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Percy Street BBQ/Facebook

28 Must-Try French Fries in Philly, Mapped

by Carly Szkaradnik Updated
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by Carly Szkaradnik Updated
Percy Street BBQ/Facebook

Whether piled up next to a burger or serving as a meal of their own (as they do more often than we should probably admit), there's nothing more universally satisfying than some truly great french fries. Here now, 28 of our very favorite fries in Philly, from standards good enough to eat plain, to obscenely smothered heaps of cheese- and gravy-soaked joy.

[Photo: Percy Street BBQ/Facebook]

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Khyber Pass Pub

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56 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-5888
(215) 238-5888
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We've heard the fries are good plain. We've heard the sweet potato fries are good, too. We don't know about any of that, because there is an option to have your fries topped with meaty debris gravy and smoked cheddar, and what even is the point of ordering anything else?

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2. Nick's Old Original Roast Beef

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2149 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 463-4114
(215) 463-4114
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The gold standard for gravy fries — though the topping isn't really gravy so much as it is a pile of meat substantial enough that you probably don't need to order a sandwich. (Probably, but hey, no one's stopping you.)

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3. Percy Street Barbecue

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900 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-8510
(215) 625-8510
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The BBQ fries come topped with brisket and cheese sauce, and they're served with Percy Street's trio of barbecue sauces on the side, and we have had actual nightmares about them being pulled from the menu. (But don't worry, this entire map isn't just fries smothered in meat — promise.)

4. Jimmy G's Steaks

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695 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 763-2495
(215) 763-2495
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This newcomer makes a very good cheesesteak, but it's hard not to notice that the place is also plastered in claims about serving "Philly's best fries." Well, we'd never want to pick just one, but they definitely earn their spot on this list. Thick and satisfying with crunchy exteriors, you can get them plain, topped with cheese, or dusted with Old Bay. (Or get them pizza-fied, if you're into that kind of thing.)

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5. Monks Belgian Cafe

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264 S 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 545-7005
(215) 545-7005
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One of the city's true bar classics, the fries here are thin (but not crunchy) and arrive looking almost tangled in their baskets, with a side of bourbon mayo. "Addictive" gets tossed around a lot, but only because it's true.

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6. American Sardine Bar

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1800 Federal St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 334-2337
(215) 334-2337
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The standard menu option here is just a huge bowl of salt and pepper fries (it really is big — it might be a mistake to order a side apiece if you go with a group), and we'd be happy enough with just that. But keep your eyes peeled for topped versions that pop up from time to time, almost always in combos you won't see anywhere else.

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7. Standard Tap

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901 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-0630
(215) 238-0630
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It's often said that Standard Tap kicked off the old gastropub trend in Philly, and surely they would never have gotten that rep without some seriously solid fries. It's not about crazy toppings or anything else here — just crisp, well-seasoned fries that are neither too thin nor too thick and compliment the burgers and other food they're served with.

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8. Jake's Sandwich Board

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122 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-0102
(215) 922-0102
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Jake's is known for some seriously over-the-top sandwich combos, so it follows that this is the place to get your fries buried under any number of delicious things. The "farm fries" come topped with meat, gravy, provolone, and bacon, which is plenty decadent. But note the "Haystack" option on the DIY menu. That's right: all of the meats, cheeses, toppings, and condiments that you can get on a sandwich, you can also get piled onto a bowl of fries. Go crazy. (NB: There's now a second location in U City.)

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9. Vedge

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1221 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 320-7500
(215) 320-7500
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The fingerling fries (a perennial entry on the restaurant's Dirt List, which otherwise is constantly changing) come tossed in a creamy Worcestershire sauce (that doesn't sound vegan, but don't worry, it is). So sure, you might choose to eat these with a fork, but they are called fries, and they are a must-eat.

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10. The Dandelion

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124 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 558-2500
(215) 558-2500
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These fries are super thick-cut, hearty, and fried crispy in tallow, which is almost enough to make us break down and call them "chips" as listed on the menu at this British-themed pub.

