All french fries in St. Louis start simply: with a potato. From there, it is the skill of the chef and the preference of the customer that makes them great. They can be sliced, rippled, left in the skin, waffled or spiraled, and then heated to perfection. Personal preference determines whether you like your french fries thin or thick, rippled or smooth, in the skin or out, crispy or a baked potato consistency. Whatever your preference, savor the five best french fries available in St. Louis at these following restaurants.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

C.J. Muggs Restaurant
200 S. Central
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 727-1908
www.cjmuggs.com

Price: An order of fries comes with burgers or sandwiches starting at $7.99
Hours: Mon to Sat – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Click here for a menu.

C.J. Muggs is located in the heart of Clayton not far from some of St. Louis’ best bargain boutiques. This makes it the perfect place to drop in for a bite before or after a day of shopping. Choose the homemade fries to accompany your burger or sandwich; they are by far the best side option available. Skin on is the go-to style here, providing you with all of the great nutrients that come from a potato covering. OK, so the grease might detract most of those healthy benefits. But Muggs does this finger food right by ensuring a tasty bite every time.

Related: Best Burgers In St. Louis

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Ethyl’s Smokehouse & Saloon
8505 Veterans Memorial Parkway
O’Fallon, MO 63366
(636) 978-7755
www.ethylssmokehouse.com

Price: $2.99 steak or sweet potato fries, loaded for $6.99, with burger or meals starting at $7.99
Hours: Mon to Sat – 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Click here for a daily specials and events.

Ethyl’s steak fries are thick and wavy and always fried to perfection. These potato chunks consistently have that subtle crisp you’re looking for. Load ‘em up with a mound of cheese, bacon and sour cream. Make sure to keep a stack of napkins nearby as this makes for a messy treat. If looking for the ultimate meal, tack them onto your burger or sandwich. Use your desired dipping sauce for an extra kick to both. Although this suggestion might seem a little crazy, dip Ethyl’s fries in an order of apple sauce. The pairing is bizarre, but seen quite often among patrons at the restaurant.

Photo Credit: Fitz's

Fitz
6605 Delmar Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 726-9555
www.fitzsrootbeer.com

Price: $2.99 for an order of fries, $5.99 for kids’ meals with smiley fries for ages 10 and under
Hours: Daily – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Click here for a menu.

Fitz, located in the Delmar Loop, is famous for more than just its root beer bottled on site. It also serves up some of the most delicious food in town. Order a plate of scrumptiously seasoned fries as a plentiful side item choice with your burger or sandwich. A special plate of happiness is served with their kids’ menu items accented with smiley fries. These are circular, sliced fried potatoes with a smiley face cut out in the center. Bring the kids along because you can guarantee this fun twist to their meal will leave an empty plate.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Schlafly Tap Room
2100 Locust St
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 241-2337
www.schlafly.com

Price: Schlafly’s Tap Room Fries $5.75
Hours: Mon and Tues – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wed and Thurs – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri and Sat – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Click here for a menu.

Schlafly’s is one of the best tap room bars in the area. Every beer is better with some greasy fries alongside. Schlafly delivers with some of the tastiest fries you can find this side of the Missouri River. Fill up on a single order because that’s just about all you’ll need. Schlafly’s portions are served up very generously with skins still on. Each order is topped off with parmesan, chili garlic, spicy ketchup or green peppercorn sauce. Pick a flavor compatible with your brew.

Related: Best Bar Halls in St. Louis

Photo Credit: Trainwreck Saloon

Trainwreck Saloon
9243 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63144
(314) 962-8148
www.trainwrecksaloon.com

Price: French fries $2.99, sweet potato fries $3.99
Hours: Mon to Sat – 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Click here for a menu.

The Trainwreck Saloon in Rock Hill adds a touch of sweetness to your visit when you order the sweet potato fries. Not too soggy and not too crispy, the fries prove that Trainwreck masters a completely balanced consistency. Add the health benefits of vitamins A and C packed into sweet potatoes, and you won’t feel nearly as bad about devouring a whole order. Sweet fries not your thing? Order the regular french fries, which are equally satisfying to any taste bud. Contrary to their ironic name, your dining experience will be an overwhelmingly positive one.

Tere Scott is a freelance writer and author of e-books and two educational blogs. She loves to research information to share. She currently resides in St. Louis. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.