Fry frenzy in Iowa City: 5 must-try spots for French fry lovers
Whether you are keen on shoestring, waffle, or crinkle cut, it's hard to deny that not many people can resist a good French fry. In Iowa City, there are plenty of options for fry-lovers alike, from dressed-up varieties to classic no-fuss fries. These five places will have you stealing off your date's plate or searching the bottom of the bag for just one more.
30hop
At 30hop, there is something for everyone on the menu that spans classic American dishes and Asian fusion bites. The truffle fries are a standout on the appetizer menu. These natural-cut fries are crispy and soft but modestly dressed up with umami salt, truffle oil, and parmesan cheese and served with aioli on the side, and the perfect option to share with the table.
Location: 900 E. Second Ave., Coralville
Contact: 319-351-3800 or 30hop.com.
Field Day Brewing Co.
The family-friendly craft brewery in North Liberty has multiple dishes for sharing, but the brewery fries can be enjoyed as a shareable plate or as an individual meal. At Field Day, the brewery fries are thicker-cut, well-seasoned, and loaded with toppings. Field Day has multiple options to satisfy whatever you are craving, from the now classic truffle fries, a favorite menu item at most restaurants. The hot Korean fries come dressed in kimchi, gochujang, Kewpie mayo, serrano, scallion, cilantro, and sesame, while the Grecian-inspired flavors of the gyro fries come with tzatziki, Kalamata olives, pickled onion, and feta.
Location: 925 Liberty Way, North Liberty
Contact: 319-665-0025 or fielddaybrewing.com.
Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack might be best known for being one of the premier barbecue joints in Iowa City, but the top barbeque is best when served up with just as good sides. These hand-cut steak fries are equally crispy as they are fluffy and provide a textural experience. The fries at Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack can always be paired with any of the house-made barbecue sauces or the iconic Carolina mustard for an extra kick.
Location: 1940 Lower Muscatine Road, Iowa City
Contact: 319-354-7427 or jimmyjacks.com.
Nodo
Nodo is the must-stop place in Iowa City for sandwiches, offering plenty of vegan and vegetarian options from classic to innovative. However, the sweet potato fries might be the restaurant's most iconic dish. The long and skinny fries are perfectly salted and lean on the crunchier side. The fries are served with a flavorful garlic aioli, but they are equally delicious on their own.
Location: 5 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, or 600 N. Dodge St., Iowa City
Contact: 319-359-1181 or 319-512-5028 or nodoiowacity.com
Oasis Falafel
Oasis Falafel on the northside of Iowa City specializes in Middle Eastern street food in a casual environment, and one of the plates, sandwiches, or kebabs is best paired with the restaurant's fries. The hand-cut fries and the seemingly simplistic but are simply good. The fries are floppy and pair well with the trio of Oasis' sauces — tahini, mango curry, and spicy jalapeno relish — that come with the dish.
Location: 206 N. Linn St., Iowa City
Contact: 319-358-7342 or @oasisstreetfood
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The five best places to get French fries in Iowa City
