Burgers go best with a side of fries. But news flash: French fries are also the perfect stand-alone. Extra-crisp edges, soft centers, and the impeccable balance of salty and savory easily make this food loved by all. From Wynwood to West Kendall, some local restaurants that have transformed the otherwise traditional fry formula into inventive versions of America’s favorite potato sticks. At these spots, fries aren’t the long-forgotten (yet devoted) sidekick; they're the buzzing main attraction. So eat 'em how you like — dipped in ketchup, smothered in cheese, tossed in garlic, or deep-fried in duck fat. Below are ten of the best French fries sizzling up the Magic City. All are worth every single calorie. But then again, who’s counting?

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Courtesy of Toro Toro

10. Yuca fries at Toro Toro
There’s no denying that Miamians love their pan-Latin cuisine. And when a craving for flavorful South and Central American fare strikes, a trip to the InterContinental’s hotel eatery is at the top of the list. Toro Toro dishes out a can’t-miss rendition of ultra-crisp yuca fries ($8), which are just the right thickness to satisfy any hankering for starches. Olive oil, vinegar, lemon, garlic, and a dusting of fresh herbs complete this beloved street-food staple.

Courtesy of Wynwood Diner

9. Truffle fries at Wynwood Diner
Offered smack dab in the heart of Miami's art district on NW Second Avenue, Wynwood Diner’s plate of crisp potatoes is everything you love about truffle fries without the overpowering flavor. Go to fry heaven when you try these golden treats tossed in truffle oil, salt, and chopped parsley, with a final topping of rich, creamy mornay sauce. Wynwood Diner does simple American food exceptionally well, all in a retro-chic setting.

Courtesy of Bourbon Steak

8. Trio of duck-fat fries at Bourbon Steak
At Bourbon Steak, experience a ménage à trois — one dish three ways. Leave your weaknesses and inhibitions at the door of Michael Mina's legendary restaurant and give into one of many sinful creations, the trio of duck-fat fries ($5), twice-fried in duck fat. The masterfully seasoned fries come in three styles, each with a different dipping sauce, such as spicy ketchup, smoked barbecue, and sour cream. Combine these spuds with a gorgeous bone-in rib eye, and you can't do better.

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Courtesy of Quality Meats

7. Parmesan waffle fries at Quality Meats
South Beach's Quality Meats is known for quite a few things: large cuts of meat, hearty dishes, decadent desserts, and an extensive wine menu. But it’s also known for the fries — particularly the Parmesan waffle fries ($11). This jazzed-up version is served hot, crisp, and highly addictive. Alan Stillman, founder of New York’s original Smith & Wollensky; son Michael Stillman of Fourth Wall Restaurants; partner-chef Craig Koketsu; and executive chef Patrick Rebholz know what they’re doing.

Courtesy of Kush

6. Sweet potato fries at Kush
Craft beer shines at Kush. And just like its selection of brews, everything else here is also high-quality, including the food. The sweet potato fries are no exception. Bite into gently crisp, well-seasoned morsels of golden goodness. Favorite menu items from Kush’s older sibling, Lokal, also pop up on the menu, such as mouthwatering burgers made from Sumterville grass-fed beef, a chicken-and-waffle sandwich, and alligator bites. But if all else fails, stick to the basics: beer and fries.

Courtesy of MC Kitchen

5. Aspen’s famous truffle fries at MC Kitchen
Located in the Design District, MC Kitchen may be known for its elevated, modern take on Italian fare by chef Dena Marino, but don’t sleep on those Aspen truffle fries ($14), served with brown truffle gravy. A celebrated recipe Marino brought from her time in Aspen, it is indeed worthy of sharing — but you won’t. It’s fine to pair the fries with delightful soups, pastas, or panini. Just be sure to leave some room for Italian desserts like the roasted green apple crostata ($14), with Point Reyes blue cheese, candied pecans, and caramel gelato. 

Courtesy of Burger Beast

4. Disco fries at the Local Craft Food & Drink
The late-night crowd's favorite item is the dish dubbed "disco fries" ($9) at the Local Craft Food & Drink in Coral Gables. Here, a bowl of fries comes with Miami Smokers’ bacon gravy and house-made American cheese whiz. Skip the ketchup. Don’t make your own pink sauce. Everything you need can be found in that single disco-loving bowl. It’s best enjoyed with one (or two) of the Local’s many domestic and imported craft brews.

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Courtesy of Blue Collar

3. French fries at Blue Collar
If you're in the MiMo District, the overwhelming scent of homemade fries will eventually be too much for you to handle. Don't resist. Let your nose guide you to Blue Collar, which keeps it casual with a coveted menu of comfort-food faves like burgers, ribs, jambalaya, and, of course, fries. Freshly cut, perfectly crisp, and lightly salted — there's nothing more to 'em, and that's what makes these bad boys soar. Waffle-cut sweet potato fries are also available.

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Courtesy of Pincho Factory

2. Cajun fries at Pincho Factory
This always-poppin' fast-casual burger spot recognizes that sometimes seasoning is all you need to take simple fries up a notch. Prime example: the fried potato smashers that feature just the right amount of Cajun seasoning and grilled onions. Add drizzles of Pincho Factory’s secret pink sauce, and you have yourself a winner, winner fries dinner. In addition to offering Cajun fries ($3.99), Pincho Factory also serves some mean sweet potato tots ($4.49) and bacon cheddar ranch fries ($4.49). Take your pick.

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Courtesy of Finka Table & Tap

1. Kimchee shoestring fries at Finka Table & Tap
Korean, Cuban, and Peruvian come together in a cozy gastropub that boasts a big helping of irresistible fries you’ve probably never tried.  Kimchee shoestring fries ($8) in a skillet are blanketed with vaca frita, spicy mayo, pico de gallo, and melted queso blanco. The inventive dish sounds too good to be true — as with all otherworldly creations at Finka— but Miamians near and far agree it's worth the trek to West Kendall.

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