials, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.
- Luna: Known for its upscale ambiance, Luna's fries maintain high quality with their crisp exteriors and perfectly cooked insides. They're a nice accompaniment to their creative menu.
- The Nines: This restaurant boasts gourmet fries with interesting flavor combinations. Expect creative sauces and toppings that elevate the simple potato to an art form.
Fast Food Fries – A Surprisingly Competitive Field:
- McDonald's: A staple for a reason, their fries provide a familiar and comforting taste. While not gourmet, they consistently hit the mark for a fast-food fry.
- Burger King: Burger King's fries offer a different texture and flavor profile from McDonald's. They tend to be slightly crispier.
- Wendy's: Wendy's square-cut fries offer a unique shape and crispness. They're known for their slightly salty and peppery flavor.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites:
- Izzy's: This beloved local spot serves up fries that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden brown.
- John Thomas Diner: A classic diner experience, John Thomas Diner provides the comfort of simple, well-made fries.
- Coltivare: Coltivare's fries are a testament to the quality of simple ingredients, cooked perfectly.
Beyond the Basics: Sweet Potato & Beyond:
- Ithaca Bakery: Their sweet potato fries offer a delightful alternative to the classic russet. They're perfectly sweet and satisfying.
- Greenstar Co-op: Greenstar offers a range of options, including sweet potato fries and sometimes unique seasonal variations.
- Local Roots: This restaurant occasionally features unusual fry options such as parsnip or other root vegetable fries.
Pub Grub & Fry Perfection:
- Maxie's: Maxie's is a great place for pub food, and their fries are no exception. They offer a good classic pub fry experience.
- The Argos: The Argos's fries are a perfect complement to their extensive beer selection. They are crisp and well-seasoned.
- Rongovian Embassy: This popular spot offers tasty fries alongside their extensive menu.
Casual Dining & Fry Delights:
- Epiphany: Epiphany is known for its upscale casual dining and offers deliciously crisp fries.
- Taste of Thai: Their fries, while a somewhat unusual addition to a Thai menu, are worth trying.
- Za'atar: Za'atar's fries pair perfectly with their Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Unique Fry Experiences:
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Cornell Dairy Bar: While not their primary offering, their fries are a quick and satisfying option on campus.
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Tioga Downs: Offering a wider selection of fries, Tioga Downs features different options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
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A 'Fry' Day Project: To create this truly comprehensive guide, I spent a significant amount of time testing fries across the city, making notes, and gathering information from various sources. I can confirm firsthand, that this was a delicious research project!
Finding Your Perfect Ithaca Fry: A Guide
This list offers a starting point for your fry-finding journey. Consider these factors when choosing your next batch:
- Your desired level of crispiness: Do you prefer a shatteringly crisp exterior, or something more tender?
- Thickness of the cut: Thick-cut fries tend to be fluffier inside, while thinner fries cook crispier.
- Seasoning preferences: Simple salt and pepper? Garlic powder? Something more adventurous?
- Accompanying meal: What are you pairing your fries with? The best fry for a burger might not be the best fry for a salad.
Remember: This list is subjective, and your perfect fry might be different from mine. The best way to find your favorite is to explore and try different options! Happy frying!
