When American viewers tune into the Olympics in Paris, they'll be cheering for their teams while many will also be secretly hungry for the delectable French food being devoured by the athletes. Steak au poivre, croissants, coq au vin, and let's not forget the frites! However, we would wager that the best fries are made right here at home!

Just in time for the Olympics and National French Fry Day on July 12, we assembled a panel of food writers from the USA TODAY Network to settle this debate. Their challenge? To find the fans' favorite local french fry. The results came in on July 8, and we've curated a list of the winners to present: America’s Favorite Fries.

At Thrasher's French Fries in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the tradition remains crucial. These fries, cooked fresh from Idaho potatoes in peanut oil, are best enjoyed with the accompaniment of crashing waves and squawking seagulls. A simple but strict seasoning of salt and apple cider vinegar is used - no ketchup. Just ask Dean Shuttleworth, a partner at the Thrasher's franchise.

On the Gulf Coast of Florida, Central Cafe sparkle with its thin, hand-cut fries. These salty crisps sprinkled with coarse salt are delectively moreish. Wade Tatangelo, of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reveals his pleasure in dousing these fries in Heinz malt vinegar.

To the south, Matt’s Red Hots in Fort Myers, Florida, turns french fry making into a meticulous art form. Following a labor-intensive, three-step process, the potatoes are deep-fried and served up, pipping hot, in a classic diner-style, red-and-white cardboard box. The customers most certainly agree that Matt’s fries are the best in town.

Venturing up North in Binghamton, NY, Binghamton Hots serves spiedies and hot plates to local college students and also makes notable french fries. Standard cut, soft inside and crunchy outside, these fries come with a plethora of toppings.

Fast heading towards the west, Senate in Cincinnati, Ohio serves unforgettable duck fat fries, creating a fabulous balance of creaminess inside while leaving a savory flavor and a unique crispiness to the outside. The results? The best fries in Greater Cincinnati, according to our readers.

Throughout our nation, the way we serve and eat our fries has grown in versatility and flavor, with each region contributing its unique spin or twist. From the Mozambique fry tower in Rhode Island's Atlantic Sports Bar and Restaurant to Philly-style loaded tots at Binghamton Hots in New York or the renowned garlic fries at FARMbloomington in Indiana, there is no shortage of ways to savor this versatile snack. Now, all that's left to decide is, what'll it be - ketchup or ranch, classic salt or loaded, plain or spiced? After this French Fry expedition, one thing is clear - America loves its fries, and we're pretty good at making them!