- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Al's French Frys
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Burgers Restaurants Hot Dogs Diners, Burgers, Hot Dogs [Edit]
1251 Williston RoadSouth Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 862-9203
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:30 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 10:30 am - 12 am
Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
81 reviews for Al's French Frys
Review Highlights
-
"Great fries and burgers." In 5 reviews -
"A local fast food northern VT institution." In 9 reviews -
"...can get cremees (soft serve ice cream), regular ice cream..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
81 reviews in English
-
Review from Ethan T.
Miami-Dade, FL
2/15/2012
Burgers and fries fast and really good.
This is as simple ass it is going to get. The burgers are sliders, the fires are incredible, crisp, fresh cut, salty, and mouth watering. Stop in, order a bag worth of food, and but he time you get back home the food should still be warm, tasty, and enjoyable.
I have been coming here off and on since 1999, and the food has never let me down. Oh, and sure there are long lines at times, but they always move fast.
And eating in is an option. -
Review from Mary V.
4/25/2012
Fun place!!
The burgers are yummy, but small. So, don't be shy to order 2! & the fries are crispy.
Whenever my hubby and I want to get away we go down to Vermont, & we stop by Al's. It is a ritual and a fun one at that. -
Review from Alice L.
2/6/2012
Oh man, people are going to hate me for this one. I've heard so many things about the Famous "Al's" and upon trying it, I don't see why it's so Famous...
The fries are insanely greasy and soggy (maybe it was just my batch?) I'm not a fan of greasy, as in if you fold it in half oil will seep out, soggy fries. The burger was pretty plain and not very appetizing looking. It looked like a Mc Donald's patty on a thicker bun. The only thing I loved was that there was a creamy stand attached to it. Looove Creemees! -
Review from Aleks K.
Lawrence Township, NJ
4/22/2012
I would have better off at the Wendy's. The fries are soggy and greasy. My burger was flavorless and boring. It had cheese, bacon, tomato and lettuce but it was tasteless. My boyfriend's hot dog was fine, though. Nothing to write home about.
-
Review from Shino W.
Burlington, VT
1/15/2012
I've been going here ever since I was a little kid, and even breifly worked here after I was layed off a while back.
An experience like no other, this place re-captures the 50s diner experience. Black/white/red checkerboard styling dominates the place, oldies play over the Musak, and the outdoor ice cream window over the summer is great.
This is where the locals eat though, so be prepared for the following:
First: CASH ONLY. So many people don't realise this until they get to the register, so be prepared. No checks, no credit cards. Otherwise you'll have to use the $3-fee ATM in the lobby.
Second: Know what you want BEFORE you get to the register. The whole point of this is to get in line, speed-order, then scrunch up in front of the grill and watch your order get cooked. With the exception of L&T, bacon and a few other toppings, the condiments are put on at the end of cooking, so read the big red sign and be prepared for when they ask you what you want.
Third: It WILL be busy. The only time you will not find a line is really late at night, or shortly after opening. Often both lines will be open, try the 2nd, you'll get your food much faster.
Oh, and a little pet peeve regarding out-of-state-ers. The entrance to the parking lot is a right-turn-only. If I see one more person try to make a left turn across two lanes and block traffic, I'm gonna slap you. If you want in from the other direction, turn at the light.
TL;DR version: yes, definitely go here. Just bring cash and read the signs. -
Review from Amy C.
Marshfield, MA
10/25/2011
Oh holy cow... Al really does serve some truly delicious fries. Just slightly crispy, soft & full of potato-ey goodness... I could have easily devoured an entire order myself. But, I'm a lady, so I shared them with my family. And then proceeded to grumble silently that I should go order another batch. Just for me. :D
Dan had a burger, which looked incredibly standard and honestly, lackluster to me, but he seemed to gobble it right up. I had the fried chicken, which they cook to order. (Big plus right there... No heat lamps warming up hours' old fried chicken!) The chicken was dreadfully overcooked, and didn't have much flavor, sadly.
Little redheaded cupcake and I shared a monumentally scrumptious vanilla milkshake.
So, for me, thumbs way up on the fries (drool), milkshake, adorable '50's diner decor (including music), super ridiculously cheap prices, being open late, and very sweet staff. Thumbs down on the chicken, just OK burger, and being cash only.
