Fries from Cookout (top left), Arby’s (top right), Chick-fil-A (bottom left) and Raising Cane’s (bottom right) are pictured in a collage. Members of the ODYSSEY Media Group staff sampled fries from each of these restaurants to find which fast-food restaurant had Athens’ best. Photos by Lucas Donnelly, Isabella Westrich and Maya Shrivastav
After sampling fries from a variety of fast food restaurants across Athens, members of the ODYSSEY Media Group staff conclude that Chick-fil-A and Cookout offer the best fries in town.
Chick-fil-A’s signature waffle fries are shown at the 196 Alps Rd. location. With a wide variety of sauces, an almost perfect texture and a good, but slightly unoriginal, flavor, the fries created a pleasing eating experience. “The fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside for the majority of the time, though, inevitably, there are some soggy ones,” Variety Staffer Victoria Garland wrote. “Even though every fry isn’t perfect, they are a satisfying snack, made even tastier by the sprinkle of salt.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
Chick-fil-A
Walking into the Chick-fil-A on 196 Alps Rd, customers are greeted with friendly workers, delicious smells and the signature waffle-shaped french fries that always feel like a treat.
Chick-fil-A, located at 196 Alps Rd., is shown. The restaurant provided an altogether satisfying experience, with good fries and a friendly atmosphere. “Walking into the Chick-fil-A on 196 Alps Rd, customers are greeted with friendly workers, delicious smells and the signature french fries that always feel like a treat,” Variety Staffer Victoria Garland wrote. Photo by Isabella Westrich
The fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside for the majority of the time, though, inevitably, there are some soggy ones.
Even though every fry isn’t perfect, they are a satisfying snack, made even tastier by the sprinkle of salt.
They don’t have much flavor compared to other options, but there’s also a variety of sauces you can choose that improve the taste. From classics like ketchup to original flavors such as Chick-fil-A sauce, there’s an option for everyone.
The fries are also priced reasonably between $1.55 to $1.85, depending on the size. Fortunately, all sizes, from small to large, provide a generous amount of fries that will leave customers pleased.
Overall, the Chick-fil-A fries are definitely a satisfactory eating experience and an affordable option. Despite not having the most original taste, the sauces Chick-fil-A provides allow the fries to suffice.
The large regular fries from Cookout, located at 1917 West Broad St, are shown. The warm and flavorful fries provide a satisfying snack for customers, although the lack of crunch and sauce options may be disappointing.“The fries have a hint of salt, providing just enough flavor, but not overpowering the classic fry taste. Unfortunately, Cookout only serves ketchup which can be disappointing for sauce lovers,” Sofia Basalmo wrote. Photo by Maya Shrivastav
Cookout
Cookout on 1917 W. Broad St. has whatever fast food you desire, including fries that are savory and fresh, which customers can order through a drive-through or walk-up window.
The sign for Cookout, located at 1917 West Broad St, is pictured above. The fast food restaurant was a convenient option for fry-seekers, which landed it in second place with a score of 7.4. “With an affordable price, a decent taste and a variety of fries to choose from, Cookout has the fries to complement any fast food meal,” Guest Writer Sofia Balsamo wrote. Photo by Isabella Westrich
With a large selection of fries compared to other restaurants, Cookout allows customers to choose between regular fries, cheese fries, chili cheese fries and cajun fries, which can all be purchased with a meal or by themselves. In addition to that, Cookout fries are available in regular and large sizes.
The large regular fries, priced at $1.69, are a decent portion for a snack. The fries have a hint of salt, providing just enough flavor, but not overpowering the classic fry taste. Unfortunately, Cookout only serves ketchup, which can be disappointing for sauce lovers.
While the fries are served at a nice warm temperature, they lack the crunch that is quintessential to the fry-eating experience.
Nonetheless, with an affordable price, a decent taste and a variety of fries to choose from, Cookout has the fries to complement any fast food meal.
Curly fries and crinkle fries, Arby’s two fry options, are shown. While the curly fries were excellent, the crinkle fries were substandard. “One bites into a crinkle fry only to be met with so much salt that the fries taste like nothing more. Furthermore, the crinkle fries lack the crisp and appealing texture that is present in the curly fries,” Webmaster Maya Shrivastav wrote. Photo by Lucas Donnelly
Arby’s
Arby’s Broad Street location offers two different types of fries: curly and crinkle. While the curly fries are excellent, the crinkle fries are unsatisfactory.
Arby’s, located at 2362 W. Broad St., is shown. Factors like price and serving size made Arby’s fries less desirable than fries from similar restaurants. “Arby’s (Curly and Crinkle fries) are available in three sizes with the largest priced at $3.99, which places them at a significantly higher cost than other fast-food restaurants, even though servings are smaller,” Webmaster Maya Shrivastav wrote. Photo by Lucas Donnelly
Both types are available in three sizes with the largest priced at $3.99, which places them at a significantly higher cost than other fast-food restaurants, even though servings are smaller.
For those looking for tasty fries, this fast food restaurant’s curly fries will satisfy, with their perfect amount of flavor and crisp exteriors with a soft inside. The fries have a savory seasoning that makes them more flavorful than those served at similar establishments.
Although the curly fries will satisfy, the crinkle fries are a disappointment.
One bites into a crinkle fry only to be met with so much salt that the fries taste like nothing more. Furthermore, the crinkle fries lack the crisp and appealing texture that is present in the curly fries.
Arby’s sauce options aren’t fantastic, either. The restaurant offers ketchup and Arby’s sauce, but the Arby’s sauce is vinegary and less than delicious.
Altogether, Arby’s offers a decent selection of fries, with one excellent option and another that is substandard.
Raising Cane’s crinkle fries are shown. Though the restaurant’s location is convenient for students, the fries were a disappointment. “Lacking salt, crispiness, and any flavor whatsoever, these potato monstrosities are more alike to soggy cardboard than actual fries,” Variety Editor Isabella Westrich wrote. Photo by Isabella Westrich
Raising Cane’s
With its proximity to Clarke Central High School and low prices, Raising Cane’s, located at 795 Baxter St., would be the perfect place for an after school snack — that is, if its fries were even slightly good.
Raising Cane’s, located at 795 Baxter St., is shown. The restaurant’s fries were soggy and bland, though its proximity to Clarke Central High School may make it a convenient option. “Raising Cane’s fries will disappoint customers, although the convenience of the location and the enjoyable atmosphere may be enough to entice people to slather them with sauce and soldier through,” Variety Editor Isabella Westrich wrote. Photo by Isabella Westrich
The fries are reasonably priced for their serving size at $2.29, although customers may regret buying them at all.
Lacking salt, crispiness, and any flavor whatsoever, these potato monstrosities are more alike to soggy cardboard than actual fries. While they are edible, they’re so bland that customers will feel bored before they even finish chewing their first bite. However, Cane’s does offer ketchup and Cane’s sauce, both of which are good options and help add flavor to the snack.
Although its fries are disappointing, Raising Cane’s itself is pleasant, with friendly employees and quick service. Its proximity to Clarke Central also makes it ideal.
Overall, Raising Cane’s fries will disappoint customers, although the convenience of the location and the enjoyable atmosphere may be enough to entice people to slather them with sauce and soldier through.
