The history of French fries is long and convoluted, with many countries claiming to be the birthplace of this delicious and popular snack. According to one legend, French fries were first created in Belgium in the winter of 1680. The story goes that the Meuse River froze, preventing anglers from catching fish. To compensate for their lost livelihood, the fishermen cut potatoes into strips and fried them in oil. These fried potato strips were a hit and became a popular nationwide snack.

Another legend claims that French fries were first created in France during the 18th century. This story is often cited as the origin of the name “French fries,” but, likely, the name was simply a misnomer. The French word for “fry” is “frite,” so it’s possible that the name “French fries” was applied to these fried potato strips because the assumption was they were first made in France.

Regardless of their origin, French fries eventually made their way to the United States. They were first introduced to the country by Thomas Jefferson, who served them at a White House dinner in 1802. Jefferson had encountered French fries while serving as the American ambassador to France, and he was so impressed by them that he decided to introduce them to his fellow Americans.

French fries quickly became a popular snack in the United States, and they were soon served at restaurants and fast-food chains across the country. During World War I, American soldiers stationed in Belgium were introduced to the local version of French fries, which were thicker and less crispy than the American version. When these soldiers returned home after the war, they brought their love of Belgian-style French fries with them, and this helped to popularize this style of fry in the United States.

Today, French fries are among the most popular side dishes in the United States. They can be found at virtually every restaurant and fast-food chain and are often a favorite snack and popular side dish for people of all ages. There are a few reasons for this. First, French fries are simply delicious. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they have a salty, savory flavor that is hard to resist. Second, French fries are a versatile food. They can be served plain, with ketchup, mustard, or other toppings, and they can be used as a side dish or as an ingredient in other dishes. Whatever the reason, French fries are a delicious and popular food enjoyed by people all over the world. And thanks to Thomas Jefferson, they are also a beloved American food.

Here is a short list of some of Napa’s best:

Angele Restaurant and Bar: Among the many of Angele’s local (and Parisian) charms are their bistro fries. They are thinly cut, served hot and crisp with just the perfect amount of salt, a side of ketchup, and homemade mayonnaise. They are an ideal accompaniment to the Allen Brothers NY Steak with herbs de Provence and Normandy butter or a simple indulgence enjoyed on their own wrapped in paper served in a personal clay pot.

The Charter Oak: Charter Oak’s fries are hand cut, thick, fresh, and fried crisp, best enjoyed as a side to their award-winning double cheeseburger. Although these fries are pristine enough to be eaten plain, don’t miss the dip-worthy, spicy, homemade tomato ketchup served alongside. These are best enjoyed at the bar, as corkage is not charged for the first bottle of wine.

Compline Duck Fries // Photo by Madison Scarlata

Compline Restaurant & Wine Bar: Compline’s fries have been on the menu since they opened in 2017. They’re coated with a mixture of rice and wheat flour for extra crispness, then fried until golden brown in duck fat. (They render the fat from local liberty duck, provided by the fine folks at Sonoma County Poultry Co.) They’re served with house-made aioli made with local eggs and Napa grapeseed oil. Many proclaim the best wine pairing in the house is an order of duck fat fries and a glass of Champagne.

Heritage Eats: Dirty fries are a menu favorite at this globally inspired fast-casual hotspot.  Starting with a can’t-go-wrong base of thick waffle fries, the O.G. Dirty boasts a mountain of shredded carnitas with other topping options, including The Dirty Cowboy (cowboy steak), The Thai Fry (lemongrass pork and aji verde) and The Spicy Marley (spicy jerk chicken and pineapple habañero). All are coated in cheese and their famous Boom sauce, reminiscent of a smokey Thousand Island. 

Photo courtesy of Napa Palisades Saloon

Napa Palisades Saloon: One of Napa Palisades’ favorite menu items is its famous garlic fries. A zesty blend of spicy garlic, fresh herbs, and the chef’s kiss of seasoning, they’re inspired by decades of eating garlic fries at the ballpark watching Giants baseball. They make their secret garlic butter in-house with fresh garlic and parsley and toss them to order—a great accompaniment to the Flat Iron Steak with Chili Butter and Arugula.

Red Rock Café: Best known for their ‘backyard barbeque,’ Red Rock’s crispy and flavorful Sweet Potato Fries are a crowd favorite. According to their chef Saul, who has been behind the fry basket for nearly 33 years, the magic is in the fry technique. Along with knowing the right temperature and type of fry oil, he is a master at knowing when it’s just the right moment to pull something up from the fryer or leave it down a bit longer. The Sweet Potato Fries are a popular substitute for their old faithful. They’re a healthier alternative with fewer calories and many vitamins and minerals.

Small World Restaurant: A local favorite for Greek and global cuisine, Small World is best known for its wide selection of gyros, pitas, and salads. They also serve up some of Napa’s tastiest fries. The Greek Fries are medium cut, fried crisp, and presented in a plentiful mound topped with garlic, olive oil, crumbled feta cheese, Mediterranean seasoning, and a sprinkle of sweet paprika. These could be a meal on their own, but it would be a travesty not to enjoy them alongside the Lamb Gyro or Shawarma Pita.