14 Restaurants That Still Serve Classic Beef Tallow Fries
Remember when French fries tasted like something magical?
Before the switch to vegetable oil, beef tallow was the secret ingredient that made fries crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with a rich, savory flavor that kept you coming back for more.
Today, finding restaurants that still cook fries the old-fashioned way is like discovering hidden treasure.
Here are 14 spots across America where you can still enjoy those legendary, golden-brown beauties cooked in pure beef tallow.
1. Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Five Guys built an empire on fresh ingredients and boardwalk-style fries.
While they primarily use peanut oil, some locations offer a special beef tallow option upon request.
Their hand-cut potatoes arrive fresh daily and get double-fried for maximum crunch.
The result? Fries so addictive you’ll order the large even when dining alone.
Location: 6451 E NW Hwy Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75231, United States
2. The Breslin Bar & Dining Room – New York City
Manhattan’s gastro-pub scene got seriously elevated when The Breslin opened its doors.
Chef April Bloomfield knows that beef tallow transforms ordinary potatoes into extraordinary experiences.
Paired with their famous lamb burger, these fries arrive piping hot with a golden exterior that shatters at first bite.
Pure culinary nostalgia meets modern dining excellence.
Location: 16 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, United States
3. Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the flavor commitment at Hopdoddy.
This Austin-born chain refuses to compromise on quality, using kennebec potatoes fried in beef tallow.
Each order comes with truffle aioli that complements the rich, meaty undertones perfectly.
Warning: you might forget about your burger entirely once these beauties arrive at your table!
Location: 5100 Belt Line Rd #502, Addison, TX 75254, United States
4. Au Cheval – Chicago
Chicago’s Au Cheval earned legendary status for its cheeseburger, but insiders know the fries steal the show.
Cooked in a beef tallow blend, they achieve that elusive perfect texture.
Crispy edges give way to creamy potato centers that taste like childhood memories upgraded to first-class.
Expect a wait, but these fries make every minute worthwhile.
Location: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
5. Brindle Room – New York City
Hidden in Manhattan’s East Village, Brindle Room serves fries that would make your grandmother proud.
Their commitment to beef tallow cooking creates waves of umami flavor.
These aren’t just side dishes – they’re destination-worthy.
Locals guard this spot like a secret handshake, pairing the fries with craft cocktails and seasonal burgers for the ultimate comfort experience.
Location: 647 E 11th St, New York, NY 10009, United States
6. Small Cheval – Chicago
Au Cheval’s little sibling delivers the same commitment to beef tallow excellence without the marathon wait times.
Small Cheval focuses solely on burgers and fries, perfecting both.
Their thin-cut style crisps up beautifully in hot tallow, creating addictive salty-savory bites.
Multiple Chicago locations mean you’re never far from fry perfection when cravings strike hard.
Location: 1732 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
7. Hawksmoor – London & New York
British steakhouse Hawksmoor crossed the Atlantic bringing their famous triple-cooked chips with them.
Using beef dripping (the UK term for tallow), they’ve mastered texture science.
Each potato gets boiled, cooled, then fried twice in pure beef fat.
The result justifies the effort – fluffy interiors wrapped in glass-like shells that crunch audibly across the dining room.
Location: 109 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010, United States
8. Minetta Tavern – New York City
Since 1937, Minetta Tavern has been a Greenwich Village institution.
Their French fries maintain old-school standards with beef tallow that honors the restaurant’s legacy.
Paired with their famous Black Label Burger, these fries complete a meal worth the splurge.
The bistro atmosphere and timeless cooking methods transport diners to a more flavorful era of American dining.
Location: 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, United States
9. Duck Fat – Portland, Maine
The name says it all, though they also incorporate beef tallow into their frying blend.
Portland’s Duck Fat specializes in Belgian-style frites with gourmet paninis.
Choose from creative dipping sauces like truffle ketchup or horseradish mayo.
Their commitment to animal fat cooking creates fries with depth and character that vegetable oil simply cannot replicate.
Location: 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
10. Balthazar – New York City
SoHo’s Balthazar recreates Parisian brasserie magic, right down to their pommes frites cooked in beef tallow.
These thin, elegant fries arrive in paper-lined silver cups.
Perfect for sharing (but you won’t want to), they complement everything from steak frites to moules marinières.
The bustling atmosphere and authentic cooking methods make every visit feel like a mini vacation.
Location: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, United States
11. Red Cow – Minneapolis
Minnesota’s Red Cow understands that Midwestern hospitality includes serving the best possible fries.
Their beef tallow preparation gets elevated with parmesan and truffle oil.
Multiple locations across the Twin Cities mean accessibility for serious fry enthusiasts.
The farm-to-table philosophy extends to sourcing quality beef fat, ensuring every batch maintains their high standards and incredible taste.
Location: 208 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, United States
12. Gott’s Roadside – California
California dreaming meets classic American roadside dining at Gott’s.
Some locations prepare their hand-cut fries using beef tallow for authentic drive-in flavor.
Pair them with a Niman Ranch burger and a milkshake for the complete retro experience.
The outdoor seating and vintage vibe create the perfect backdrop for enjoying fries the way they were meant to be.
Location: 933 Main St #29, St Helena, CA 94574, United States
13. Holeman and Finch – Atlanta
Atlanta’s food scene got exponentially better when Holeman and Finch opened.
Their public house serves limited burgers nightly, accompanied by fries cooked in beef tallow.
Arrive early because when the burgers sell out, so do the fries.
The gastropub atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients make this neighborhood spot worth planning your evening around completely.
Location: 1201 Peachtree St NE Building 400, Suite #160, Atlanta, GA 30361, United States
14. The Spotted Pig – New York City
This West Village gastropub helped launch New York’s elevated comfort food movement.
Their shoestring fries, prepared in beef tallow, achieve legendary status among regulars.
The cozy, cramped quarters and Michelin-starred pedigree create an interesting contrast.
These skinny fries pack maximum flavor into minimal surface area, proving size doesn’t determine deliciousness when technique reigns supreme.
Location: 1154 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
