I don't know if they'd qualify as "fries" exactly, but the puffed potatoes they used to serve at Arnaud's in New Orleans were beyond awsome. I'm also not sure, for that matter, what they called these marvelous creations.

Best "actual" fries in the U.S.? That's a tough one, but for now, I'll go with Sea and Suds....crinkle cut fries....in Gulf Shores, AL. (Sea and Suds also gets my vote for best gumbo on the planet).

To make a broad statement, I think the fries in Europe....or at least the UK (chips)...tend to be better than here in North America. I think that's because IMHO, the potatoes are a bit more flavorful over there.