California-born fast food chain dominates national french fry rankings: ‘They don’t skimp’

They’re hot to tot. When one pictures the best fast food fries in the US, they might imagine McDonald’s or another multinational burger chain. However, the nation’s tastiest potato sticks are allegedly served at — wait for it — homegrown California Tex-Mex chain Del Taco, at least according to USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for 2026. They were reportedly crowned by site editors and a “panel of French fry fanatics,” before the publication’s readers voted on their favorites. A carton of Del Taco’s fries, which come plain or topped with chili, queso, or carne asada. Del Taco After all, who better to decide than Americans, who devour “nearly 30 pounds of french fries a year,” according to Nat Geo. Indeed, while known for its affordable and fast Mexican items such as burritos, Del Ta