The World S Best French Fries Can Be Found Right Here In Maine

Here in Maine, we know potatoes. Though we’re no longer the nation’s biggest producer of the versatile tuber, as we were back in the 1940s before production moved west, potatoes are still our most important crop. You can do so many delicious things with potatoes — bake ’em, mash ’em, grind ’em up and make ’em into hamburger buns. But we’re sure everyone is well aware of the very best potato preparation of all: French fries. And it’s not a coincidence that Maine, which owes so much to the humble potato, has turned it into the best fries on Planet Earth.

That orange-and-white-striped awning means you’ve reached Duckfat, Portland’s temple to creative comfort food.

Kevin K. / Yelp

This hip little cafe in Portland’s East End serves salads, soups, panini, craft sodas and milkshakes. And we cannot tell a lie – every bit of it is absolutely mouthwatering.

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But here’s the truth: Most people flock here for the transcendent French fries, fried in – you guessed it – duck fat.

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The fries are available with a variety of dipping sauces, including Thai chili mayo, curry mayo and sweet and spicy mustard. We recommend trying more than one, but the smart money here is on the truffle ketchup.

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You did remember that Maine borders Quebec, right? Duckfat remembers – they offer a version of Quebec’s most beloved dish, poutine, that can compete with anything in the Canadian province. Duckfat’s version is made with local cheese curds and, of course, duck gravy.

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A duck egg on top costs extra, but come on, you know you’re getting the egg.

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The Daily Meal named these fries the third best in the U.S., right after two restaurants in New York City and before … another restaurant in New York City. Reality check: We’ve been to those top two restaurants, and The Daily Meal is wrong. Duckfat is the legit No. 1.

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Peace and frites.

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Duckfat is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, and you can call them at (207) 774-8080. Note, however, that they don’t take reservations. The wait is still worth it!