Wilmington is a historic port city where salty air and Southern charm permeate its vibrant food scene.
Naturally, the french fry here is often the perfect companion to fresh seafood, but its appeal extends to cozy pubs and gourmet burger bars.
The city’s best fries are a mix of classic beach-shack baskets and elevated, hand-cut creations seasoned with a coastal flair.
A great fry in Wilmington is often dusted with Old Bay, served with a view of the water, and fried to a perfect golden crisp.
It’s a food that feels right at home in this laid-back, food-loving coastal town.
Here are five restaurants in Wilmington with the best french fries you’ll ever taste.
1. The Fork ‘n’ Cork
This downtown favorite has a reputation for incredible burgers and sandwiches, and their fries are an essential part of the experience.
They serve a generous portion of hand-cut, perfectly salted fries that are crispy without being greasy.
The fries have a wonderful, fresh potato taste that stands on its own.
For a truly decadent treat, get them topped with their house-made pimento cheese.
2. Copper Penny
A beloved Irish pub and downtown institution, Copper Penny knows that a great pub needs great fries.
Their fries are consistently excellent, with a satisfying crunch and fluffy interior.
They are the perfect base for their famous “109 Chestnut Street Fries,” which are smothered in a creamy, cheesy beer sauce.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, best enjoyed with a pint of beer.
3. Poe’s Tavern
Located at Wrightsville Beach, this Edgar Allan Poe-themed gastropub serves fantastic burgers and fries with a side of ocean breeze.
Their hand-cut fries are a main attraction, served in a massive portion that’s perfect for sharing.
They are skin-on, perfectly fried, and have a wonderfully rustic texture and flavor.
There’s nothing better than a basket of these fries after a day on the beach.
4. Mess Hall
Mess Hall specializes in gourmet burgers, and their dedication to quality extends to their fries.
They double-fry their hand-cut potatoes for an extra-crispy texture that holds up to any dipping sauce.
The seasoning is spot-on, enhancing the natural sweetness of the potato.
This is a no-nonsense, perfectly executed fry that shows a mastery of the craft.
5. Winnie’s Tavern
Winnie’s is a classic, no-frills neighborhood dive bar that has been serving locals for decades.
They are famous for their amazing burgers and their legendary, expertly seasoned fries.
These are straightforward, unpretentious fries that are addictively salty and crispy.
Eating a basket of Winnie’s fries feels like taking part in a long-standing Wilmington tradition.
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