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South Carolina’s Favorite Game Day Snack Might Surprise You

We all know the ‘big game’ is coming up this weekend.  I know it sounds ridiculous to refer to it as the ‘big game.’  However, due to rules and licensing…

Diverse group of family and friends watching a football game with the red fan's team winning, Super Bowl party concept.
Aneese/ Getty Images

We all know the 'big game' is coming up this weekend.  I know it sounds ridiculous to refer to it as the 'big game.'  However, due to rules and licensing legalities, we mere mortals aren't allowed to use the 'S' word.  Anyway, it's no secret that sometimes at the game watching parties the action on the field plays second fiddle to the snacks.  Each state has their preferences.  And, South Carolina's favorite game day snack might surprise you.

Of course, most of us think of game day watching faves as wings or pizza, right?  I mean, I think I read somewhere pizza restaurants count the big game as one of the highest selling days of the year for them.  It's rivaled only by Halloween.  But, even if pizza is a favorite game day snack in other states, the story is different in South Carolina.

According to gambling.com, South Carolina's favorite game day snack is simply French Fries.  Wow.  I have to admit I am a bit surprised and underwhelmed.  I love fries as much as the next person.  But, I view them as an accompaniment rather than a snack itself.  However, South Carolina isn't alone in their love of fries.  Four other states chose the irresistible fried bite as their favorite game day snack.  Among those states are Maryland, Nevada, Virginia and North Carolina.  And, just last year, Cru Cafe in downtown Charleston, South Carolina made a list for the 50 Best Places for French Fries in America.

Obviously, wings were the number one choice across the nation with 9 states choosing the game day staple.  And, to my surprise, only 2 states chose pizza, putting it in 10th place among favorite big game day snack choices.  But, the study didn't stop at just the snack choices.  They went on to analyze America's favorite dips.

This result was a no-brainer.  Kudos to Ranch coming in at number 1, with 14 states choosing the creamy dipper as their go-to.  Well, it actually tied with Salsa.  But, both North and South Carolina vote for Ranch.  My informal research shows this as every friend I know lives for Ranch.  And, fries taste good after a dunk in Ranch, too!

So, now we know South Carolina's favorite game day snack.  To learn how other states voted, see the full story from gambling.com.  And, 'Go Taylor's boyfriend!'

Best Places for Loaded French Fries in Charlotte, North Carolina

If you are anything like me, then you know French fries are top-tier food. I absolutely LOVE potatoes in general, but a nice French fry is probably my favorite version to enjoy a potato. For some reason, discussing food has really become my thing. I think it's because I  have been trying tons of new places throughout the Charlotte area lately. So, one thing that has been big in my recent discoveries is local spots with great fry orders. Now, I  do love a great plain jane seasoned French fry, but nothing tops a great loaded fry. I  am talking loaded up with some of your favorite toppings like meats, cheeses, seasonings, and so much more.

So, I have decided to help a few fellow French fry lovers around the Charlotte area. I asked a few people on Instagram where to get some of the best loaded French fries in Charlotte and boy did they come through! They were naming a few places that I  have already been to, but some new spots that I  have now added to my must-visit list. What else better to do than bring you the entire list right here? Check out where tons of people in the Charlotte area are saying have the best loaded French fries in Charlotte. Tell us what you think about these French fry spots if you ever had them!

Moo & Brew

Here is a goodie that I recently experienced and have been hooked ever since. Moo & Brew is a great chill spot in the Plaza Midwood area of Charlotte serving up great burgers, beer, and loaded French fries! Their "Fry Game" portion of the menu allows you to pick between six different loaded fries. Eat on loaded fries like the parmesan, olive oil, garlic fries (my favorite), bacon cheese fries, nacho fries, or chili loves cheese fries. Listen, when I say the portion size is great or you can get a half order but you also can get great entrees to enjoy along with it. If you have not been yet, 10/10 recommend it.

Pinky's Westside Grill

If you are from Charlotte or been here long enough, you have probably heard about Pinky's Westside Grill plenty of times. The show that has been featured on the Food Network is serving up some great bar food, drink options, and a fun atmosphere. On the menu, you can enjoy an order of Pimp'N Fries. These are there loaded fries that consists of homemade pimento cheese melted over crispy waffle fries. I have been here a few times, but have not experienced their loaded fries yet for myself but I have heard great things about them.

Why Fries

Now, I have never been here or heard of it but this is a spot that was suggested by a few of the followers. Why Fries, which clearly has the perfect name, is a spot serving up great potato options. Enjoy so many loaded potato options, salads, and desserts all in one spot. Their loaded fries options include bacon double cheeseburger loaded potatoes, chili loaded potatoes, stir fry loaded potatoes, and more.

What the Fries

Now, this place holds a special place in my heart. One of the first places I tried when I first moved to Charlotte. What the Fries is probably the BEST loaded fries I have ever had in my entire life. I know, that's a strong statement. But, they are so good. Currently, they are closed due to some unfortunate circumstances but they are on their way back and I cannot wait. What the Fries has fry options like hibachi loaded fries, macaroni and cheese fries, parmesan truffle fries, and MORE! If you can imagine it on your fries, they probably are serving it up.

Slidez N Fries

Here is another spot that was suggested from our followers again. I have not been here, but after looking into it I will surely be visiting soon. Slidez N Fries is said to have some great loaded French fry options. Enjoy some great crispy fries with great toppings like cheese sauce, meat, veggies, special sauces, and more. Yeah, sounds like a great visit to me.

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.