5 Restaurant Chains with the Best BLTs and Fries, According to Chefs

Chefs share their favorite chains for a classic BLT sandwich and crispy fries

Few sandwiches hit the spot like a classic BLT and a side of crispy fries. The combination of smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and toasted bread makes for a satisfying sandwich, while a good serving of fries rounds out the meal. But not every restaurant gets this simple pairing right. From the quality of the bacon to the balance of flavors in the sandwich and the crispness of the fries, the details matter. To find the best places to order this classic combo, Eat This, Not That! asked Eva Filer, home chef, recipe developer, and food blogger at My Rad Kitchen, to share the restaurant chains she recommends for a BLT and fries worth seeking out.

Black Bear Diner

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Known for its hearty comfort food and generous portions, Black Bear Diner is a natural choice for anyone craving a traditional diner lunch. Its menu features familiar favorites that appeal to diners who appreciate a satisfying meal without unnecessary frills. “Black Bear Diner’s BLT delivers exactly what I want from the classic: plenty of thick bacon balanced by crisp lettuce and juicy tomato on toasted bread,” says Filer. “Paired with hot, crispy fries, you get that satisfying contrast of fresh, crunchy, salty, and savory flavors that makes a simple BLT so hard to beat.”

IHOP

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Although IHOP is best known for its pancakes and breakfast plates, the chain also offers plenty of options for lunch. For diners looking to switch things up from the usual morning fare, its sandwich selection provides a familiar alternative. “IHOP keeps its BLT straightforward with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread,” Filer explains. “Adding a side of fries turns it into a classic diner lunch, with the salty, crispy potatoes providing the perfect complement to the cool lettuce and tomato and smoky bacon.”

Friendly’s

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Beyond its ice cream and signature treats, Friendly’s offers classic sandwiches that make it an option for a laid-back lunch. According to Filer, “Friendly’s is a natural fit for a classic BLT, combining crispy bacon with fresh lettuce and tomato for a simple sandwich that doesn’t need a lot of extras to work.” She adds, “A pile of golden fries alongside it adds crunch and saltiness, making the combination feel like quintessential diner comfort food.”

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

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With its combination of diner favorites and freshly baked goods, Perkins Restaurant& Bakery has plenty to offer beyond breakfast. Its extensive menu makes it a convenient stop for diners looking for a familiar sandwich and side during lunch. “Perkins Big Bacon BLT puts the bacon front and center, which is exactly where it belongs in this sandwich,” Filer states. “The generous portion of smoky bacon is balanced by lettuce and tomato, while crispy fries make a great side for cutting through the richness and turning the sandwich into a hearty diner-style meal.”

Bob Evans

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While Bob Evans’ hearty breakfast options are a major draw, the chain’s lunch menu also features familiar classics for diners craving a casual, satisfying meal. “Bob Evans’ Classic BLT combines hardwood-smoked bacon with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on griddled brioche for a slightly richer take on the familiar sandwich,” says Filer. “Pairing it with crispy fries adds another layer of texture and gives you the salty, satisfying side that a great BLT deserves.”