California-born fast food chain dominates national french fry rankings: ‘They don’t skimp’

They’re hot to tot.

When one pictures the best fast food fries in the US, they might imagine McDonald’s or another multinational burger chain.

However, the nation’s tastiest potato sticks are allegedly served at — wait for it — homegrown California Tex-Mex chain Del Taco, at least according to USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for 2026.

They were reportedly crowned by site editors and a “panel of French fry fanatics,” before the publication’s readers voted on their favorites.

After all, who better to decide than Americans, who devour “nearly 30 pounds of french fries a year,” according to Nat Geo.

Indeed, while known for its affordable and fast Mexican items such as burritos, Del Taco’s classic, crinkle-cut fries are the real standout, according to customers.

The squiggly snack — which are available plain or slathered with cheese and chili, carnitas, or carne asada — are prized for their ability to retain their saltiness and crispiness unlike many of their soggy counterparts, the Tasting Table reported.

Plus, Del Taco’s not stingy with the serving size of this accordion-shaped appetizer. “One thing I love about Del Taco is they don’t skimp on the fries, even for a small,” exclaimed one devotee on Facebook.

In fact, this burrito merchant beat out big-name spud merchants McDonald’s (4th) and Five Guy’s peanut oil-baptized offerings (6th).

Meanwhile, the Golden State’s marquee burger purveyor, In-N-Out, placed 10th when it came to dunking potato wisps in the deep-frier.

Del Taco wasn’t a one-hit wonder, either.

They were also named the US’ Best Fast Food Chain by USA Today Readers, eclipsing country’s Tex-Mex titan Taco Bell, which placed sixth.

Many online fans called the California chain light years better than the latter, whose re has been understandably tarnished by its association with the diarrhea-inducing Cyclospora outbreak.

“Once I tried Del Taco, I’ve never gone back to Taco Bell once,” raved one fan on Reddit.

Meanwhile, one nostalgic Golden State emigre fawned, “Del Taco is amazing and one of the few things I miss since I left California.”

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