In the heart of New York City, a unique culinary gem is capturing the taste buds of locals and tourists alike. Bel-Fries, owned by Annalee Schlossberg, is not just a fry joint; it’s a vibrant celebration of Belgian culinary tradition and innovation.
As National French Fries Day approaches on July 12, Bel-Fries is gearing up to offer a special treat to its customers, embodying the spirit of delicious indulgence that has made it a beloved staple in the city.
Annalee Schlossberg’s journey into the culinary world began with a simple, yet ambitious dream. “When I graduated college, I wanted to start something that was a grab-and-go style, something universally loved by everyone. And we landed on the idea of Belgian fries,” Annalee recalls. This idea blossomed into the creation of Bel-Fries, a place where crispy perfection meets an array of tantalizing flavors.
The first Bel-Fries location opened in the Lower East Side, a fitting birthplace for a concept that marries convenience with gourmet quality. Annalee’s vision has since expanded significantly. “We opened up our first location in the Lower East Side here and are continuing to open. We now have five locations around New York City, new private events with our food truck, and opening many more going into malls in 2025,” she says with pride.
Bel-Fries offers a menu designed to cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. “I think that we want to bring different flavors of fries to cater to everyone who has, you know, different tastes, different preferences. So really anyone coming here can find what they’re looking for and what they like,” Annalee explains. This commitment to diversity is evident in the extensive selection of fries and sauces available at Bel-Fries.
The star of the show at Bel-Fries is undoubtedly the classic Belgian fries, double-fried to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and fluffiness. “Our most popular item is just sort of classic Belgian fries. Compare that with any of our typical sauces, 16 artisanal sauces we make in-house every single day, their own recipe,” Annalee shares. The sauces, ranging from traditional mayonnaise and ketchup to more adventurous options like truffle aioli and curry ketchup, are a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Bel-Fries team.
In addition to the classic offerings, Bel-Fries also features specialty combos that have quickly become fan favorites. “We also have combo specialties such as our Black and Cajun Special or our newly launched Animal Style fries,” Annalee notes. These innovative combinations showcase the versatility of Belgian fries and the endless possibilities for delicious experimentation.
As Bel-Fries continues to grow and evolve, the focus remains on quality and customer satisfaction. The friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff make it a place where everyone feels at home, whether they are grabbing a quick snack or enjoying a leisurely meal.
With National French Fries Day on the horizon, Annalee Schlossberg has a special message for fry lovers in the city. “I would say that there’s no better time to eat fries than on National French Fry Day.”
Bel-Fries is located at 132 Ludlow St.
What’s your favorite kind of french fry? Check out our guide to French Fry Style and Pairings!
