Where to find the best loaded fries in metro Phoenix | Phoenix New Times
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Toppings galore: Where to find the best loaded fries in Phoenix

Who needs a burger when the fries come smothered in cheese and piled high with toppings?
The gyro fries from Saba's Mediterranean Kitchen are a perfect blend of savory spices and crispy potatoes.
The gyro fries from Saba's Mediterranean Kitchen are a perfect blend of savory spices and crispy potatoes. Saba's Mediterranean Kitchen
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Fries are hard to beat as far as side dishes are concerned. Whether fried in duck fat, baked in the oven or coming fresh out of a greasy spoon's kitchen bumpy with that good salt, we have trouble resisting a basketful. Plenty of places have amazing French fries, and some are a cut above. But loaded fries, piled high with carne asada, bulgogi or good old gravy, take the supreme side to new heights. Here are our seven top picks for unique spins on fully loaded fries from all over the Valley.

Drunken Tiger

1954 S. Dobson Road, Mesa
This fun and unique Korean pub in Mesa offers a lot of crave-able classics but stands out as one of the few places with both kimchi fries and bulgogi fries. The kimchi topped-option at Drunken Tiger features their namesake Korean fermented cabbage along with spicy pork and homemade crema for $18. For something a little more meaty, try the bulgogli fries which feature cheese, olives and Korean barbecued beef for $21. The bulgogi option is a good choice for something mild, as the kimchi fries clock in at two stars out of three on the restaurant's spice meter.

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The Poutine fries from Shortleash are a great nod to the Canadian classic dish
Short Leash Hotdogs

Short Leash Hotdogs & Rollover Doughnuts

4221 N. Seventh Ave.
Avoid having to travel to Canada for poutine by snagging some french fries loaded with brown gravy and cheese curds from Short Leash Hotdogs in Phoenix's Melrose District for $12. The all-day restaurant also offers vegetarian chili-loaded fries perfect for any non-meat eaters, plus six other loaded fry options. And if you want to keep the gravy train going, there's even a poutine-topped hot dog.

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Maskadores has a fast and tasty made-to-order menu including zesty Mexican-style loaded fries.
Maskadores Taco Shop

Maskadores Taco Shop

Multiple Locations
With some of the best horchata in the Valley and an extensive fast-casual menu, Maskadores serves a sometimes overlooked item worth seeking out. The Macho Fries feature rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, pico, onion, cilantro and a choice of meat for just under $12. Maskadores in an Arizona-based made-to-order taco shop with 20 locations around the Valley and a fun Mexican wrestling theme throughout.

Saba's Mediterranean Kitchen

4747 E. Bell Road
With a warning on the menu not to order for risk of addiction, the Loaded Gyro Fries at Saba's get the party started. The fries are tossed with Greek seasoning and loaded with gyro meat and feta for $16. A spicy option with buffalo sauce is another possibility. For those who don't eat meat, the Greek fries with lemon, oregano and feta cheese are a great vegetarian alternative ($8).

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Loaded fries get a twist with Indian flavors at Tikka Shack.
Tikka Shack

Tikka Shack Indian Grub

21001 N. Tatum Blvd
Creating an unexpected combo, Tikka Shack dresses up basic fries with Indian spices and a pour of tikka masala, before topping the tasty dish with cilantro, tomatoes, onions and scallions for $6. Tikka Shack is a great quick meal before a movie or seeing a show at Desert Ridge Marketplace.

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Krazy Fries from Clever Koi pair perfectly with the restaurant's fun cocktails.
Clever Koi

Clever Koi

4236 N. Central Ave.
60 W. Vaughn Ave., Gilbert
With an abundant, fun cocktail menu and unique Asian-inspired bar bites, Clever Koi might not seem like a spot to find French fries. But we strongly recommend giving the Krazy Fries a try. Loaded with pork belly, tonkatsu, sesame seeds, Hoisin sauce, scallions and black pepper garlic aoli, the Krazy Fries are totally cravings-worthy and are $15.

Happy's Hamburgers

10435 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Old-school spot Happy's Hamburgers features a checkerboard floor and jukebox decor. It's one of those classic burger spots that feels untouched by many of the trends that have come and go (PB&J burgers? No, thanks). Happy's does mix some fun flavors though. Try an Italian-American fusion with their loaded pizza fries which come with marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and pepperoni for $10.
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