More fries, please: 17 reader picks for fried potato sides at Wilmington area restaurants

We received more than 2,500 votes for the StarNews readers' poll asking who has the best fries in the Wilmington area. And even though we compiled a list of 26 contenders for which restaurants could, possibly, have the best french fries in the Wilmington area, readers had more ideas.

We love that! So we’re sharing those top picks for the ultimate side dish. They’ve come from emails, comments on social media, and maybe a few conversations. (Perhaps the original list should have had 43 entries? Or at least more crinkle-cut options?) Here's a look.

THE WINNER OF THE POLL: This Wilmington-area restaurant has the best fries, according to StarNews readers

AB Food Mart & Grill: One reader told us about this spot in Willard, in western Pender County. It's an old-school grill that they say has some of the best hamburger and fries around.

Angus Grill: This restaurant, which has two Wilmington locations, has lots of options for sides, including signature sweet potato fries. But the traditional french fries are crispy brown on the outside, and soft and tasty inside.

Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill: On the water on a barge, in downtown Wilmington, people love this floating restaurant’s crinkle cut options (available with or without toppings). Their sister restaurant, Prost, was also on our original list.

More: This Wilmington-area restaurant has the best burgers, according to StarNews readers

Beat Street Street Food: In Wilmington’s Cargo District, this restaurant from the We Are True Blue group has a variety of tacos, burgers and burritos on the menu, as well fries and cheese fries to go with them.

Brasserie du Soleil: They’re kind of the same, but pommes frites feel a little fancier, right? At this restaurant in Lumina Station near Wrightsville Beach, they’re thin, crispy, and perfect with a glass of wine or champagne.   

CAM Café: Inside the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, this restaurant is worth seeking out for a variety of artfully prepared food, including hand-cut Russett potato fries, with parmesan and comeback sauce.

Far From France Bakery and Bistro: As you might expect from a French restaurant, you can find matchstick style frites served alongside mussels and steak. It’s at The Pointe at Barclay shopping center in Wilmington.

Fish House Grill: For fries with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway -- and seasoned lemon pepper -- one reader swears by this restaurant near Wrightsville Beach. They come with a variety of po' boys and burgers.

Fox's Hole in the Wall: On Princess Street in downtown Wilmington, this "watering hole and dining saloon" has a menu of classic -- but hefty and extravagant -- sandwiches. You can also add a side of their garlic parmesan curly fries.

Katy’s Bar and Grill: Who knows how many baskets of crispy, salty fries have been served at this hangout, which was established in 1983 on College Road in Wilmington?

Merritt’s Burger House: "They do old school right," said one reader. This drive-in on Carolina Beach Road has been in business since 1960 serving burgers (or course) as well as other sandwiches, platters and crinkle-cut fries.

Mission BBQ: In University Commons shopping center, this chain restaurant offers a variety of traditional comfort sides, but one reader said these fresh-cut fries their favorite in town.

The Original Salt Works: Count another few votes for crinkle cut fries, especially those served here. This restaurant is a longtime classic local eatery, located on Oleander Drive near Bradley Creek.

More: 9 reader-recommended, hidden-gem burgers in the Wilmington area

Smoke on the Water: In Wilmington's Riverlights community, this restaurant on the Cape Fear recently revamped their menu. It includes fresh, hand-cut fries, available as a side or with extra toppings.

Sub Stop: Another one of the area's oldest restaurants also serves a great fry. The sandwich shop offers them crinkle cut and they can be ordered with house-made ranch dressing.

Tidewater Oyster Bar: In the Porters Neck area, this spot is well-known for local oysters and seafood. One reader said you should add a side of these lemon pepper seasoned fries when you go.

White Front Breakfast House: As the name implies, you can get a variety of morning time fare at this restaurant at the corner of Market and South 16th streets in downtown Wilmington. But they're also known for burgers, pita wraps and (of course) fries.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Recommendations for the best french fries at Wilmington, NC, restaurants