Monday, March 8, 2010

Fry bracket: VOTE IN 4 more!

The Observer's 2010 Tournament of Fries begins with the following 12 teams, chosen after weeks of sampling readers' suggested locations across the land. Don't see your favorite? That's OK, since readers get to vote in four additional teams.

Comment on this blog (only once, please!) before midnight WEDNESDAY (March 10). I'll add the top three vote-getters, plus the place that garners what I think is the most heartfelt, compelling comment. (That's to allow for a Cinderella team!)

The dozen anointed ones:

Big Daddy’s Burger Bar, 1626 East Blvd.
Cafe Monte, 6700 Fairview Road.
Comet Grill, 2224 Park Road.
Crepe Cellar, 3116 N. Davidson St.
Fran’s Filling Station, 2410 Park Road.
Lulu, 1911 Central Ave.
Matt’s Chicago Dog, 435 S. Tryon St.; 19732 One Norman Blvd., Cornelius.
Moosehead Grill, 1807 Montford Drive.
Rooster’s, 6601 Morrison Blvd.
Sub Corral, W. Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont.
Tenders, 18341 Statesville Road, Cornelius.
The Penguin, 1921 Commonwealth Ave.

You’ll notice no national chains in my dozen. I didn’t include them, seeking to emphasize our local offerings, but I’ll let the people make the call -- if you want to vote one in, so be it. Same goes for the places that sell a hybrid fry-like "home fry": If you believe it fits in a classic french fry competition, vote it in. The completed bracket will be in Friday's CLT (or maybe earlier, in this space).

Want to get a look at competitions of years past? Go here for the pizza competition of 2009 and here for wings in 2008.

347 comments:

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Anonymous said...

Zack's, Mr. K's and the sweet potato fries at the Penguin...

Anonymous said...

East Blvd Bar and Grill, best fries in Charlotte, no contest.

Anonymous said...

Common House in Plaza Midwood!

Anonymous said...

It's pretty obvious who is stuffing the ballot box. Too bad for your establishment that your fries can't get votes on their own merit.
Still I'm glad I stopped by, I've got some new places to try--and not be ballot box stuffers.

Anonymous said...

Judy says the sweet potato fries at TOPZ are amazing. They're great to eat and because they're baked and not fried, you feel great afterwards.

Anonymous said...

Alexander Michael's. Can't believe not more people have said it.

B said...

I vote NOT Skinnyz or Topz.

McDonalds.

Unknown said...

Skinnyz has the best fries. Not sure why anybody eats anywhere else, honestly. Great food, great people, great music, great entertainment. BEST fries!

Ron Sheehan

Unknown said...

South 21 (either location). Best Onion Rings hands down, but the fries are worth considering.

Anonymous said...

Tavern on the Tracks!!!! I lose this battle every weekend with my friends, but they are fresh cut, seasoned perfectly and cooked just the right amount (not everyone loves crispy fries!!).

Anonymous said...

Acropolis at the Arboretum

Anonymous said...

Jason B here..I have never in my life had a better fry than the Cajun battered fries at Skinnyz in Matthews...dipped in honey mustard..great..I loved this place from the first time I went there..Great food..great vibe..the BEST fries

Anonymous said...

COMET GRILL!!!!!!

larry from texas said...

don't mess with texas, and don't mess with skinnyz cajun fries!!!!...all the way in matthews, n.c....best i've had!!...mean it!

Anonymous said...

I didn't know subway served fries,and it is obvious that 131 main has the same person posting,so that vote should only count as 1.I personally vote for chick-fil-a waffle fries.

Anonymous said...

Les Pomme Frites at Cafe Monte are by far the best "French" fries that I have ever had in Charlotte. I tried them for the fist time last Sunday and they were delicious.
Bravo!!

fry maker said...

This doesnt count as a vote, just an opinion. I thought this was a fun contest for people to vote for "their favorite" place for french fries. Seems some folks are making ugly remarks & untrue statements about places. Too bad. May the Best Fries WIN!