There's definitely a reason they're called "Al's French Frys"! (The former English major in me cringed right there.)Listed in: I love Burlington!!! (Or, Part…
-
Review from Mike W.
Belmont, MA
AL's is awesome! I stop here on my way home, every time I travel to Montreal (3-4 times a year). They have this place running like a finely tuned machine. There's always a line (usually almost out the door), but you'll never wait, and your food is prepared right in front of you as you make your way through the line.
HEADS UP: AL's is a CASH ONLY business! There is a ATM by the front door, but I've been there more then once when it was out-of-order. So come prepared.
That being said, I've never needed more then $10... my usual order is 2 double cheese burgers (with everything), a pint of fries & a bottled water. Can't beat that for about $10!Listed in: Montréal
-
Review from Michael C.
Jericho, VT
1/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The expediter rockin the 70's sideburns is very friendly, happy, etc.
Food is always great. -
Review from Christopher D.
Bloomingdale, NJ
9/3/2011
I tip my hat to the mysterious Al. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you left a legacy. I came up to Burlington for a weekend retreat and found this gem from a reliable local source. So here it goes...
Upside:
Awesome fries!
Ridiculously cheap everything
Delicious
Milkshakes
Root beer floats
Unhealthy
Downside:
Unhealthy
Cash only
Word up Al! -
Review from Brian H.
South Hero, VT
1/26/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Can't say enough good things about Al's. But if you've never been here you need to know one thing to expect up front: no frills. None. This is as basic as you can get for a burger joint. You stand in line, place your order, the grill cooks it while you wait in the same line to pick it up. Then you sit down, eat it and throw your paper plates away before you leave. Done. But really, I think that's something to love about this place...it's as cheap as you can get without it being a "snack bar". There is a ton of indoor seating in a very retro-style malt shop fashion. The selection is on par with what you'd see at a snack bar with a few extras here and there. The fries, as you probably already heard, are super great russet potato style greasy love. The burgers, while not a volume mouthful, are tasty and fresh off the grill (like I said they grill it while you're in line and you pick it up right next to the grill)...NO heat lamps on the grill. The fries, on occasion do get heat lamped but not for very long I imagine.
Great place for kids, they do creemees in the summer and have a playground out back. Plenty of parking. -
Review from Rob W.
Hinesburg, VT
1/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Al's has been doing it right forever. Double cheese, quart of fries, and a corn dog if your extra hungry. This place would be on my short list of 3 if I could only choose 3 restaurants to eat at for the rest of my life.
-
Review from Sarah M.
Burlington, VT
6/8/2011
A Burlington fast-food institution. The fries are great, the shakes are good...and everything is super duper cheap. This is a great locally-owned option to the Mickey D's down the street.
Beware: they don't take plastic, so come prepared with cash or risk paying the fee at Al's on-site ATM.Listed in: Burlington, really
-
Review from S G.
St Albans, VT
1/24/2012
Gotta say, this place is way over-rated. Pretty good, just over-rated.
This is a unique restaurant with a good atmosphere, it is a place different from the chains and that is where most of the appeal and novelty comes from. I find the system for ordering and waiting for food at this place a joke, akways takes much longer than it should because of a bad setup. And seriously, who doesn;t take credit cards nowadays, making people leave the line to go pay to use an ATM is just absurd.
Prices here are somewhat high for what the food is and no refills on drinks is a definite negative.
Burgers and chicken tenders are pretty good but I wouldn't say anything special. The fried really depend on your personal taste, they are the super soggy type fries, if you're into that then they are good but if you like fries even remotely crispy then look elsewhere. -
Review from Timothy W.
Scotchtown, NY
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Can't comment on the Fries... I know your probably saying to yourself how do you go to a place named "Al's French Frys" and not try the fries. Well we came late on a Sat. night looking for some munchies. I originally had a craving for a hot dog and this was the place that came up when I searched Yelp.
This is one of those "Cash Only" places which is really starting to annoy me (-1 star) It's 2011!!! I don't understand the premise behind this, is it that places are too cheap to pay the 2 - 3% to the card companies. In any case this place has an ATM in the lobby for those that don't have cash on hand like ourselves but it just so happens that the ATM was Out of Order on this evening. Luckily my niece had some cash in the car so we were not to be deterred.
