Considering two of Pittsburgh’s most iconic dishes (the “Pittsburgh Salad” and the Primanti Brothers sandwich) are topped with French Fries, it would be accurate to call Pittsburgh a French Fry town.
And while we have no complaints with McDonalds or Five Guys fries (what’s good is good!), we also know that Pittsburgh has some world-class fry establishments in nearly every neighborhood of the city. For your munching pleasure, we have rounded up nine of our favorite fry spots around town for the “Ultimate Pittsburgh French Fry Road Trip.”
If you like this post, be sure to check out our Doughnut, Pierogi, Ice Cream, Pizza, and Pancake road trips.
We want to see your French Fries! If you go on the French Fry road trip, tag all of your pictures with #goodfoodpgh and @goodfoodpgh.
How To Take The Ultimate Pittsburgh French Fry Road Trip:
Stop 1: Point Brugge/Park Bruges/Brugge on North
Point Breeze/Highland Park/Northside
There are few dishes in Pittsburgh quite as craveable as the Moules Frites at all the Brugge restaurants. Served with a pound and a half of salty mussels, these fries are perfect for swirling in the leftover sauce at the bottom of your bowl. Each Brugge location serves a different selection of mussel sauces, but our favorites include: Classic White Wine, Red Curry, and Prosciutto. These fries are also delicious with a side of creamy mayonnaise. P.S. Don’t leave a Brugge restaurant without ordering a slice of their famous chocolate cake!
Stop 2: D’s Six Pax and Dogz
Regent Square
In addition to funky hot dogs toppings and thousands of beers, D’s Six Pax and Dogz in Regent Square is known for their “handfuls” of fries. When you’re craving only a few crunchy fries, D’s can hook you up with a “handful” for just $1.50. While they are delicious plain, you can also top D’s fries with items like cheese, chili, bacon, ranch, and avocado.
D’s Six Pax and Dogz (1118 S Braddock Ave)
Stop 3: BRGR
East Liberty/Downtown/South Hills
It’s hard to think of fries in Pittsburgh without picturing BRGR’s crispy fries and cheese whiz. These fries are available with a variety of toppings, including their famous parmesan & herb rub, and highly-addicting truffle cheese whiz. Paired with one of BRGR’s decadent shakes and hearty burgers, this is a perfect Pittsburgh meal.
BRGR (Multiple Locations)
Stop 4: Butterjoint
Oakland
Butterjoint’s duck-fat French Fries are one of the worst-kept secrets in Pittsburgh. Fry fans across the city know that when you’re craving an indulgent batch of fries, there is no place like Butterjoint. These shimmering duck-fat fries are always served with a side of housemade aioli. We recommend pairing them with a “Fancy Burger” and stiff cocktail from Butterjoint’s phenomenal drink menu.
Legume/Butterjoint (214 N Craig St)
Stop 5: Primanti Brothers
The Strip District
You can’t mention French Fries in Pittsburgh without a nod to the city’s most famous sandwich shop, Primanti Brothers. While Primantis offers a decidedly no-frill French Fry experience (no duck-fat or truffle cheese whiz here), you can’t deny that Primanti’s fries helped put Pittsburgh on the map. Don’t worry about actually ordering fries at Primantis – they come on top (and on the side) of everything on the menu.
Primanti Brothers (Multiple Locations)
Stop 6: Kaya
The Strip District
We’re pretty convinced that Kaya has cracked the code on the perfect sweet potato fry. When paired with their Yucatan Hot Bean Dip, or crunchy Cuban Sandwich, there is no doubt that these are some of the best fries in Pittsburgh. Stop by during their happy hour (4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. Monday – Friday) to enjoy the fries with a half-off cocktail or glass of wine.
Kaya (2000 Smallman St)
Stop 7: Pub Chip Shop
South Side
Don’t call them fries – call them chips! Since The Pub Chip Shop opened in 2013, this British-style chip shop has been the go-to spot in Pittsburgh for English classics like fish ‘n’ chips, baps, pasties, and pies.With over half a dozen dipping sauces, there plenty of options to pair with your crispy, freshly-fried chips. The shop opens at 6:00 A.M. every of the week, and is perfect for the early-morning crowd. They also house the pop-up donut shop “Just Good Donuts” every morning from 6:00 A.M. until the donuts run out!
Pub Chip Shop (1830 E Carson St)
Stop 8: Wingharts
Downtown/South Side
Wingharts regulars swear by the restaurant’s fries. While they are known for their wings, burgers, and whiskey, Wingharts also has some pretty legendary fries. Topping options include:
loaded baked potato, white truffle aioli, dude ranch, mojo seasoning, and cajun. Even ordered plain, these fries will satisfy any fry-related craving.
Wingharts (Multiple Locations)
Stop 9: The Potato Patch
Kennywood (West Mifflin)
Second only to Primanti Brothers, Kennywood’s Potato Patch fries are without a doubt some of the most iconic French Fries in Pittsburgh. For many people, summer doesn’t actually begin until you’re at Kennywood park, devouring a mountain of fries coated in nacho cheese and bacon bits. The line for Potato Patch fries is comparable to many of the rides, so no matter the time of year, be prepared to wait for your fries. (It’s worth it!)
Kennywood Park (4800 Kennywood Blvd)
Abbey on Butler curry fries!
What about “the O” ?!?
Where else can you get a tray of fries with side of gravy til 2 am? Sooo good-
The Park House in Millvale has the best French fries I’ve ever had!
Pretty solid list my only minor complaint/addition would be the fries from Provision in the Federal Galley. Both the Provision Fries and the “side” of fries (which is really a plate) are fantastic and you don’t see many other places in the burgh triple frying their spuds.
The Pittsburgh Sandwich Society food truck needs to be on this list! Third loaded fries are to die for….well worth the “trouble” of finding the truck on a daily basis!!!!