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Best Places For French Fries In Orange County

No longer a mere side dish, many Orange County eating establishments give French fries top billing on their menus. OC chefs take the noble spud seriously and, in one case, spend days getting their fries just right. It's easy to see the European influences on how these fries are prepared and served. Some establishments even provide house-made ketchups and dipping sauces for their creations. No matter if you like them smothered or simply seasoned, these fries are worth more than just a look.

Haven Gastropub
190 S. Glassell St.
Old Towne Orange, CA 92866
(714) 221-0680
www.havengastropub.com

After opening their doors in September 2009, Haven Gastropub made their mark on the OC, especially when it comes to French fries. Their house-cut pommes frites are garnished with fresh herbs and served with house-made ketchup. A pile of pommes frites goes well with the Haven or lamb burgers and the current rotation of craft beers. The vegetarian fries are dairy-free and gluten-free as are the house-made potato chips, which are soaked in beer, fresh herbs and garlic aioli. Haven Gastropub also serves up delicious truffle fries for lunch, dinner and on their late night menu. The fries are served with house-made sel gris truffle salt and garlic aioli.

Deemer's American Grill
27221 La Paz Road Suite. E
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 425-8770
www.deemersgrill.com

Calling his establishment a modern-day roadside diner, Chef Kevin Deemer's garlic fries attract lots of attention. Tossed in garlic butter and parsley, these fries complement their Angus beef burgers and their chicken and savory sandwiches. Deemer's also serves salted, Cajun and chili fries as well, which pair off nicely with the burger of the month. Deemer's American Grill is open daily and offers indoor and patio seating.

The Corner
8961 Adams Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 968-6800
www.thecornerhb.com

Like fine wine, The Corner will sell no fries before their time. This chef-owned and operated bar/restaurant serves "48-hour fries," which are prepared through an established, multi-step process. Served with housemade ketchup, they are also gluten-free and prepared with vegetarian ingredients. The Corner's menu includes such fare as heirloom tomato tar tar and red-wine braised short ribs. Everything goes well, of course, with the Corner's selection of classic cocktails, wine and beer.

Brussels Bistro
222 Forest Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 376-7955
www.brusselsbistro.com

Brussels Bistro earns compliments for their Cornet de frites, a portion of their Belgian fries served with housemade dipping sauces. For $26 every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, visitors can even enjoy all-you-can-eat mussels and fries; Belgian beer on tap or a glass of house wine is included in the cost. Executive Chef, Thomas Crijns also creates other menu items designed to bring a taste of Belgium to the OC. Those fries could, for example, go nicely with a 10-ounce gruyere burger, steak de boeuf grille or a roasted half chicken.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Steven Bryan calls Irvine, California his home. A freelance writer for more than 20 years, he has interviewed a wide range of notable celebrities, including a variety of up-and-coming musicians and artists as well. Passionate about movies and comic books, he also makes an annual pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic-Con.
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