Potato Heaven: Where To Find The Absolute Best French Fries In Montana

There are few things in life more delicious than perfectly crisp, fried potatoes. French fries are loved by young and old, and can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. REALLY good French fries are more difficult to find than you think, but Montana has plenty of high quality options. According to local Montanans, here are several places to find the best French fries in Montana.

Why are French fries so loved? Salty, crispy, golden fried goodness. It's a classic treat that even vegans can enjoy in almost every case. (There are a few chains that oddly add beef fat to their mix, so they're out. But most restaurants choose some variety of oil that passes the vegan test.)

Where can you find the best French fries in all of Montana? We put the question to the locals - always the best method - and came up with an interesting list from across the entire state. NOTE: We've been to most of these recommended places for French fries, but there are a few we have not. We'll have to trust the mighty opinions of those who chimed in.

Maverick Mountain (Polaris, MT): One of the best kept ski secrets in Montana is apparently home to some of the best French fries. Interestingly, this is not the only ski area that got a nod for excellent French fries. Skiing and fries...a match made in heaven?

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Chico Hot Springs (Pray, MT): One of the most popular hot springs in the entire state, Chico is loved as a place to spend a few hours, a place to have a wedding weekend, a place to party and enjoy live music on a Friday night, or simply a place to have a burger and fries by the pool. (They've got a high-end restaurant on location as well which has been featured in many a fancy magazine.)

Elkhorn Hotsprings Resort (Pioneer Mountains, MT): Their social media isn't really up to date as of this writing so it's unclear if they're still open. They don't even give an exact address, so if you want to check it out we recommend you do some research. With that said, respondents said they're home to really good French fries. (Keep in mind our poll was ONLY about food - nothing about any other services or "specialties". Just fries. "Best cheeseburger ever and homemade fries!"

Clyde Park Tavern (Clyde Park, MT): If you've never been to the Clyde Park Tavern, it's worth the drive just to say you've know where it is. The ultimate in small town Montana bar. They serve lots of burgers, so of course you'll find lots of fries. Your choice of regular, sour cream, or curly fries. Just depends on what you like.

Spectators Bar & Grill (Bozeman, MT): A favorite of the MSU crowd, young and old. Since it's located right across from the fieldhouse, many students enjoy a Spectators hang, but alums enjoy pre-gaming before MSU football games since they've got a full menu. Burgers, sandwiches, and bar bites are featured...and of course, the fries.

Penny's Diner (Glendive, MT): You can enjoy chili fries or regular fries in this '50s themed diner in Glendive. I have not personally been to this establishment so you'll have to go on other recs and reviews. "I got a burger and fries from there tonight the people were amazing and the food was way good will definitely go back I was so happy."

Montana Ale Works (Bozeman, MT): A Bozeman institution, I've probably had Ale Works fries more than any other restaurant in town. They're tasty as hell. Having been voted Bozeman's Best Restaurant more than once, you can be assured that the food is legit. "The crew and fellow customers were the best, friendliest and most fun group we have experienced in a long time!! Thanks Ale Works for making one of our few nights out a year a blast!!"

Bridger Brewing (Bozeman, MT): Although known for their delicious pizza, Bridger Brewing has proven that it can master sandwiches, burgers, fries, and a lot more. With two locations - one by the MSU campus and one out in Three Forks with it's own amphitheater, it's even easier to enjoy their food. "Had a great burger and fries at the Three Forks location."

Bridger Bowl (Bozeman, MT): Bridger Bowl has always been Bozeman's local mountain, and the food selection has evolved quite a bit over the decades. French fries have always been a staple there, and they've continued to be be one of the best parts of lunch or après ski. Bridger is all about the skiing, not the fluff, so you won't find a whole lot of pretty pictures of things to eat. But trust us...the fries are great.