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11. Ishkabibble's Eatery

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337 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-4337
(215) 923-4337
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The cheese fries are a classic representation of the straight-ahead drenched-in-Cheez-Whiz form (which we are way more than OK with), and the sweet potato fries have their fair share of fans. But don't miss their signature fries, which come tangled up with grilled onions and hot peppers.

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12. Village Whiskey

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118 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1088
(215) 665-1088
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It almost feels unfair to top duck fat fries with slow-cooked short rib and beer-infused cheddar sauce, doesn't it? It sounds rich because it is, but you know you're going to order it regardless.

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13. Dock Street Brewery & Restaurant

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701 S 50th St
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 726-2337
(215) 726-2337
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This brewpub makes great regular fries and great sweet potato fries — but they're both even better when they're tossed together with crispy fried leeks. So yeah, get the trio fries.

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14. Shake Shack

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2000 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 809-1742
(215) 809-1742
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Plenty of people are rolling their eyes as they skip past this entry, but it's important to note two things: 1) The crinkle-cut fries are back, following the crash-and-burn of their earlier attempt to switch to hand-cut fries, and 2) their cheese sauce rules. The fries exist to be eaten with the cheese sauce. If you get the fries without the sauce, we cannot help you.

15. European Republic

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213 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-5500
(215) 627-5500
There are wraps and things here, but it's worth it to stop just for the classic crunchy-creamy twice-fried Belgian style frites. And of course, there's a seemingly endless list of dips to choose from. (Note: There's a second location on South Street, too.)

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16. Good Dog Bar & Restaurant

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224 S 15th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 985-9600
(215) 985-9600
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The signature fries here are a mix of sweet potato and regular fries (bonus: both really taste like what they are), and you'll hear lots of people saying they're the best sweet potato fries in the city or anywhere.

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17. Alla Spina

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1410 Mount Vernon St
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 600-0017
(215) 600-0017
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When are fries worth $16? When they're topped with short rib gravy and mozzarella curds for a Vetri-caliber Italian poutine, that's when. (The poutine toppings have cycled through a couple of different versions, but it's always good.)

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18. Commonwealth Kitchen

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8016 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19136
(267) 538-3453
(267) 538-3453
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The fries can stand alone, but the draw is the handful of variations of poutine on the menu. There's the classic; a version loaded with sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and onions; a "Texas" variation with a fried egg and shredded short rib; or a Memphis version with pulled pork and pepper jack.

19. Royal Tavern

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937 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 389-6694
(215) 389-6694
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This sibling bar to Khyber Pass Pub also does a tremendous job with fries — but while there we like them smothered, the plain skin-on fries at the Royal are an ideal match for their malt-vinegar mayo, one of our very favorite dipping sauces of all time.

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20. Blue Duck

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2859 Holme Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19152
(267) 686-4687
(267) 686-4687
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Blue Duck has made a strong case on several fronts for a trip up to the Northeast, and the fries play a big part in that argument. Go for the namesake basket of fries tumbled in duck fat and topped with smoked gouda sauce, scallions, and shredded duck.

21. Eulogy Belgian Tavern

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136 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1918
(215) 413-1918
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To many Philadelphians, Eulogy's Belgian frietjes are the gold standard — double-fried, crunchy, and substantial. Order them with mussels or on their own, but either way, don't skip the dipping sauces (Beneluxx or bourbon remoulade), which have also reached star status.

22. SouthHouse

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2535 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA
(267) 457-3682
(267) 457-3682
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A welcome addition in deep South Philly, this relaxed neighborhood bar offers creative food, plenty of vegan and gluten-free specialties, and some very satisfying spicy-sweet seasoned house fries. And for even more variety, try "the roots," a mix of fried onions and root veggies.

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23. V Street

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126 S 19th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 278-7943
(215) 278-7943
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On the dinner menu, don't miss the Peruvian fries — crunchy potato wedges topped with kicky and creamy aji amarillo sauce and sprinkled with olives, peanuts, and cilantro. A different and even spicier fry lives on the brunch menu: togarashi-spiced fries topped with scallions and served with a dipping sauce of gochujang mayo. These are fries that will appeal to everyone (as long as you can handle a little heat), but also prove there's absolutely no reason you should have to stick to plain fries just because you're vegan.

