Potato Party
Where to Get the Most Delicious French Fries in Sarasota
French fries come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of our favorites.

Avlí Mess Hall's Greek fries
Image: Chad Spencer
Editor's note: Make sure to call or go online to check restaurant's hours and operating procedures; they may vary due to COVID-19.
Steak Fries: Alpine Steakhouse
4520 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 922-3797, alpinesteak.com
The classic thick-cut steak fries at Alpine's are a potato lover's dream. If you are really into potato wedges as opposed to fries, these are the perfect cut, and bite, for you.
Idaho Fries: Five Guys
5354 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 342-0170; 6593 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 921-1840; 8435 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton, (941) 358-7900; 6783 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, (941) 794-3700; fiveguys.com
The secret to Five Guys' irresistible fries are its hand-cut potatoes from Idaho, and the way they are prepared for frying: double-power-washed, which removes the extra starch. This leaves each fry with a perfectly crispy outside and soft potato inside, with just the right amount of finger-licking grease.
Truffle Fries: Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie
1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 487-7300; 8445 Lorraine Road, Sarasota, (941) 357-1570; libbysneighborhoodbrasserie.com
If you are looking for an elevated version of the common fast-food fry, look no further than Libby's delicious truffle fries. These thin-cut fries are tossed with truffle oil and topped with parmesan and herbs.
Crinkle Fries: Smacks Burgers & Shakes
2407 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, (941) 922-7673, geckosgrill.com
The classic crinkle-cut fry from Smacks offers just the right amount of golden crunch and deliciously flaky potato. Make sure to grab a side of Smacks sauce, perfect for endless dipping.
French Fries With Malt Aioli: Veronica Fish & Oyster
1830 Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-1342, veronicafishandoyster.com
Another elevated fry experience can be found at Veronica's thanks to its zesty malt aioli served on the side of crisp, thick-cut fries. Seasoned with sea salt, these fries make for delicious dipping, or enjoying on their own.
Urban Fries: BurgerFi
257 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, (941) 800-1800, burgerfi.com
BurgerFi uses top-notch Idaho potatoes, hand-cut and double fried in peanut oil for a richer flavor. Order the Urban Fries, a basket of freshly fried potatoes sprinkled with parmesan, herbs and topped with a creamy mayo and garlic aioli.
Shoestring Fries: The Overton
1420 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, (941) 552-6927, theoverton.com
This open-air Rosemary District restaurant is known for more than its fancy coffee and cocktails. Next time you're there, order a side of shoestring fries. These matchstick-sized potato shreds are fried in beef tallow rather than vegetable oil, giving them a richer, meaty flavor.
Classic Potato Fries: S.O.B. Burgers
5866 14th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 755-1998
While S.O.B.'s burgers are the menu's shining star (there are over 20 options), the fries are delicious enough to stand on their own. Go here if you're wanting a back-to-basics, but high-quality, fry.
Greek Fries: Avlí Mess Hall
1592 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 365-2234, avlionmain.com
This Mediterranean restaurant takes fries to a new level with quintessential Greek flavors. The restaurant's hand-cut fried are topped with fresh feta and oregano, delivering a perfect salty, tangy bite.