Columbia, Missouri, a bustling college town, has a food scene that is as smart and diverse as its population.
When it comes to the perfect side dish, the french fry reigns supreme, and local chefs have risen to the challenge.
The city’s best fries can be found in a variety of settings, from iconic campus hangouts to sophisticated downtown bistros.
The quest for the ultimate fry in CoMo leads to spots that understand the science of the double-fry and the art of seasoning.
These are the places that turn the humble potato into something truly special.
Here are five restaurants in Columbia with the best french fries you’ll ever taste.
1. Booches
Booches is more than a restaurant; it’s a Columbia landmark, a historic pool hall that happens to serve some of the best burgers in the country.
Their fries are the perfect, no-nonsense companion to their legendary food.
Served on wax paper, these are classic, straight-cut fries, cooked to a perfect golden-brown crisp.
They are simple, salty, and consistently delicious, the kind of fries that don’t need fancy sauces or toppings.
Eating a burger and fries at Booches is a rite of passage for any Mizzou student or local resident.
2. Murry’s
Murry’s has been a Columbia institution for decades, known for its jazz music, cozy atmosphere, and incredible food.
While famous for their main dishes, their fries are a sleeper hit that deserves its own spotlight.
They serve a generous pile of lightly battered, super-crispy shoestring fries.
The thin batter gives them an extra crunch that is incredibly addictive.
They are fantastic on their own, but they are absolutely divine when dipped in their famous house-made green peppercorn dressing.
3. Addison’s
Addison’s is a stylish and contemporary American grill that has become a downtown Columbia staple.
Their kitchen elevates classic dishes with a creative twist, and their fries are a perfect example.
Their hand-cut fries are perfectly cooked and seasoned, but the real star is the dipping sauce.
They are served with a side of their iconic gouchujang ketchup, which adds a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy kick that is unforgettable.
It’s a unique flavor combination that keeps locals coming back again and again.
4. 44 Stone Public House
This Celtic-inspired gastropub brings a taste of the British Isles to mid-Missouri, complete with an excellent beer list and hearty food.
It’s no surprise that their “chips” are a standout item on the menu.
These are thick-cut, pub-style fries, blanched and then fried for a crispy exterior and a fluffy, almost mashed-potato-like interior.
They are served simply with sea salt and are the perfect accompaniment to their classic fish and chips.
For a true pub experience, enjoy them with a side of malt vinegar.
5. Just Jeff’s
This unassuming, cash-only burger joint is a local secret that serves some of the best fast-casual food in town.
Just Jeff’s is all about quality and simplicity, and their fries are a testament to that mission.
They serve crinkle-cut fries, which are always cooked fresh to order and emerge from the fryer piping hot and perfectly crispy.
They have a wonderful salty flavor and the perfect texture for dipping.
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