The Local's Guide to the Best French Fries in Skaneateles

A few months ago I got into what I can only describe as a surprisingly heated debate about french fries.

I had just had what I'm pretty sure was a transcendent fry experience at Moro's and was marveling to a friend days later. My friend, unexpectedly, was a Gilda's loyalist. We did not reach consensus, but we are still friends.

Then this weekend someone else told me, with complete conviction, that Doug's has the best fries in town — especially with a little malt vinegar. While I was shocked, it made me realize something: french fry people are deeply loyal to their fry tastes, and they all have their reasons. Depending on what you like about a fry, you may never agree with me. What matters is knowing which fry is your fry, and where to get it when you need it. Here's where to find it in Skaneateles.

Moro's

If you've had a bad fry experience elsewhere and need to restore your faith, go to Moro's. These come out exactly right — crispy outside, tender inside, piping hot, no waiting around getting soggy on a plate somewhere. Simple and done well. That's the whole thing.

Gilda's

Gilda's fries have a devoted following and I understand why. They're hot and salty and crispy in a way that makes it very hard to stop eating them. The difference between Gilda's and Moro's is mostly about seasoning and about 40% about whose camp you were already in before you sat down.

Doug's Fish Fry

The local classic. Fresh-cut, thicker, served with the kind of confidence that comes from having been doing this for decades. The malt vinegar recommendation is not wrong — try it before you dismiss it. These are not trying to be elegant. They don't have to be.

Skanellus

Fair warning: if you order something at Skanellus and it comes with fries, you should just commit to eating the fries. They're good. The curly fry option is there if you're that kind of person.

Blue Water Grill

Thicker cut, always hot, reliably good. The kind of fries that work whether you're there for a casual lunch or you've accidentally ordered too many appetizers. Not the most interesting fry on this list, but the most dependable.

Elephant & Dove

You're not going to Elephant & Dove for the fries. But if you're with a kid who has decided that dinner is a negotiation and you need a reliable side that everyone will eat, they're right there. Solid. Reliable. Get the nachos too.

The Great Debate Continues

The debate is still unresolved. My friend still thinks Gilda's, I'm still Moro's. We've agreed to stop arguing about it and just occasionally visit each other's preferred spot and pretend to be open-minded. If you figure out the right answer, come find us at thegatehq.com. We're a few minutes walk from all of the above. —Lynn.