Charlotte Crowns Its Favorite French Fries!
Charlotte food lovers have officially cast their votes, and the results are in for the city’s tastiest french fries! After a spirited city-wide contest, a beloved local spot has claimed the golden, crispy crown, with another strong contender earning finalist status. Get ready to savor the details of where to find the absolute best fries in the Queen City.
The Quest for Charlotte’s Best Fries
The CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice contest saw more than 50 fast-casual eateries, sandwich shops, and pubs nominated in the search for the ultimate french fry. The competition was fierce, likened by one reader to “all the #1 seeds in the NCAA Tourney bracket advanced!” In a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, narrowing down the best of something as universally loved as french fries is no small feat.
And The Winner Is: Angry Ale’s!
Taking home the coveted title of Best Fries in Charlotte is Angry Ale’s, a true Charlotte original that has been a neighborhood bar and restaurant staple for over 20 years. Located at 1518 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209, Angry Ale’s prides itself on a diverse menu, offering everything from classic bar bites to elevated comfort food. General manager Rich Lange attributes their success to consistently hot and crispy fries, enhanced by a variety of seasonings customers can choose from.
Beyond their perfectly seasoned steak fries, Angry Ale’s truly shines with its inventive loaded fry options:
- Dirty South fries: Loaded with house-smoked pulled pork, queso cheese, barbecue sauce, grilled onions, and charred jalapenos.
- Luigi’s pizza fries: Topped with pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and homemade pizza sauce.
- Montford hot fries: Featuring Montford hot fried chicken, fried pickles, mixed cheeses, and a honey ranch drizzle.
It’s clear why Angry Ale’s has earned its reputation and this well-deserved recognition from CharlotteFive readers.
A Worthy Finalist: Cafe Monte
Securing its place as a top finalist is Cafe Monte French Bakery and Bistro, bringing a delightful touch of French elegance to Charlotte. Situated at 6700 Fairview Rd #108, Charlotte, NC 28210 in the SouthPark area, Cafe Monte offers an “escape from the everyday” with its casual-gourmet concept and “from-farm-to-table” specialties. Assistant general manager Ned Parker highlights their popular pommes frites as a must-try, often enjoyed alongside their exquisite steak or mussels for a truly authentic French dining experience.
Comparing Charlotte’s Fry Frontrunners
Both establishments offer distinct takes on this beloved side dish, catering to different cravings:
| Feature | Angry Ale’s (Winner) | Cafe Monte (Finalist) |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe & Cuisine | Casual neighborhood bar & American comfort food | Upscale French bakery & bistro |
| Fry Style | Seasoned steak fries | Crispy pommes frites |
| Specialty Offerings | Wide range of loaded fries (e.g., Dirty South, Pizza, Hot Chicken) | Perfectly paired with classic French dishes like mussels or steak |
What to Watch Next in Charlotte’s Food Scene
The French fry contest is just one example of how Charlotte’s culinary landscape continues to impress. The CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice polls regularly highlight local favorites across various categories. Keep an eye out for more reader-voted bests, from pizza and coffee shops to brunch spots and barbecue joints. Charlotte’s food scene is vibrant, diverse, and always ready for new discoveries!
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte’s Best Fries
- Who won the CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice for Best French Fries?
Angry Ale’s was crowned the winner of the contest. - What makes Angry Ale’s fries stand out?
Their fries are known for being consistently hot and crispy, with a choice of seasonings and creative loaded options like Dirty South and Montford Hot fries. - Where is Angry Ale’s located?
Angry Ale’s can be found at 1518 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209. - Which restaurant was the finalist for Best French Fries?
Cafe Monte French Bakery and Bistro was the proud finalist. - What style of fries does Cafe Monte offer?
Cafe Monte serves traditional French pommes frites, often enjoyed with mussels or steak.
Whether you’re craving classic, perfectly seasoned fries or an adventurous loaded creation, Charlotte’s top spots for French fries offer something for every palate. Head out and taste the crispy goodness for yourself!
Charlotte Readers Crown Best French Fries