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24. Suppa

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1040 N American St Unit 1101
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 644-9324
(215) 644-9324
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Chili-lime popcorn and housemade tots vie here for a space on the side of your plate, so it might be hard to choose, but french fry fans should consider starting their meal with an order of duck poutine, dressed in duck confit, cheddar curds, and gravy.

25. The Olde Bar

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125 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 253-3777
(215) 253-3777
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Big beef-fat fries are on the menu here at the Garces Group's reinvented Bookbinder's, with theme-appropriate Old Bay mayo on the side. (Stop by during happy hour and snag an order for $5.) The substantial tallow-crisped fries also provide half the magic to a plate of fish and chips, served with malt vinegar mayo. And for an even more decadent option, spring for the Olde Bar fries, topped with crab, lobster butter, and cheese sauce made with their Dock Street oyster stout.

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26. Fourth & Cross

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1527 S 4th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 551-5200
(215) 551-5200
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There's no need for crazy toppings on the fresh-cut fries here, which are perfectly made, abundantly heaped, and paired with a garlicky sauce for dipping. And it's a good thing, because this place also makes an excellent burger, yielding an ideal version of one of the most classic pairings around.

27. Taproom on 19th

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2400 S 19th St
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(267) 687-7817
(267) 687-7817
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This low-key gem in deep South Philly does their crab fries with, you know, actual crab (not to mention cheese, fried jalapenos, and garlic), but their "upscale stoner food" credo really shines through in their mac and cheese fries, which are topped with mac and cheese and a fried egg. Whether or not that's necessary is up to you to decide (but let's face it, fries do not exist out of "necessity," but for for the pure joy and love they put out into the world).

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28. Waffles & Wedges

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1511 Pine St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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The wedges in question here are baked potato wedges, so it would be fair to ask: If they're baked, are they still fries? Answer: Irrelevant; they're tasty potatoes that you can top with just about anything you could ever want on fries (and even a few things you might never have dreamed). And then there are waffles, which can be similarly tricked out, sweet or savory.

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1. Khyber Pass Pub

56 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
We've heard the fries are good plain. We've heard the sweet potato fries are good, too. We don't know about any of that, because there is an option to have your fries topped with meaty debris gravy and smoked cheddar, and what even is the point of ordering anything else?
56 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-5888
Visit Website

2. Nick's Old Original Roast Beef

2149 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
The gold standard for gravy fries — though the topping isn't really gravy so much as it is a pile of meat substantial enough that you probably don't need to order a sandwich. (Probably, but hey, no one's stopping you.)
2149 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 463-4114
Visit Website

3. Percy Street Barbecue

900 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The BBQ fries come topped with brisket and cheese sauce, and they're served with Percy Street's trio of barbecue sauces on the side, and we have had actual nightmares about them being pulled from the menu. (But don't worry, this entire map isn't just fries smothered in meat — promise.)
900 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-8510
Visit Website

4. Jimmy G's Steaks

695 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
This newcomer makes a very good cheesesteak, but it's hard not to notice that the place is also plastered in claims about serving "Philly's best fries." Well, we'd never want to pick just one, but they definitely earn their spot on this list. Thick and satisfying with crunchy exteriors, you can get them plain, topped with cheese, or dusted with Old Bay. (Or get them pizza-fied, if you're into that kind of thing.)
695 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 763-2495
Visit Website

5. Monks Belgian Cafe

264 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
One of the city's true bar classics, the fries here are thin (but not crunchy) and arrive looking almost tangled in their baskets, with a side of bourbon mayo. "Addictive" gets tossed around a lot, but only because it's true.
264 S 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 545-7005
Visit Website

6. American Sardine Bar

1800 Federal St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
The standard menu option here is just a huge bowl of salt and pepper fries (it really is big — it might be a mistake to order a side apiece if you go with a group), and we'd be happy enough with just that. But keep your eyes peeled for topped versions that pop up from time to time, almost always in combos you won't see anywhere else.
1800 Federal St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 334-2337
Visit Website