Seeing it was already past bed time, I originally ordered a Hot Dog, but when I saw the burgers being grilled up, I had to try one of those as well. DD also had a burger and DW had a sausage and peppers. I should have called it a night after eating the burger, but no I plowed back the hot dog as well which gave me some of the worst heartburn that I have ever had. (-1 star) Fast forward a few hours and I'm sitting up in bed after vurping in my sleep debating whether or not I'd be better off if I just puked it up. Clearly why the place is not called Al's Hot Dogs :-) -
Review from Dan N.
I came, I saw and I conquered a pint of fries for just over two bucks. Some of the best I've ever had in a throwback '50s diner setting.
His grammar may not be great, but Al knows what he's doing with fried potatoes. 'Nuff said.Listed in: Visting Vermont...
-
Review from Bailey Z.
I felt like I had stepped into a diner from Back to the Future II and Biff and his goons were going to walk in and cause trouble at any moment. Al's French Frys still has that nostalgic 1950s kind of feel with the black and white tiles and burger portions that are in stark contrast to the calorie-topping obesity causers that we know today. Since they aren't that big, all of the menu items are cheaply priced, which is good for both your wallet and your health (relatively). I like that they cook everything fresh and right in front of you on a viewable grill.
I got a pepper steak burger with a root beer float and fries. The burger was slightly larger than a White Castle burger, but quite delicious. The fries alone are worth coming here for (I guess hence the name). I think they're even better with a side of their gravy. The most surprising thing was that this place has a James Beard Award. Awards from this foundation are like the Oscars of food, so it's shocking to see it in a place like this since most are given out to fine dining establishments. Upon closer inspection, their award was for the Classic American category, but it's still prestigious since only five restaurants are considered every year. For future burger cravings, ditch the franchises and McFly your way over Al's for a classic burger experience.Listed in: Best of Burlington
-
Review from Morgan L.
11/21/2011
I don't quite get the appeal of this place (and trust me - I can appreciate an amazing dive-y place as much as the next person). The fries are simply wonderful but that's really where it ends... everything else is pretty standard snack bar fare with nothing special about it. But it's been around a while and is a cheap place to take a hoard of kids so for that I can certainly see how it might be popular with families.
-
Review from James A.
Milton, VT
1/9/2012
Al's is dope! Even when the line is crazy long, you get your food pretty quick. Still do cash only but at least they have an atm now.
-
Review from ozlem g.
Boston, MA
4/20/2011
I was visiting Vermont with my boyfriend and I usually check YELP reviews before I go to a restaurant. For some reason, I believe YELP reviews :)
Sooo we tried Al's French Fries and it was sooooooooooooo goooooooooooooooooooooooodddddddddddd :):) -
Review from Jason H.
Winooski, VT
12/17/2011
Best. Fries. Ever. Do yourself a favor and get a side of the homemade turkey gravy to put on them. Al's rocks, that is all.
-
Review from angie c.
8/19/2010
For the worst kind of junk food, Al's really is the best. Their fries are perfectly cooked, clearly fresh, and completely addictive. I tend to just throw caution to the wind and eat french fries and a (and possibly dipped into) Vanilla milkshake, which are also awesome and super thick. I recently tried their corn-dog and it was also delicious.
Bonus for students at Champlain/UVM/St. Mike's - they take our school ID/cash cards, so you can squeeze past the cash only policy if you need to! -
Review from Kristi P.
Bradenton, FL
11/21/2010
My secret disgusting thing I love to do is get a cheeseburger from here and nacho cheese sauce and dip my burger in it. This place is iconic! I hate that they don't take plastic, in today's world it's rare to carry cash. I have remembered each time but I've seen many order but have to leave because they had no cash.
I used to know someone who worked there and said the kitchen is amazingly clean and their fries are super fresh!
Have I mentioned the fries yet??? Mmmmmmm -
Review from K. Brooke Z.
Boston, MA
10/27/2011
The prices are unreal at Al's. I am a big fan of the chili dog, it has just the right amount of spices. The minute steak burger is also a favorite. And where else in Burlington do they give you vinegar for your fries? This place is a keeper.
-
Review from Brian M.
