Time: December 6th around 8:52pm
Okay I’ll, be honest. I can be a little (okay, very) immature at times, and I giggle when anyone goes “mmmm, I could go for some Dick’s right now” but in all seriousness, who wouldn’t crave for this Seattle staple? Some consider eating at Dick’s a guilty sin, but any true French Fry Fan knows that this burger joint is a must eat before you die. Even Bill Gates goes to Dick’s (anyone have change for $1,000?), so if you were wondering what Billionaire’s eat, now you know.
Dick’s first started selling burgers and fries in 1954 in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood and haven’t stopped since. The menu has remained super simple, everything is ordered ala-carte, the Deluxe, the Special, the cheeseburger, the hamburger–but honestly, everything on the menu is special and deluxe here (except the prices). 
My normal order is a Deluxe (a quarter pound of beef with cheese), two fries, and a Coke. This time it was no different. If you’re a true fan, you have to order two fries, God gave you two hands right? Use ‘em well.
If ordering more than one order of fries, they are normally given to you in a bag separate from the burgers, probably because the actual fry bags are of no use–they are out of the fry bag by the time you get in your car. Regulars usually rip the bag carrying the fries open and use it as a plate and sauce carrier. Speaking of sauce, I normally only use ketchup (if anything) but if tartar floats your boat, you can go that route too.
If you’re like me, you can’t eat one fry at a time. Dick’s fries are pretty soggy so eating a couple at a time is a must for full fry satisfaction. No extra salt is needed, the Dick’s specialists season them pretty well, and you don’t want to mask the potato flavor. Cooked in 100% vegetable oil, these guys can be a bit oily at times, but if you’re looking for the natural cut taste, Dick’s are definitely the place to go for the ultimate fry fix–it helps that they open till 2am at all their locations too.
The burger makes a great companion to the fries (see how I said that?) usually a bite of a burger accompanied with a few fries does the trick. Washing it down with a Coke and their patented (probably not) crushed ice and you have a happy French Fry Fan.
FFF RATING (out of 5):
For Show: 3.5 (classic oily bag, straight and to the point)
Firmness: 4 (super soggy, but great if you love them this way!)
Fluffiness: 4 (since it’s freshly cut there isn’t mashed meat inside, it’s pure potato!)
Freshness: 4.5 (you can see them slice the potatoes on site. Now that’s fresh.)
Flavor: 4.5 (perfectly seasoned and tastes like heaven)
Filling: 3 (you have to get two orders if you’re a true fan)
Friendliness: 4 (Service was great and super fast)
French Fry Fan Rating: 4.0 – French Fry Fan of approval.
I can’t say more about these fries other than it is a Seattle must. Dick’s, you have won my oily, natural french fry heart.
See the review on yelp.com
I personally don’t dig soggy fries, but enjoy a good outing at Dick’s with friends. It always reminds me though of that hilarious radio announcer Hun listened to saying everywhere is Dick-less except for Seattle.
Tim, a veritable french fry emergency is afoot. Since I’ve been working hard to lose my baby weight, I have yet to try a fry since I moved to Seattle six months ago. Now I find myself needing a fix badly. I only care about firmness (extra crispy, and I mean extra), flavor (salty), and cheese. Can you please give me a recommendation for crispy cheese fries?
Hey Gail:
Thanks for visiting and congratulations on the baby and being able to enjoy fries again! And yes, an emergency is definitely afoot. You bring a serious dilemma to the table that the French Fry Fan must solve–Extra crispy fries with melted cheese on top. I’ve been to places that offer said cheese fries but the fries always turn out soggy due to the cheese and it ends up tasting/feeling like a baked potato.
I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t been to a good french fry joint that offers great cheese fries but there are two places that I’d start:
Norm’s Eatery & Ale House in Fremont
The Original Philly’s in South Seattle
You’ve given me a mission and I’ll get back to you with the results of both soon.
In the meantime, for a sure bet on crispy fries and flavor sans the cheese, I’d recommend Shultzy’s on the Ave (University District). Check out the review on FFF soon!
Good luck!