Savory Sweet Potato Fries in NYC

Normally I try to avoid Kips Bay, which is surprisingly easy considering the lack of public transportation, but Waterfront Ale House won me over because of its sweet … potato and waffle fries. There's also a Cobble Hill outpost, which is supposedly just as good. Brown ale honey mustard is the specialty dip, but fear not mustard-phobes (like me), because there is ketchup at the table. Also, there's enough scotch and whiskey to please any booze-hound. [link]

Said by some to have the best sweet potato fries in the city, Trailer Park is decorated to look as unclassy as possible, from the pink toilet complete with fake flowers … to the Christmas tree lights that college freshmen use to stylize their dorm rooms. The cuisine is simple: burgers, franks, nachos, and fries. Admittedly, $6 for fries and/or tater tots is a bit much, but it's all about the ambiance or lack thereof. And the seating includes chairs reminiscent of a high school cafeteria, which means Trailer Park is perfect for groups. [link]

Rare, which isn't so with two locations in the city, has been hailed for an incredible burger. I can't vouch that for myself (yet), but I can attest to them having the … cheapest sweet potato fries I've found so far, at only $4 for a small basket. Fry lovers will be happy to know that shoestring, truffle, and cottage fries are also on the menu. [link]

At this literary bar, owned by The Perfect Storm author Sebastian Junger, a basket of sweet potato fries will only set you back $5. Instead of flavorful syrup or gravy, … you get plain old ketchup, which is nice for a change. Service can be spotty during busy nighttime weekend hours. But once the teenage-looking doorman recognizes your face (which usually only takes one visit), he won't ask for ID when you return. [link]

Cajun food in NoHo? Yes, it's true. The upside: The menu changes daily and is written on a blackboard. Expect standards such as jambalaya, po-boys, sweet potato fries, … and something beer-battered. The downside: The waiters only seat complete parties. And the orange and purple exterior, which is supposed to makes the cafe stand out, kind of blends into the landscape. Keep in mind that Great Jones is a big brunch spot because, as you know, brunching is serious sport in the city. [link]

This stereotypical sports bar, complete with 13 television screens and 10-cent wing specials, attracts a mix of face-painted football fans, after-work crowds, and … everyone in between. If you get there early enough, score a seat in the back patio and snack on wings and sweet potato fries (with or without gravy). Croxley prides itself on its extensive beer list that does not include Bud, Miller, or Coors, but you'll be hard pressed to find a self respecting New Yorker who admits to drinking those anyway. [link]

Diner food is always hit or miss, but Comfort Diner makes it more of a hit by adding a helping of sweet potato fries to each sandwich. Full disclosure: It's $1.95 extra, … though coleslaw and a pickle are free -- as they should be. Sure, the prices are slightly higher than your average diner, but keep in mind that it's in Midtown, and the servings are larger enough to leave you full for the rest of the night. [link]

Blue Smoke gets a lot of flack. It's overpriced (i.e. it's a quasi celebrity-staffed restaurant), noisy (i.e. it's a restaurant bar lounge), and the food is both praised … and criticized for being inauthentic (i.e. it's BBQ in Manhattan). Once you get past the contradictions and the blinking red "jazz" sign, try the sweet potato fries with the maple dip. Wash them down with Blue Smoke Ale or one of the many other beers on tap. Jazz sets are held every Friday and Saturday, so now you know when to go (or not). [link]