Famous Fry Shack Named Maine’s Best Spot for Cheap Eats

An iconic fry shack in Old Orchard Beach is getting some serious national praise.

The popular website Cheapism recently posted an article about the best places to grab a cheap and delicious lunch. On this prestigious list of delicious joints is one of Maine's favorite spots for sparkling spuds and other fine snacks, Pier French Fries. The seasonal stand has been serving up their legendary crinkle-cut beach fries since 1932.

What makes them so special? Well, everything. It starts with a high-quality New England potato. Those puppies are then crinkle-cut, which is easily the best type of a fry. They are fried to perfection, with just the right amount of salt. Then you grab ketchup and vinegar and go to town.

And make sure you get your own box, because you will not want to share them.

But why a fry shack for Maine's best spot for a cheap lunch? I'll let Cheapism explain.

Who says you can't make an entire meal out of french fries? When they're as good as the ones at Pier French Fries, it's easy. They've been serving up the same crinkle-cut fries since 1932, and the most popular topping is malt vinegar, though you can get hot nacho cheese, chili, and gravy if you like. If you cannot live by a box of fries alone, there are also hot dogs, chicken fingers, and sweet fried dough.

And you can always get those fries in a poutine style, which is perfect for a lot of those tourists from north of the border, and for the rest of us who love fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. Plus, poutine is essentially a balanced meal. You have your vegetables, dairy, protein, and gravy...which I think is its own food group.

Pier French Fries is seasonal and is already open for the 2024 season. It's not just the fry shack anymore, though. They also run the legendary Bill's Pizza. Pier French Fries bought Bill's in 2022 to ensure the pizza joint sill continue to satisfy the masses of beach bums who will hit OOB this year. Pizza, fries, and the beach? Yes, please.

Congrats to Pier French Fries for the national love. It's always great seeing Maine small business get the attention they so truly deserve. Here's to another great season for them and the rest of the rowdy bunch down in OOB.