Finding the perfect french fry can be a culinary quest. Crispy, golden, perfectly seasoned – the ideal fry is a thing of beauty. Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles boasts a surprising variety of eateries serving up fantastic french fries, each with its own unique twist. This guide explores the top 20, helping you navigate the delicious landscape and find your new favorite fry.
Top 10 Classic French Fry Experiences in Sherman Oaks
These establishments represent the gold standard of classic french fry preparation. Expect perfectly crisp exteriors and fluffy interiors, seasoned to perfection.
-
The Daily Grill: Known for its upscale American fare, The Daily Grill's fries are a cut above the rest. Thick-cut, golden-brown, and served with a creamy horseradish aioli. Their consistent quality makes them a reliable favorite.
-
The Cheesecake Factory: While famous for its namesake desserts, The Cheesecake Factory's french fries are surprisingly excellent. A generous portion of thin, crispy fries, perfectly salted, complements their diverse menu. Their popularity speaks volumes.
-
Musso & Frank Grill: A legendary Hollywood institution, Musso & Frank offers classic American dishes, and their fries are no exception. Thick-cut and seasoned simply, they're a testament to the power of quality ingredients and straightforward preparation.
-
In-N-Out Burger: A California staple, In-N-Out's fries, while simple, are undeniably delicious. Thin, crispy, and well-seasoned, they're a perfect accompaniment to their famous burgers. Their simplicity is their strength.
-
Umami Burger: Umami Burger elevates the humble french fry with unique seasoning blends and dipping sauces. Expect creative flavors and a focus on high-quality ingredients.
-
Tender Greens: Known for their fresh, seasonal ingredients, Tender Greens serves up perfectly crispy fries that are equally at home with their salads as with their sandwiches.
-
California Pizza Kitchen: While pizza is their main draw, CPK's fries are a solid side dish. Crispy and well-seasoned, they are consistently reliable.
-
Yard House: This gastropub offers a wide variety of beers and a diverse menu, including some truly excellent fries. Their thick-cut, seasoned fries are a perfect match for their extensive beer selection.
-
Barney's Beanery: This classic West Hollywood establishment has expanded to Sherman Oaks, and their fries are a perfect accompaniment to their legendary burgers and beer.
-
Islands: This casual dining chain consistently delivers crispy, well-seasoned fries that complement their Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
Beyond the Basics: 10 Unique French Fry Finds
These spots offer creative twists on the classic french fry, exploring different cuts, seasonings, and dipping sauces.
-
Sweetfin Poke: While known for their poke bowls, Sweetfin offers a unique sweet potato fry option that's both crispy and satisfyingly sweet.
-
Puesto: This modern Mexican restaurant elevates the fry with creative seasonings and flavorful dipping sauces, making it a fun and flavorful experience.
-
Blue Plate Taco: Their seasoned fries are a perfect match for their delicious tacos.
-
The Habit Burger Grill: While their charburgers are the main attraction, their fries are a solid supporting act, crispy and well-seasoned.
-
Monty's Good Burger: A local favorite, Monty's offers a classic burger and fry combo with consistently good quality.
-
Hodad's: While known for their burgers, Hodad's fries are a perfect accompaniment, and their generous portions make them worth a visit.
-
Leo's Tacos Truck: Their fries, although a simple side, offer a satisfying crunch that complements their tacos.
-
Gracias Madre: This vegan Mexican restaurant offers unique sweet potato fries that are both delicious and cruelty-free.
-
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill: Wood Ranch offers a delicious selection of BBQ and sides, and their fries are always a crowd-pleaser.
-
Urth Caffé: While mainly a coffee shop, Urth Caffé offers a surprisingly good selection of fries that are a great match for their coffee and other beverages.
Finding Your Perfect Fry: A Guide
This list is just a starting point. The best French fry is subjective and depends on personal preference. Consider these factors when choosing:
- Cut: Thin, thick, shoestring, waffle – each cut offers a different texture and flavor profile.
- Seasoning: Simple salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or more adventurous blends can greatly affect the taste.
- Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, aioli, ranch, sriracha mayo – the possibilities are endless.
Explore, experiment, and discover your perfect fry in Sherman Oaks! Let us know your favorites in the comments below.