Unknown said...

Have you people never had Skinny'Z cajun friez or reggie friez in Mathews, NC? What's wrong with you people?! By far the best place to eat. I live in Mobile, AL and found this great place has a gulf coast theme just like home! PERFECTION is not enough word for SKINNY'Z!

Anonymous said...

CREPE CELLAR

Stephen said...

So... I drive back and forth from VA Beach to the Gulf regularly and found Skinnyz to be the best place for the Cajun Fries that I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. I believe it to be in Matthews, NC I am coming back in a week or 2 with a big group of friends from the boat! I'm Navy by the way. Skinnyz is what I am fighting for! Oh, and freedom too!

Anonymous said...

BOJANGLES - They started in Charlotte NC!

Alabama Man said...

Best fries EVER! and to whom ever said "Don't mess withn Texas"... well sorry dude Alabama has messed with Texas and is now National Chapions! 13 strong! Who can top that?! I dare ya to try better fries than Skinny'z!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

p.s. All negative comments about Skinny'z are from losing competitors!
SKINNY'Z FTW!

Unknown said...

It's a toss up between Stool Pigeon's Mathews and Skinnyz, also in Mathews. Stool Pigeons has more traditional fries that are very good, but Skinz has such a variety, and the Cajun's are just outstanding. My vote, goes to Skinnyz.

Anonymous said...

Lulu's are THE BEST, but if I had to add another contender, I'd go with Zink.

Pilgrim Eddy said...

There's a vote? I don't recall anyone with better fries than Skinny'z. You know where it is, and I'll see you there later!

cheryl said...

Skinnyz Bar and Grille is a unique place to eat with great food, the best entertainment and special folks to get to know. Every time I've been there I knew I was going back...The Skinnyz "bashing" is what is in poor taste....the reason for so many votes is because obviously people love it.......as for me, I really love the sweet potato fries...

Finwei said...

I am voting for Skinnyz Bar and Grill for the best fries. If any of you noobs have a problem with that then meet me in Azeroth!
I'll be waiting in the realm of Mannaroth at Orgimmar Auction House while I eat these delicious Cajun battered fries!

Anonymous said...

5 Guys - Best Fries..!

Anonymous said...

Topz fries are baked!
They are so good!

The Fat Guy said...

I, being of sound mind and round body simply love the friez at Skinny'z. Always belive a fat guy when he says the food is teriffic!

Anonymous said...

Skinnyz Bar and Grill have the best Cajin Fries in town!!!!We love them..

Anonymous said...

Skinnyz....who else love the fries well all the food and great people work there!!!

Anonymous said...

anyone who doesn't say Moosehead simply has not been there and had the fries!

Anonymous said...

Nolen's Kitchen

Anonymous said...

131 Main gets my vote. Yummmmmmmm

Anonymous said...

The Penguin. 'Nuff said.

Anonymous said...

The Penguin.......If the fries there are good enough for the Food Network, they're good enough for Charlotte. They've been cooking fries there for years and know how to do it right. Close second is Zack's. Another 'establishment' in Charlotte. Try to get a seat there for lunch. If you can't you can still enjoy the fries.

Anonymous said...

Topz is the Best! Not only are the fries the best, but their veggie burgers are sweet, too!
Karen

Unknown said...

I vote for Topz. My kids decided to call them "bakies" as they are not fried. I love fries and hate the calories, their potatoes (regular and sweet) are a delicious alternative.

Anonymous said...

Skinnyz, hands down, best around

bezarsky said...

the dining experience at topz...wether chicken sandwiches or the great tasting aero fries is an experience that would turn you away from other establishments that claim the same products experiencing the same taste..topz is unique try it you will agree

Unknown said...

Bricktop's - thin, crispy and oh so delicious.

Anonymous said...

Topz healthier fries have the taste without the fat! The sweet potato fies are awesome, too.

Anonymous said...

experiencing topz knowing that the food is not just healthy but delicious makes one enjoyable experience...check out the aero fries it will keep you coming back

Anonymous said...