Burlington, VT
2/3/2011
Friendly Folks. Great food. I've had the pizza burger, cheese burger, chili dog, 'frys' and milk shakes.
I love Al's. I imagine at some point, I will be able to say I've tried everything on the menu.
I love that there is finally a place that knows how to make a good thick shake!
Remember - it's cash only. -
Review from Kendra S.
Chattanooga, TN
7/7/2009
My vacation was pretty swell until we cruised into Al's. And then it became superb.
While they may do poorly when it comes to proper plurals (FRYS, what's that? Or shall I say FRIES?), their mastery of said potato done fried more than makes up for it.
I had the corndog. Maybe it came off the SYSCO truck and dunked itself into the fry pan. No matter. It was one delicious breaded meat popsicle.
Hubs had the burger. It was satisfyingly lean and tasty. A slider if you will.
As a family, we try to challenge ourselves to eating for $40 a day. It sounds absurd, but it's fun to see the budget materialize. At a place like Al's, we could have a field day. And we did.
Also -- The booths were taped up, but the tables were pretty dang clean. Condiments and straws were ample, so extra points for that department.
Ice cream window outside was a briliant idea. Playground 'round back was genius, as well.Listed in: Burlington, VT
-
Review from Lila T.
Mountain View, CA
8/29/2006
Al's has delicious french fries, which you can order by the Pint or by the Quart (though we always joke that when we go there we will ask them to fill the trunk of the car full of fries and drive off). If you're so inclined (and I am) you can dip your fries in white vinegar instead of ketchup.
When I come here I only get fries and don't bother with their sandwiches etc, which tend to be pretty mediocre (I'm told the Philly Cheese Steak is one of the better options though I haven't tried it). The place is decorated like a '50s diner and there's a window off to the side where you can get cremees (soft serve ice cream), regular ice cream or banana splits.
Random Fact: Last time we ate here, in August 2007, as we were about to drive off we looked over at the truck parked next to us and saw an elderly couple in the car. At first it looked like everything was normal - the woman was eating a soft serve cone and the man was eating a banana split. On closer inspection we noticed that the man wasn't actually eating his banana split, he was just holding onto it while a black and white cat was licking whipped cream from the banana split dish.
What was going on in this car?
Since the banana and ice cream was still intact, we ruled out the possibility that the cat was just eating the man's leftovers. since the man definitely saw what the cat was doing and both human occupants seemed so nonchalant we ruled out the fact that the cat was being bad and was eating the banana split against the owner's wishes. We were left with the dubious but awesome conclusion that the couple had a weekly ritual of taking their cat for a ride in the truck, stopping by Al's, and buying it a banana split (I can't say for sure but the lady's soft serve cone seemed more like an afterthought).
Still, this explanation raises more questions than it answers. Even though it is well established that cats love whipped cream, they are not known for liking bananas, so a banana split seems like an very odd choice to buy for one's cat. Also, taking your pet out for a ride in a truck seems more like something for a dog owner, rather than a cat owner. This is probably one of those mysteries I will just never get to the bottom of. -
Review from Patrick and Susana H.
Summit, NJ
9/17/2011
Pleasantly surprised. Ate here since my hotel was next door. I felt like I was on happy days in this old school burger and shake place. Cheap burgers (ala white castle) and decent fries and shakes. Cheap eats!!!
-
Review from Jonathan C.
Whitefish, MT
5/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is because you can literally have a heart attack just by thinking of this place!
Anyway, my folks have a place RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER from this joint, and I probably spent all my money in high school on sausage sandwiches and pints of gravy fries (or frys!) here.
The soft serve ice cream window only opens in the spring, so don't be disappointed in November when there's 5 feet of snow on the ground and you can't get a sundae...
Anyway, this place is a staple in Burlington culture, just like Beansie's bus.
Recommended -
Review from Mike P.
South Burlington, VT
2/9/2012
The food here is very ordinary but pretty good. It feels like everything you can get here besides the fresh fries can be done at home from a grocery store. The value is decent but they penny pinch you for everything such as lettuce and tomato. It's fast, its relatively cheap, and its pretty good.
-
Review from Chi W.
