Alternatives to fries include chips

2 minutes reading

Classic fries may be popular, but there are also surprising alternatives.

Think homemade chips, hearty potato croquettes, waffle fries with Nashville spices, zucchini and eggplant wedges, sweet potato fries with cinnamon and funnel cake fries.

And don’t forget the onion rings.

So congrats on not wanting fries with that. These Jersey Shore restaurants offer plenty of options.

Broadway Hot and Honey Chicken, Wall Township

This chicken joint is loved for more than just wings and juicy chicken sandwiches. They also have a full waffle-fry menu, with options like classic, Nashville-spiced, Nashville-cheesy, and Broadway fries with chimichurri and parmesan sauce.

To go: 1861 Route 35 Unit 102; 732-820-6765, broadwaychicken.com.

More: House of Fries has the Shore’s favorite fries, readers say

The Burger Shop, Matawan

There are tons of burgers here, but there are also tons of options for fries. They have classic French fries, in options like disco or chili cheese, but they also serve tater tots, onion rings, sweet potato fries, bacon cheese waffle fries, funnel cake fries, and more.

To go: 231 Main St.; 732-583-6971, theburgershopmatawan.com.

Harry’s Smokin’ BBQ, Toms River

This barbecue hot spot has several options for meat-packed fried dishes, but they also have a menu full of tater tots. Try options like Pork N’ Tots with pulled pork, cheese, and bacon; bacon cheddar ranch tater tots, and more. Around Saint Patrick’s Day, they offer Reuben tots with corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.

To go: 240 Dover Road; 848-223-9955, harryssmokinbarbecue.com.

Hummus Republic, Long Branch

The Mediterranean hub offers classic sweet potato fries, but they also make something called Street Style Sweet Potato Fries. This sweet potato fry platter is topped with eggplant, fried jalapeno, chickpeas, croutons, red cabbage, olives, feta, and tahini.

To go: 84 Ocean Ave. North; 732-204-7177, thehummusrepublic.com.

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Kostas Grill, Tuckerton

This Greek restaurant has a lot of authentic dishes, like horiatiki salad and gyros, but they also serve hearty starters. Try the fried zucchini and eggplant wedges, combined with homemade tzatziki sauce.

To go: 161 East Main St.; 609-879-5333, kostasgrill.com.

Orb O Bytes, Tuckerton

This place is technically a food truck, but they do have a few alternative fries that are worth mentioning. Whether you’re craving something sweet or salty, there’s a version of sweet potato fries for you. Try the classic sweet potato fries with spicy ranch dipping sauce, or the Cinnamon Explosion sweet potato fries with a drizzle of sweet glaze and cinnamon toast spice. Saturn’s Rings are onion rings covered in a chipotle, cilantro, and lime sauce with shredded smoky bacon and cojita cheese.

To go: The truck is regularly parked at 156 E. Main St.; orbobytes.com, facebook.com/ORBOBYTES.

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More to try

Breakwater Beach Pavilion in Keansburg Located just off the boardwalk, this restaurant offers a variety of fries from regular to waffle fries and even hash brown patties. Located next to the beach, families can also rent beach chairs here. To go: 1 Beachway Ave.; 732-284-7347, facebook.com.

The Chicken or the Egg in Beach Haven has classic “crispy” fries in varieties like Cheesy Bay and Garlic Pub, but they also have savory sweet potato fries in a honey mustard sauce. To go: 207 North Bay Ave.; 609-492-3695, letschegg.com.

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Jersey Roll in Seaside Heights offers stuffed tater tots like the Dirty Pig, topped with cubed pork and cheese. The El Bandito fat sandwich comes with pork, jalapeno poppers, and tater tots. To go: 901 Boardwalk; 732-250-8726, jerseyroll.com.

Sweet Jenny’s in Barnegat has a ton of dessert and sundae options, but they also have plenty of fried entrees. Try everything from honey-dipped sweet potato fries to homemade potato chips. To go: 688 East Bay Ave.; 609-698-2228, sweetjennysrestaurant.com.

Did we miss one of your favorite “alt” fries? Send us an email for a chance to be featured in a future article.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and loves bringing her passion for food and culture to our readers. Send restaurant recommendations to [email protected]. Follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.