BenjYehuda: "It says, 'Crunchy.'"

BenjYehuda is part of the reason I decided to start this blog. They are a Chipotle-style Mediterranean joint in the Loop with a name that I often have to Google to spell or even recall at all. It is not somewhere you'd expect to find fries, let alone exceptional fries, but there they are.

The Good: First, value. You get a one pound bag of fries for only $1.79, which is hard to beat at even more lackluster dives. Second is quality. These are clearly freshly made and fried to order. The cook will regularly call down the line to see who wants fries so he can get them ready.

The Interesting: These are the crispiest french fries I've ever had. They're downright crunchy. They never get to the point of coming out burnt, however, even during the lunch rush. If you like a soft, potatoey center these might not be your style, but I think it really makes them stand out among more mundane pommes frites. They also, for a buck more, come with a side of Mertz cheddar spread. Points for the unique spin on the traditional "cheese fry", but, while I love a good swipe of Mertz on a burger, the texture is a bit too gritty and processed for fries in my opinion.

The Unfortunate: BenjYehuda is first a Mediterranean shop, so they don't spend much effort in giving the fries any interesting toppings or dips (ketchup typically is included whether or not you ask for it). I suppose you could ask for a side of tahini or hummus, but I can't imagine they would pair well. Their hot sauce might be worth a try.

BenjYehuda is a very popular spot, so be prepared for crowds during lunch, although they move things along pretty quickly. If you're only getting fries (or other non-sandwich items), you can skip the line and head right to the register at the left.

Rank: THE CAPTAIN OF CRUNCH