Boulder’s Best French Fries: 7 Golden Spots Worth the Indulgence
French fries: the ultimate comfort food. In Boulder, they’re more than just a side — they’re a statement. From duck-fat delicacies to beef-tallow classics, the fries in this city are something special. Based on rave reviews and real flavor, here are seven of the best spots in Boulder to grab French fries that go way beyond average.
1. Wild Pastures Burger
Wild Pastures is turning heads by frying their potatoes in beef tallow, delivering a rich, nostalgic crunch that’s impossible to ignore. The fries are crisped to golden perfection and make an ideal companion to their grass-fed burgers.
2. Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
This Boulder favorite is known for thick, hand-cut fries served piping hot and perfectly seasoned. You might even get a complimentary bowl while you wait for your meal — a customer-loved tradition. Their generous portions and local pub vibe make them a standout.
3. Ruthies Boardwalk Social
Located at Rosetta Hall, Ruthies is famous for grilled cheese sandwiches — but their fries are show-stealers. Always crisp and made fresh, they’re perfect for dipping into house-made sauces or devouring straight from the basket.
4. The Hungry Toad
British pub fare meets classic American fries. The Hungry Toad’s fries are rustic, hearty, and fried to a golden crisp. Ideal for pairing with their fish and chips or a Boulder-brewed beer.
5. The Post Chicken & Beer
The fries here are thin, crispy, and lightly salted — ideal for snacking between bites of their signature fried chicken. With an easygoing atmosphere and rave reviews, this spot earns its place on any fry lover’s list.
6. Boulder Swim Club
This upscale lounge fries their potatoes in duck fat, producing a bold, savory flavor that elevates their fries into gourmet territory. Rich, crispy, and indulgent — this is where luxury meets comfort food.
7. Birdcall
Birdcall’s fries are simple but consistently excellent. Lightly salted and always crispy, they’re a great sidekick to their all-natural chicken sandwiches — and a favorite for anyone craving straightforward, satisfying spuds.
From thick-cut to gourmet, Boulder’s French fry scene proves that sometimes the side dish really does steal the show. If you’re exploring the city’s food scene, you’ll find more mouthwatering highlights throughout this local guide.
Curious about how fries became such a worldwide sensation? Check out the history of French fries. And if you’re watching your salt, here’s what the CDC recommends for sodium intake while still enjoying your favorites.