Once upon a sizzle, back when fries had real flavour and weren’t afraid to strut their golden crunch, a secret whispered through greasy diner air—beef tallow.
That’s right, before vegetable oils took over the fry game, this classic culinary fat was the magic behind every bite that snapped and melted in your mouth.
Fast forward to today, and while most places have ditched tradition, a handful of brave kitchens still carry the torch. In a world of bland and soggy, these 10 spots are crispy rebels, frying up fries the old-school way—with soul, sass, and a whole lot of tallow.
1. Smith & Wollensky – New York, NY
How about a steak with those fries? At Smith & Wollensky in New York, the fries are the star, cooked to golden perfection in beef tallow.
Ever crunchy, never greasy, they’re a nod to old-school flavor. Pair with a classic Manhattan cocktail for a true NYC experience.
2. Bull & Bear Steakhouse – Orlando, FL
What if I told you that Orlando’s Bull & Bear isn’t just about steaks? Their beef tallow fries have a cult following!
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these fries are a magical accompaniment to any dish. Try them with truffle salt for an unforgettable twist.
3. Joe Beef – Montreal, QC
Where can you find fries so good they deserve their own fan club? Joe Beef in Montreal! Fat from beef tallow gives these fries a rich, savory depth that’s pure indulgence.
Paired with their famous rib steak, it’s a meal to remember in a city known for culinary delights.
4. Hawksmoor – London, UK
London calls with a crunch! Hawksmoor serves up fries that are more than a side—they’re a sensation. Cooked in beef tallow, they’re the crispy dream you didn’t know you needed.
Perfect with a Sunday roast or a pint of British ale, these fries are quintessentially British.
5. Au Cheval – Chicago, IL
Ever dream of a fry that’s crispy outside, soft inside? Au Cheval in Chicago has mastered this art. Their beef tallow fries are legendary, served with a side of ambiance that’s quintessentially Chicagoan.
Pair them with their famous cheeseburger for a meal that’s pure magic.
6. Balthazar – New York, NY
If classic French bistros tickle your fancy, Balthazar’s beef tallow fries will do the trick. They’re crispy, delightful, and a perfect match for any Parisian-inspired dish.
Located in the heart of New York, it’s fries with a side of Big Apple charm.
7. The Breslin – New York, NY
Hungry for a fry adventure? The Breslin’s beef tallow fries in New York promise a taste explosion. They’re crispy, savory, and an ode to traditional cooking.
Wonderful alongside their famous lamb burger, these fries are a must-try for any fry enthusiast.
8. Peter Luger Steak House – Brooklyn, NY
However you like your steak, Peter Luger in Brooklyn ensures fries that steal the show. Cooked in beef tallow, they’re a crispy, fluffy delight with a legendary reputation.
A sprinkle of salt, and they’re ready to dance on your taste buds.
9. Holeman & Finch Public House – Atlanta, GA
Stepping into Holeman & Finch Public House is like embarking on a gastronomic adventure. Known for their dedication to quality, this Atlanta gem is famed for its twice-cooked beef tallow fries.
The fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with house-made ketchup, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
10. Eleven Madison Park – New York, NY
Eleven Madison Park in New York presents fries that are a work of art. Cooked in beef tallow, they offer a luxurious crunch that complements the restaurant’s gourmet offerings.
It’s not just a side dish; it’s a masterpiece on a plate.