French fries are probably one of the greatest food creations out there. Can you imagine growing up without McDonald's french fries in your Happy Meal? 

It is true that not all fries are created equal. Some are soggy, oversalted or even hard and burnt.

Here are our picks for the top five french fries in the area: 

Cloos' Coney Island (Raleigh) - Their shoestring fries are freshly made and come with toppings including cheese and chili. Do I need to elaborate anymore? (I gained a pound just typing that.)

Winston's Grille (Raleigh) - These fries are lightly seasoned with garlic for a special kick that isn't too garlicky. 

Carolina Ale House (Various locations across NC) - These lightly seasoned fries are the perfect side for the Ale House's famous burgers. Also, they taste pretty great with some barbecue sauce. 

Raleigh Times (Raleigh) - These house cut fries are covered in cheddar, bacon and scallions and served with roasted garlic ranch. A meal within themselves. 

Geer Street Garden (Durham) - This place gets a nod for its appetizer known as "The Pile" – fried chicken, french fries, jalapenos, bacon and melted cheddar cheese covered in gravy. (Image above courtesy of our friends over at The Practical Cook blog.)

Honorable mentions: We don't normally put national chains on our lists, but I have to give a shout out to Chick-Fil-A for its waffle fries, Steak-and-Shake for its freshly made fries, Five Guys for its mountain of hand-cut fries with Cajun seasoning and Outback Steakhouse for its Aussie Cheese Fries appetizer with bacon, cheese and ranch dressing. 

Which french fries do you love? Sound off in the comments section below.