News Summary
Drake’s Duck-In, a downtown Columbia eatery, has captured the title of ‘Best Fry Haven’ in The State’s 2025 French Fry Poll, receiving 49% of the votes. Following significant renovations and a shift to hand-cut fries, this beloved establishment has transformed its dining experience, delighting fry enthusiasts. With a loyal customer base since the mid-1990s, Drake’s Duck-In leads the culinary scene, emphasizing quality and fresh ingredients. This victory positions them as a top destination for delicious fries in the Midlands.
Columbia Rallies Behind Drake’s Duck-In: The French Fry Champion of 2025!
In a culinary showdown that had fry lovers eagerly clicking away, Drake’s Duck-In has been declared the best fry haven in Columbia, taking the title in The State’s 2025 French Fry Poll! Located right in the heart of downtown at 1544 Main Street, this beloved eatery has charmed its way to the top, grabbing a whopping 49% of the total votes cast by the community.
The Fry Poll and Results
Over the course of just one week, fries enthusiasts from all around the Midlands cast their votes for their favorite fry spots, resulting in an impressive turnout of over 15,000 votes. After all the votes were tallied, Drake’s Duck-In was the clear victor, winning the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Following closely in second place was Rush’s, which recently made the switch from straight-cut to crinkle-cut fries, achieving 38% of the votes. The third spot was claimed by Goat’s, a well-established fixture in Five Points, rounding out the top three.
Renovations and Menu Overhaul
This incredible recognition comes less than a year after Drake’s Duck-In made significant updates to their operation. With a push to elevate every aspect of the dining experience, the eatery underwent a remarkable renovation and menu overhaul. The most talked-about shift was the change from frozen fries to the now-coveted hand-cut fries, prepared fresh every day and cooked to order, creating a crispy, golden treat that fries lovers can’t resist.
Customer Reactions
For many loyal customers, Drake’s Duck-In has been part of their culinary landscape for decades. Since the mid-1990s, this iconic establishment has primarily served up crispy fried chicken and delectable sandwiches. While there may have been a touch of nostalgia for the former version of fries, the majority of patrons have quickly embraced the delicious new hand-cut style. It’s a real testament to how much love for quality has transformed the dining experience.
Quality Over Everything!
With co-owner Daniel Boan leading the charge, the switch to hand-cut fries reflects a broader commitment to quality improvements. It’s not just about fries but ensuring the entire dining experience showcases what fresh, made-to-order food is all about. The fresh-cut fries have become a significant talking point among customers, a delightful addition to their already popular menu. The team at Drake’s Duck-In is evidently excited to keep enhancing their offerings and serving their community for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As Drake’s Duck-In basks in the glory of their recent win, there’s no telling how they will continue to innovate and please their clientele. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional methods, this honored establishment has shown that they are here to stay. When you’re in Columbia and craving a crispy and delicious french fry, look no further than the newly crowned champions of the French Fry Poll. Here’s to the next crispy adventure!
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Additional Resources
- The State: Columbia News
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Only In Your State: Fried Chicken in Columbia
- Google Search: Columbia Food Scene
- Post and Courier: Best Restaurants in Columbia 2023
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: 10 Affordable Lunches in Downtown Columbia
- Google News: Columbia Food News
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
