Durham is a city at the intersection of Southern tradition and modern innovation, and its food scene is one of the most exciting in the country.
In the Bull City, the humble french fry is given the star treatment it deserves.
From gritty dive bars that have perfected the classic basket to gastropubs experimenting with duck fat and aiolis, the fry is an art form.
A great fry in Durham is made with intention, whether it’s a simple, salty crinkle-cut next to a piece of fried chicken or a hand-cut potato masterpiece.
It’s a food that brings the whole, diverse community together.
Here are five restaurants in Durham with the best french fries you’ll ever taste.
1. Dain’s Place
Dain’s is a tiny, beloved, and often-crowded dive bar that locals call “The D,” and it’s famous for its incredible burgers and fries.
The fries here are a lesson in classic perfection.
They are medium-cut, skin-on, and fried to an ideal golden crisp, with a fluffy interior.
They are generously seasoned and served in a heaping basket that’s perfect for sharing (though you won’t want to).
2. Bull City Burger and Brewery
This sustainability-focused restaurant takes every ingredient seriously, and that includes the potatoes.
Their fries are hand-cut from carefully sourced potatoes and double-fried in non-GMO oil for an extra-crispy result.
You can taste the freshness and the quality in every single bite.
They are the perfect, righteous companion to their house-ground, pasture-raised beef burgers.
3. The Federal
Known affectionately as “The Fed,” this lively pub is a go-to spot for creative and delicious comfort food.
While their regular fries are excellent, they are famous for their decadent poutine.
They take their perfectly crispy fries and smother them in rich, savory gravy and gooey cheese curds.
It’s a hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
4. Parker & Otis
This charming spot is a delightful combination of a gourmet market, a coffee shop, and a fantastic cafe.
Their fries are a reflection of their commitment to quality—thin-cut, shoestring style, and always perfectly crispy.
They are tossed with a signature seasoning blend that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Paired with a side of their delicious aioli for dipping, they are a simple but elegant treat.
5. The Chicken Hut
A Durham institution for over 60 years, The Chicken Hut is a temple of classic Southern soul food.
Their fries are the perfect, unpretentious partner to their legendary fried chicken.
They serve up classic, golden crinkle-cut fries that are the ideal vehicle for catching any extra salt or hot sauce.
They are a simple, nostalgic, and essential part of the quintessential Chicken Hut experience.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
