ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Austin
Master Critic Review
The Licking Chicago
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A high-energy soul-food-and-seafood spot where the fries are part of the standard “dinner with fries” rhythm. The best move is pairing one fried or grilled main with fries and keeping the add-ons minimal so the textures travel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled tilapia dinner w/ fries, Chicken strips w/ fries, Shrimp quesadilla w/ fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Southern-leaning mains built around combo-style plates that often land with fries.
Who should go: Groups who want fried seafood and comfort plates
When to visit: Early afternoon to dodge the longest waits
What to order: Tilapia dinner w/ fries, chicken strips w/ fries, shrimp quesadilla w/ fries
Insider tip: Pick one fries-based plate as the anchor—skip stacking multiple fried sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Madison St and nearby side streets; can be competitive during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans, sneakers, and relaxed weekend fits are common.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—expect raised voices during busy periods.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, longer if arriving late evening
Weekday lunch: Usually a short wait or quick seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mainly sides like fries and a few non-meat options.
Vegan options: Very limited—confirm oil and preparation before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—grilled proteins may work, but cross-contact is likely.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group meals and combo-style comfort plates where fries are part of the experience.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet meal, strict dietary accommodations, or a refined, slow-paced dining experience.