Top taters

WINNER Susie’s Drive-In4126 W Montrose Ave, 773-283-6544
The Greg Louganis of dives, this 24-hour joint is a spud smorgasbord, serving up twice-fried, crunchy, skin-on, creamy-interior fries doused with everything from chili and Cheez Whiz to chicken. But it’s the simple, unadorned version dusted with a sweet spice (think Vitner’s barbecue chips) that makes the biggest splash.

#2 Artopolis306 S Halsted St, 312-559-9000
These simple, crispy, thin-cut spuds served in a paper-doily cone with a side of Dijon and chunky feta are so irresistible, you’ll pop them like you’re Courtney Love in a painkiller factory.

#3 Hopleaf 5148 N Clark St, 773-334-9851
Chicago’s original gastropub serves the perfect Belgian beer chaser: a cocktail shaker of thin, crunchy pommes frites served with a cup of pungent aioli.

#4 Max’s 5754 N Western Ave, 773-989-8200
The “ghetto fries”—covered with oozy Merkt’s cheddar cheese, Italian beef gravy, onion slivers, sweet barbecue sauce and fiery giardiniera—are big enough to be breakfast, lunch and dinner, all in one basket.

#5 Pop’s Italian Beef10337 S Kedzie Ave, 773-239-1243
The fries at this South Side beef stand are served finger-burning hot and topped with nothing but salt. They most closely conjure, but easily surpass, those served at the Golden Arches.