Plain or fancy, loaded or crispy

The second Friday in July is National French Fry Day, and as far as we’re concerned, that’s reason to celebrate. Tasty fries can certainly be found in Birmingham, no matter if your taste runs to plain and salty or loaded and fancy.

Fast food chains are known as go-to places for fries, and we’re all about speed and reliability when impromptu cravings hit. But if you have a hankering for scrumptious fries that don’t come in a paper container, we can point you to some great places that serve their spuds with extra care and flavor. Here are five of our favorites in the metro area.

Chez Fonfon

Where and when: 2007 11th Ave. South, Birmingham. Hours are 11 am-9:30 pm Tuesdays through Fridays, 4 pm-9:30 pm Saturdays.

Why: For many aficionados, these are the ultimate fries — thin, crispy, perfectly cooked and oh, so satisfying. Chez Fonfon calls ’em French fries on the menu, and if you want to use that term, it sounds kind of like “palm freet.” But even mangled French won’t stop us for ordering these savory delights, which cost $6 as a side dish and $23.50 when served with the famous Burger Fonfon. Can you say “yum”? We sure can.

More info: 205-939-3221 or Chez Fonfon website.

Carrigan’s

Where and when: 2430 Morris Ave., Birmingham. Hours are 3 pm-10 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 am-12:30 am Fridays and Saturdays.

Why: Not just any pile of fries will do at this gastropub, especially when they’re served with the amazing Carrigan’s Corn Dog. We’re happy to report that the fries here are first-rate — not too thin, not too thick and seasoned to perfection. Carrigan’s hand-cut fries are substantial enough to stand on their own or get an extra boost from sauces. You’ll pay $8 for a bowl of ’em, $15 when they’re accompanied by the signature corn dog.

More info: 205-777-4925 or Carrigan’s website.

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

Where and when: 2811 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. Hours are 11 am-12 am Sundays through Wednesdays, 11 am-2 am Thursdays through Saturdays.

Why: Jack Brown’s is known for delicious burgers with extravagant toppings, but it would be a mistake to overlook the restaurant’s crinkle-cut fries. The sweet potato fries, in particular, have a little something extra in their flavor profile, served hot and crisp alongside whatever burger strikes your fancy. Sweet potatoes are a Southern classic, of course, but we’re glad they’re no longer simply a staple in casseroles or smothered in marshmallows. And yes, Jack Brown’s has an outstanding dipping sauce. You’ll pay $4.49 for these fries, and they’re absolutely worth it.

More info: 205-718-7892 or Jack Brown’s website.

Cantina Tortilla Grill

Where and when: 162 Oxmoor Road, Homewood. Hours are 11 am-2 pm and 5 pm-9 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 am-9 pm Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 am-2 pm Sundays.

Why: Loaded fries are hearty and tummy-filling. For some of us, however, “loaded” implies soggy, and we’ve gotta be in the right mood for that. Thank goodness for the Truck Fries at Cantina, which are packed with flavor and fresh ingredients. (They’re just messy enough, if that makes sense.) You’ll get garlicky fries topped by cheese dip and pico de gallo, plus a choice of shredded chicken or grilled tenderloin. The price is $11 for chicken, $13 for tenderloin.

More info: 205-834-8557 or Cantina website.

Back Forty Beer Company

Where and when: 3201 First Ave. North, Birmingham. Hours are 11 am-9 pm Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 am-10 pm Thursdays, 11 am-11 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am-8 pm Sundays.

Why: For this one, we have to give a shoutout to Reddit. The fries at Back Forty weren’t on our radar, until we spotted a question on the Birmingham subreddit, asking for recommendations on great fries. “Back Forty has awesome fries,” @SewaneeMountain said. “My 5-year-old, who is an off-the-charts picky eater, even likes them. Plus, Back Forty is just a fun place to hang out and enjoy cool views of Sloss & trains rumbling by.” We took @SewaneeMountain’s advice and tried ’em. Agreed on all counts, and thank you! Also, how about that outstanding Back40 Cheeseburger? It’s $15 with fries on the side.

More info: 205-407-8025 or Back Forty website.