7. Standard Tap

901 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
It's often said that Standard Tap kicked off the old gastropub trend in Philly, and surely they would never have gotten that rep without some seriously solid fries. It's not about crazy toppings or anything else here — just crisp, well-seasoned fries that are neither too thin nor too thick and compliment the burgers and other food they're served with.
901 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-0630
Visit Website

8. Jake's Sandwich Board

122 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Jake's is known for some seriously over-the-top sandwich combos, so it follows that this is the place to get your fries buried under any number of delicious things. The "farm fries" come topped with meat, gravy, provolone, and bacon, which is plenty decadent. But note the "Haystack" option on the DIY menu. That's right: all of the meats, cheeses, toppings, and condiments that you can get on a sandwich, you can also get piled onto a bowl of fries. Go crazy. (NB: There's now a second location in U City.)
122 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-0102
Visit Website

9. Vedge

1221 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The fingerling fries (a perennial entry on the restaurant's Dirt List, which otherwise is constantly changing) come tossed in a creamy Worcestershire sauce (that doesn't sound vegan, but don't worry, it is). So sure, you might choose to eat these with a fork, but they are called fries, and they are a must-eat.
1221 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 320-7500
Visit Website

10. The Dandelion

124 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
These fries are super thick-cut, hearty, and fried crispy in tallow, which is almost enough to make us break down and call them "chips" as listed on the menu at this British-themed pub.
124 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 558-2500
Visit Website

11. Ishkabibble's Eatery

337 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The cheese fries are a classic representation of the straight-ahead drenched-in-Cheez-Whiz form (which we are way more than OK with), and the sweet potato fries have their fair share of fans. But don't miss their signature fries, which come tangled up with grilled onions and hot peppers.
337 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-4337
Visit Website

12. Village Whiskey

118 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
It almost feels unfair to top duck fat fries with slow-cooked short rib and beer-infused cheddar sauce, doesn't it? It sounds rich because it is, but you know you're going to order it regardless.
118 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1088
Visit Website

13. Dock Street Brewery & Restaurant

701 S 50th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
This brewpub makes great regular fries and great sweet potato fries — but they're both even better when they're tossed together with crispy fried leeks. So yeah, get the trio fries.
701 S 50th St
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 726-2337
Visit Website

14. Shake Shack

2000 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Plenty of people are rolling their eyes as they skip past this entry, but it's important to note two things: 1) The crinkle-cut fries are back, following the crash-and-burn of their earlier attempt to switch to hand-cut fries, and 2) their cheese sauce rules. The fries exist to be eaten with the cheese sauce. If you get the fries without the sauce, we cannot help you.
2000 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 809-1742
Visit Website

15. European Republic

213 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
There are wraps and things here, but it's worth it to stop just for the classic crunchy-creamy twice-fried Belgian style frites. And of course, there's a seemingly endless list of dips to choose from. (Note: There's a second location on South Street, too.)
213 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-5500

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16. Good Dog Bar & Restaurant

224 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
The signature fries here are a mix of sweet potato and regular fries (bonus: both really taste like what they are), and you'll hear lots of people saying they're the best sweet potato fries in the city or anywhere.
224 S 15th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 985-9600
Visit Website

17. Alla Spina

1410 Mount Vernon St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
When are fries worth $16? When they're topped with short rib gravy and mozzarella curds for a Vetri-caliber Italian poutine, that's when. (The poutine toppings have cycled through a couple of different versions, but it's always good.)
1410 Mount Vernon St
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 600-0017
Visit Website

18. Commonwealth Kitchen

8016 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
The fries can stand alone, but the draw is the handful of variations of poutine on the menu. There's the classic; a version loaded with sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and onions; a "Texas" variation with a fried egg and shredded short rib; or a Memphis version with pulled pork and pepper jack.
8016 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19136
(267) 538-3453
Visit Website

19. Royal Tavern

937 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147