Reviewed by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move

Once upon a time, there was a tiny café that used to stay open late. The menu was large and full of variety. But the customers mostly came in to order the French fries. It was such a phenomenon that soon the owners began to wonder why. How could this be? Are they really that good? They must have been. Because night after night patrons ordered the fries like they were kissing frogs to get princes. And one by one the other items disappeared from the kitchen, never to been seen or eaten again. The madness eventually became an idea…the little café closed, the chef found a new home in downtown L.A. …and voila…a specialty French fry bar!

As for the name, Fry Madness certainly fits the bill. And whether you are in for a quick fix lunch, pre-party snack, an evening topper or a binge recovery meal, this is the holy grail hallelujah you are searching for.

To be fair, there is more than one item on the menu…sort of. Yes fries, but the variety is mind-boggling. Full portion gourmet meals consisting of French fries and a variety of meats, fish, poultry and sweets (YES! REALLY!) in traditional and surprising flavors that will seriously rock your taste buds.

My visit was more like a gorging than a tasting. I couldn’t force myself to stop until luckily Brenda, the manager, (aware that I had to get back on the road) got me to look up from the frenzy to ask if I’d. “…like those boxed?” … to my chagrin. Really, once you start into a serving, you won’t be able to stop.

My selections included the Buffalo Chicken Wing fries with house made wing sauce, Mozzarella cheese and celery, for a traditional taste, and the Jerk Shrimp fries, with jerk spiced Shrimp, Mango Pico and a house made Caribbean nectar for some odd and exciting.  Both were mouthwatering. But there is so much more from Lobster to Pastrami to Garlic,  You can even get fries in a float!

You must not pass up the desert fries on the menu! I tried both the Smores Sweet Potato Fries with broken brownie pieces, torches (at the counter) marshmallow and caramelized banana. Also the Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sweet Potato Fries with white chocolate sauce and broken brownie pieces. Nutella fries are also featured here. (And I got it all on video) No matter which you choose the dish is guaranteed to have your eyes rolling to the back of your head in ecstasy.

There are some quirks here that you will love. Regulars in the know generally stop in early for the Sabe, incredibly smooth blended tequilas. Everyone else for the beer. They also serve eye-crossing delicious Margaritas on tap. They are open until 1am weeknights and for DTLA post-club, post-party weekend Zombies, 3am (their busiest time).

Nothing on the menu will squeeze your wallet. You’ll find your ‘happy place’ pretty quickly in the simple choices. Don’t think about it too much. Everything is super tasty, quick and satisfying. Prices are reasonable. Do not ask for changes or variations to your order. The chef will not do it. This dishes at Fry Madness are an art form. Comfortable, no frills atmosphere. Sit at the bar and watch the game, table service or take out.

Recommended

Photos & Video by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move

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