El Cerrito, CA
8/24/2008
The bf claims this is the place to go for burgers and fries, but I was underwhelmed. I didn't like the style of fries but it's cool they have vinegar bottles as a condiment. Burgers are normal. I didn't like how I had to order various items (e.g. tomato, lettuce, cheese) separately from the burger (and that brings the cost up too). However, overall it is still cheap. The cremees are good.
Overall, it's OK and I'll come again for a quick snack if I'm hungry and pass by it.Listed in: Burlington, VT - the land of…
-
Review from C C.
Galt, CA
1/28/2012
I've been going here for a very long time and there fries are still as good as they ever were, I love this place.
-
Review from Chris L.
Manchester, NH
2/22/2010
No surprise, but locals come here for the fries. Good, but smallish, burgers too. The prices are low, which is fortunate because Al's is cash only. Order on the way to the counter, grab your food, and find a seat.
The clear squeeze bottles by the napkins aren't filled with water. It's white vinegar. I think I'd rather have cider or malt vinegar. -
Review from Radish E.
Burlington, VT
9/27/2009
If you're looking for greasy fast food, forget about Burger King and McDonald's (which are basically right next door) --- come to Al's instead.
As the name implies, the fries are what to come for. These are among the best you can find. Spash on some salt and vinegar and you're in business. The smallest size is plenty for one person, but it's more fun to come with friends and share the big one.
This place is quite inexpensive, but that doesn't mean you should eat here all the time. This isn't exactly health food.
Also, I don't eat seafood very often in Vermont (Maine will spoil you like that), but the cup of clam strips is under $3, perfectly serviceable and a nice alternative to a burger. -
Review from Erin F.
Richmond, VT
10/9/2011
Thank You Al's for not changing! It isn't the fanciest food but it is consistent.
-
Review from Matthew A.
Salem, NH
3/30/2007
A local fast food northern VT institution. Famous for their frys and cheap burgers. A must stop if passing through. Menu is huge but I recommend to stay with the basics.
You wont go away hungry or feeling robbed. -
Review from vay v.
Burlington, VT
1/6/2011
This place is like a heart attack waiting to happen, but I love it. If you want a cheap but good greasy burger and fries on the quick, this is the place to go. the lines can be long, but it usually moves quick, the server is generall good, but we all have our days where we can drop the ball.
the menu is extensive, from hamburgers, dogs, friends, shakes, chili and mac and cheese.
Remember to bring cash, a burger will cost you about $2.50, but be careful, you can be tricked by the low prices and order way too much. -
Review from Kelly G.
Somerville, MA
2/22/2008
Al's is like a glorified little league snack stand....and on some days it feels like the whole little league is there. It's quick, it's greasy, it's cheap and if you catch it at the right time, you'll get a table.
The best part is the ice cream in the summer time. I love going and sitting on the trunk of my car and eating ice cream and people watching.
The typo in the name bothers me...always has...but it's a landmark in this town. English major be damned. -
Review from Jeepin J.
Brownsville, VT
8/25/2011
I don't see why this place is still on the map. The fry's are ok but not great. The burgers remind me of the "wheres the beef" geezer. I do like the sausage with peppers and onions. But I feel like im in a cattle line when ordering and picking up the order. Just cause its Vermont doesn't mean we have to settle on sub par food and sub par service. Five Guys Fries are way better and burgers have more meat.
-
Review from Michael M.
Burlington, VT
2/15/2009
CLASSIC VERMONT.... ALS FRENCH FRIES
How could I talk bad about AL's. I wouldn't. This is a local favorite. Has been for years. Good creemees and fast food.
What you would expect for a .91 cent burger
Classic grease!!!! -
Review from Jess K.
7/6/2009
So my (likely very hung over) friend called and informed me that this is where he wanted to go for lunch before taking me to the airport. I am always up for new culinary experiences so I fully embraced the grease fest that I was about to engage in. My friend ordered an impressive amount of food considering his slender physique. I ordered a cheese burger and the mac and cheese. He told me that the mac and cheese, while potentially good, wasn't greasy/fried and so therefore was clearly not an Al's specialty. I enjoyed it just the same. The burger was actually awesome. I loved the bun because it was toasted and also a bit buttery. This was a wonderful lunch despite the appearance of the place. It won't win any health food awards but at the same time it blows McD's and BK away.
I just wish my friend had allowed me to play tic-tac-toe on the playground outside. That would have really completed the experience!
