Chicago's Lake View neighborhood boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and within that scene lies a hidden treasure trove: amazing french fries. Beyond the typical fast-food fare, Lake View offers a diverse range of establishments serving up everything from classic steak fries to gourmet truffle parmesan creations. This guide dives deep into the best french fries in Lake View, ensuring your next fry craving is perfectly satisfied. We've considered everything from crispiness and seasoning to the overall dining experience to bring you this definitive ranking.
The Crispy Contenders: Our Top 15 French Fry Picks
This list isn't just about the fries themselves; it's about the complete package. We've factored in things like atmosphere, service, and the overall value for your money. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Lake View's fry-tastic landscape!
1. The Violet Hour: Known for its sophisticated cocktails, The Violet Hour also serves up unexpectedly incredible fries. Their thin-cut, crispy fries are perfectly seasoned and paired with a decadent aioli. The upscale ambiance adds to the experience, making this a splurge-worthy option.
2. The North Pond: This fine-dining establishment offers a refined take on classic french fries. Their perfectly crisp fries are served alongside a unique dipping sauce that complements the sophisticated menu. Expect a higher price point, but the quality is undeniable.
3. Little Goat Diner: Stephanie Izard's Little Goat Diner isn't just a diner; it's an experience. Their fries are thick-cut, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with flavor. The lively atmosphere makes them perfect for a casual meal.
4. Dusek's Board & Beer: This gastropub offers a fantastic selection of craft beers to pair with their delicious, golden-brown fries. Their thick-cut fries are the perfect complement to their hearty pub fare.
5. Monteverde: This acclaimed Italian restaurant delivers an unexpectedly delightful side of fries. Their shoestring fries are seasoned to perfection and provide a delightful contrast to the rich Italian flavors of their main dishes.
6. Andros Taverna: This Greek restaurant provides an authentic Greek experience, and their fries are no exception. They offer a unique twist on traditional french fries, incorporating Greek herbs and spices into the mix.
7. Big Star: This popular taco joint serves up some seriously addictive fries. Their seasoned fries, often loaded with toppings, are a must-try. The lively, casual atmosphere adds to the fun.
8. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria: This brewpub offers a laid-back environment perfect for enjoying a casual meal and some delicious fries. Their fries are simple, but perfectly executed.
9. The Fifty/Fifty: This upscale gastropub offers sophisticated takes on classic dishes, and their fries are no exception. The fries are typically hand-cut and feature interesting flavor combinations.
10. RPM Italian: This stylish Italian restaurant offers a luxurious take on fries. Their fries are often served with unique dipping sauces and make a perfect addition to a special night out.
11. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!: This beloved tapas restaurant serves up a fantastic array of Spanish dishes, and their patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) provide a fiery and flavorful alternative to traditional french fries.
12. The Boundary: This restaurant and bar offers a combination of modern and classic dishes, including some tasty fries. The fries frequently incorporate seasonal ingredients.
13. Hopleaf: This popular beer bar also offers a solid selection of fries to go along with their impressive beer list. Expect a classic, satisfying fry experience.
14. Parsons Chicken & Fish: While known for its fried chicken, this restaurant also offers some stellar fries. Crispy and flavorful, they're the perfect addition to any order.
15. Chicago's Pizza: While primarily known for pizza, this casual establishment offers surprisingly delicious fries that go well with their slices.
Finding Your Perfect Fry: A Deeper Dive
This list provides a starting point for your Lake View fry adventure. To help you narrow down your choices, consider these factors:
- Fry Type: Do you prefer thin, crispy fries, or thick, fluffy ones? Some places specialize in one style over the other.
- Seasoning: Do you like simple salt and pepper, or do you prefer something more adventurous? Many places offer unique seasoning blends.
- Dipping Sauces: The right dipping sauce can make or break a fry experience. Consider what sauces you enjoy (aioli, ketchup, chipotle mayo, etc.)
- Ambiance: Are you looking for a casual pub setting, a fine dining experience, or something in between?
Beyond the Fries: The Lake View Experience
Lake View offers a diverse and exciting dining scene, and its french fries are just one element of its appeal. When you're exploring the neighborhood, be sure to take advantage of the many other restaurants, bars, and attractions it has to offer. Enjoy the fries, but don't forget to explore!
This list is a starting point; Lake View's french fry landscape is constantly evolving, so be sure to explore and discover your own personal favorites! Let us know your discoveries in the comments below!
