Which Fall River-area restaurant makes the best fries? One spot towered over the competition
FALL RIVER — Ever wondered where to find the best french fries in Greater Fall River?
We recently asked that very tough question and you answered — with some pretty interesting results.
With National French Fry Day (July 12) and the Paris Olympics fast approaching, we called on our readers to weigh in on their favorite local french fry go-to, with a list of 10 popular spots to pick from.
The competition was fierce and included places serving up the classic greasy spoon fare in a variety of ways — from simple and salted to loaded concoctions, including twists on the popular Canadian poutine, and french fry flights.
But there could only be one winner. Drumroll, please...
Atlantic comes in at No. 1
When it comes to Fall River-area french fry favorites, there was one restaurant that towered over the competition with its unique spin on spuds.
Designating the best fry is a tall order, but Atlantic Sports Bar and Restaurant delivers with its famous Mozambique fry tower.
We asked, you answered:Here are America's favorite french fries
Located just over the state line in Tiverton — Fall River’s Ocean State neighbor — Atlantic takes your average loaded fry dish and kicks it up a notch with its Portuguese-inspired creation. If you're a fan of shrimp Mozambique — a staple at Portuguese eateries across southeastern Massachusetts — then this dish won't disappoint.
Long known as one of Atlantic's top appetizers, this shareable palate-pleaser consists of french fries tossed in a saffron-based Mozambique sauce mixed with chourico and bacon, and smothered in melted cheeses. The tower is shaped inside a large cylinder, then baked and transferred onto a large plate and more sauce is poured on top. The result: an eye-catching snack that's both tasty and fun to eat.
Top 5 french fry breakdown
With 25% of the vote (85 out of a total 340), Atlantic took the top spot in our french fry poll. It was followed not too far behind by Fall River's Tipsy Toboggan, at 75 Ferry St., with roughly 19% of the vote (63 total) .
Other restaurants that earned a place at the top of the list included long-standing city staple Nick's Hot Dogs, coming in at No. 3; O'Gil's Restaurant at No. 4, which took top billing among Fall River's Portuguese restaurant picks; and at No. 5 was Swansea's Black Salt.
Origins of the Mozambique tower
While the Atlantic entry in our poll did not specifically reference the Mozambique fry tower, Atlantic owner and chef Messias Dias said it's no question that when locals think of Atlantic fries their signature mountain of cheesy potatoes is the only thing that comes to mind.
"It's automatically that Mozambique fry," he said.
The fry tower has been a sought-after menu staple ever since Dias took the reins at the Shove Street restaurant 10 years ago.
"It just took off from day one," he said.
According to Dias, the path to his tasty creation started with a Portuguese steak pizza he introduced years ago during his time at the Quequechan Club in Fall River. He followed that up with another Luso-influenced special — cheesy bacon and chourico fries — as chef at the former Entourage, before taking his fries to "the next level" at Atlantic with an extra kick of flavor and its impressive form.
So what makes this version of "trash can fries" such a crowd pleaser? Dias said the secret is in the sauce -- his own variation on traditional Mozambique sauce that he keeps under wraps.
"It's all about that sauce," said Dias, noting that it's much thicker than most so the fries keep their shape. "It's not your typical sauce. My sauce is different from anybody else's. ... it's totally out of the box."
While not for the diet conscious, the many customers that have come through Atlantic's doors can attest to its deliciousness.
The fry tower remains the No. 1 appetizer at Atlantic, where they average about 10 towers on a weekday, and 30-40 on a busier Friday night, Dias said.
"Once people see it they're like 'What is that? Whatever it is, I want one," he said.
Weighing in at at least two pounds, Dias recommends being ready to share.
How to get a taste of Fall River area's best fry
Still haven't tried the Mozambique fry tower for yourself? Head to 70 Shove St., Tiverton, and check out what all the talk is about. Atlantic Sports Bar and Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dias noted that the restaurant will be closed for summer break the first two weeks of July.