I'm voting 131 Main for the best fries!

Anonymous said...

I vote for TOPZ fries

Anonymous said...

Crepe Cellar-amazing!

Anonymous said...

Little Village Grill has amazing fries, and they are extra amazing if you add the seasoning they have on the counter. Great family owned neighborhood establishment, too!

Anonymous said...

Rusty's off Park Road is by far the best fries around. They always come out hot and plentiful!!!

Anonymous said...

Got to be Cardillo's Kitchen on Elm Lane. I have never eaten a better fry than there....

ArtShots said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ArtShots said...

Topz' Sweet Potato Fries are the BEST. No meal is complete without them.

Sarah G. said...

I guess just to be fair HS will just have to go and try these Skinnyz fries for herself. This is the first I've ever heard of the establishment and I live in Matthews. After reading all of these comments I'm just going to have to hop in my car and see for myself what everyone is talking about. My vote is currently for Comet Grill. Thank you,

Anonymous said...

The Little Village Grill on Trade St, near its intersection with Cedar St. has the crunchiest most delicious and unique fried in Charlotte!

Anonymous said...

Comet: best traditional french fries
Lulu: best seasoned french fries

Anonymous said...

topz..one stop shopping when fries are at the top of your list...baked sooooo good

Ween said...

Galway Hooker, HUntersville. hand cut goodness, nice 'n salty.

wilkiean said...

Galway Hooker, Huntersville

Joon said...

Y'all crazy.
Galway Hooker in Huntersville is where best fries are.

Anonymous said...

Has anybody said Galway Hooker's fries yet?

I'd stab a man for some of those.

danielle said...

Bedder Bedder and Moore, best fries in Charlotte!

Anonymous said...

We hate grease (or more accurately, it hates us). So fries are a big no-no. That is until we discovered Topz Healthier Burger Grill.

Not only are they grease-free fries, but they're baked and they're outstanding. Plain or with a dip or chili, or an equally great burger. And the best part is that all the food agrees with us - no after effects.

If you haven't tried Topz, you really don't know what you're missing.

Anonymous said...

Five Guys and Topz!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(but I will have to try some of these places that I have never heard before...)

Anonymous said...

If your looking for the best Fry's in town head over to Cardillo's Kitchen. I dont know what they do but it must be an old family recipe because there fry's are out of this world.

Anna said...

Topz's aero fries! They're addictive.

Anonymous said...

East Blvd Bar & Grill!! Hands down! How can this not be on the list?!

dharmamama said...

Penguin. Penguin, Penguin, Penguin. Hands down.

Anonymous said...

French Fries,Pizza,Chicken Wings.
Hate to tell you but it dosen't matter who YOU vote for...its BOGUS every year.
Helen will say she has been to places with votes from
readers,sadly,even if she has not.
The places that win are the one she favors and it has nothing to do with the best tasting anything.

Anonymous said...

I vote for the fresh cut fries at Zink American Kitchen. They are fabulous!

Anonymous said...

131 Main!

Anonymous said...

Cardillo's is the best !!!! Come by and try a few, you will see !!!!

Anonymous said...

Hands down Cardillo's Kitchen has the best fries in town. It must be that super-secret seasoning they put on them. Or it must be that they are always delivered to the table with a smile. Or it must be that every bite takes me back home to my favorite deli in Jersey. No, I got it, it's all of the above! Cardillo's Kitchen gets my vote!

Anonymous said...

Topz Healthier Burger Grill has fries that just taste good.

Daun said...

I have already voted for Skinnyz so this vote does not count. I have read the comments that other have wrote and feel the need to respond. I voted for Skinnyz because I truly feel they have a great staff, delicious food, a wonderful atmosphere, and the BEST FRIES! There seem to be a lot of votes because people (like myself) LOVE the place. If you live in Matthews and never been there maybe YOU should try it too! I happen to think it is worth the drive. www.skinnyz.com

Anonymous said...

