Muscatine, Iowa. Forget politics, football rivalries, who’s running for board, or who’ll win state this year. The real debate heating up the streets of Muscatine is what’s getting dropped in the fryer every thirty seconds. It’s about fries; golden, crispy, salted sticks of comfort. Depending on who you ask, the title of “Best Fries in Town” belongs to a different drive-thru window.
The Wendy’s Warriors
Let’s start with Wendy’s, the self-proclaimed underdog turned fan favorite. Ever since they switched to “Hot & Crispy Fries” in 2021, a loyal army of Muscatine locals has sworn by them. They’ll tell you the fries actually taste like potatoes (radical concept), and that they stay crisp even after a ten-minute drive down Park Avenue. After finally pulling them out of the bag, dipping them in a Frosty is practically a magical experience.
“They just hit different,” says Arabella Fourneau. “McDonald’s fries go soggy too fast, Wendy’s holds their own. I love Wendy’s.”
It’s a fair point. Wendy’s fries do stand up to time and travel. But are they really the best?
The McDonald’s Monarchists
If this were a monarchy, McDonald’s would be the reigning ruler, golden, salty, and scientifically engineered to make you crave more. Ask anyone from Grandview Avenue to Cedar Street, and you’ll find plenty of fry traditionalists who say the golden arches are still untouchable.
“Listen,” says Emma Steele, a long-time McDonald’s loyalist, sipping her Diet Coke. “When those fries are fresh out of the oil, with just the right salt, no one competes.”
And she’s not wrong, McDonald’s fries are legendary for a reason. They’re crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and they taste like nostalgia, road trips, late-night runs, and childhood happy meals. The downside? Leave them in the bag too long, and they turn into sad little yellow noodles. Sadly, Fast-food royalty comes with a ticking clock.
The Culver’s Contingent
Over at Culver’s, things are crinkle-cut, literally. The fries here are thick, fluffy, and made for scooping up cheese sauce. While they may not have the internet hype of McDonald’s or Wendy’s, their fan base is passionate.
“They’re the Midwestern fry,” says Harlee Lear, a proud Culver’s muncher. “They’re friendly, warm. It’s comfort food, for real.”
She’s got a point. Culver’s fries might not win every category, but they deliver comfort, the kind that tastes like your grandma made them in the air fryer, just for you.
The Arby’s Aficionados
Then there’s Arby’s, the curly fry capital. Some say they don’t even belong in the same debate, too seasoned, too curly, too different. But that’s exactly what makes them contenders.
You can’t deny the orange glow of those spirals, dusted with spices and fried to perfection. They’re chaotic, joyful, and unapologetically extra. You don’t accidentally end up at Arby’s; you commit to it.
The Wild Cards: Taco John’s & Dairy Queen
Muscatine locals know you can’t forget the others. Taco John’s Potato Olés are technically not fries, but they deserve honorable mention. Tiny, round, and packed with flavor, the spice blend alone could start a fan club.
And Dairy Queen? Their fries are like that dependable friend, maybe not the flashiest, but they’re always there when you need something salty next to your Blizzard.
So… Who Wins?
After countless taste tests, drive-thru detours, and way too much ketchup, the truth is clear: Muscatine doesn’t agree on fries, and that’s exactly what makes it great.
In this river town, fry preference is personal. It’s about memories, moods, and maybe even what kind of day you’ve had. Some people want Wendy’s crisp consistency. Others crave McDonald’s classic salt rush. And then there are the quiet heroes who just want their Culver’s crinkles or Arby’s curls.
The Great Fry Debate isn’t really about fries; it’s about flavor, nostalgia, and the joy of arguing about something that, in the end, brings everyone together over a paper cup of ketchup.
Final Verdict (for now):
- Best Classic Fry: McDonald’s
- Best for Dipping: Wendy’s
- Most Comforting: Culver’s
- Most Fun: Arby’s Curly Fries
- Best Twist: Taco John’s Potato Olés