I think Topz should be considered - they are air baked so they are better for you and they still taste great!

Anonymous said...

Penguin! Love those sweet potato fries.

Anonymous said...

My vote goes to Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill. Their fries are awesome!

Anonymous said...

I'm partial to Angry Ale's hand-cut fries. I'd rather have fresh fries any day!!!

Anonymous said...

If you like fries, then Zink. is the place. Hand-cut with fresh herbs, parmesan cheese and truffle oil. Can you say yum!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Comet Grille! All the way baby! Great pasta salad too!

Anonymous said...

LuLu's Fries are not only THE BEST, but they are LUCKY FRIES, after my last serving there I won the lottery.
Try it, it really works!

Shannon said...

Skinnyz Bar and Grille, Matthews, NC has the greatest cajun fries I've ever had =) go great with their blackend grouper!

Miked said...

waffle house fries covered in pancake syrup...oh yeah!!!!

Anonymous said...

I heart Five Guys! Those fries rock!!! Five Guys all the way!

Anonymous said...

This is ridic! ...how many of these votes are coming from owners, employees and friends of some of these places.

Frankly anywhere that has sweet potato fries has my vote.

K said...

Thomas Street Tavern - perfect fries to go with a perfect pint!

Ed Gonzalez said...

The envelope please... Lulu's hands down. Do yourself a favor and drop by tonight, you will love everything!

Anonymous said...

Cardillo's......the best fries in town. Great place to eat, great location and great people...

Anonymous said...

Braswell's on Montford, dipped in ranch!

jimmyboy said...

I think it is sad that someone would have such culinary myopia as to vote for McDonald's as having the best french fries......Really?

Anonymous said...

CREPE CELLAR. It's hard to imagine crepes and fries but it works there. Delish.

Anonymous said...

The best fries in town - Cardillo's Kitchen in Camfield Corners Shopping Center on Elm Lane - great people, great food, the BEST fries!!

Anonymous said...

Any Five Guys and their cajun spiced fries cooked in peanut oil.

Anonymous said...

Comet Grill's fries... and throw a burger on the side please!

Anonymous said...

I vote for Lulu. Great fries and so much more.

Cheryl said...

Lulu's fries are amazing! It doesn't get any better...

Anonymous said...

Crepe Cellar, brie pesto fries, are the best fries I have ever tasted. You have to try if you haven't yet.

Anonymous said...

Cardillos have the best

Anonymous said...

LULU---hands down---the rest are shall we say, a drop in the old greese bucket

Anonymous said...

Comet Grill - end of story.

Beth said...

Cardillo's Kitchen - best tasting fries around. YUMMY!!

Anonymous said...

Hands down...CARDILLO's in Camfield Corner Shopping Center. Secret spices make them "Out of this World".

Critsey Rowe said...

LuLu's!! By far has the best fries in Charlotte.

cutty ian said...

Galway Hooker in Huntersville onlee plz k thx

Anonymous said...

Bricktops has the world's best fries! From that list, I would say Big Daddy's sweet potato fries.

Anonymous said...

Rusty's have the best fries around!

Anonymous said...

Topz fries are outstanding. Hard to believe they aren't fried.

Anonymous said...

Lulu's the best!

Anonymous said...

Love LULU'S!!!

Anonymous said...

I would have to say that Fosters Grille in concord has the BEST fries in town!! No comparison!

Anonymous said...

"LuLu" has hands down the very best fries - not to mention the killer dipping sauces! Seriously addictive.

Sandra Barrow said...

Lulu's are the best! You have to try the goat cheese aioli dipping sauce with the fries mmmmm yum! The best!

Anonymous said...

Topz regualr fries are yummy

Anonymous said...

Comet Grill without a doubt. No contest.

Anonymous said...

Crepe Cellar. Pesto brie french fries. AMAZING!

mpetty said...

Cardillo's Kitchen has the best fries in Charlotte. I make sure I go there everytime I'm in the area, and the NJ memorabilia, brings back good memories from back home.

Anonymous said...

OMG, Cardillo's Kitchen has the best with their "special seasoning"

Anonymous said...

Lulu's-WOW! Where'd they get those cones? Is that French? Then they've got the real French fries!And what gives them that great flavor? - It's probably a house secret.Lulu gets my vote.

Anonymous said...

FOSTERS GRILLE has the most amazing fries!! they are fresh cut and they are always made just right, just the way i like them!

Anonymous said...

The fries at TOPZ are the best in town!

Anonymous said...

I like Foster's Grill - I agree with the person who picked their fries. They are cut fresh and very good - not soggy like Five Guys. I'm not sure if there's more than one in Charlotte, but I go to the one beside Auto Bell - across the street from Concord Mills.

Anonymous said...

Yes - Foster's Grill is very good. I like how all of the sandwiches come with fries and drinks - very reasonable prices - AND the fries are my favorite in the Charlotte area.

Anonymous said...

Foster's Grille has the best fries around! We LOVE them!!!

Matt said...

Matt
Cardillos has the authentic New York fries even though
Degoils are all from NJ and the Island! The "fryalistic" atmosphere of this New York style cafe is what makes the fries taste so good and yes you can get a black and white cookie to chase the fries down. You want Fries go to Cardillos!

Anonymous said...

My vote for Best Fries in Charlotte is CARDILLO'S KITCHEN in Camfield Corners in South Charlotte. It is a wonderful dining spot with great food and good service. The fries always hit the spot. I recommend that everyone should try them!

Mary Fiorillo said...

Lulu's!!! crispy on the outside, salty, and beautiful presentation!!!

Domaine Staging said...

LuLus. Perfectly done to a crisp and the presentation is beautiful

Anonymous said...

Topz is tops

Anonymous said...

Topz is the place for fries in Charlotte. Eat some.

Anonymous said...

Topz Burger has awesome healthier fries because they are baked. Be nice to see a healthier option in the list of candidates. And they actually are good fries! thanks.

hello said...

East Blvd. Bar & Grill's "fries" are a FROZEN FOOD SERVICE PRODUCT.

Katie Benston said...

We have brunch at Nolen Kitchen every Sunday, and each week, someone in the family has to order something that comes with fries. They are thin, hot, perfectly cooked, dusted with fresh Parmesan and a tiny smattering of chives. They are worth skipping a salad for.

Anonymous said...

Skinnyz has the best seasoned firez around!!

Scott S.

Anonymous said...

East Boulevard Bar & Grill - Round fries and new sweet potato fries! They are the best!

Anonymous said...

Skinnyz for friezzzz. Good stuff and good people!!

Scott and Ragan

Kathy and Mark said...

Cardillos Kitchen has the VERY BEST fries in town -- they come HOT to your table every time. Crispy and plenty of them. Can't beat'em!! Just try these fries!

Melody Norris said...

I vote for Skinnyz Bar & Grill in Matthews (Stallings)! They have the best cajun dipped fries ever!!

Anonymous said...

131 MAIN!!! Only a few has had Tenders, everyone loves the MAIN!

Anonymous said...

Topz fries are REALLY good. Healthier too. ( but when I throw the yummy garlic ketchup on top of them it probably negates that!)

Anonymous said...

I love Tender's fries!

Anonymous said...

Another vote for adding Little Village Grill on Trade Steet... great fries !!!

Anonymous said...

topz..gives you a reason to get in the car to get some tasty quality food.how can something taste so good and be healthy at the same time.

Anonymous said...

cardillo's!

Anonymous said...

I recommend Topz, the Healthier Burger Grill. The fries are not actually fried but air "fried" yet they taste great and I can feel good eating them...not only because they are healthier but because I don't get that sick feeling from all the grease.

Maureen said...

Big Daddy's!!!!!!!!1

Anonymous said...

hands down! CREPE CELLAR

Anonymous said...

Definitly Cafe Montes!

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